The Insider: Palm Beach Atlantic's signature fundraiser honors women who make a difference
Two longtime Palm Beachers received Palm Beach Atlantic University's highest honor at the school's signature fundraiser.
Denise Hanley and Sheila Rinker accepted their awards at the 32nd annual Women of Distinction Luncheon. The event took place Feb. 20 at The Breakers.
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Frances Fisher was chairwoman for the afternoon event, which recognizes visionary women who have made significant contributions to country, education, the arts, or health care.
“Women of Distinction salutes the legacy of incredible women and future leaders who dedicate their energy and resources to others,” said PBAU President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn. “As PBA looks ahead to the next chapter in our history, we recognize that our God-Sized Dreams campaign and continuous growth would not be possible without the support of leaders like Denise and Sheila. Their commitment to service has helped create opportunities for future leaders, including our scholarship recipients.”
Hanley was the first awardee to speak.
“I am and have been a cheerleader for this ever-blossoming, God-centered university for decades,” Hanley said. “PBA is a living, breathing God-sized dream, and this miraculous university is today, in my opinion, the centerpiece and the jewel of West Palm Beach — welcoming and beckoning students from all over the world to experience and enjoy the best four years of their lives.”
Rinker spoke next, recalling how, in the 1980s, she and her husband took piano lessons while the School of Music was located in the basement of a local church. The Rinkers vowed to help improve the department and were instrumental in building the Vera Lea Rinker Hall in 2002, which houses performing arts classes.
Rinker also shared a favorite quote: “If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life.”
The afternoon included the presentation of the first-ever Women of Distinction Humanitarian Award, which went to to PBAU students Claire and AnnaMae Predtechenskis. The two became temporary caregivers last year to a nonverbal, autistic 22-year-old Israeli girl whose family was affected by the Middle East crisis.
“AnnaMae and Claire did not wait for a request for help,” said luncheon chairwoman Frances Fisher. “They reached out to see how they could rescue Liel from the horrors of war. Their response of offering refuge highlights service above self, unparalleled empathy and bravery — and most certainly may have saved Liel’s life.”
More than 350 people attended the sold-out event.
Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund for women students who excel in academics, service, and leadership. This year's six recipients are Abigail Diaz, a freshman from Lake Worth studying communication; Lydia Ducanis, a junior from Davie studying finance; Niang Thang, a senior from Lake Worth studying psychology; Margaret Myskowski, a junior from Sullivan, Missouri, studying nursing; Darah Oniwa, a freshman from Tulsa, Oklahoma, studying chemistry; and Emie Santos, a junior from Bergenfield, New Jersey, studying pre-law.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Six PBAU women students receive scholarships funded by annual luncheon
