Your guide to the 2017-2018 Palm Beach Social Season
In Palm Beach, “celebrity guest” is a tough gig.
A few years back, actress, author and clean-eating advocate Marilu Henner was the guest speaker at a charity luncheon at The Breakers. After she was introduced, she rose to the podium, looked out and went immediately off-script.
“Before I begin,” the Taxi star said, “I just want to say that this is by far the best-dressed audience I’ve ever seen — and I’ve been to the Oscars!” The designer-clad Henner continued “I feel like a poor relation.”
Henner learned right away: If you’re the celebrity/VIP/power player in a town where everybody is a celebrity/VIP/power player, you dang well better bring your A-game.
A little star power can boost ticket sales for an event and awareness for a cause. Think Jerry Lewis and muscular dystrophy. Danny Thomas and St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Betty White and animal welfare.
And, if that celebrity has a personal connection to the cause, so much the better.
When Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller speaks to the guests at the “Time Is Of The Essence” luncheon to benefit HOW (Hearing Ovarian cancer Whisper), she will be speaking from her own experience.
“I’m thrilled to be able to share my personal story at the annual H.O.W. luncheon in Palm Beach,” Miller said. “We will all be touched by cancer at some point — whether it is you, a loved one, a friend or co-worker. The cancer journey is a unique one for each of us, but it is one that we can follow with dignity and strength.
“My hope is that those who attend will be reminded on the importance of early detection and why making your health a priority is a lesson for all of us,” she said.
For Jane Seymour, too, it’s personal.
The actress and businesswoman will speak at the inaugural Palm Beach luncheon for the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation on March 13 at Club Colette, which honors her friend Kim Campbell, widow of Glen Campbell.
“Kim is a longtime friend who became even more dear to me when we worked so closely together while making the documentary Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me, which focused on Glen’s farewell tour after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease,” Seymour said.
“I was able to see first-hand how Kim had so selflessly given of herself to all those around her and how she remained a pillar of strength even through the most challenging of times. … I am delighted to assist in honoring Kim for her dedication to educate people about Alzheimer’s Disease and its effects on the patient and their caregivers.”
Also Appearing This Season
- Tim Tebow, the original knee-taker, is the guest speaker at the YMCA of the Palm Beaches’ annual Prayer Breakfast on Dec. 11 at The Breakers;
- On Dec. 14, singer Chaka Khan performs at the Nat King Cole Generation Hope benefit at The Breakers;
- January kicks off with comedian, gearhead and former late night host Jay Leno making appearing at the LIFE Foundation gala on Jan. 5 at The Breakers;
- Film director Paul Dalio, who is the guest speaker at the annual Palm Beach Luncheon of the Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation on Jan. 10 at The Breakers;
- Suzanne Somers, actress and health advocate, speaks at the Center for Family Services’ Old Bags Luncheon on Jan. 23 at The Breakers.
- The first day of February brings designer Carolina Herrera to a private residence for a tea to benefit the Miami City Ballet;
- News anchor, author and health advocate Katie Couric is the guest speaker at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s before-the-gala dinner at the home of Michele and Howard Kessler on Feb. 8.
- Two days later, Jennifer Hudson brings her magnificent voice to The Breakers as the featured entertainment at Dana-Farber’s Discovery Gala;
- MSNBC news anchor Brian Williams is the guest speaker at the Palm Beach Civic Association’s annual Awards Luncheon on Feb 12 at The Breakers;
- Wynonna Judd comes to the Mar-a-Lago Club to perform for the inaugural Palm Beach gala of Orphan’s Promise on Feb. 17;
- On Feb. 20, Mary Wilson brings her Supreme — oh, ha ha ha! — talent to The Breakers, where she will perform at a dinner honoring the major sponsors of the American Cancer Society’s 60th annual Palm Beach gala at The Breakers.
The South Florida Science museum’s nerd cotillion — or, “Smarty Party” — on April 4 at The Breakers brings the world’s best-known hacker to town. And by “hacker” we don’t mean golf.
Kevin Mitnick
Kevin Mitnick was on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for hacking into the computer systems of 40 major corporations simply because he could. He is now a best-selling author, top cyber-security speaker and security consultant who helps businesses and governments combat data thieves, cyber-vandals and other malicious computer intruders.
We’re tempted to say this is the first time Palm Beach has hosted somebody wanted by the FBI, but something tells us that’s not true.
And hasn’t been, ever.
Source: SEE LIVE: Palm Beach Daily News
