Palm Beach Shares October With Open Arms
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
Palm Beach County in sumptuous South Florida is the place to be over the next month and a half. Besides making sure that you get your daily dose of sunshine, there are plenty of heartfelt and philanthropic events and activities to fill your morning, noon and night.
“If winter is worthy of your wedding plans, don’t miss the His and Hers Wedding Expo. Love birds looking to tie the knot can get nuptials-ready at this inaugural event which is set to take place on Saturday, October 8, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, the most luxurious mall in all of Palm Beach. The mall’s über-chic nuptials event, set in a blissful setting on the first level, will feature luxurious apparel, jewelry, beauty, cuisine, and much more. Speak with caterers, DJs, pastry chefs, makeup artists and fine jewelers to learn how to make your special day one to remember and cherish forever. Hair and makeup demos will get underway and taste testing is yours to experiment with to find what might make the perfect reception cuisine. Guests will receive an “I Do” wedding planning checklist, a Bridal Survival Kit, and a chance to win an ultimate bridal gift basket. All of the perks at no cost to you because the event is free. Some of the most stylish and popular retailers that will be participating in this rapturous event include Aveda, Bloomingdale’s, Brighton, Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Hamilton Jewelers, Henri Bendel, ILORI Optical, M.A.C., Macy’s, Mayors, Montblanc, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, Papyrus, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Sam Edelman, Jo Malone London and Tiffany & Co.
“We’re thrilled to be showcasing our retailers and community partners that can help couples plan for their happily ever after,” said Michele Jacobs, Corporate Director of Marketing and Operations for The Forbes Company. The Gardens Mall (www.thegardensmall.com) is located just off I-95 at PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach County.
In addition to this event, it is important to note that the month of October is recognized as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The ARC of Palm Beach County (www.arcpbc.org), an organization providing quality services, education and advocacy for children and adults with developmental disabilities since 1958, is sending an open invitation to all, encouraging participation in their Pack-A-Thon taking place on Monday, October 10, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. The race is on! Between the local community and area businesses, the goal is to package 100,000 ‘Arc In The Dark’ glow bands in this ten hour day. It is a race against the clock. If the effort proves to be successful, not only will ARC of Palm Beach County land a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, but, $100,000 will be raised to serve the needs of those that the ARC tries to assist in countless ways every day of the week, 362 days per year. The event is scheduled to take place at the South Florida Fair & Expo Center which is located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida with an exit right off the turnpike. Over 400 eager supporters are expected to take part and they are looking to top the 400 count.
Participants in The Arc’s Career Transition Program
“In observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October, The Arc’s adult clients literally will have a hand in the project by packaging these bracelets, and the public is invited to join the fun by participating in the ‘Band Together’ day,” said Kimberly McCarten, the nonprofit’s CEO.
Throughout the day a schedule of activities will unfold, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. with County Commissioner Paulette Burdick, West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio, and Riviera Beach Mayor Thomas Masters; performances by high school marching bands, photos with fun costumes and props, and music by a live deejay. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided to those who sign up for shifts.
“The goal is to get as many people in the community to volunteer as possible,” McCarten said. “We also want others to come out to purchase the bracelets, as well as the art that will be on display in The Arc’s pop-up art shop.”
Mixed-media works created by The Arc’s clients will be sold during the event to raise additional funds for the agency. Also, information tables will be set up to offer literature on child safety during the Halloween season of outdoor festivals and trick-or-treating.
“Help The Arc make Guinness World Records history,” McCarten said. “The day will be filled with energy and excitement and will showcase our clients at their very best.”
Volunteers are needed and community service hours will be given to students. For information, call 842-3213 or visit arcpbc.org/arcinthedark. You never know, perhaps this could set a precedent for the rest of the nation and become an annual national event.
Lastly, anyone paying a visit to Palm Beach County knows that the most stylish place to meet is at ‘PGA Commons.’ (www.pgacommons.com) This October, PGA Commons marks a milestone anniversary as it celebrates 15 years in Palm Beach County. There will be plenty going on throughout the month such as restaurant specials, retailer discounts, and over-the-top social media contests.
Since opening its doors in October 2001, PGA Commons has become one of Palm Beach County’s most iconic, mixed-use shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations. Known for its quaint, Mizner-style architecture (inspired by Joel Channing’s trip to the Greek island of Hydra in 1987), renowned outdoor art, and boasting a diverse array of leading national and local retailers, PGA Commons has served as a central gathering place for the Palm Beach Gardens community throughout its 15-year history.
“We are proud to have created and remained active participants in this remarkable community for 15 years,” said Joel Channing, award-winning developer and, together with his brother, Jon, co-founder of PGA Commons. “Since day one, PGA Commons has served as the area’s premier retail/social destination, and we are grateful for all the support we have received over the years. We are excited to celebrate this milestone with the community and look forward to a successful future together.”
The public is invited to enjoy month-long anniversary discounts and specials at participating stores and restaurants, including (but not limited to):
- Bamboo Clothiers – $15 for all earrings.
- Blowtox | A Blow Dry Bar – 15% off all color services.
- Flourish Massage – 15% off 60-minute table massage or 60-minute table/foot massage combo.
- Kabuki Sushi Thai Tapas – $15 PGA Roll (made specially for mall’s anniversary), with shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado, cream cheese, topped with spicy tuna, tempura flakes, eel sauce, and spicy mayo.
- Onessimo Fine Art – 15% off specific artists’ artwork.
- Polished Nail Spa – 15% off a Deluxe Hot Stone Pedicure.
- Prosecco Café – $15 selection of wines and prosecco by the bottle.
- Revolution Dating – 15% off any membership package.
- Spoto’s Oyster Bar – 15% off lunch or dinner check.
- Studio E Gallery – 15% off any purchase.
- The Tux Shop – $15 off a Private Collection tuxedo rental.
- The Cooper – 15% off lunch check.
So it sounds like now is the time to pack your bag and head to Palm Beach for one of the most outstanding Octobers of your life. We will see you there.
