On November 15, 2013, the Palm Beach Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals celebrated National Philanthropy Day in Palm Beach County. More than 300 community leaders and guests attended the event to honor individuals, foundations and corporations for their outstanding philanthropic contributions.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognized a true champion of the arts and humanities, the late Helen K. Persson for her invaluable contribution to the cultural fabric of Palm Beach County. Mrs. Persson, who passed away on June 17, 2013, served on the Kravis Center's Board of Directors for 15 years and was elected a Life Trustee. The Persson Rehearsal Hall is named after her, as is the Helen K. Persson Society, which recognizes donors to the Center's permanent endowment.
In accepting the award on behalf of family members, Mrs. Persson's niece Daria Stowell said, "Aunt Helen's entire life represented the core values with which we should all embrace, as they serve us well as we live out the rest of our lives: 1. Family and friends, 2. Faith, 3. Tremendous moral character, and 4. Giving back." Robert Sorgini, Esq., Personal Representative of the estate, joined Mrs. Persson's niece Denise Karpelenia-Ghattas and her husband, Habeeb Ghattas; Mrs. Persson's sister-in-law Loretta Karpelenia; and Daria Stowell and her husband, David Stowell, to celebrate Mrs. Persson's legacy in the arts, education and health care.
At the luncheon, Barbara and Jerome Golden received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award in recognition for their generous support of the Kravis Center and the Golden Center for Behavioral Health. Dr. Barbara Golden has been a member of the Kravis Center's Board of Directors since 2006 and chairs the Education Advisory Committee. In 2003, the Goldens made a $1 million gift to the Center's Encore Campaign, as well as a recent additional $1 million gift that will help the Center continue to provide a comprehensive arts education program to the community.
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