Joel Malkin

Joel Malkin

I've spent more than 30 years on the radio in Palm Beach County, starting as a deejay in the late 1980s. Over the years, I became a news...Full Bio

 

Local Non-Profit's CEO Explains Cancellation Of Event Planned At Maralago

Close to 20 organizations have either moved their planned events from Mar-a-Lago or cancelled them outright since President Trump's post-Charlottesville comments. 

Those include Boca Raton-based Unicorn Children's Foundation. 

CEO Sharon Alexander tells us the non-profit had scheduled a fashion show luncheon at the property in January.

"Our decision was not politically based, and I want to make that very clear because we have supporters on both sides of the political spectrum.  The conversation about our organization became so focused on the venue for a fundraising event and it was distracting the conversation from our mission of helping kids with special needs excel in the community."

She says the complaints in the form of phone calls and messages on social media were conducted "almost in a bullying-type format" from both sides.

The Foundation has held several events at the president's Palm Beach estate over the years with major success. 

"By cancelling this event, we're looking at a shortfall of $160,000.  We've been fiducially responsible and we've got a reserve set up, but it certainly does put a damper on our ability to add additional programs."

While some of the other groups have moved to other places, Alexander says there isn't another venue that would allow them to raise the type of funding that Mar-a-Lago affords.

"It's a gorgeous venue.  It's got great history.  It's an exclusive venue and it really affords charities the opportunity to charge premium ticket prices and attract individuals with significant philanthropic capabilities."

Click Here to learn more about the Unicorn Children's Foundation.

You can also listen to Sharon Alexander explain their mission:

Image: Unicorn Children's Foundation


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