Like many of you, I often find myself swept up in the busyness of everyday life — deadlines, to-do lists and more meetings than I can keep up with. In those moments, I come back to Winston Churchill’s wise words: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” They remind me that what truly matters isn’t what we accomplish, but how we lift others along the way. It’s one of the principles I’m proud to build my life around — and one of the reasons our November Giving Issue, in which we showcase those who live by Churchill’s words, is one of my most cherished of the year.
This year, I know you’ll recognize our cover celebrity, Seth Rogen, who recently made Emmy history, winning four awards in one
night — including Outstanding Lead Actor, Writing and Directing for a Comedy Series — for his hit show “The Studio.” The series itself took home 13 Primetime Emmys, becoming the most-awarded single season of a comedy. But beyond Hollywood success, Rogen serves an even greater purpose off the red carpet, through Hilarity for Charity, the nonprofit he cofounded with his wife, Lauren Miller Rogen, to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s Disease and funds for research on treatments. Our cover story, “Comedy For A Cause” (page 70), highlights the important work being done to make a difference, providing yet one more reason to admire him.
What drives someone to give? It turns out, one of the smallest parts of our brain may play a substantial role. In “Hardwired To Help” (page 76), we take a deep dive into the biological factors behind altruism, exploring how generosity has evolved in humans and how the amygdala helps shape our capacity for compassion.
From there, we visit with the talented Melissa Errico, who not only graces audiences with her magnificent voice and musical talent but also shines as an actress and displays a deep commitment to giving back. Our story, “In Perfect Harmony” (page 82), is a moving portrait of her inspiring spirit of selflessness.
Oftentimes, giving is not about the size of your bank account. In fact, there are many ways to help others that cost nothing at all. “The Other Side Of Giving” (page 88) shares some of the most meaningful ways to support your community without spending a dime — all of which will still feel richly rewarding. We hope perusing these options motivates you to lend a helping hand — it certainly has for me.
Finally, as we kick off South Florida’s high season, The Boca Raton Observer is proud to present “The Giving Season” (page 130), our annual galas and luncheons guide celebrating the spirit of generosity that defines our community. Browsing this comprehensive list only reinforces how proud I am to call Boca Raton home.
Warmly,
Linda L. Behmoiras
linda@bocaratonobserver.com