Welcome to the November Giving Issue, one of our most inspiring issues of the year. As you read this, we are in the throes of Boca Raton’s season as well as the very important season of giving. Charities, luncheons, fundraising tournaments and more are in full swing, and so are we at The Boca Raton Observer. It’s in this spirit that we present the Giving Issue, one of our most feel-good issues. It’s also probably our most essential because we get to do our part to promote the value of helping those who are less fortunate – just in time for the holiday season. In the following pages, you’ll read stories about individuals making a difference in our community and beyond for a wide variety of worthy causes. Their efforts motivate me to give back even more, and I hope they inspire you, too.
Linda L. Behmoiras
First, we sit down with Camila McConaughey – model, entrepreneur, mom and wife of actor Matthew – to discuss her lifelong commitment to giving back. I had the pleasure of meeting Camila in Boca Raton in 2009, and I feel a special connection with her because she lives in Austin, the same city as my children. She is an amazing mother and philanthropist who cares deeply about her community and improving the world we live in, so I relate to her well. Don’t miss our talk with her in “Heart Of Gold” (page 60).
The fate of our environment has been top of mind for many this year. And, while there’s been a lot of bad news making headlines, we have some good news for you in this issue. In “Mother Nature’s Stewards” (page 66), we showcase seven South Florida groups – big and small – making huge strides in protecting the area’s native flora and fauna and inspiring a new generation of eco-conscious individuals.
Plus, we speak with another famous mom and philanthropist – actress Holly Robinson Peete – in “Fighting The Good Fight” (page 72). Inspired by her father’s battle with Parkinson’s and her son, RJ’s, struggles with autism, she founded a charity to provide services and resources for those grappling with these conditions.
“Voluntourism,” a popular trend in which people travel abroad to volunteer and enjoy leisure time, has its fair share of pros and cons. In “First Do No Harm” (page 76), we examine both sides of this burgeoning market of the global travel industry and whether such trips are boon or bane for the communities they serve.
Next, if you’re looking to get hands-on with your giving back this holiday season, we have rounded up area volunteering opportunities from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Read “It’s Better To Give” (page 82), and help make the holidays merry and bright for the less fortunate in our area.
We at The Boca Raton Observer believe strongly in philanthropy. For that reason, we’re proud to sponsor more than 40 charity events a year in our community. This year, we are personally humbled as we are being presented with the Corporate Leadership Award at the Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services Annual Gala on Dec. 13. My husband, Ralph, and I are truly grateful to receive this incredible honor. Our goal as lifestyle magazine publishers has always been to have our fingers on the pulse of our incredible community. Being given this honor by this esteemed organization that helps so many is a tremendous milestone for us both.
Finally, as this issue kicks off season, don’t miss our annual guide to South Florida’s top charity galas and luncheons within our events calendar (page 166). These amazing organizations make South Florida a better place to live, and we couldn’t possibly support them enough. We tip our hats, in particular, to the incredible groups whose events we’ve had the honor of sponsoring year after year. As season reaches full swing, we hope you are inspired to truly appreciate what you have and give back in your own special way.
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. We’ll see you around town – and in our next issue!
Best,
Linda L. Behmoiras
linda@bocaratonobserver.com