Palm Health Foundation's 2022 Scholarship Reception

December 19, 2022

On December 2, 2022, Palm Health Foundation’s 2022 scholarship recipients had the opportunity to meet and thank the donors who are supporting their education and their career goals in the nursing and behavioral health professions. Over 100 guests gathered at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach, FL, to honor the 61 undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate students, and listen to the heartfelt stories of the generous donors who are making their dreams come true. Frances Fisher generously underwrote the scholarship reception at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens where she serves as chairwoman.



Mrs. Fisher kicked off the evening by sharing how grateful she is to support local students dedicated to the health of the Palm Beach County community through The Frances Fisher Scholarship Fund at Palm Health Foundation where she serves as a board member and philanthropy committee chair. Fellow foundation board member and immediate past chair Denise Bober emceed the evening, sharing her personal story about what inspired her family to create The Sutton Kailey Nursing Advancement Fund. Named for her granddaughters, born just 24 weeks into her daughter Melissa’s pregnancy, Bober shared how “Kailey shined her presence on this earth for a mere 24 hours before God called her to come to heaven. Baby Sutton remained brave and strong, survived heart surgery, and spent 111 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.” Eight-year-old Sutton joined her grandmother at the lectern to recognize her family’s scholarship fund recipient, Victoria Ugalde.

Several scholarship donors were recognized at the event, including Pam Gladstone and Elizabeth Rosenthal representing the B.J. & Paula Harris Fund Scholars, Jill Merrell and the John T. Merrell Scholarship Fund, and Charles Keys, representing the Valley Bank Scholarship Fund. Scholars also received awards from several other funds at Palm Health Foundation, including: The Andrew P. Barowsky Scholarship Fund; The Samuel & Sylvia Lamstein Nursing Education Fund Scholarship; The Debra Coffman Howe Nursing Scholarship Fund; The Charles Norton Adams Nursing Endowment Fund; The Helen K. Persson Nursing Education Scholarship Fund; The Peter and Elinka Ordway Nursing Scholarship Fund; and The Palm Health Foundation Nursing Advancement Fund.


Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation closed the evening by thanking the donors who collectively awarded over $400,000 in scholarships in 2022 and recognized the importance of the scholars’ dedication to health care. “Our community needs care that only professionals, like all of you, can provide,” he said. “You are here because you’ve demonstrated dedication, perseverance, and a true desire to serve your neighbors. Palm Health Foundation is proud to support, honor, and uplift you as you continue your journey. Thank you for your service to our community.”


Palm Health Foundation has granted more than $3.5 million in nursing scholarships to over 1,000 nursing students for advanced education since its founding in 2001 and recently expanded its scholarships to include the behavioral health field. The scholarships are administered by the George Snow Scholarship Fund and encourage individuals with financial need to enter and advance in the nursing and mental/behavioral health professions. For more information, please visit  www.scholarship.org

January 27, 2026
Healthier Boynton Beach, a Palm Health Foundation initiative, recently celebrated the unwavering dedication of family caregivers at its 9th Annual Caregivers Recognition Luncheon at Benvenuto Restaurant in Boynton Beach. More than 150 guests gathered for an afternoon of appreciation, connection, and joy. "Caring Hearts & Strong Hands – Celebrating the Love and Dedication of Family Caregivers," honored 130 family caregivers during a celebration that featured laughter, music, and meaningful moments, giving caregivers a well-deserved respite from their daily responsibilities. Montre Bennett opened the program with a mindfulness moment, followed by Boynton Beach Mayor Rebecca Shelton’s heartfelt welcome and personal caregiving story. Vice Mayor Woodrow Hay delivered the invocation before lunch, then handed the microphone to event host Rod-Z, who entertained guests with comedy, songs, and dancing. The JSharp Band provided outstanding live music that had caregivers on their feet throughout the afternoon.  Highlights of the event included keynote speaker Charlotte Wright’s moving message acknowledging the challenges and profound rewards of family caregivers’ service, and the presentation of the prestigious Caregiver Award to Angela T. Williams of Delray Beach, recognizing her extraordinary dedication and selfless service to her husband.
January 27, 2026
Thanks to a grant from Palm Health Foundation , The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens (ANSG) in West Palm Beach recently hosted a Day of Wellness for Palm Beach County School District Behavioral Health Professionals, who dedicate their lives to providing behavioral and mental health services to students. Seventy frontline mental health staff enjoyed a day of reflection, relaxation, rejuvenation, self-care, and professional development. The Day of Wellness was created in recognition of professionals’ deep commitment to the county’s youth and the emotional toll of the high-impact services they provide as challenges among school-age children continue to rise. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health , between 2016 and 2023, the prevalence of diagnosed depression among 12–17-year-olds increased by 45 percent, and diagnosed anxiety increased by 61 percent.  Set amidst ANSG’s beautiful and peaceful landscape of the sculpture gardens and the historic, inspirational Artist Studio, the program featured a series of therapeutic experiences led by local expert facilitators, including Creating a Garden of Gratitude and Hope, a therapeutic experience blending visual arts with personal reflections by Tiffany Mitchell and Amy Case of Rhythms of Hope, and Music for Mindfulness and Intention led by Bree Lukosavich. Participants also enjoyed creating a watercolor mindscape with art therapist Alicia Ballestas, exploring self-care with Shabrae Jackson, joining in a pollinator planting activity with ANSG Master Gardener CJ McCartney, and closing the day with a drumming circle led by Abasi Hanif.
November 26, 2025
The Palm Health Foundation Endowment Fund provides the financial foundation for long-term strategic action.
November 21, 2025
This fall, Healthier Glades , a Palm Health Foundation Healthier Together initiative , hosted a celebration event with community and partners to honor the resident-led work accomplished over the years of the initiative’s existence. In addition to food and fellowship, attendees shared aspirations for the initiative’s future and reflected on highlights, such as: The impact of Healthier Glades’ mini grants offerings Reduction of youth violence through collaborations with the “Dads on Duty” initiative The air quality initiative spearheaded in partnership with PHF Trustee Dr. Lisa Wiese The Safety Walk – an effort to identify unsafe areas on children’s walk-to-school routes, leading to the establishment of flashing lights in critical areas Resident connection to Mental Health First Aid training , strengthening the recognition that mental health is health Palm Health Foundation is honored to be part of the work that continues to advance health in the Glades communities.
November 21, 2025
Palm Health Foundation ’s October 2025 Train the Brain community health campaign, themed “Brain Health Across the Lifespan,” offered opportunities all month long, drawing nearly 300 community members to connect with local brain health champions, access practical, science-backed information, and take meaningful steps to support brain health for themselves, their families, and their neighbors – at every age and stage of life. Train the Brain inspired local organizational collaborations from Belle Glade to Boynton Beach to offer a range of community programs to help residents of all ages recognize that taking care of the brain is just as important as taking care of the body. At “Arts on the Muck,” Glades community elders engaged in arts activities, memory boosting games, music, and movement during a football-themed afternoon. The Schoolhouse Children’s Museum joined with The Center for Child Counseling to bring the brain-boosting benefits of yoga, art making, and music to children, while their parents and caregivers learned practical, science-based tips to support brain health and emotional well-being at home.  “Collaborations such as these create partnership opportunities though which we can further strengthen our communities,” said Ljubica Ciric, Senior Director of Strategic Impact, Center for Child Counseling.
November 21, 2025
Palm Health Foundation ’s Scholarship Reception on October 28, 2025, brought together nursing and behavioral health scholars with their donors for an inspiring evening at The Center for Philanthropy in West Palm Beach, FL. Over 90 guests gathered in the center’s tropical courtyard to celebrate 62 scholarship recipients, with musical entertainment provided by orchestra students from Grace Notes Music Foundation . Together with donors, Palm Health Foundation has awarded more than $4.6 million in health professions scholarships since 2001.  Gratitude flowed throughout the evening as scholars met their scholarship donors—many for the first time—and two former recipients shared their personal stories of overcoming barriers to continue their education and become health professions leaders thanks to The Debra Coffman Howe Nursing Scholarship Fund at Palm Health Foundation. Dr. Alice Brumley spoke about how her scholarship supported her through the challenges of nursing during the pandemic. “More than financial support, it was knowing that someone believed in me, and my community was supporting me,” she said. Today, Dr. Brumley serves as Interim Director of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center at FAU, leading compassionate, community-centered care for individuals and families affected by memory disorders.
August 27, 2025
Community campaign to highlight brain health at every stage of life, aiming to boost resilience and prevent neurological issues. 
August 21, 2025
Applicants must attend at least one workshop to be eligible for Healthier Glades 2026 mini grants.