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H arnessing her niche equestrian roots and connections within the elite sport, high-end realtor Kathleen Gannon has her sights set on selling from land to sea.
For Neil S. Hirsch—skilled poloist, visionary CEO, and caring philanthropist—the word “no” simply wasn’t part of his vocabulary. From Hirsch’s close support and involvement with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County to founding the World Championship Equestrian Triathlon as an annual fundraiser, his commitment was unwavering. Obstacles, to the leader and bon vivant who passed away in the summer of 2021, were simply chances to dream bigge r . “In no uncertain terms, Neil declared this would be the biggest charity event,” Widow Dr. Laura DeLuca says. “Initially there was pushback. Some felt adding an event to his already-full Boys and Girls Club charity roster would be a detriment to the other events. Neil, per usual, was unphased by naysayers.” With a clear vision and the help of Event Chair Kathleen Ganon-Ledsome, Hirsch set to work transforming Ganon-Led- some’s small farm triathlon into an annual fundraiser to benefit the Neil S. Hirsch Boys and Girls Club of Wellington. The concept? A thrilling show with a twist, where onlookers could enjoy top polo, hunter/jumper, and dressage athletes competing—but in equestrian disciplines completely new to their skill set. “This event shows the limitations of even the most seasoned elite athletes,” DeLuca says. “A rider’s ego is not in the way. For example, Neil loved the thought of his polo teammates competing in dressage. He felt it created newfound respect for opponents, and showed a willingness to learn and try despite limitations in a foreign equestrian sport. He loved the courage it took for the riders to potentially fail on horseback. He loved the success that riders had when they achieved in an alternative discipline.” DeLuca adds that Hirsch’s commitment to working on himself, and his talents, wisdom, and confidence was a common thread, woven through every aspect of his life. Furthermore, it was a journey he hoped to inspire others to join. “Neil’s desire to connect the Boys and Girls Club to his equestrian friends was ever present,” President and CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Jaene Miranda says. “The World Championship Equestrian Triathlon was Neil’s big idea. It exists today because he championed the effort and pulled together a great team to execute his vision.” Since its inception nearly five years ago, the event has raised crucial funds for the Neil S. Hirsch Boys and Girls Club of Wellington—contributing to healthy meals and a safe environment, as well as support for achievement gaps and social-emotional trauma. The club’s mission is to enable all children to reach their full potential by learning good character, living a healthy lifestyle, and staying on track to graduate with a plan for the future.
Each issue I want to bring to you experiences both bold and benign, luxe and leisure, for long-time residents and transplants alike. South Florida has much to offer, and I want to be your personal guide. Follow me as we begin this journey together because if you haven’t, you should...
The house showcases the creativity and design expertise of twenty-four of the nation’s most acclaimed interior designers and architects. The Fifth Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach was held in West Palm Beach's Old Northwood Historic District. Design lovers from around the nation, visitors, and locals had the opportunity to tour the completed Show House. The show home doubles as the nation’s leading design event of the year and a major fundraiser for Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “We’re incredibly excited that the showhouse is now open to the public”, says James Druckman, President of the Board of the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club. “The designers and architects of this year’s Show House have worked around the clock to bring their dream rooms to life. We think they have encapsulated the essence of Palm Beach perfectly. “ The Show House attracts 15,000 visitors each year and all proceeds benefit the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. The Clubs offer innovative after-school and enrichment programs for more than 21,000 youth, ages six through 18 in ten locations throughout the Bronx and 17 across Palm Beach County. The esteemed show- houses have raised over $25 million to date. The 24 designers and architects participating in this year’s Decorator Show House Palm Beach include: • Amanda Reynal Interiors • Andrea Schumacher Interiors • Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design • Bakes and Kropp Fine Cabinetry • Bell Design, Inc. • Beth Diana Smith Interior Design • Catherine M Austin Interior Design • Craig & Company • Damour Drake • Goddard Design Group • Janie Molster Designs • Jim Dove Design • Joy Street Design • Nikki Levy Interiors • Noz Design • Paloma Contreras Interior Design • Pearl Design Interiors • Peter Pennoyer Architects • Philip Gorrivan Design • Robert Brown Interior Design • Sarah Bartholomew Design, LLC. • The Lewis Design Group • Tiffany Brooks Interiors • Tish Mills Interiors
Imagine you are comfortable and settled in your beach lounger, novel in hand that you specifically selected for your Florida beach excursion. You bask in the warm sun while occasionally gazing at the tranquil and serene white sea foam that flows with the ebb and flow of the surf. In a matter of seconds your serenity is disturbed when a sound so intoxicating changes your focus as your eyes span the vast blue green water in your direct line of view. Your attention is transfixed on what appears to be a large sport fishing vessel slicing through the water. You take note that this boat is fully outfitted with a crew and guests as well as rods and reels and is heading out to blue water for a day of offshore fishing of the finest catches the Florida Keys offers. This was the first time I was lured to the call of deep-sea fishing. My husband introduced me to Captain Marty Lewis and his crew of The Main Attraction, located in Key Colony Beach in Marathon (Mile Marker 53.5) over a decade ago. Since then, we have consistently counted on their expertise for countless amazing offshore, reef, wreck, tarpon, and sailfish charter experiences. The Keys, is well known among anglers and holds the title of sportfishing capital of the world, particularly for sailfish and tarpon. This family-owned operation, with Captain Marty Lewis and his wife Katie at the helm lead a crew that hosts private charters 300+ days a year. Marty has been fishing these waters since he was a teenager and has developed a keen instinct and knowledge of reading the conditions of the day as well as years of on-the-job experience knowing the ideal spots for the optimum success of your charter. Noteworthy, Captain Marty is a multi-trophied Sailfish tournament winner. The crew of The Main Attraction participates in as many Sailfish tournaments in the Florida Keys as their schedule allows, many offering significant purses. Their record includes numerous wins as well as placements. The crew attests to its success through strict adherence with fundamental preparation and complete inspection of their crafts. TheMainAtttraction.org lists their outstanding tournament record including setting a Florida Keys Sailfish Record meticulously on one of their five charter boats Main One, a 49’ Cape Fear where the crew caught and released 70 Sailfish in a single day. As the Florida Keys is host to the only living coral reef in North America, from the novice angler to a tournament trophy pro, reef charters can a great start to an offshore excursion or a family friendly afternoon. A Florida favorite, Grouper, as well as Mahi Mahi is widely available from May through September. In the cooler months, Wahoo and Kingfish abound. Yellowtail Snapper is a favorite find in the cooler months and once back at the dock, your Captain is able to filet your catch and bag it for you to bring to one of the local restaurants the crew recommends to prepare for your dinner or to bring home with you to cook for yourself! If sport fishing is the itinerary of the charter, often referred to as “fly fishing in the Keys” the Tarpon is perhaps the most legendary Florida Keys catch and release sportfish. Anglers anxiously await every spring and summer when thousands of Tarpon up to 6 feet in length travel throughout Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Key West. The adrenaline rush of hooking one of these mammoth giants is intense as they are fighters and wily. Additional sport fish such as Permit, Snook, Red Drum, and Spotted Seatrout abound in these waters as well. The Main Attraction run half, three-quarter and full day charters or inquire about an overnight trip. Consider booking Main One a 49’ deep V hull Carolina style sportfishing yacht which offers an air-conditioned salon for taking a breather from reeling your catch. Accommodations include 2 full bathrooms with showers and 2 comfortable bedrooms. This boat also features a full kitchen, television and a comfortable Fly-bridge Mezzanine for lounging. Also, although rare – but it does happen, if the fish aren’t biting, Captain Marty will make any excursion memorable just being out on the water. On any given offshore excursion, the opportunity may present itself for guests to spy a variety of sharks including Nurse, Blacktip and Bull. To appease your wallet, “no fish no pay” on full day trips is the company motto. Each boat is meticulously maintained and each charter includes bait, tackle, and fishing licenses in the charter rate. You have the option to bring food and beverages onboard The Main Attraction as well as personal items and don’t forget your sunscreen! Iced coolers will be made available for your food and drink. Consider bringing a cooler to transport your fish for the ride home. They also have a partnership with Brutus Seafood if you’d prefer to have your excursion lunch catered. If accommodations are required for a large group or family vacation, they have access to nearby Palm Villa, a stunning 2-story rental that easily accommodates up to 10 guests and offers 7 bedrooms and 4 baths and is equipped with a kitchen on each floor. The villa features beautiful furnishings and all the creature comforts of home -- a wonderful alternative to a hotel. The grounds offer a spacious backyard, pool, BBQ and its own large dock. If your preference is a hotel to accommodate multiple guests, The Main Attraction has partnered with nearby hotels that cater to visiting anglers, many with access to plenty of water activities including jet ski rentals, kayaks, paddleboards and more. The full-service attention to detail The Main Attraction offers its clientele is endless. It’s next to impossible to truly enjoy your fishing experience and not have photos to document your fishing stories. Ask about booking a dedicated professional photographer to accompany you for all or a portion of your excursion. Photographer, and himself a captain, Mikey Finiguerra, Owner of MFin Media is at your service and inquires regarding booking can be made when you arrange your charter. Photography courtesy of Mikey Finiguerra, Owner of MFin Media as well as those provided by the The Main Attraction. The Main Attraction . Key Colony Beach Marina . 400 Sadowski Causeway . Marathon, Florida . 33051 . Mile Marker 53.5 . 305-289-0071 MFin Media, is a Florida-based full-service content creation company specializing in TV and digital media production and management. His work has been seen on the Discovery Channel, NBC Sports, Sportsman's Channel, Outdoor Channel, and World Fishing Network.
20 of the nation’s most prominent design firms came together to design The Kips Bay Decorator Show House Palm Beach. The fourth annual Florida iteration of the esteemed Show House program in New York City, launched in April. In Just under three months, the group of talented designers transformed a 4,400 sq. foot Mediterranean villa on South Flagler Dr. consisting of five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a formal living and dinning room, together with lushly landscaped grounds. The home features breathtaking water views of the Intracoastal waterway from every room in the house. Three outdoor terraces, a tropical pool area and direct access to sandy Flagler beach bring together the most luxurious elements of both indoor and outdoor Florida living. The show home benefits the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. Lorna Gross - Dinning Room The “Menagerie Dining Room” by Lorna Gross of the DC - based firm, Lorna Gross Interior Design, is a whimsical, enchanted space with a collection of unique antique, vintage and hand crafted pieces from around the world coupled with signature touches of sophistication and glam. The room is anchored by a custom Flora rug artfully designed and hand-knotted by New Moon Rugs, featuring 174 color combinations. Floating above the dining table is a dramatic gold leaf and rattan sculptured chandelier by Currey & Company. Benjamin Deaton - Living Room Inspiration for “Parlour Games” by Benjamin Deaton of Kentucky-based Benjamin Deaton Interior Design was derived from the azure walls of Bunny Mellon’s iconic Manhattan dining room. The silk-clad wall covering from Phillip Jeffries and chocolate lacquered mantel are cozy, yet maintain a feeling of cool that is suitable for the tropical climate. Curtains from The Shade Store in a crisp, yet casual white linen fabric of to the laid back lifestyle of Palm Beach and compliment the pops of color scattered throughout the room. Mally Skok - Second Floor Seating Area Flattering tones of corals, pinks and apricots reign supreme in “The Sunny Spot” by Mally Skok of the Massachusetts-based Mally Skok Designs. Skok’s own “Secret Temple” wallpaper covers the walls with whimsy Benjamin Moore paint the the shade of “Golden Gate” adorns the trim. A custom bench invites one to relax and unwind to the sun drenched space among layers of pillows, artwork, and objects that complete the space. Brittany Bromley - Guest Room “Le Jardin des Perroquets” by Westchester-based Brittany Bromley of Brittany Bromley Interiors represents the designer’s favorite French inspired design elements, mixed with a soft, Plam beach style palette. The highly decorated respite features a stunning, hand painted, scenic wallpaper complemented with an overall color scheme of soft, feminine pinks, creams and aquas. The intricate cornices, created in collaboration with The Shade Store, draw the eye upward and give the overall impression of traditional European style window treatments. Other notable decorative elements include delicate, antique French crystal light fixtures, whimsical trim decoration and antique botanical prints. The room is grounded by a hand painted, Bunny Mellon-esque floor, and a soft pale Venetian plaster ceiling. NiNa Magon - Guest Bedroom When approaching the design of “Contessa’s Bedroom”, Houstan-based Nina Magon of Nina Magon Studio merged classical elements into a modern and futuristic design with distinguished furniture pieces. Benjamin Moore’s Rosy Tan color serves as a backdrop for the architecturally designed space which boasts a luscious rug by New Moon Rugs beneath a custom designed bed frame wrapped in Dekton by Consentino, complete with an upholstered headboard in a textile by Fabricut. The chic white bedding adds a subtle sophistication and the drapery fabricated by The Shade Store, creates an elegant refined statement for the room. Alexandra Naranjo - Guest Bath The guest bath underwent a dramatic transformation at the hands of Ontario - based Alexandra Naranjo of Alexandra Naranjo Designs. Titled “ Interlude in Indigo,” KOHLER’s Artifacts freestanding Tub in Indigo Blue is on display under an oversized gold chandelier by Currey & Company. Stunning wall coverings by de Gurney and Phillip Jeffries sweep visitors into an enchanted blue jungle while indigo and sapphire tones appear again in the drapery panels. The trim is drenched in Benjamin Moore’s Old Navy. A gold metallic raffia wall covering on the ceiling completes the look. Ellen Kavanaugh -Awning Covered Balcony Aptly named “ Bar Mustique,” Ellen Kavanaugh of Palm Beach - based Ellen Kavanaugh Interiors drew inspiration from chickee huts often found in the Caribbean islands, as well as organic, natural textures and handmade, artisanal pieces that celebrate the art of the craft. Finishes and materials like sun-bleached washed linens mixed with glamorous silk and antiques mixed with mid-century modern upholstery lend themselves to comfortable, chic living. The bar, made of brass and minimalistic in design, serves as the focal point while a variety of native plants, candles, and beautiful accoutrements offset the space.