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Dear Take Stock Palm Beach, College for Kids Program,
Welcome to the February edition of the Take Stock Tribune! After an inspiring January filled with meaningful mentor celebrations, an unforgettable night at the Great Charity Challenge, and a remarkable night of generosity at the Stock the Cellars Wine Auction, we're entering February with full hearts. We're excited to carry that momentum into a new month of opportunity and connection.
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February brings hands-on career exploration for our students and alumni, with Career Tours on February 18 at Carrier Headquarters and the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office. It's a chance to step inside real workplaces, meet professionals, and imagine future pathways. And as we look ahead, we're gearing up for our biggest race of the year, the 7th Annual Bridge the Gap 5K on February 28.
Thank you for being part of our Take Stock family. Your support fuels every milestone and every student success story. We're grateful to step into another month of impact together.
Warmly,
The Take Stock Palm Beach, College for Kids Team
| | | | Career Tours Offer Students and Alumni a Glimpse Into Future Pathways | | |
This February, Take Stock in Children Palm Beach is providing students and alumni with an exciting opportunity to explore real‑world careers through hands‑on Career Tours. On February 18, participants will visit either Carrier Headquarters or the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office (PBSO)—two dynamic workplaces that showcase very different, but equally meaningful, professional pathways.
Palm Beach Sheriff's Office
Students and alumni will step inside the world of law enforcement and public safety, gaining insight into how deputies are trained, what daily operations look like, and how specialized units such as SWAT and K‑9 support the agency’s mission. This experience offers a firsthand look at the many career options within one of Palm Beach County’s largest public service organizations.
Carrier Headquarters
At Carrier, participants will explore the innovative fields of HVAC, refrigeration, and engineering. They’ll see how complex systems are designed and maintained, and learn about high‑demand careers in skilled trades, technology, and engineering—fields that keep our buildings and communities running.
These Career Tours are part of our ongoing commitment to helping students and alumni explore their interests, ask meaningful questions, and begin shaping their future pathways. We’re grateful to our partners for opening their doors and supporting the next generation of Palm Beach County talent.
| | | A Powerful Month of Celebration and Recognition | | |
Mentor Appreciation Month was a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the dedication, impact, and heart of our Take Stock in Children mentors and alumni. Throughout the month, we honored the individuals and partners who make a lasting difference in the lives of our students through their time, guidance, and unwavering support.
On January 14, we hosted our Mentor & Alumni Appreciation Event at the West Palm Beach Hilton, bringing together mentors, alumni, school district employees, community partners, and supporters in celebration of National Mentoring Month. The evening highlighted the collective impact of our mentor community, who together have logged more than 6,300 mentoring sessions—over 190,000 minutes dedicated to supporting and empowering students. Several awards were presented recognizing outstanding service, advocacy, and long-term commitment, reflecting the many ways mentors and alumni contribute to student success.
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A special highlight of the evening was the presentation of Mentor of the Year to Sonia Soto-Ramirez, whose extraordinary compassion, advocacy, and dedication have made a profound and lasting impact on her students’ lives. Additional recognitions included Alumni of the Year, Rookie Mentor of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Full Circle Awards honoring alumni who have returned to serve as mentors, Years of Service milestones, and Partnership of the Year awards celebrating organizations that have supported Take Stock in Children Palm Beach for more than a decade. Together, these recognitions showcased the full circle of impact—from mentors guiding students, to alumni giving back, to partners strengthening the program’s reach.
Mentor Appreciation Month concluded on January 21, when Take Stock mentors were formally recognized by the School Board, underscoring the vital role mentors play in promoting student achievement, equity, and opportunity across Palm Beach County. These celebrations served as a powerful reminder that behind every successful student is a mentor who believes in them, advocates for them, and helps them envision a brighter future.
Above all, Mentor Appreciation Month was a time to express our deepest thanks to the mentors who make this work possible. Your time, compassion, and unwavering commitment continue to change lives every single day. You show up consistently, listen deeply, and believe in our students—often when they need it most. Because of you, students feel supported, confident, and empowered to pursue their goals. We are profoundly grateful for your dedication to Take Stock in Children Palm Beach and for the lasting impact you have on our students, families, and community.
| | An Elegant Evening in Support of Student Success | |
More than 130 guests gathered on the beautiful 8th Floor Terrace of One Flagler on Saturday, January 31, 2026, for U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management’s 5th Annual Stock the Cellars Charity Wine Auction, presented by Florida Crystals. The evening brought together community leaders, wine enthusiasts, and generous supporters for an elegant celebration of exceptional wine and life‑changing educational opportunity.
With guests in elegant cocktail attire and framed by sweeping intracoastal and downtown West Palm Beach views, the event featured a spirited silent and live auction of 56 rare wine lots and curated experiences, expertly guided by Master Sommelier Virginia Philip. The live auction was led by Mack Perry, whose dynamic presence energized the terrace and inspired enthusiastic bidding. Evan Bolinski, Board Chair of Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County, welcomed guests and highlighted the profound impact of the program’s mission on local students.
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Take Stock PBC Trots Away with $26,000 in the
17th Annual Great Charity Challenge
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We are still soaring from an amazing night at the 17th Annual Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments. Despite frigid temperatures and whipping winds, the exciting relay-style horse jumping competition at Wellington International raised more than $2.3 million for 90 of our fellow Palm Beach County nonprofits.
Thirty-six teams of three riders each were decked out in costume to the theme, ‘Rhyme Without Reason’. Even the horses got in on the costume fun! Our riders, Ana Lisa Carr, Sara Kate Long, and Natalie Thornell, rode as Blue Angels pilots Viper, Sniper, and Striker. The competition was intense. We came in 26th place, earning us $23,000. But our Blue Angels, along with their flight crew’s costumes, were so clever that they won second place in the costume contest, earning us an additional $3,000.
This amazing night was made possible by generous donors who sponsor each team of riders. We are beyond thankful to our team’s sponsors, the Kolber & Palazzo Families and the Gochman Family, for their support and investment in our students’ futures.
Everyone was a winner as each participating nonprofit walked away with a minimum grant of $15,000. Since its founding in 2009, it has distributed more than $24 million to 370 local nonprofits. We are so grateful to GCC Executive Director Anne Caroline Valtin and her team for this amazing event and for all the support they have given us and all our fellow nonprofits.
(Photos courtesy of: LS Photos)
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Take Stock Palm Beach is proud to recognize Wanda, Assistant Director of Program Services and Lead Coach, as our February Flamingo Legend!
Wanda embodies this award in every way. Her work ethic, passion, and commitment shine through daily, and her impact is felt across the entire team. She shows up for others with consistency, excellence, and heart - often in ways that are impossible to miss.
Her guidance and expertise have been invaluable, especially to those stepping into new roles. Many of us are better at what we do because of her willingness to teach, support, and lead by example. We’re grateful not only to work alongside Wanda, but to know her.
Please join us in celebrating Wanda as our February Flamingo Legend!
| | 7th Annual Bridge the Gap 5K | | |
Mark your calendars! The 7th Annual Bridge the Gap 5K presented by Florida Crystals will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Riviera Beach at the Ocean Walk Mall on Singer Island. This scenic race takes runners and walkers over the iconic Blue Heron Bridge, offering breathtaking water views along the way.
Participants will enjoy a lively morning of fitness and community, with fun vendor booths, music, pre-race coffee, bananas and bagels as well as a post-race breakfast all provided by Castaways Bar & Grill. Whether you’re racing to beat your best time, walking with friends, or cheering from the sidelines, this event is the perfect way to come together and support Take Stock Palm Beach.
Proceeds from the race will help provide life-changing college scholarships, volunteer mentors, and college readiness programs for local students. Join us for an unforgettable morning by the water—while making a lasting difference in the lives of our future leaders.
| | | Exciting Events Coming Up! | | |
At Take Stock in Children Palm Beach, our commitment to you doesn’t end at high school graduation. Over the coming weeks, our alumni team will be conducting outreach to reconnect with our TSIC Palm Beach alumni community simply to check in, say hello, and make sure you’re doing okay as you navigate postsecondary life and your career journey. Whether you’re in college, trade school, the workforce, or still figuring out your next move, we want to ensure you feel supported and connected to the TSIC family.
We’re also excited to continue creating opportunities for alumni to engage, explore, and grow. Join us for our Career Tours on February 18th, where you’ll gain firsthand exposure to different professional pathways, and don’t forget to lace up for our annual Bridge the Gap 5K on February 28th, a fun, energizing way to come together in community for a great cause.
Career Tours to Carrier Headquarters and Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office
Date: February 18, 2026
Alumni RSVP: Click Here to Register
Deadline to Sign Up: February 16, 2026
Space is limited - early registration is encouraged.
Bridge the Gap 5K
Date: February 28, 2026
Alumni Arrival Time: 6:45 AM
Location: Blue Heron Bridge (2401 N Ocean Ave, Riviera Beach, FL 33404)
TSIC Alumni Only - Arrive by 6:45 AM for FREE registration and receive your event swag.
No matter where life has taken you, you’re always part of the TSIC family. We look forward to reconnecting with you soon! 💙
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Current Take Stock Mentors, don't forget to check out the Mentor HUB for regular updates and info!
| | Help Sponsor a Student Today! | | |
At Take Stock Palm Beach, we believe in the power of education to break the cycle of poverty. Right now, 15 promising students are eagerly waiting to join our program —but they need your help.
Our Waitlist Campaign highlights these students’ inspiring stories and dreams. By sponsoring a student, you’ll not only provide them with educational opportunities but also help pave their way to a brighter future.
Each student requires funding to unlock their future. This provides vital program services, including mentorship and college readiness support.
Your generosity will change lives, ensuring these students receive the support and resources they need to succeed. Any contribution—big or small—moves us closer to our goal of transforming lives through education. Together, we can make a difference.
Click here to learn more and make your donation today: Donate Here.
Thank you for believing in the power of education and for being a part of our mission to create lasting change in our community.
P.S. Every dollar makes a difference. Let’s work together to ensure no student is left waiting.
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We appreciate your time and interest in our organization. Take Stock in Children's program model is rated “best in class” by the Florida Legislature, with 98% of our students graduating high school and 74% obtaining a post-secondary credential (compared to only 27% of their peer group). For low-income and minority students, education is the key to success and upward mobility. Take Stock in Children is the single-largest nonprofit purchaser of Florida Prepaid College Foundation Scholarships, with assets totaling more than $250M and over $20M awarded to Palm Beach County students. Our scholarship plans are purchased at half-price and matched $ for $ through our partnership with the Florida Prepaid Foundation, enabling us to serve twice as many students.
Join us, "take stock in a child today," and help us ensure that all students, no matter their background, have equitable access to quality education.
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