About the Founders Luncheon
Established in 2014 as the Founder’s Award Luncheon, the Community Foundation’s signature annual event was launched as an opportunity to convene our donors and nonprofit partners on important issues facing our region, and to celebrate their collective impact.
In addition to raising awareness, the Founders Luncheon showcases the importance of philanthropy with a special award ceremony. Each year, the McIntosh Award – named after Winsome and Michael McIntosh, who founded the Community Foundation in 1972 – is presented to an individual or organization who has made significant contributions to our community.
Save the Date: February 26, 2025
12th Annual Founders Luncheon
February 26, 2025
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, West Palm Beach
We look forward to seeing you next year!
Keynote Speaker: Winsome McIntosh, national philanthropist, founder of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Awardees: Marjorie S. Fisher and Julie Fisher Cummings
Keynote Speaker: Ann Christiano, Frank and Betsy Karel Endowed Chair in Public Interest Communications at the University of Florida
Awardee: William M. Matthews
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Robert Avossa, School District of Palm Beach County Superintendent
Awardees: The Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund
Keynote Speaker: Alberto Ibargüen, President and CEO, Knight Foundation
Awardees: The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Keynote Speaker: Rip Rapson, President and CEO, Kresge Foundation
Awardees: Lore and John Dodge
Keynote Speaker: Carol R. Naughton, President, Purpose Built Communities
Theme: Power of Place - A Conversation on Housing
Speakers: Hollani Davis, Anchor, WPTV
- Jonathan B. Brown, Director, Palm Beach County Department of Housing and Economic Sustainability
- Suzanne Cabrera, President and CEO, Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County
- The Honorable Anne Gerwig, Mayor, Village of Wellington
- Jack Weir, Eastwind Development Group
Theme: Building Pathways to Equity & Prosperity
Speakers: Eric Kelly, President, Quantum Foundation
- Ava L. Parker, President, Palm Beach State College
- Suzanne Cabrera, President and CEO, Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County
- The Honorable Steve B. Wilson, Mayor, City of Belle Glade
- Daryl K. Houston, Senior Community Impact Officer, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
- Fabiola Brumley, Palm Beach County President and Vice Chairman Business Banking, Bank of America
Awardee: Sofia F., 6-year-old Community Advocate Star
2021
Theme: Golden Anniversary Celebration
Guest of Honor: Winsome McIntosh, Co-Founder, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Keynote Speaker: John Palfrey, President, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
Awardee: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
Theme: Hope for Mental Health
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Randy Blakely, Executive Director, FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute
Awardee: Margaret C. Donnelley, Philanthropic Champion for Mental Health
Theme: Hope for Early Education
Keynote Speaker: Holly Lane, Ph.D., Director, UF Literacy Institute
Awardee: George T. Elmore, Founder, Hardrives, Inc.
