West Palm Beach, FL — Families First of Palm Beach County is proud to announce that Taylor Materio, a distinguished community leader and philanthropic powerhouse, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Harriet Goldstein Award. This prestigious honor will be presented at the organization’s 19th Annual Children’s Day Luncheon on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center. This event stands as one of Palm Beach County’s most anticipated philanthropic gatherings of the year, bringing together individuals dedicated to uplifting the lives of children and families.

A Legacy of Compassion: The Harriet Goldstein Award

The Harriet Goldstein Award was established in loving memory of Harriet Goldstein, a cherished and longtime board member of Families First and a passionate advocate for child welfare. The award serves to recognize individuals who have made outstanding and enduring contributions to improving the lives of the most vulnerable children and families in Palm Beach County.

Taylor Materio’s selection was a unanimous decision by the Families First board, a testament to her unwavering dedication and tireless work in support of at-risk children, families experiencing housing insecurity, and the vital nonprofit organizations that serve them. Her commitment embodies the spirit of compassion and action that Harriet Goldstein championed throughout her life.

Lady Denise Fraile, Event Chair and the esteemed presenter of the 2025 award, shared her admiration for Materio: “On behalf of the CEO of Families First, Julie Swindler, and our Board of Directors, it is our great pleasure to recognize Taylor’s deep commitment to advocacy, philanthropy, and community transformation. Taylor embodies the very spirit of Harriet Goldstein’s legacy — not only through her work but through her heart.”

The award presentation during the luncheon’s main program will be a highlight of the day, with Lady Denise Fraile and Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, Families First’s Event Ambassador, jointly presenting the honor.

Taylor Materio: A Champion for Families and a Voice for Change

Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Taylor Materio has dedicated her life to the profound mission of building stronger, more compassionate communities. Her journey of service is deeply rooted in her background in anthropology, which has equipped her with a unique understanding of human needs and societal structures. This foundation has propelled her into pivotal roles across the nonprofit, civic, and cultural sectors, where she has consistently made a tangible difference.

Materio’s impressive career trajectory includes serving as the Executive Director of Family Promise of North Central Palm Beach County. In this crucial role, she spearheaded efforts to stabilize families facing the profound challenges of housing insecurity, providing them with essential support and resources to regain stability. Following her impactful tenure there, she continued to champion vital causes through her work with Extraordinary Charities, an organization dedicated to advocating for grassroots initiatives and significantly elevating their visibility and reach within the philanthropic landscape.

Currently, Materio holds the position of Chief Development Officer for the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. In this leadership role, she is at the forefront of fundraising strategy, cultivating donor engagement, and forging community partnerships, all with the overarching goal of preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region for future generations.

Beyond her formal professional roles, Taylor Materio’s commitment to community upliftment shines through in her numerous personal initiatives and leadership positions. She is a Founding Partner of Night of Giving Palm Beach, an impactful annual event specifically designed to uplift underrecognized charities, bringing much-needed attention and resources to often overlooked organizations. Her entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement further extend to her partnerships in Let’s Get Social Palm Beach, Altima Public Relations, and McMow Art Glass, her family’s enduring legacy business, which itself contributes to the cultural fabric of the community. Demonstrating her dedication to local governance and community planning, she also serves as a Council Member and CRA Commissioner for the Town of Lake Clarke Shores.

Her profound influence permeates countless nonprofit boards and committees, always with a singular focus on creating meaningful impact across critical areas such as education, housing, health, and the arts. Her holistic approach to philanthropy underscores her belief that true community transformation requires multifaceted engagement.

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe eloquently captured the essence of Materio’s dedication, stating, “Taylor’s work is not just about service. It’s about presence. She shows up for families. For causes. For Palm Beach County. And this award is one small way to say: we see you, we thank you, and we celebrate you.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates Materio’s hands-on, deeply involved approach to her philanthropic endeavors.

The 19th Annual Children’s Day Luncheon: A Celebration of Hope, Community, and Change

The 19th Annual Children’s Day Luncheon promises to be an unforgettable afternoon of storytelling, music, inspiration, and community connection. Set to unfold at the prestigious Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center on November 7, 2025, the event schedule is thoughtfully designed to maximize engagement and impact: The Lobby will open at 10:45 AM, followed by the Dining Room opening at 11:45 AM, and the main program running from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.

The luncheon is expertly chaired by Lady Denise Fraile, with Jordan Goldman, CEO of Castle Group, serving as the esteemed Grand Benefactor Sponsor, highlighting the strong community backing for this vital event.

Attendees can anticipate a rich program, including:

• A captivating Keynote Speaker: Mary Giuseffi, a 3x Amazon Best-Selling Author, who will undoubtedly share insights and inspiration.
• The engaging presence of Emcee Toni May, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, ensuring a smooth and dynamic flow to the program.
• The continued support of Ambassador Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, further elevating the event’s profile.
• Heartwarming live musical performances by local 5th graders, showcasing the talent and spirit of the children directly impacted by Families First’s mission.
• A meticulously curated silent auction, offering unique items and experiences for a good cause.
• An exciting mascot reveal, adding an element of fun and surprise.
• Moving testimonials from families served, offering firsthand accounts of the transformative power of Families First’s programs.

For over three decades, Families First of Palm Beach County has been a beacon of hope, serving more than 57,000 children and family members. Their mission is deeply rooted in compassion, fostering stability, and facilitating transformation for those in need. The organization’s enduring commitment to providing essential services, from early childhood education to family support and mental health programs, has created a ripple effect of positive change throughout the community.

Join Us in Celebrating a True Community Hero

The Families First Annual Luncheon is more than just an event; it’s a powerful affirmation of the collective commitment to building a stronger, more supportive Palm Beach County for all its residents, especially its most vulnerable. It is an opportunity to celebrate the tireless efforts of individuals like Taylor Materio, whose dedication exemplifies the very best of community spirit and philanthropic endeavor.

As Taylor Materio herself eloquently reflected, “You don’t change a community through grand gestures alone. You change it by showing up — again and again — for the people who need it most.” This November, the community will indeed show up for her, celebrating her profound impact and unwavering commitment.

To attend this inspiring event or to explore sponsorship opportunities and contribute to the vital work of Families First of Palm Beach County, please visit http://www.familiesfirstpbc.org. Your participation helps ensure that the organization can continue its invaluable mission of providing compassion, stability, and transformation to thousands of children and families.