December 10, 2021, Ocean Reef Press
by Sarah Cart
Traditionally, the holidays involve having fun while doing something good for someone else, a trait shared with Ocean Reef’s All Charities fundraiser. How appropriate then, that as plans come together for the 15th All Charities Weekend (ACW) February 11-13, 2022 (the first was in 2008), ACW’s well-established “Buy It Now” opportunity is here to help you have fun while attending to your annual gift list.
Simply pay attention when the traditional series of All Charities holiday emails to highlight “12 Days of Giving” begins this weekend; if something trips your fancy, give the office a call to pursue possible “Buy It Now” options.
Or if you can’t wait for each day’s email reveal, All Charities’ Preferred Partner (and internationally renowned Chicago jeweler) Lester Lampert is ready now to enable your gift giving (including licensed versions of the Club burgee) while benefitting All Charities. Simply buy something brand-new or commission a makeover of a former favorite – no matter the price tag, 20 percent of the proceeds will be donated to All Charities when you mention you are a Member of Ocean Reef. Visit www.lesterlampert.com, then place a call to his showroom (312-944-6888). In honoring the Tradition of Giving this season, the whole ACW committee, with co-chairs Adele Acheson and Diane Hill and co-chairs of ACW’s silent auction, Anne Marie Peretz, Barbara Olcott and Kelly Hertzman, is grateful for the contagious good feeling that comes through the connectivity and comradery celebrated when Ocean Reef comes together for the common good. “At 15 years old, ACW unites the community for a single purpose,” explains Richard Weinstein, president and COO of the Foundation, “Each season, as we build on the traditions that have come before, and the shared expectation of fun, and new and different items to dream about and bid on, we’re also providing vital support to our recipient partners.” That support is crucial. As Steve Markel, a past chair of ACW, points out in the new video, “The Heart of Ocean Reef” (playing at the Cultural Center before each Friday night’s movie), Ocean Reef is one of the largest employers in Monroe County. That means we bear some responsibility for the health of our neighboring communities, because, as he says, “If it’s not us, who’s it going to be?” Over $50 million has been donated since All Charities began in 2008. The monies raised not only help ensure the viability of the not-forprofit institutions important to Ocean Reef – the Medical Center, Cultural Center, Academy, Art League, ORCAT and Conservation Association – but critically, through grants from the Ocean Reef Community Foundation, provide much-needed funds to over 70 worthy charities focused on youth, education, community, and health and family services in the form of financial grants to assist
thousands of our neighbors in Key Largo, Homestead and Florida City.
Curious to know more or eager to donate a unique item or experience? Contact All Charities at 305-367-5996 or AllCharities@OceanReef.com.
For additional information, visit oceanreefcommunityfoundation.org and mark your calendar so you can take part in the traditions of ACW February 11-13, from Friday night’s wine tasting and silent auction (which this season will include a bourbon tasting as well!) right through the Saturday night Gala and Sunday’s claiming of your winning bids.
