The Fairchild Palms, the young professionals’ group affiliated with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (FTBG), presented FTBG on Saturday, August 28, with a $15,000 donation that the nonprofit group raised at its parties, happy hours, wine-tastings and other special events during its 2009-2010 fiscal year. The money will support the Fairchild Challenge, FTBG’s renowned environmental education and conservation program distributed free to elementary, middle and high schools locally and nationwide.
“The Fairchild Palms’ ability to raise $15,000 through ticket sales and sponsorships during one of the most challenging economies in recent history is a major testament to the hard work of our board, the commitment of our corporate sponsors and the support of our members and community,” said John Cyril Malloy III, president of the Palms and partner of Malloy & Malloy P.A. patent law firm. “This year, we’re proud to have raised 50% more than the $10,000 we donated last year and to see our membership and email database continue to gain in strength and numbers. Our success proves that, even in tough economic times, South Floridians remain dedicated to socializing, networking and supporting worthwhile causes.”
The group presented the check during the Fairchild Challenge’s annual Launch Brunch for Teachers at FTBG. Photographed from left to right: Mario Facella of Wells Fargo Private Bank; Amy Padolf of Fairchild Challenge; Mary Scott Russell of Chamber South; Gregg Pawley of Geomantic Designs; Marcie Voce of Edward Jones Investments; Otto Foerster of Brown & Brown Insurance; Monica O’Chaney of E Sciences; Samantha Castronovo of NTM Info & Research; Jolie Balido of Roar Media; Andrew Quarrie of Silverpulp Advertising, and John Malloy of Malloy & Malloy patent law firm.
The group will toast its annual donation to the Fairchild Challenge during its upcoming happy hour and networking event at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 1, on the Area 31 terrace at the Epic Hotel, 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way. The event, open to the public for a $10 suggested donation, includes two-for-one drink specials and free appetizers. After this event, the group will provide the annual “Bootanical Bash” on October 29 at FTBG, an event that more than 300 costumed carousers attended last year. More information about the Palms and its events is available at www.fairchildpalms.org or by calling (786) 888-1495.