2016 Holiday Luncheon & Boutique

Annual Opportunity Luncheon Focuses on Giving

Holiday spirit filled The Sailfish Club on Wednesday, December 7th during Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center’s Holiday Luncheon & Boutique. Children’s choruses from Rosarian Academy and Palm Beach Day Academy welcomed guests to the eleventh annual fundraiser entitled, “The Gift of Opportunity.”

“This time of year, we are all focused on giving – to our families, our friends and our community,“ said Jennifer Lazzara who co-chaired the event with Elena Siems. “We wanted the theme to be about giving the opportunity of a solid preschool education to children who really need our help.”

The theme of giving was weaved throughout the event with exclusive local boutiques displaying a variety of gifts for purchase, exquisite raffle baskes, a presentation about the history of holiday traditions, and awards given for generosity and excellence.

Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center honored PNC Bank and the PNC Foundation with the first Community Partner of the Year Award. Waverly Shirreffs accepted the Winifred C. Anthony Award for her late husband, Jack Shirreffs. 

“Jack Shireffs gave 110% and he expected 110% in return. He was one of the most instrumental voices in our expansion and worked very hard to create the framework for our new building,” said Peter Nicoletti, Opportunity Board President. “I believe that Opportunity is where it is today, because of Jack and his tremendous efforts.”

An Opportunity parent, Karla Dalton, was given the R.I.S.E Award. Through the support she has received at Opportunity, Ms. Dalton has been able to transform her life from a homeless single mother to a part time teacher’s aid at the school.

All proceeds from the Holiday Luncheon & Boutique benefit the programs for the children and families of Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center.