VOL. 21 NO. 3
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MARCH 2026
Palm Beach’s Wildest Night Raised $2.8 Million To Benefit Wildlife And Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society An African Cape porcupine named Percy rang the dinner bell to welcome 350 guests to Palm Beach’s wildest night of the season, Tropical Safari at Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. This wildlife-saving evening brought together friends and world-changers to make a difference for conservation and the zoo. Michele Kessler, chair of the zoo’s Board of Directors, and Jonathan Clay, vice chair of the zoo’s Board of Directors, served as Tropical Safari event chairs on Jan. 30, on the lush, tropical grounds of Palm Beach Zoo. Amy Baier served as honorary chair for the event that raised $2.8 million in support of the organization’s conservation initiatives and expert animal care. “At the heart of our zoo’s mission is a powerful belief: Each of us plays a role in saving wildlife in wild places. At
Tropical Safari, that belief becomes action,” said Kessler. “We are proud to protect what is rare and irreplaceable.” Tropical Safari highlighted Palm Beach Zoo’s commitment to big cats as apex (top of the food chain) predators. Connecting with big cats at the zoo inspires action to protect them in the wild, which keeps entire ecosystems in balance. “Thanks to our amazing Tropical Safari chairs and guests for your support. Your generosity helps protect tigers in Malaysia, jaguars in Belize and panthers in the Everglades while providing meaningful, memorable experiences that connect our community with wild nature,” said Margo McKnight, president and CEO of Palm Beach Zoo. Wildest Night on page 6
Michele and Howard Kessler
Ballet Palm Beach Raises Over $500,000 During ‘Gala By The Sea’ Annual Fundraiser At The Breakers The ballroom was awash with support during the Ballet Palm Beach (BPB) “Gala by the Sea” annual fundraiser. King Neptune greeted the 200-plus attendees to the premier fete held at The Breakers Palm Beach on Jan. 28. The gala, commemorating philanthropist and “First Lady of Ballet” Anka Palitz, raised a record amount of more than $500,000. Chairpersons Lora Drasner, Robin Fleming, Erin McGould, and Nicole Noonan organized an evening that swam with surprises, including an undersea-themed, enchanting cocktail hour, a sumptuous dinner, live auction, music from the Switzer Sound, dancing, and an original performance by Ballet Palm Beach’s professional company members.
One of the evening’s key highlights was a heartfelt dedication from Palitz’s grandson, Ryan Kriser. He spoke about her recent $1 million donation to the ballet, emphasizing how her enduring generosity profoundly affects not only those in her immediate circle but also countless aspiring artists who will now have opportunities they once only dreamed of. “We are so humbled by the outpouring of support from everyone who attended,” said Ballet Palm Beach Founding Artistic and Executive Director Colleen Smith. “These Eileen Berman, Steven Caras and Diane Quinn
Ballet Palm Beach on page 6
Get A Taste Of New Orleans At The Eighth Annual Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival On April 11 And 12 In Jupiter Live Cajun And Zydeco Music, Authentic Cajun Food, And More! The Eighth Annual Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival sponsored by Good Greek Moving & Storage returns to Abacoa on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, April 12, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. This premier Cajun Crawfish and Music Festival will celebrate Louisiana’s culture and traditions through food, music, and dance! Virginia Sinicki from The KVJ Show on 979WRMF,
will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies throughout the weekend and will bring her personal flair as a local who grew up in New Orleans. The streets of Abacoa will be filled with Mardi Gras-themed decorations and banners, featuring lots of purple, green, and gold. Attendees will be transported
Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival on page 2