Jerry Seinfeld’s Comic Genius Thrills Audience at 2013 Everglades Foundation Benefit Seinfeld joined by NBC Today host Willie Geist and a rock-the-house performance by ZZ Top at the Palm Beach event that raised more than $2 million for Everglades Restoration

Palm Beach, Florida (February 20, 2013) – Jerry Seinfeld’s comic genius was on full display for an exclusive performance for more than 600 guests at the eighth annual ForEverglades Benefit held at The Breakers on February 15.

Seinfeld, who has a long personal and comedic relationship with Florida – his real mother is a resident of South Florida and his fictional TV series parents lived in “Del Boca Vista” – kept the audience laughing with his unique comic perspective on the ordinary details of life.

The event began with cocktails and then guests were welcomed into the Ponce de Leon ballroom. They were greeted by emcee Willie Geist, co-host of NBC’s “Today” and co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

Everglades Foundation CEO Eric Eikenberg also welcomed the guests and thanked them for their continuing support of the Foundation and America’s Everglades.

 

After dinner in the tropical setting of the ballroom, Seinfeld showed the guests why The Miami Herald calls him one of the “greatest comics of all time.”  Following Seinfeld’s performance, Auctioneer Guy Bennett led spirited bidding for exclusive tours in Africa, Argentina and America’s Everglades.

Then ZZ Top took to the stage with guitarist Billy Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard, playing hits old and new for guests who rushed toward the stage, many of them wearing the dark sunglasses provided for each guest.

Notables in attendance included: U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and his wife Grace, U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Will Weatherford, State Rep. Patrick Rooney, music legend Jimmy Buffett and tennis great Mats Wilander.

 

Other notables included: Mary Barley, Brooks  and Allison Bishop, Georgina Bloomberg, Eva and Glenn Dubin , Tucker Frederickson, Mercedes and Stephen Gotwald, Lou Hager,  Fenia and Carl Hiaasen, Paul Tudor Jones, Paul and Kathy Leone, Millie Dayton and Eric Levine, Garrison duP. Lickle, Sasha Lickle, Danielle Moore, Thalia and Tommy Mottola, Barbara and Jack Nicklaus, Ashley and Mike Ramos, Alita and Nathaniel Reed, Wilder and Jason Regalbuto, Samantha and Chris Storkerson, and Bob Vila.

The ForEverglades Benefit raises money annually to support the science, communications, advocacy, education and legal programs of the Everglades Foundation — all geared to protecting and restoring what remains of this fragile ecosystem. The board of directors supports all of the Foundation’s administrative and fundraising expenses, allowing 100% of the money raised at the benefit to directly support these programs.

Benefit chairmen for this year’s event included Eva and Glenn Dubin, Elizabeth Kieselstein-Cord and Edward Hamm, Jr., Kim and Chris Havlicek, Sonia and Paul Tudor Jones II, Elaine and Ken Langone, Kathy and Paul Leone, Meg and Keith Long, Michele Henry and Garrison duP. Lickle, Alice and Lorne Michaels, Mary Morse, Barbara and Jack Nicklaus, Sara Groff and Piper Quinn, Ashley and Mike Ramos, Lia Reed, and Toni and Andrew Wilshire.

About Florida’s Relationship with the Everglades

More than seven million people live in the Everglades watershed and depend on its natural systems for their livelihood, food and drinking water. Florida’s agricultural, boating, tourism, real estate, recreational and commercial fishing industries all depend on a healthy Everglades ecosystem, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and contributing billions to our economy. Its waters flow through the Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Ten Thousand Islands, National Wildlife Refuge, Biscayne National Park and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Together, these parks draw several million visitors each year contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to Florida’s tourism economy.

About the Everglades Foundation

The Everglades Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to protecting and restoring one of the world’s unique natural ecosystems that provides economic, recreational and life-sustaining benefits to the millions of people who depend on its future health. Since 1993, the Everglades Foundation has played a leadership role in advancing Everglades restoration through the advancement of scientifically sound and achievable solutions. The Foundation seeks to reverse the damage inflicted on the ecosystem and provides policymakers and the public with honest and credible resource to help guide decision-making on complex restoration issues. For more information, please visit www.evergladesfoundation.org.

Photos Courtesy of Julie Skarratt

Photo 1: Barbara and Jack Nicklaus Photo 2: Amy and John Bahl Photo 3: Glen and Eva Dubin Photo 4: Jerry Seinfeld and Paul Tudor Jones Photo 5: Jimmy Buffett and Carl Hiaasen Photo 6: Millie Dayton and Eric Levine Photo 7: Tony and Thalia Mattola Photo 8: Wilder and Jason Regalbuto Photo 9: Willie and Christina Geist Photo 10: ZZ Top

JUDY’S JOURNEY AT CLUB COLETTE TO BENEFIT KIDSANCTUARY CAMPUS

Renowned artist and designer, Judy Grubman of Judith Murat Fine Jewelry has just announced the launch of her new book, Judy’s Journey Into The Land Of Murat co-authored by the designer and Charles (Sunny) Castor.  The whimsical adventures of Judy’s journeys will debut at a luncheon benefitting KidSanctuary Campus at Club Colette in Palm Beach on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 and will simultaneously feature a fashion show courtesy of Sabella Mikesell Couture with models featuring their fashions and  adorning jewelry by Judith Murat Fine Jewelry from A.R.T. Palm Beach.

Judy’s Journey Into The Land Of Murat is a fable about little Judy’s mystical adventures and the creatures that lead her on her voyage. Says Grubman, “Sunny and I began incorporating pieces from my collection which are inspired by the sea, the forest, the jungle, and the garden and translated them into a book that is mystical, spiritual and identifiable for children of all ages.  It’s a bit about the circle of life and when seeking your heart's desire, the first place to look is your own backyard.” 

Guests of the luncheon will receive an autographed copy of the book and an opportunity to win a piece of jewelry from Judith Murat Fine Jewelry’s latest collection.  Says KidSanctuary Campus President, Connie Frankino, “Judy’s spirit, enthusiasm, and passion is evident in both her exquisite jewelry designs and her new book. KidSanctuary is thrilled to call her a partner in our mission to build a safe harbor for kids who have been removed from their home because of neglect and abuse.”

Tickets for the event are $225.00 and can be purchased by contacting Executive Director of KidSanctuary Campus, Toni May by calling 561.653.8274. To learn more about KidSanctuary Campus via the internet, please visit the website at: www.kidsanctuarycampus.org.

About KidSanctuary Campus, Inc.:

KidSanctuary Campus, Inc. is a charitable organization located in Palm Beach County committed to assisting children who have been removed from their home because of neglect and abuse. With land donated by Palm Beach County, and a capital campaign currently in place, the first house, sponsored by the J.M. Rubin Foundation opened in December 2012.  The Dodero Family Cottage will be the second home to be built on the property with a ground breaking estimated to take place in the fall of 2013. The capital campaign, lead by Capital Campaign Chairman Edward M. Ricci, Esquire, will continue to raise the necessary funds for the construction of two additional homes and a recreational/ therapy building. 

About Judy Grubman and Judith Murat Fine Jewelry:

Judith Murat Grubman began a career as a model and actress, appearing in hundreds of commercials and modeled with both the Eileen Ford and William Morris Agency. As a young adult, her talents evolved further into the arts where Grubman studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, The Arts Student League of New York, and The Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach where she honed her skills as an accomplished portrait artist and sculptor.

Over a decade ago, Judy was inspired by a friend to design jewelry and Judith Murat Fine Jewelry was brought to life with collections inspired by travels, inspirations, dreams, and wishes. Judy first unveiled Judith Murat Fine Jewelry exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue – first in Palm Beach and then in Boca Raton, North Palm Beach and Houston, Texas. She has also gone on to show successfully in New York City, throughout the Hamptons and in Beverly Hills at eponymous fine jewelry houses including: Fortunoff, Greenleaf & Crosby, Hamilton Jewelers, London Jewelers, Rose Jewelers, Scully & Scully, Torneau, and more. Many celebrities have adorned themselves with Grubman’s jewelry while walking the red carpet including: Anne Hathaway, Tyra Banks, Lisa Guerrero, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, and Jennifer Hudson. Her reputation as a uniquely talented and original designer has put the artist in the spotlight by creating distinctive one-of-a-kind pieces that communicate personality and style.

THE HISTORIC ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDENS PRESENTS: THE COLLECTOR SERIES: EXHIBITION NO. 1, FEBRUARY 13 – MARCH 24, 201

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (February 2, 2013) – The Galleries of the historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens will be filled with a selection of some of the world’s most renowned artists on loan from private collectors February 13 – March 24, 2013. Guest curated by David Miller, the exhibition will feature a total of 35 beguiling works of art including pieces from Edgar Degas, Pablo Picasso, Milton Avery, Malvina Hoffman and more.  Miller, a past Board of Trustee President at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens will host an private reception for museum members and guests Wednesday, February 13 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Works by Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Edgar Degas, August Robin and Andy Warhol will grace the walls of the Gallery at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. The exhibition slated to open February 13 will run through March 24, 2013. Guest curator and Chair of the Art Committee, David Miller says, “We are very fortunate to have friends and supporters lend works from their private collections for our exhibition.” The works are made all the more interesting by how they were found and came into private collection.  One piece, a cartoon by Robert Henri, unlike any of his known work shows Mr. Knoedler of the famous Knoedler Gallery which opened in 1847 and showed some of the country’s greatest collections including those of Paul Mellon, Henry Clay, Frick and Robert Sterling Clark.  Over the years, Knoedler also bought and sold works of the who’s who in 19^th and 20^th-centruary art including: Van Gough, Manet, Winslow Homer, Frederic E. Church, and John Singer Sargent; as well as more contemporary figures including: Louise Bourgeois, Willem de Kooning, and Barnett Newman. A work by Edgar Degas also has its roots to the Knoedler belonging to the Davidson Collection.                               

Cynthia Palmieri, Executive Director of the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens adds, “Many of the works share narratives such as Malvina Hoffman who studied with Rodin and later became dear friends with Andy Warhol and then the relationship between Warhol and Patricia Nix who showed at the Tower Gallery together in 1979. From the owners to its origin, the pairings of friendships from artist to collector has unveiled truly amazing stories that are unfolding at the Ann Norton Scupture Gardens.

For more information please visit: www.ansg.org or call: 561-832.5328. 

About the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens: The historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a recognized 501 (c) (3) operating foundation established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). The gardens are conveniently located at 2051 South Flagler Drive, in West Palm Beach, Florida. The rare palm and sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist studio are currently open Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

If you would like more information on this topic or to schedule an interview, please call Linda Soper at (561) 835-9057 or email: linda@lindalanemarketing.com.

 

PREMIER LEADERSHIP COACHING HELPING CLIENTS BECOME OUTSTANDINGLY GREAT

PALM BEACH, FL (January 17, 2013) – Premier Leadership Coaching, LLC, the Florida-based firm focused on helping professionals remain competitive, maximize productivity, and achieve goals through business and executive coaching is welcoming new clients for speaking engagements, company training seminars, and individual coaching for 2013. 

Under the guidance of President Alexa Sherr Hartley, Premier Leadership Coaching helps managers, executives, attorneys and other high-achievers in both the public and private sectors develop the skills needed to be outstandingly great in their careers. By working with those in leadership positions and those who manage multiple direct reports, Hartley provides focus and support to individuals and teams. She helps her clients clarify goals and develop action plans that not only achieve professional and organizational objectives, but also increase personal productivity, resourcefulness, and levels of success. Hartley’s coaching process stems from her training at Columbia University and the Institute of Coaching at Harvard’s McLean Hospital. 

Says Hartley, “I like to say that I am a former Big Law litigator gone rogue who was reincarnated as a Columbia University-trained organizational and executive coach.  As a change agent and thought leader, I work with outside-the-box thinkers, and those who are interested in challenging the status quo to achieve outstanding greatness in their careers. Business is not static. Therefore, existing and emerging leaders cannot afford to be complacent. I combine my business experience and training as a professional coach to help my clients improve their professional skills, increase their competitive edge and achieve their goals.”  

Hartley also notes, “To remain competitive, organizations require that their employees continue to grow professionally and hone their expertise throughout their employment. However, this need often is unfulfilled. Most professionals fail to exceed a passable level of competence during the life of their career. This results in a chasm between where professionals are and where their employers need them to be in order to stay competitive in the marketplace. Employers try to correct this problem by hiring more personnel, but this is a problem of quality not of quantity.”  Hartley recommends that organizations and individuals commit themselves to training current employees rather than hiring additional bodies to compensate for a knowledge void.  Hartley explains that, “a hiring strategy of more mediocrity backfires every time.” Hartley emphasizes that hiring employees with a high IQ is not necessarily the answer. She explains that a “a high IQ alone does not guarantee professional success. Research shows that soft skills, i.e., an individual’s personality and ability to communicate, negotiate, and lead, account for as much as 85% of financial success whereas only 15% can be attributed to technical knowledge.” She goes on to say that individuals and organizations that recognize the importance of capitalizing on one’s soft skills have a competitive advantage when seeking any type of career advancement.  “The sad truth is that for a myriad of reasons, such as lack of desire and misguided priorities, over three-quarters of all professionals never get markedly better at what they do. Sure, they gain confidence and make minor necessary tweaks needed to stay slightly competitive, but they do not get substantially better at what they do and they certainly never reach outstanding greatness. If you look at a professional at the point he/she becomes competent and where he/she is at the end of his/her career, there isn’t much of a difference. The rate of improvement is de minimis. 

In addition to working with her clients on long-term objectives, Hartley also assists them with pressing, time-sensitive issues such as meeting preparation, resolving internal and external conflicts, networking, problem solving, and identifying strategic next steps. Hartley consults with industry leaders regarding planning and implementation of significant organizational change, leadership development, and decision-making.

Prior to forming Premier Leadership Coaching, Hartley was a litigator in the Manhattan and West Palm Beach offices of Greenberg Traurig, LLP where she represented, counseled and negotiated on behalf of individuals, business owners, and partners of organizations such as investment banks, law and accounting firms.  She obtained her law degree from the University of Florida College of Law and graduated from Connecticut College with a B.A. in Religious Studies. She is the author of a weekly blog, Becoming Outstandingly Great, where she explores strategies for developing the leadership and management skills professionals need to be successful at the highest level of their careers.  Recently she was selected by Westlaw to contribute to the Westlaw Insider blog where she writes about strategies for attorneys to improve their performance and help them to advance in their careers. She presents regularly to audiences at industry and professional associations, business organizations, universities, and through webinars.  

For speaking engagements, group, team and individual coaching, please email Alexa Sherr Hartley at: alexa@premierleadershipcoaching.com or visit the web at: www.premierleadershipcoaching.com.

If you would like more information on this topic or to schedule an interview, please call Linda Soper at (612) 308.4159 or email: linda@lindalanemarketing.com.

Photo Courtesy of Premier Leadership Coaching, LLC

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THE ANN NORTON SCULPTURE TO BENEFIT FROM PREVIEW PARTY FOR 31ST ANNUAL PALM BEACH WINTER ANTIQUES SHOW & SALE

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (January 12, 2013) – The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens will be honored as the opening night benefactor for the 31st Annual Palm Beach Winter Antiques Show & Sale taking place Thursday, January 17, 2013 
from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel (formerly the Crowne Plaza) located at 1601 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach.

The weekend-long event will feature 50 carefully selected national and international exhibitors presenting a diversity of fine antique furniture, decorative and fine arts from ancient to 20th century. Preview tickets are $75 in advance and $100 at the door and include wine, champagne, hors d'oeuvres, complimentary valet parking, and an opportunity for early buying.

The historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)(3) operating foundation established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). The organization has grown to be an important cultural institution giving the community and visitors an opportunity to explore nature and art in an environmentally conscious urban environment. Dedicated to preserving the historic beauty of The Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, the nationally designated property and 2.2 acre urban gardens are home to over 300 species of tropical palms and native plants — one of the most significant collections in Florida.

               The gardens are conveniently located at 2051 South Flagler Drive, in West Palm Beach, Florida. The rare palm and sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist studio are currently open Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

          Available services include: exhibitions, guided tours of the gardens and Norton's original sculpture studio, guest lectures, and educational programs. All programs promote a preservation ethic and incorporate the arts, environmental awareness, and interpretive history of Ann Weaver Norton. 

For more information about the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and how to become a member and to learn about programming and exhibitions, please visit: www.ansg.org or call:  (561) 832-5328.

             If you would like more information on this topic or to schedule an interview, please call Linda Soper at (561) 835-9057 or email: linda@lindalanemarketing.

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THE ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDENS PRESENTS LITERACY DAYS JANUARY 14 & 15, 2013

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens will be presenting its annual Literacy Days in the Gardens Monday and Tuesday, January 14 and 15, 2013. The event is a Community Enrichment Student Program in partnership with Kids' Dreams Inc. and is in its fifth year of programming.

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens created this one of kind event to provide Title I students grades from first through fourth grade with a new and creative way to approach reading and writing. More than 500 participants enjoy being read to by visiting authors, librarians and experts in the field of Language Arts. Visiting illustrators provide artistic demonstrations and hands on activities.  Interactive bookmaking, writing, poetry and visual and performing arts activities inspire the children to read, write and embrace the mystery and power of literacy.  And of course, the beautiful Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens’ rare palm and native plants provide a magical environment for creativity.

This year the Gardens is pleased to present its newly published children's storybook, The Awesome Adventures of Annie V, authored by Executive Director Cynthia E. Palmieri and Community Development Director, Pamela Larkin Caruso and illustrated by award winning artist, Henry Cole. This story told through the eyes of the young Annie V. provides an insightful and charming image of an adventurous young artist. Thoughtful activities engage young readers and aspiring artists and highlighted vocabulary words, a companion glossary, and related fun facts and follow up activities demonstrate the organization's commitment to education and stewardship.

Literacy Days at the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden is made possible through the generosity of Kids' Dreams Inc., The Chastain Charitable Foundation, private funding, and funds raised by the Festival of Trees.  To support Literacy Days or for more information or please contact Pamela at programs@ansg.org or call: 561-832.5328.

To learn more about the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and how to become a member, learn about programming and exhibitions, please visit: www.ansg.org or call:  (561) 832-5328.

               About the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens: The historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a recognized 501(c)(3) operating foundation established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). The organization has grown to be an important cultural institution giving the community and visitors an opportunity to explore nature and art in an environmentally conscience urban environment. Dedicated to preserving the historic beauty of The Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, the nationally designated property and 2.2 acre urban gardens are home to over 300 species of tropical palms and native plants — one of the most significant collections in Florida.

            The gardens are conveniently located at 2051 South Flagler Drive, in West Palm Beach, Florida. The rare palm and sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist studio are currently open Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.

          Available services include: exhibitions, guided tours of the gardens and Norton's original sculpture studio, guest lectures, and educational programs. All programs promote a preservation ethic and incorporate the arts, environmental awareness, and interpretive history of Ann Weaver Norton. 

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THE HISTORIC ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDENS PRESENTS THE WORKS OF BEN ARONSON, JANUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 10, 2013

 WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (January, 2012) – The Galleries of the historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens will be filled with the paintings of noted American painter Ben Aronson who will exhibit works from his private collections and up to 13 new pieces from January 2 – February 10, 2013.

Aronson’s most recent exhibitions have included paintings representing several periods of the artists work including his recent inquiry into the realm of finance.  Players such as Wall Street traders and auctioneers participate actively in the commodification of art, bringing about risks as well as rewards. Despite the apparent intimacy of the painted compositions, Mr. Aronson creates a palpable distance between subject and viewer.

We look directly at traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, but they do not acknowledge us. A group of three figures huddled together in a dimly-lit restaurant seem as disengaged with one another as they are with the viewer. The works, both large and small in scale, are rigorously painted and capture the ever-changing light and shade as it both conceals and articulates the forms of streets and buildings.

Ben Aronson received both his B.A. and M.A. degrees in painting from Boston University. He has been the recipient of four National Academy of Design awards and has also taught graduate school seminars at Harvard University. His work has been exhibited and collected widely throughout the United States, most notably the Boston Museum of Fine Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art.

An opening reception for museum members and guests will take place Wednesday, January 9 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  For more information please visit: www.ansg.org or call: 561-832.5328. 

              About the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens: The historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a recognized 501 (c) (3) operating foundation established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). The gardens are conveniently located at 2051 South Flagler Drive, in West Palm Beach, Florida. The rare palm and sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist studio are currently open Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.