As we bid farewell to another incredible year, we’re excited to reflect on the vibrant social scene in Boca Raton with a special end-of-year wrap-up and roundup! From dazzling charity galas to lively holiday parties, this year was filled with unforgettable moments that brought our community together in celebration. Whether you attended or simply want to take a peek at the magic, this roundup is your front-row seat to some of Boca’s best moments from the fall and our early winter season!
Woman Volunteer of the Year
Over 40 of Palm Beach County and North Broward County’s most deserving women volunteers were honored and celebrated at the Junior League of Boca Raton’s annual Woman Volunteer of the Year Award Luncheon & Fashion Show. The event took place at The Boca Raton on Nov. 1, with Terry Fedele—representing FAU Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing—taking home the luncheon’s top honor. Nancy Brinker (nominated by the Promise Fund and well-known for her work with Komen Race for the Cure) was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Click here for a list of the 2024 WVOY nominees!
Tim Tebow in Boca Raton
Passion. Perspective. Purpose. Former Florida Gator and 2007 Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Tebow headlined the 10th annual Brain Bowl Luncheon at Boca West Country Club on Nov. 14 with inspirational messages of hope, perseverance and service to others. Brain Bowl supports Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and dementia initiatives in South Florida while connecting area non-profits that help in the fight against neurocognitive disorders.
Men Giving Back
Fun. Philanthropy. And over $500,000 raised for local charities thanks to Men Giving Back South Palm Beach County. The organization collectively funds grants to non-profit initiatives that positively influence South Palm Beach County. This year’s Golden Grant Award winners included Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Families First of Palm Beach County, Eda & Cliff Viner Community Scholars Foundation and Sweet Dream Makers. Click here to see the 2024 Major Grant Finalists and learn more.
Boca Raton Bowl
Thousands strong kicked off the holiday season at the 11th annual Boca Raton Bowl, which featured the James Madison Dukes taking on the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on the campus of Florida Atlantic University! In a thrilling back-and-forth outing, the Dukes (9-4) took home the Howard Schnellenberger Trophy (and first bowl victory in program history) with a 27-17 win over the Hilltoppers.
The ESPN-owned and operated Boca Raton Bowl game followed a fabulous bowl week for the teams, their bands, spirit squads, fans and families as they enjoyed time on the beach at Lake Worth Beach Pier; hotel stays at Boca Marriott and Hilton West Palm Beach; community outreach at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and the VA Medical Center; a Kickoff Luncheon at the Palm Beach County Convention Center; a festive pep rally at Mizner Park; and spirited arrivals in and out of Palm Beach International Airport.
Great Chefs Tailgate Showcase
From touchdowns to tailgates, former Miami Dolphins wide receiver OJ McDuffie helped hundreds keep score of the best bites and toasts in South Florida at the Oct. 15 Great Chefs Tailgate Showcase presented by BRiC and CP Group.
Nearly 30 of South Florida’s best restaurants, breweries, bakeries, hotels and mixologists supported Spirit of Giving’s annual Holiday Gift Drive by providing delicious bites and sips at the annual Boca Raton Bowl lead-in event. More than $40,000 was raised to provide more than 1,000 gifts to local children in need this holiday season. Boca magazine Editor-in-Chief Christiana Lilly, The Boca Raton Director of Catering George Petrocelli, Stepping Out South Florida’s Deby Goldfarb, Baptist Health Orthopedic Care Assistant Vice President Reggie Laroche, and Let’s Eat South Florida’s Michael Mayo joined McDuffie on the judging panel.
Kudos to the following chefs and brewmasters who brought their A-game: Ceasar’s Famous Ribs, Colab Kitchen, Drift by Sonrisa Boca Marriott, Duffy’s Sports Grill, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Farmer’s Table, How Ya Dough’n, Just Baked, Little Moir’s Catering, Loch Bar, Los Bocados, Oceans 234, Owls Catering, Papa’s Raw Bar, Potions in Motions Catering, Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, The Melting Pot, Waterstone Resort & Marina, Won-Toms, Potions in Motion Catering, Barrel of Monks Brewing, Prosperity Brewers, Cove Brewery, Civil Society Brewing Company, Kombucha Cocktails and Rodney Strong Wine Estates.
Boca’s Ballroom Battle
What better way to round out the year than with shout-outs to the 2024 Boca Ballroom Battle dancers who together raised over $1.3 million to help send deserving George Snow Scholarship Fund scholars to college and support them through their college years. Boca Ballroom Battle, presented by FROPRO, kicked off the social season at The Boca Raton. Zoe Lanham of the Addison was the female fundraising champion with $390,000 raised and FROPRO founder Matt Williams was the male fundraising champion with $220,000 raised. Cheers to all who competed and to all of you!
Beach Club Reopens at The Boca Raton
Community leaders and members of The Boca Raton enjoyed a sneak peek at the reimagined Beach Club on Dec. 20 as the hotel and private club destination opened its doors following a $100 million renovation. The Forbes Five-Star property welcomes a redesigned entrance, lobby, bar and cafe, new Beach Club restaurants, a new fitness facility and renovations of Beach Club’s 207 rooms and suites. Beach Club is open for hotel reservations in the New Year.
CP Group’s Ninth-annual Tree Lighting Extravaganza
CP Group kicked off the holiday season in the merriest of fashion with its annual Tree Lighting Extravaganza. Hosted at Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) and emceed by WPTV’s First Alert Chief Meteorologist Steve Weagle, the festive affair drew in more than 2,500 guests who were immersed in a winter wonderland, enjoying meet-and-greets with Santa, live reindeer, spirited performances from local schools and, of course, the lighting of the 40-foot tree.
In keeping with its nine-year tradition, those who arrived with a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Spirit of Giving were provided free admission, and more than 2,000 toys were donated to the nonprofit’s annual gift drive. The event also raised more than $8,000 for the Junior League of Boca Raton, along with nearly $1,000 raised for CPG Cares, a nonprofit launched last year by CP Group to support local charities. Boca magazine was honored to serve as the event’s exclusive magazine sponsor; WPTV was the exclusive TV sponsor.
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