Addison's Centennial Celebrates Local Heroes with $100K in Grants

Boca Raton, FL, USA - The Addison, a historic venue in Boca Raton, FL, recently celebrated its upcoming centennial by unveiling an impressive initiative aimed at giving back to the community. On June 20, 2025, it announced the ten nonprofit recipients of its 100 Years, $100K Giving Initiative, where each organization was awarded a $10,000 grant. This initiative is not just a nod to The Addison’s rich history; it is a commitment to fostering positive change in the local community.

Winners of these grants include JARC Florida, the Boca Raton Historical Society, Sweet Dream Makers, EmpowHERto Inc., the Boca Raton Police Foundation, the Great Plains Foundation, Impact 100, Friends of Foster Children of Palm Beach County, the Florida Atlantic University Foundation, and the Twin Palms Center. Each of these organizations plays a vital role in the community, and their innovative missions were recognized and supported through this initiative, as detailed by the Boca Raton Tribune. The recipients were celebrated at a Centennial Grant Cocktail Reception held on June 17, 2025, where Zoe Lanham, Vice President of The Addison, expressed her appreciation for the passion and purpose shown by the applicants.

A Celebration of Partnerships

The Addison’s approach to its centennial celebration goes beyond mere festivities. This initiative embodies a celebration of partnerships and community spirit. As noted in Boca Magazine, the application process opened in May, specifically targeting 501c3 nonprofits based in Palm Beach or Broward Counties. A dedicated committee of 24 individuals, composed of both Addison employees and community members, meticulously evaluated the applications and selected the top ten nonprofits for funding.

Karla Kannan, a board member of EmpowHERto Inc., emphasized the grant’s significant role in expanding their programs aimed at underserved Black and Latina girls. This highlights a deeper commitment: The Addison is not just handing out checks; it’s actively seeking to empower and uplift marginalized communities. Chris Berens, the executive director of Twin Palms Center, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the grant’s importance for fundraising and operational support.

Looking Ahead: A Centenary Gala

The excitement doesn’t stop here. The Addison is gearing up for a Centennial Gala in collaboration with the City of Boca Raton on November 9, 2025. This grand event will further consolidate the partnerships formed during this initiative and celebrate the significant impact these nonprofits have on the local community.

This initiative mirrors trends seen across the nation where organizations, like The New York Community Trust, are celebrating their centennials by giving back. In New York, they pledged $3 million to various nonprofits, focusing on crucial issues such as affordable housing and mental health. The emphasis on community-driven grant-making is evident as both The Addison and The New York Community Trust strive to amplify the voices of local nonprofit organizations. The strength of community input in shaping funding priorities cannot be overstated, as discussed in The New York Community Trust’s recent announcements.

The Addison’s centennial celebrations not only mark a milestone but also represent the heart of Boca Raton’s community spirit. By investing in these nonprofits, The Addison reinforces the idea that sustained partnerships can lead to lasting positive changes. In doing so, it shows us all that there’s something to be said for giving back, especially as it builds a brighter future for our communities.