There are certain causes that transcend business, politics and personal interests. Supporting the men and women who protect our communities is one of them.
On January 23, 2027, the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation will host its 21st Annual Palm Beach Police & Fire Rescue Ball at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach. I am proud to support this year’s event and to make a contribution to an organization that has spent more than two decades standing behind Palm Beach’s police officers, firefighters and their families.
The black-tie event has become one of Palm Beach’s signature charitable gatherings. This year’s Ball will honor Nicola and Jeff Marcus, along with the Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year. Amy and Bret Baier, Amy and John Phelan, and Jennifer and Sylvester Stallone are serving as chairs.
What matters most, however, is what happens beyond the ballroom.
The Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation provides support intended to strengthen local public safety and assist the men and women who serve the community. That includes resources, programs and assistance for Palm Beach police officers, firefighters and their families.
First responders take on responsibilities most of us will never fully experience. They enter situations others are trying to escape, make decisions under enormous pressure and accept risks as part of their daily lives. Their families also share in many of those sacrifices.
That spirit of philanthropy extends well beyond public safety.
Another organization whose work deserves recognition is Curetivity, formerly known as the Eric Trump Foundation. Founded to support the fight against pediatric cancer, Curetivity has developed a longstanding relationship with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
According to Curetivity, the organization has raised more than $50 million for St. Jude, helping support projects including the hospital’s Surgery and ICU Center as well as advanced pediatric cancer research. The organization was originally co-founded by Eric Trump and continues its mission of raising funds and awareness in the fight against childhood cancer.
Whether the cause is helping first responders protect our communities or helping children and families confronting serious illnesses, the common denominator is people choosing to step forward and help.
I have always believed that those who have been fortunate in business have a responsibility to give something back. Private philanthropy can provide resources, create opportunities and strengthen organizations doing work that directly improves people’s lives.
That is why I am pleased to support the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation and its upcoming Police & Fire Rescue Ball. It is also why organizations such as Curetivity and St. Jude deserve continued recognition and support.
These organizations tackle very different challenges, but they share something important: a commitment to helping people when they need it most. That is a mission worth supporting.
Photo credit J. Cook for US National Park Service.
