Palm Beach County’s philanthropic community gathered for a morning with real momentum behind it: the Families First of Palm Beach County Annual Donor Breakfast — a celebration of impact, a recognition of exceptional leadership, and the launchpad for the organization’s most anticipated fundraiser of the year.
Board members, donors, and advocates filled the room for an event that looked both backward and forward: reflecting on program outcomes while setting the tone for the annual Children’s Day Luncheon ahead.
Honoring the advocates
The morning’s defining moment was the presentation of the Advocate Honoree Awards to Kelly Henry and Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe — two figures whose credibility and visibility have amplified the organization’s mission well beyond its usual circles.
Henry, editor of Palm Beach Florida Weekly and a former Executive Producer at NBC Boston, brings more than two decades of media leadership to her advocacy. She has become one of Palm Beach’s most trusted philanthropic voices — someone who doesn’t just tell stories that matter but actively backs the causes behind them.
Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe lends the work an unmistakably global dimension. The European royal and international media personality has made a habit of deploying his platform with intention, and his alignment with Families First bridges worlds of influence and grassroots advocacy.
A champion’s case for collective power
The prestigious Champion Award went to Denise Fraile, widely regarded as one of Palm Beach County’s most dynamic philanthropic leaders — and her acceptance remarks challenged the room’s assumptions about how change happens.
“In a recent media interview, I was asked: if I could meet one person to fix a cause, who would it be?” she shared. “And my answer was simple — I don’t believe one person can sustainably fix a cause.”
“Real change doesn’t come from a single individual. It comes from people — coming together, each bringing something different, something meaningful,” she continued. “We each bring our own superpower to the table — and when those come together, that’s when true, lasting change happens.”
Fraile, who chairs the upcoming Children’s Day Luncheon for a fourth consecutive year, is building on last year’s 30 percent jump in funds raised. Her strategy this year: earlier engagement, new sponsorship packages, and additional revenue streams. FPL will receive this year’s Corporate Impact Award.
This year’s luncheon message cuts close to home: hardship can arrive for anyone, at any time — and the right support at the right moment changes everything. Keynote speaker Courtney Williams embodies it. Her journey from stability to unexpected hardship and back — rebuilt with Families First’s support — will anchor the event.
“You’ll hear a story that brings that to life — one that reflects what it truly means to go from stability to uncertainty… and to rise again with the support of a community behind you,” Fraile said.
Celebrity photographer Gail V Haines documented the morning. A night — or rather, a morning — to remember.
Related Reading
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- Prince Mario Max Schaumburg Lippe Opens New York Fashion Week 2026
Originally published on Times Square Chronicles.
