Arthur Adler, a philanthropist, entrepreneur and founder of the Boca West Children’s Foundation, died Nov. 24 at the age of 82 in Boca Raton.
A memorial was hosted Tuesday morning at Beth Israel Memorial Chapel in Boynton Beach.
“Arthur was many things to me and each of us,” chairman Richard Zenker said in a Facebook post. “He was a tireless advocate for underserved children whose brilliant entrepreneurship and creative genius did so much to positively impact their lives and put the BWCF [on] the map.”
Adler attended Boston University, where he met his wife, Shelly; the two were married for nearly 60 years. He also attended Brooklyn Law School, then went to work for his father at Columbia Records, according to an interview with Lifestyle Media Group. Going out on his own, Adler owned radio stations, an ad agency—where he had contracts with the New York Yankees and New York Islanders—media buying agency, sports stadium signage company, and an incentive travel agency.
But he’s perhaps going to best be remembered for his philanthropy. In Boca Raton, he was heavily involved in children’s welfare nonprofits and helped found the Boca West Children’s Foundation in 2010; since then, the organization has raised more than $18 million and served more than 9,000 children. At his passing, he served as chairman emeritus.
“His boundless energy, brilliance and dedication touched every aspect of our lives,” said Matthew Linderman, CCM, president and CEO of Boca West Country Club. “On a personal level, Arthur was a mentor to me and I will miss him every day. His presence and guidance will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him”
In 2019, Adler was inducted in the Boca Raton Walk of Recognition, where he said, “It’s really overwhelming. And those who know me know I don’t get too overwhelmed too often, but I’m overwhelmed tonight.”
The foundation often partnered with area agencies, including the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, Boca Helping Hands, Place of Hope, the Fuller Center, and many more. The Fuller Center shared that in 2015, he was awarded the Men With Caring Hearts Lifetime Achievement Award for his support, including his participation in constructing the Private Choice Elementary School. “Arthur was a steadfast supporter of children’s education, health, and safety. A true believer in our mission. It is an honor to have known him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Adler family and friends.”
Greg Hazle, executive director of Boca Helping Hands, said. “The Boca Helping Hands family is saddened by the passing of our dear friend Arthur Adler. Arthur and the Boca West Children’s Foundation have been faithful supporters of BHH over the years, especially in our children’s weekend feeding program, BHH Backpacks. We offer our deepest sympathies to his family and the many who loved him. May his memory be a blessing.”
Zenker continued in his statement, “He was my close friend, confidante and mentor. He was my Yoda regarding the BWCF and taking us to the next level after I took over from him in 2021. I am grateful for his friendship and leadership and there will always be a voice in my head whenever there is a BWCF decision to be made asking me ‘what would Arthur do?’ He will be a seminal part of this charity forever and we will miss him dearly.”
