A spirit of grace, gratitude, and community filled the air as Families First of Palm Beach County hosted its 19th Annual Children’s Day Luncheon on November 7, 2025.
Guests applauded this is the cause, event and charity team of the season: The Families First Team, Board and Leadership impressed Palm Beach.
The annual celebration has become one of the region’s most anticipated philanthropic gatherings, bringing together civic leaders, advocates, and families in support of an enduring mission: strengthening the foundation of Palm Beach County one family at a time.
From the first moments of the event, guests sensed that this year’s luncheon would stand apart. The silent auction and art show, presented by talented local students, set a warm and thoughtful tone. Tables adorned with light, understated décor welcomed attendees who have long championed the mission of Families First. Conversations turned to shared memories, success stories, and the lasting difference made when a community stands united in compassion.
The formal program began with opening remarks from Luncheon Chairperson Denise Fraile, whose words set the emotional tone for the afternoon. Standing before a full room, she extended a heartfelt welcome that was both personal and purposeful. Her speech emphasized hope as the foundation of everything Families First represents. She spoke of a parent rebuilding after hardship, a child finding safety for the first time, and a family discovering the strength to begin again. Each story, she said, starts with the same spark of possibility, and it is through the commitment of those present that those sparks become steady lights for the future.
Denise Fraile reminded guests that the work of Families First reaches far beyond programs and services. It is about people—those who choose to show up, to believe, and to help others thrive. She described the organization as a living network of compassion, where every act of kindness builds the stability and hope that future generations will depend on. Her message carried an energy of optimism that resonated deeply throughout the room.
As she closed her remarks, Fraile thanked every guest for being part of something larger than themselves. She spoke of the collective promise made when people invest their time, heart, and resources in helping families not only survive but flourish. Her words drew sustained applause, affirming her role as both a leader and a voice of empathy within the community.
Following her welcome, Chief Executive Officer Julie Swindler continued the tone of inspiration, reflecting on the organization’s thirty-plus years of impact. She highlighted how Families First programs—spanning behavioral health, early childhood development, housing stability, and family strengthening—address the root causes of adversity. Swindler expressed gratitude for every sponsor and volunteer who ensures the mission continues to expand its reach.
The luncheon’s agenda unfolded with grace. The U.B. Kinsey and Palmview Elementary School of the Arts orchestra and chorus performed with bright, uplifting harmonies, while community awards were presented to honorees who exemplify dedication and service. The Harriet Goldstein Award, Heart Hero Award, and Corporate Impact Award recognized the exceptional individuals and organizations that have gone beyond generosity to become true partners in transformation.
Then came the keynote address by His Highness Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, whose presence brought both dignity and warmth to the event. His speech, titled “Turning Points That Change Everything,” captivated the audience with a message rooted in compassion and renewal. He spoke about how each person encounters moments when a single act of kindness, a supportive voice, or a helping hand can change the course of a life. Families First, he said, represents those turning points for families throughout Palm Beach County, guiding them toward stability and strength.
Prince Mario-Max described the organization’s work as a bridge between hardship and hope, reminding listeners that no one should have to walk their road alone. His words painted a clear picture of resilience: families rediscovering their courage, parents rebuilding their confidence, and children growing in environments that nurture both safety and potential. The address carried a quiet power, its rhythm measured yet deeply moving.
As the keynote concluded, the audience rose in appreciation, moved by the shared understanding that this luncheon was more than a yearly event. It was a celebration of transformation—the kind that happens when communities unite around compassion.
Throughout the afternoon, the program highlighted the many ways Families First continues to evolve. The Kin Support Project, Bridges to Success, and Behavioral Health Services programs shared meaningful updates. Jay Zeager’s Call to Heart segment invited continued engagement, while Julie Swindler’s closing words gracefully tied together a day defined by gratitude and resolve.
Sponsors including Castle Group, Patriot Growth Insurance Services, CBIZ, Ciel Jets, Florida Power & Light, and Kaufman Rossin were honored for their continued partnership. Additional support from Banesco USA, the H.E. Hill Foundation, and numerous table hosts ensured that the luncheon’s success directly translates into programs that will touch thousands of local lives.
Foundation Board President Bao Nguyen emphasized the importance of legacy giving, inviting guests to join the Forever Families Legacy Society. His message aligned seamlessly with the day’s overarching theme: that generosity, when extended across generations, builds a legacy of hope that endures.
As the final moments of the luncheon unfolded, the atmosphere was one of quiet pride and shared purpose. Conversations lingered about the power of giving, the joy of service, and the stories of real families whose lives had been changed. Denise Fraile’s moving introduction and Prince Mario-Max’s eloquent keynote framed the event as a portrait of unity—a testament to how compassion becomes action when a community refuses to look away.
The 19th Annual Children’s Day Luncheon closed with a collective sense of renewal. Guests departed with a deeper understanding of what Families First represents: the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and every family deserves the support to stand strong. In Palm Beach County, that belief is not an idea but a movement, carried forward by those who show up year after year to make it real.
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Maria G. Marino was the leader everyone adores At the Gala. The New Mayor Steering Palm Beach County Forward is famtastic!
Bold leadership bringing business acumen and community commitment to Florida’s southeast coast
From a distinguished small-business career to a dynamic trajectory in public service, Maria G. Marino now stands at the helm of county government in Palm Beach County. Her journey is one of local roots, strategic vision and a dedication to civic excellence.
Maria G. Marino currently serves as the County Mayor for Palm Beach County, Florida, having been nominated and elected by her colleagues on the Board of County Commissioners in November 2024. She represents District 1 and holds the title of Mayor, presiding over the board’s meetings and agenda-setting as part of her commissioner role.
Her public service journey is built on a solid foundation. Before taking office at the county level, she was elected in 2016 to serve on the city council of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and was selected twice to serve as the city’s mayor in 2017 and 2018. Over the course of her service in Palm Beach Gardens she advocated for tax stability, conservation, and community amenities.
Prior to her elected roles, Maria Marino built a career as an entrepreneur. Her profile notes that she is a 35-year small business owner and a 30-year member of the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association). Her long-standing business experience informs her approach to governance, focused on economic development, job creation, and partnerships.
Since becoming a county commissioner and, subsequently, Mayor of Palm Beach County, she has presided over proclamations recognizing Park & Recreation Month, Fire Prevention Week, and honoring community volunteers and athletic champions. These actions reflect a leadership style rooted in community engagement and visible presence.
Her platform centers on key priorities: enhancing public safety, expanding parks and recreation, protecting natural resources and agriculture, improving infrastructure, and fostering economic development across the county. With Palm Beach County’s diverse and dynamic population, her agenda seeks to balance urban growth, environmental stewardship and quality-of-life investments.
As Mayor and District 1 Commissioner, Maria Marino serves on key boards and committees including the Solid Waste Authority (SWA) Governing Board, addressing waste management and environmental services for the county. Her role involves oversight of county-wide legislation, program authorizations and budget allocations.
Her recent election as Mayor underscores her colleagues’ confidence in her leadership. On November 19, 2024, she was sworn in to a second four-year term on the county board and immediately nominated to the mayoral post. This transition marked another chapter in her ascent to regional leadership.
Maria Marino’s trajectory captures the confluence of private-sector discipline and public-servant commitment. Her time as a business owner has shaped an appreciation for fiscal responsibility and outcome-oriented programs. Her tenure in local municipal government solidified her reputation as a results-oriented council member and mayor at the city level. At the county level she now applies that experience to broader issues affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.
Her leadership comes at a moment of significant growth and transformation for the region. Palm Beach County continues to evolve economically, socially and environmentally. As Mayor, Maria Marino is positioned to influence key initiatives such as infrastructure resilience, sustainable land use, economic diversification and community services expansion.
Driving her agenda is a belief in collaboration. Her messaging emphasizes working with community partners, first responders, the agriculture sector, and neighboring municipalities. This cooperative stance helps navigate complex issues such as transportation, environmental protection, and service delivery across the county.
Beyond policy, her profile highlights personal commitment through volunteerism and athletics. The discipline developed as a long-time member of the LPGA and as a business owner informs her public-service ethic. Her experience as a woman in both business and government adds a dimension of representation and voice to the regional leadership.
Maria Marino’s position as Mayor of Palm Beach County reflects both her achievements and the trust she has garnered from colleagues and the community. Her career offers a narrative of continuous growth, from municipal government in Palm Beach Gardens to leading one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties.
As she moves forward, her priorities suggest a focus on inclusive prosperity, environmental sustainability and community resilience. The challenges ahead are significant but so too is the opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy for residents across Palm Beach County.
Maria G. Marino embodies the role of a modern regional leader, balancing the demands of governance with the values of entrepreneurship, community service and civic pride.
* His Highness and Excellency Global Peace Ambassador Dr. PRINCE MARIO-MAX SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE is a working Royal, award winning TV- and Event-Host, Bertelsmann Randomhouse author, Public Speaker and Philanthropist â™” Prince Mario-Max is the son of Royal Dignitaries H.H. Dr.h.c. Prince Waldemar and H.H. Dr. Princess Antonia of Schaumburg-Lippe. His Grandmother is H.R.H. Princess Feodora of Denmark. Therefore they are the Royal Danish Nachod Line of The Princes of Schaumburg-Lippe, the Founding Family of Hamburg, LĂĽbeck and Kiel. â™” Instagram https://www.instagram.com/princemariomax/ Website http://www.schaumburglippe.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zuschaumburglippe X-Twitter https://twitter.com/schaumburglippe Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/prince-mario-max-schaumburg-lippe-1879978a
