Bracing for Hurricane Matthew

We are in full preparation mode as we brace our families, homes, and the Sun Capital Partners headquarters for the potential landfall of Hurricane Matthew over the next few days. With dangerous weather approaching, we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our team and their families including the initiation of disaster recovery procedures and business continuity plans. While we batten down the hatches at work and make arrangements to cope with the weather, I am more grateful than ever for the organizations that help those less fortunate in our communities during such weather and natural disasters.

The Sun Capital Partners Foundation is a proud supporter of organizations that offer invaluable aid to families and children in times of need. These caring people not only offer assistance during weather emergencies, but also provide daily support for victims of domestic abuse, neglect, homelessness and poverty. One such organization we support is HANDY, whose ethos is Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantage Youth. 

Especially in Florida, where weather-related emergencies are not unusual, HANDY is a critical helping hand for displaced and at-risk young people in the community. This award-winning non-profit offers an expansive list of programs to help children and young people who have been removed from their homes because of domestic violence, substance abuse, physical and/or sexual abuse, or abandonment. The team at HANDY has played an instrumental role in keeping many children safe during disasters, natural or otherwise. 

This year the Sun Capital Partners Foundation has donated $100,000 to HANDY to advance their mission and capacity to help others. Just as HANDY supported displaced youth following the earthquake in Haiti not so long ago, we are sure to see this organization and other charitable institutions like it hard at work and lending a hand in relief efforts, should Hurricane Matthew hit our communities. Unfortunately, it is times like these that illustrate the vital importance of organizations like HANDY to the youth in our community. I am thankful for the staff and volunteers at HANDY, and grateful to have played a small part in helping them reach more children in need.

Philanthropy - YMCA Of South Palm Beach County 9-29-16

Many people think of “The Y” as a place for family recreation and fitness. The truth is that the YMCA offers a very wide range of community-minded programs that promote healthy living and embed the ideals of social responsibility. This commitment is demonstrated by the fact that the YMCA allows all community members to participate in membership programs regardless of their ability to pay fees. These are just some of the reasons that the Sun Capital Foundation is pleased to have been a supporter of the YMCA of South Palm Beach County.

The YMCA of South Palm Beach County is ranked in the top quartile of all YMCAs in the country, and serves more than 70,000 area residents. The organization stands out due to several strategic initiatives, including: Drowning Prevention, the Y Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), and its Healthy Eating Physical Activity (HEPA) guidelines and Education Enrichment. The South Palm Beach Y also provides approximately $1 million in scholarship assistance each year!

Among all of these programs, the drowning prevention program deserves special mention. This is not an issue that gets much notice unless tragedy strikes, but The YMCA of South Palm Beach County recognized that it deserves ongoing attention, especially in a state like Florida where ocean and lake activities make up such a huge part of people’s daily lives and the economy. The organization was selected as a winner for its WaterSmart community initiative designed to reduce the number of death caused by drownings in the region, and received a grant from Impact 100 to continue its work.

As the summer winds down, the Y is finishing its busiest season, hosting Summer Camp for kids from age 5 through teenagers. Activities range from surfing and skating to field trips to the zoo, the science museum and local parks. For many area parents, having a resource like the Y to ensure their kids have a safe, educational and fun summer is a real lifesaver.