A dazzling evening of Cuban rhythm and generosity supports the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County.

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, the Palm House in Palm Beach will be transformed into a luminous celebration of culture and community as the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County hosts Havana Nights, a benefit event designed to ignite the spirit of giving through the sights, sounds, and flavors of Cuba. This elegant evening will blend tropical sophistication with heartfelt purpose, raising essential funds to support the organization’s life-changing counseling and family empowerment programs.

From the first hour, Havana Nights promises an atmosphere of energy and warmth. The evening begins poolside at six o’clock, where guests will gather under the palms for handcrafted cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The glow of the setting sun will lend a soft radiance to the outdoor terrace, setting the tone for a night devoted to both celebration and compassion. The sound of laughter mingling with live rhythms will mark the start of an evening in which every moment reflects the generosity of the Palm Beach community.

At seven o’clock, the festivities move indoors to the grand ballroom of the Palm House, where the full vibrancy of Cuban culture will come to life. Gourmet food stations will showcase the island’s culinary richness, with dishes designed to evoke Havana’s legendary hospitality. Each plate will be paired with the smooth allure of Cuban-style spirits, culminating in an interactive rum tasting experience that invites guests to explore the depth and history behind one of the Caribbean’s signature flavors.

The music will carry the evening forward with Latin beats that fill the ballroom with motion and excitement. Guests will be drawn to the dance floor, swept into the rhythm that has made Cuban music a global expression of joy. From the sultry pulse of live percussion to the melodic sway of the brass, the performance will create an atmosphere both festive and intimate, uniting guests in shared enthusiasm.

Adding a note of craftsmanship to the evening, the event will feature a cigar rolling station where guests can witness the artistry of traditional Cuban cigar making and take home their own hand-rolled souvenir. The mingling scent of tobacco leaves and the sound of rolling laughter will evoke the timeless charm of Havana’s street culture.

The night’s purpose will come into sharp focus during the live auction, where bidders will compete for luxury getaways, fine fashion, and exclusive experiences, all to benefit the Center for Family Services. The auction will capture the energy of the evening—spirited, generous, and joyful—while channeling it toward a mission that strengthens families and restores hope across Palm Beach County.

Behind the elegance of the event lies a deeply committed team whose leadership ensures that every dollar raised translates into lasting impact. Chief Executive Officer Todd L’Herrou, together with Chief Program Officer Jamie-Lyn Richartz, Ph.D., LMFT, CCTP, and Vice President of Finance Sheron Telfer, oversees an organization built on compassion, professionalism, and vision. Their guidance supports programs that reach families at every stage of life, offering counseling, education, and empowerment to those in need.

Among the dedicated professionals shaping these programs are Clinical Supervisor Manuela Mejia, MSW, who leads the Triple P and Teen Triple P initiatives focused on positive parenting and youth development; Clinical Supervisor Katie Bortniak, LCSW, RPT-S, who directs counseling for parents and young children; and Clinical Supervisor Desirae Monroe, MS, LMHC, CCTP, who oversees the Stop Abuse Family Empowerment (S.A.F.E.) and Individual & Family Counseling programs. Their expertise ensures that families not only receive guidance but also regain confidence and connection in the face of adversity.

Rounding out the leadership team, Carolina Libreros, MSW, LCSW, serves as Director of Children Services Council Programs, coordinating essential services that protect and uplift the youngest members of the community. Together, this group represents the heart of the Center for Family Services—a collective of professionals dedicated to building stronger, healthier families across Palm Beach County.

Havana Nights will be more than a gala; it will be a living expression of the Center’s mission. Each sip, dance, and auction paddle raised will directly support programs that deliver therapy, counseling, and education to families confronting hardship. Through these services, parents and children find stability, and the community as a whole benefits from the renewal of trust and well-being.

The Palm House, with its open architecture and elegant tropical design, provides the ideal backdrop for the evening. Its proximity to the ocean and lush surroundings lend a natural grace to the festivities, while its modern interiors ensure that the event flows seamlessly from poolside cocktails to ballroom revelry. Every detail, from the curated décor to the rhythmic soundtrack, will reflect the Center’s commitment to excellence and care.

Havana Nights represents a bridge between cultural celebration and social purpose. By immersing guests in the sensory richness of Cuban tradition, the event underscores the idea that joy and generosity are deeply connected—that the spirit of giving can thrive in the midst of festivity. For many attendees, the evening will serve as both a social highlight and a meaningful opportunity to contribute to an organization that touches thousands of lives each year.

As the evening progresses and the ballroom comes alive with music, the shared energy of the crowd will reflect the collective strength of a community united by compassion. Each dance and conversation will echo the event’s central message: that when people come together in support of families, the entire community grows stronger.

In the final moments of the night, as the last notes fade and the final bids are placed, Havana Nights will have achieved what few events manage to do—combine elegance, authenticity, and heartfelt purpose into a single unforgettable experience. The Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County will continue its work long after the music stops, sustained by the generosity and enthusiasm of those who came to celebrate.