Alpert JFS plans inaugural Resilience, Runway & Retail luncheon Nov. 2

Alpert Jewish Family Service will hold its first Resilience, Runway & Retail luncheon Nov. 2 in Palm Beach Gardens to raise money for programs that support adults with disabilities and special needs. The event will also honor Jane Terker Perelman and Bruce Terker for leadership and a $1 million endowment commitment.

Why it matters: - The luncheon will fund programs that help adults with disabilities grow more independent, connected and supported. - Proceeds will benefit Seeds of Chai, a hydroponic garden initiative that aims to give participants hands-on skills, social connection and access to food they help grow. - The event also underscores growing local philanthropy around belonging, mental health and disability services in Palm Beach County.

What happened: - Ferd & Gladys Alpert Jewish Family Service of Palm Beach County will host its inaugural “Resilience, Runway & Retail” luncheon on Nov. 2 in Palm Beach Gardens. - The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with boutiques open until 2 p.m., at BallenIsles Country Club, 100 BallenIsles Circle. - The day will start with a boutique marketplace, then move to a luncheon, program and fashion show at 11:30 a.m. - Jason Solodkin will serve as emcee. - The luncheon is co-chaired by Ellen Forrest, Amy Garelick and Emily Grabelsky. - Zelda Mason serves as chair of resource development, and Jennifer Lesser serves as Alpert JFS board chair and president. - The event is backed by a host committee of more than 100 women leaders from across Palm Beach County.

The details: - The marketplace will feature 25 pop-up boutiques from local retailers and specialty merchants. - Items will include designer and fine jewelry, contemporary fashion, accessories, home décor, artisan gifts, specialty card and game collections, and one-of-a-kind finds. - The marketplace will also showcase the Center for Belonging and Wellbeing Artisan Collection. - The collection features handcrafted pieces created by residents and participants. - The work is intended to reflect creativity, determination and belonging while giving guests a way to buy meaningful items. - A percentage of proceeds from participating vendors will benefit Levine Jewish Residential & Family Service and Alpert JFS. - Jane Terker Perelman and Bruce Terker will be honored as Champions of Belonging for their leadership, generosity and commitment to inclusion. - Their sister, Beth, has lived in the Levine JRFS Apartment Program for nearly 25 years. - The apartment program supports adults with mental illness and developmental disabilities in a less restrictive living setting. - Jane and Bruce recently made a $1 million endowment commitment in honor of their parents to support operations at the newly opened Center for Belonging and Wellbeing. - The luncheon will support Seeds of Chai, a CBW and Levine JRFS initiative to build a state-of-the-art hydroponic garden. - The garden is designed to help adults with disabilities grow food, connect with peers and build independence.

Between the lines: - The event blends fundraising with visibility for programs serving people with special needs, using fashion and retail to draw a broader audience. - Honoring the Terker siblings ties the fundraiser to a long family connection with Levine JRFS and the broader mission of belonging. - The $1 million commitment signals strong donor support for the new Center for Belonging and Wellbeing and its operating needs.

What's next: - Alpert JFS will use the luncheon to raise funds for Seeds of Chai and related support services. - Guests can learn more about the event through the organization's announcement. - Alpert JFS will continue serving clients through counseling, psychiatric services, residential programs, food security, emergency financial assistance and senior and Holocaust survivor services.