Reflecting on the Season: Friendship Palm Beach, Out with Friends

“A strong circle of friends can lift you, inspire you, and help you become the best version of yourself. that circle of friends should be a source of love, positivity, and encouragement. Choose friends who bring light and encouragement, for their presence in your life will brighten your days.”

Unlike the recent series called Palm Royale which for seriocomic affect has its protagonist played by Kristin Wigg literally fling herself over guarded walls to an exclusive club in an attempt to be a member of Palm Beach society in the late 1960s. This writer has found Palm Beach a welcoming warm and inviting place where nearly everyone wants you to succeed and makes one feel supported and loved.

That being said two paramount figures have made my life in Palm Beach both fascinating and exhilarating, first and foremost the force of nature and kindness Douglas Evans the President and CEO of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, whom gives friendship support and propels you with nothing in return except he wants to be kind and supportive. He literally is the “face” of Palm beach. He in turn introduced me the indomitable Vicki Schneps, the publisher and owner of the largest group of local media outlets in New York City, Westchester County and Philadelphia and Palm Beach, Schneps Media, the Golden Triangle and this publication. Vicki trusted me last year to continue the “Out in Palm Beach” column.

This past season began with a lunch at the fabulous Swifty’s at the iconic Colony Hotel, where Doug and I had been summoned by the always lovely and gregarious Vicki, to chat about the upcoming season, it was like an audience with the beloved “Queen” of media.

This season again I was granted the great honor and privilege to interview some of the most fascinating successful and caring “Out” people of Palm Beach. What a season of fun joy and excitement to get to interview and them and to be blessed by forging friendships we these individuals. So, here goes a recap of all that was, and all the fabulous Palm Beach people and events I attended. A magical place Ike no other.

Events were kicked off with the Worth Ave Association, Christmas tree lighting I attended with Douglas Evans. A beautiful site to be hold in our “Winter wonderland” of palm trees and beaches.

Interviews and new forged friendships began with a group of fascinating business, and creatives. Starting with:

Steve Caras former ballet dancer and now renowned dance photographer and lecturer. He studied and danced the American Ballet Theater he studied under the legendary George Balanchine. His photo retrospective CARASMATIC can be seen at the Kravis Cetner as well as his lecture series.

Max and Joseph McNamara, who founded Sky Cap Corp a medical repatriation company. As successful businessmen they have enormous substance and community involvement with a passion for Philanthropic endeavors too numerous to list. Suffice to say you will see the immaculately dressed and handsome couple in nearly every publication from this past season

Rand Hoch Esquire, Political activist and highly respected human rights advocate, whose story of activism for LQBTQ+ rights truly are inspiring and brave. A true pioneer. Some of his stories and activism gave me goose bumps. We have come a long way.

Tim Quinn, Founder and CEO of the acclaimed Halo42 skincare. Who gives back to many organizations including the Farrah Fawcett Foundation and the Palm Beach Cancer Alliance. He assists cancer survivors with skin care and beauty to boost their confidence, as well as working with major stars in Hollywood.

Alvin Valley, fashion designer, known as the “King of Pants” who recently designed the breathtaking pantsuit worn by actress Julianna Margulies, at the palm beach AMFAR event.

Community and philanthropic events included the Friends of Uffizi Gallery and Palm Beach Symphony party hosted by Scott Diament Diament. Chamber of Commerce breakfasts hosted at the Breakers Hotel, Chamber of Commerce, business socials, the Palm Beach Symphony gala at the Kravis Center. Dan’s Papers yacht party on the breathtaking yacht of Gary Lieberthal, at which many of our interviewee’s were present as well as Broadway theater producing royalty Fran Weissler.

In addition, the April 6 International Gay Polo Club event sponsored by one of last years featured subjects Chip Mckenney is always an exhilarating event.

The Dan’s Papers Power list award dinner was the climax of the season, where my good friends Doug Evans and Mikolaj Bauer, were named power couple of the year.

An awe filled season of interviews, friends’ events and excitement!  Thank you, Dan’s Papers! What an “OUT” and about season! No walls climbed no motes to leap over just doors opened with a smile. “Palm Royale”, ha! Palm Beach yes!

Frank D’Agostino is a playwright, composer, executive producer, figure skater and active member in the Southern Florida community.