Families First of Palm Beach County, a West Palm Beach-based nonprofit that promotes generational change by addressing families’ emotional, physical, and social well-being, is preparing to celebrate a major milestone as its signature Children’s Day Luncheon marks its 20th anniversary.
The luncheon, scheduled for Nov. 6 at the Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, comes after a record year that saw fundraising increase by 30%, according to an announcement.
Denise Fraile, a Families First board member, is returning as luncheon chair for the fourth consecutive year. Her leadership has helped expand the event’s fundraising, corporate partnerships, media visibility and community engagement.
Supporting children and families
Families First has served more than
61,000 children and family members since 1990. The organization reaches more than 3,200 children and adults annually through programs focused on prevention, early intervention, behavioral health, parenting, housing and family strengthening.
At the heart of Families First’s approach is the belief that supporting families early can help prevent challenges from becoming crises, according to the announcement.
Nicklaus Children’s Health System joins this year's event
Nicklaus Children’s Health System has joined Families First as a supporter of this year’s luncheon, further strengthening the event’s connection between the healthcare, business and nonprofit communities.
The partnership has been championed by Dana Herst, whose dedication to improving the lives of children and strengthening families reflects the shared commitment of both organizations.
“Families First and Nicklaus Children’s share a common belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and that every family deserves a strong foundation of support,” Herst said. “It is a privilege to partner with Denise and so many others who are committed to creating brighter futures for children and families across Palm Beach County.”
Honoring community leaders
The 20th Annual Children’s Day Luncheon will recognize three individuals and organizations whose leadership, generosity and commitment to service have made a meaningful impact throughout Palm Beach County.
The Harriet Goldstein Award will be presented to Julie Rudolph in recognition of her extraordinary volunteer leadership, philanthropy and commitment to serving the community.
The Heart Hero Award will honor Susan Kaplan, whose compassion, generosity and dedication embody the spirit of Families First’s mission.
The Castle Group Corporate Impact Award will be presented to Florida Power & Light Company in recognition of its outstanding commitment to corporate citizenship, employee volunteerism and strengthening communities throughout Palm Beach County.
Celebrating leadership and service
Fraile leads the event as luncheon chair, Families First board member and development strategist, helping drive fundraising, strategic partnerships and community engagement in support of the organization’s mission. Joining Fraile in leading this year’s milestone event is luncheon committee chair Jennifer Nawrocki.
Supporting the effort is a volunteer leadership committee that includes Rita Marteski, Adrienne Raptis, Kristen Tassone Caffelle, Toni May and Taylor Materio, whose dedication and leadership continue to strengthen Families First’s mission and the success of the annual luncheon.
Emmy Award-winning television journalist and longtime Palm Beach County media personality Toni May will also return as media ambassador and emcee for the 2026 luncheon.
Event details
The 20th Annual Families First of Palm Beach County Children’s Day Luncheon will be held Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at the Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach.
Sponsorship opportunities, underwriting packages, honorary committee participation and tickets are now available.
For event details, sponsorship opportunities and tickets, visit familiesfirstpbc.org.
This story was created by web producer Michele Kelley (mkelley@pbpost.com) with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Children’s Day Luncheon to mark 20th anniversary
