Julie Kime
Has Supported The Local Boys & Girls Club Since The 1980s
Because of effort, energy and enthusiasm from people like Julie Kime, Wellington has become and remains a special place to live, work, play and raise a family. Kime, supported by her husband John, has been strongly connected to the Wellington community for decades. For Kime, it’s a bond that remains as strong and vibrant as it has ever been.
The roots of Kime’s affiliation and support for Wellington can be traced back to 1982 when she opened her Allstate insurance agency, which she operated in the community for more than 30 years. Kime, who is of Cuban heritage, was the first Hispanic female in Palm Beach County to operate an Allstate agency.
Decades ago, Kime realized that Wellington is a special place.
“Wellington is a great community, especially for families with kids because of the schools. I love Wellington and its sense of community,” Kime explained. “I enjoy the people here and especially the children.”
When it came to making a charitable contribution to Wellington, Kime was laser-focused with her support. “I felt I would make the greatest impact by choosing one charity and staying with it,” Kime noted.
She chose the fledgling Wellington’s Boys & Girls Club as the recipient of her time, money and energy. Her decision to support the club was a case of love at first sight.
“In 1987, when the little Boys & Girls Club opened for approximately 100 kids, I was invited to the grand opening,” Kime recalled. “I was really moved by the kids, the needs they have, and food insecurity.”
As a result, she joined the club’s local board of directors. That was 36 years ago, and she’s still on the board today.
“I received a national award last year for 35 years of service,” Kime said. “I’ve stayed because these are Wellington kids who need us. Neil S. Hirsch helped us 11 years ago to build the new, larger club at which we are now serving at least 218 kids. It is a safe place for kids after they get out of school. They get a snack and a hot meal before they go home.”
Over the past three decades, Kime has been one of the strongest supporters of what is now the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington. She is such a strong supporter that when you walk into the current facility on Wellington Trace, you will enter the John and Julie Kime Welcome Center. Kime’s support has now expanded to include support for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, where she also serves on the corporate board of directors.
Kime’s ties have continued with her involvement in the Wellington Dinner Dance, which is one of the largest annual fundraisers for the local Boys & Girls Club. She and John have yet to miss a Wellington Dinner Dance event. In addition to attending, she has served on the event’s committee and has been a tireless solicitor of auction items. Other special events on the local Boys & Girls Club calendar that she supports include its Cinco de Mayo celebration, summer bash, Thanksgiving meal, holiday party and more.
For Kime, her giving nature has resulted in her being the recipient of many accolades, such as the Central Palm Beach County Chamber’s Business of the Year Award, the Palms West Community Foundation’s Women of the Year Stiletto Award, the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches’ Leadership Award, the Women of Worth Award, an award as a Hispanic Woman of Distinction and the Portrait of a Woman Award.
Despite these honors from other groups, Kime’s heart, soul and time remain with the Boys & Girls Club in Wellington, where she can invest in an organization that mentors at-risk students and emphasizes the importance of working hard in school, being honest and the value of lifelong friendships.
