Mickey Gomez, Kevin Turner, Dr. Ira Gelb, Rosemary and Ben Krieger and Michael KaufmanCamille “Marilyn Monroe” singing “Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend” at the Rotary Club of Boca Raton OPAL Awards.
The Rotary Club of Boca Raton recently hosted the 12th annual Outstanding People And Leaders Awards Gala, and the Hollywood-themed event also serves as a fundraiser to provide local students with college scholarships. Three hundred guests and local dignitaries showed up to honor a handful of Boca residents making an impact on the community.
Rosemary and Ben Krieger were recognized for community service, and they are active with several nonprofit organizations and advisory boards.
“We have both always believed very strongly that you have to contribute to your local community and do what you can,” said Ben.
Rosemary agreed and said they were shocked, honored and humbled when they were informed about the award.
“No matter where we have lived, we have always prioritized giving back to the community. This was such a wonderful event, and our children also came into town, which really meant a lot,” she said.
Mayor Susan Whelchel said the event’s attendance evidences how well respected the recipients are in the Boca area.
“Even in such tough economic times, it was still a sell-out event. I think that speaks to people’s understanding of just how deserving these amazing people really are,” she said.
Whelchel continued by saying that the Rotary Club also deserves high praise for their contribution.
“They definitely know how to put on an event and are completely engaged when they back a cause,” she said.
Other award recipients include Kevin Turner (Education), Dr. Ira Gelb (Healthcare), Mickey Gomez (Civil Service) and Michael Kaufman (Private Sector).