By Richard Weinstein, President & COO
Ocean Reef Community Foundation
Thanksgiving felt rather late this year, and despite my best efforts, I was once again defeated in my quest to claim the larger half of the wishbone. Staring at the smaller, broken piece in my hand, I found myself wondering how this tradition even began.
As it turns out, the Etruscans – because naturally, any good story involving food has ties to Italy – believed chickens were oracles capable of seeing the future. They felt the wishbone held those prophetic qualities, so they would dry it in the sun to preserve its powers. Passersbys would then gently rub the bone and make a wish for what was to come. Many years later, the practice made its way to the New World, where wild turkeys were plentiful. The tradition evolved slightly – instead of rubbing the bone, we break it to secure our wishes.
Failing to succeed in my attempt, I started thinking about other ways that I might be able to make a wish, and ancient history offers quite a few. For example, bodies of water were believed to hold many deities and seeking favor from them was as simple as approaching a water source. Even a very small one, like that which might be found at the local well. Throw in a coin as an offering and we have a wishing well, add in any fountain and we have the modern-day equivalent of tossing a coin in the fountain and making a wish. Another example would be shooting stars, believed to be the Roman gods traveling through the universe. So if you saw one it would seem like a good time to make a wish because the gods were passing by and just might hear and grant your request. Fast forward a few thousand years, and we recite “Star light, star bright…” (you know the rest). And of course, there are dozens of others … birthday candles, blowing a dandelion, seeing a ladybug, finding an eyelash, the opportunity to make multiple wishes on the right kind of lamp (Aladdin’s).
Fortunately for the Ocean Reef Community Foundation, we find ourselves on the other side of the coin. With your support – and through our Donor Advised Funds, Impact Fund, and All Charities local Community Grants – we have the privilege of helping many wishes come true. Each year, we “wish” we could do more. And each year, the generosity of this remarkable community somehow makes that possible.
As we look ahead to this year’s All Charities Gala, February 20–22, 2026, we are thrilled to welcome several new Preferred Partners (Butterfield & Robinson, Cetta Vino & Cetta Terrazza, Mount Veeder Magic Vineyards, Silversea, Steamboat Bay Fishing Club Alaska & Waterfall Resort Alaska) and to celebrate long-time partners who have supported All Charities for 10 years or more (Baptist Health South Florida, John & Mary Lee Fine Wine Society, Lester Lampert Jewelers, Lexus of Kendall/Lexus of West Kendall, Marsh McLennan Agency Private Client Services, NetJets, Northern Trust, and Ocean Reef Club Sotheby’s International Realty).
With their partnership and your continued support, we are poised for another extraordinary Gala – one that promises to turn many wishes into reality.
Featured Preferred Partners
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