10th Annual JA Caribbean Wind Captured in Captivating Photos

Author: Denise Sawyer
Community Involvement
Published: Monday, 16 Oct 2023

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Image caption: Robert Sadler Clark is the talented photographer behind the lens, who captured the vibrant spirit of the event.

The Esther B. O’Keeffe Charitable Trust’s 10^th Annual JA Caribbean Wind, which took place at Safe Harbor Rybovich on Oct. 14, was an unforgettable evening filled with Caribbean vibes, delectable cuisine, live reggae music by Clement Aubrey and One Tribe, and fundraising efforts to further the impact of Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast.

The evening was co-chaired by Deana Pizzo of I.T. Solutions of South Florida and David Markarian of The Markarian Group. Committee members included Rikki and Stu Bagatell; Shannon and Brad Ball; Kathy and Jon Burstein; Allison and Trey Fogg; Alyssa Freeman; Teresa Heine; Dena and Dennis Kennedy; LeeAnne and Joe LaBanz; Al Loureiro; Sonali and Neeraj Mendiratta; Melissa Nash; Sophia A. Nelson; and Josh Vandagriff.

The event's setting was a true paradise, surrounded by yachts up to one hundred meters in length. Guests were immersed in the idyllic atmosphere, complete with swaying palm trees, sea breezes, and the sounds of live reggae music by Clement Aubrey and One Tribe.

The event was not just about the setting and the food; it was about the power of coming together to support a common cause: teaching students in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Hendry Counties work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.

The Esther B. O'Keeffe Charitable Trust was the title sponsor and Publix Super Markets Charities was the presenting sponsor. Sponsorship levels were named after various islands of the Caribbean. The Stiles-Nicholson Foundation grabbed one of three Anguilla sponsorships available, which included VIP cabana seating for ten and a dedicated server.

Truist was an Antigua sponsor, while the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County had the exclusive Bermuda sponsorship. FineMark Bank had one of three Puerto Rico sponsorships available, which included having naming rights to one of the evening’s bars and a named signature cocktail.

Comcast, The Markarian Group and Patriot Securities had Haiti sponsorships, while I.T. Solutions of South Florida grabbed the exclusive Cuba sponsorship. The Caribbean Cookie sponsor was Resnick Wealth Alliance. Woerner Holdings was a Jamaica sponsor; and Crowe, M&T Bank/Wilmington Trust, and Worldwide Systems - IT Marine Project Services were Bahamas-level sponsors. Florida Atlantic University, J. Hilburn Men's Clothier, Dena and Dennis Kennedy, New York Life, and RM Logitech were Barbados-level sponsors. Other supporters included D’Lopez Cigars, Happy Day Creations, Robert Sadler Clark Photography, Salute Market, Saltwater Brewery, Rude Bwoy Spirits, Vintage Wine Estates, and Southern Eagle Distributing.