WE SUPPORT
BallenIsles Charities Foundation
Did you know that prior to the pandemic, nearly 14% of Palm Beach County Residents, and one-in-five children lived below the poverty line? It is shocking when you think of the affluence that exists right alongside – from the abundance of local recreational and cultural opportunities, to fine dining, to the ocean-side luxury of the Breakers and Worth avenue. So many people who only a year ago were working, contributing members of our local community are now left homeless, hungry and, perhaps, medically compromised.
Last year, BallenIsles residents collectively pitched in to provide $720,400 in grants to 42 local non-profit organizations that support financial and in-kind services for Civic, Health & Human Services, Environment and Educational programs. In addition, thoughtful residents contributed 2½ large truckloads of clothes, furniture, electronics and more to help out during BallenIsles’ Habitat for Humanity Donation Day. Some donned hard hats and provided labor and sweat to help construct a Habitat for Humanity home in West Palm.
The list goes on and on... At the height of the pandemic, the Foundation purchased and distributed lunches for nurses and doctors at the PBG Medical Center for 6 weeks as a show of support to our medical heroes as they worked long hours to help those suffering from COVID and other maladies. The Feed the Hungry Pantry was the recipient of a BICF impact grant to purchase a refrigerated food truck. To quote Dan Shorter, the Director, “Due to the coronavirus robbing tens of thousands of neighbors of their jobs, our pantry has exploded from feeding 3,000+ families a month to 10,000+ a week – and the BallenIsles Truck is leading the way.”
The Foundation’s incredible work continues, but this year is different than any prior. For safety’s sake, the Foundation has eliminated all fundraisers involving social gatherings…the major source of generating revenue for grants. Realizing the challenges faced by our friends and neighbors outside the gates, BallenIsles residents have already begun to pitch in financially. Not for any tangible reward for giving, but because the need is great and the Foundation reliably vets grant recipients to ensure that money is spent helping out where the need is greatest. We at Illustrated Properties applaud our friends at BICF and the essential work they do on behalf of us all.
Won’t you support them too, by giving until It Feels Good!
