WEST PALM BEACH, FL, December 12, 2011 – A grand
double staircase entry, with delectable treats below,
set the festive tone as guests entered Executive Women
of the Palm Beaches, (EWPB) annual holiday basket
auction to benefit the Executive Women Outreach
scholarship program and the Girls II Women organization.
The staircase and lovely setting belonged to Northern
Trust in North Palm Beach that generously hosted the
lovely event and provided the entertainment. The auction
raised $5,558…a record for the event. Auction Chairs
were Gina Sabean, Natalie Alvarez and Christine Pitts.
Executive Women Outreach is the fundraising arm of
Executive Women of the Palm Beaches. Proceeds benefit
scholarship and grant programs in Palm Beach County.
Girls II Women is a
local, non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring
young girls, aged 11-14, who attend middle
schools in Belle Glade and West Palm Beach. The
organization coordinates after-school programs and
cultural field trips to encourage girls to stay in
school and offer them a variety of cultural, educational
and career options.
Michelle Diffenderfer, founding member of Girls II Women
and an Executive Women of the Palm Beaches member,
commented, “It is a joy for us to see these young women
flourish and set important goals for their lives.”
At the auction event, Executive Women of the Palm
Beaches President, Monica Manolas introduced three young
ladies, participating in the Girls II Women program, who
spoke briefly about their experiences and thanked the
attendees for their support. They included Ja’Kai Britt
from West Palm Beach, Courtlyn Patrick from Riviera
Beach and Brianna Williams, West Palm Beach, all 8th
graders attending Roosevelt Middle School.
Manolas also introduced EWPB member Lisa Peterfreund,
who donated $2,000 to Girls II Women on behalf of the
Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation.
Executive Women of the Palm Beaches’ mission is to
provide a dynamic presence dedicated to the professional
and personal advancement of women through networking,
sharing resources and encouraging leadership. Through
Executive Women Outreach, the organization provides
financial support to scholarships and community
projects.
For more information regarding Executive Women of the
Palm Beaches, call (561) 684-9117.