Snow Balls and Snow Birds

Posted by New York Social Diary 

And down in Palm Beach where it’s always in season, James Borynack, Findlay Galleries CEO and Chairman, and President Adolfo Zaralegui, hosted an elegant kickoff cocktail reception at their gallery on January 22, 2025 for Lighthouse Guild’s annual Visionary Evening Dinner on February 24, 2025, at Club Colette. The gala evening will honor Patrick and Milly Park, and Mary Mahoney for their philanthropic vision and community spirit.

Nearly 80 guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and conversation amid the gallery’s exceptional works of art. Marc Rosen, Founder of the Palm Beach Friends of Lighthouse Guild, welcomed the guests and recalled that nearly 20 years ago, Lighthouse Guild asked him and his late wife, Arlene Dahl, to host a “friend-maker,” which eventually led the creation of the annual Palm Beach Visionary Evening.

“Friend-maker is an apt way to describe our relationships in Palm Beach, and there are no greater examples of friendship than Jimmy and Adolfo,” said Rosen before introducing Dr. Calvin W. Roberts, President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild.

Echoing Rosen’s sentiments, Dr. Roberts said, “Jimmy and Adolfo are the best friends you could have, and the most gracious and generous hosts. A big thank you to Mary Mahoney, who kicked off our season with the Annual Tea at her beautiful store. We look forward to honoring her and Patrick and Milly Park at the Visionary Dinner.”

Dr. Roberts emphasized Lighthouse Guild’s mission to empower individuals who are visually impaired by providing comprehensive services that incorporate cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence to enhance independence and productivity. He highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to the arts, with programs such as workshops with The Metropolitan Museum of Art that allow visually impaired youth to create and experience art.

During the reception, Dr. Roberts showcased two art works created by participants of Lighthouse Guild’s Saturday Youth Transition Program. A 15-year-old with retinopathy of prematurity, crafted a tactile self-portrait using graphite pencil and sculpted wire. A 19-year-old with congenital cataracts and glaucoma, created an abstract piece reminiscent of Alexander Calder’s style.

“The intersection of art and technology allows our clients to express themselves, develop essential life skills, and prepare for the future,” said Dr. Roberts. “We invite everyone to join us at the Visionary Evening Dinner in February and be part of our mission to help thousands of individuals achieve their goals. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Following the reception, Borynack and Zaralegui hosted a by-invitation dinner at Club Colette.

Photographs by Quadir Moore/BFA.com (COS); Capehart (Lighthouse Guild).