Boys N’ Toys raises $170,000 for Kids In Distress of Broward and Palm Beach Counties

Boys N’ Toys raises $170,000 for Kids In Distress of Broward and Palm Beach Counties

Ian Saunders (r) who is a graduate of the KID pre-school and attends KID.                        (Photo credit Dana Moore Images)

Submitted by Hannah Chapman

     FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The annual Boys N’ Toys private yacht hop during the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show raised $170,000 for Kids In Distress (KID) of Broward and Palm Beach counties.  

    KID brings more than 30 years of experience as a nationally accredited, community-supported agency dedicated to the prevention of child abuse, preservation of the family and the care and treatment of abused children in Broward and Palm Beach counties. KID offers a full continuum of care that includes emergency shelters, therapeutic services, abuse prevention, foster care and adoption. 

    “We appreciate all of the sup-port we received for this magnificent event,” said Boys N’ Toys Chair Jeb Bush, Jr. “A special thanks goes to our very hard-working committee and our generous sponsors. It was a beautiful evening that netted significant funds for Kids In Distress.”

    Autumn and Fred Karlinsky co-chaired the spectacular live and silent auction. A trip to Paris, a diamond anchor necklace and the opportunity to be Broward County Sheriff for a Day were part of the live auction. Among the silent auction items were trips to Aruba, Costa Rica, Ocean Reef and the Bahamas as well as local get-away vacations, dine around town gift certificates, sports memorabilia, a Chanel basket and other gift baskets.

    “We are proud to be a sponsor of this unique event that raises funds for much-needed programs through Kids In Distress,” said Kevin Merrigan, CEO of  Northrop & Johnson, which hosted Boys N’ Toys along with PNC Bank and Meg Green & Associates.

    “PNC has a long history of supporting and enriching the nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of the communities in which we live and work. This commitment includes a long term relationship with Kids In Distress. We are confident that this support will help to improve the lives of the children served by KID,” said Craig Grant, PNC regional president.  

    During Boys N’ Toys, Northrop & Johnson invited all guests to tour their lavish display of mega yachts. Guests also mingled, while enjoying live musical entertainment, elegant hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails.