Arthur Adler likes to keep a low profile. But it was no use at the 10th anniversary of Adler starting Boca West Children’s Foundation that has raised $9 million for 25 local children’s charities. Only his altruism and accomplishments could fill the Boca West ballroom. Nearly 900 people turned out to salute the former broadcasting, sports and record exec who saw the needs of kids right under his nose. Oh, and did we mention the entertainment that night was Jay Leno.
“You can’t educate a child who’s hungry,” said Adler, who characteristically kept his remarks short and sweet. Video accolades from KidSafe, American Association of Caregiving Youth and Sweet Dream Makers among other nonprofit leaders. “Arthur is a champion for children,” said Florence Fuller CEO Ellyn Okrent, there with many other CEOs for charities the foundation serves.
Emcee and auctioneer Neil Saffer did the ask and live auction bids. Two dinners with Adler and his wife Shelly went for $7,000 each to raise even more funds for the foundation. At a time when most people come here to retire and relax, “Arthur Adler saw a need,” Saffer said. “One man was able to inspire a community that rose to the challenge.”
“Only Arthur Adler could have done this,” said Howard Boilen, on both the Strul scholarship fund and foundation boards. “Help us help the children,” urged Marilyn Weinberg, who co-chaired the event with Sharyn Frankel and Yvonne Ackerman.
Adler did a shoutout to Shelly for 59 years of marriage, and Pam Weinroth, foundation executive director and COO on her birthday. The whole Adler clan came in for the party. “He’s the real deal,” Shelly told Boca Voice.
By Marci Shatzman
