08/28/2026
This year’s Chopstick Challenge generated a 123% increase in fundraising and in-kind support over last year, more than doubling the support generated through our inaugural event!
What an incredible evening of purpose, empowerment, culture and community at HabCenter Boca Raton’s 2nd Annual Chopstick Challenge, part of Boca Regional Chamber Boca Festival Days.
The overwhelming support from our community made this sold-out evening truly extraordinary.
We were especially honored to welcome title sponsor and philanthropist Christine E. Lynn, who personally joined us for the celebration, alongside Thomas Moraca of Moraca Builders, Inc., whose generous sponsorship helped make the evening possible.
They were joined by an extraordinary gathering of Palm Beach County leaders, including Florida Atlantic University President Adam Hasner and Jillian Hasner, as well as leaders from throughout our philanthropic, business, education, government and nonprofit communities. Seeing so many people come together for HabCenter and the individuals we serve was incredibly meaningful and the impact was remarkable.
Every ticket, sponsorship, donation and contribution helps support vocational training through HabCenter’s Manufacturing Center and Plant Nursery, creative and educational opportunities through our PEAR and STEAM programs, sensory programming, and essential life-skills development for the extraordinary individuals we serve.
As Sherry A. Henry, CEO of HabCenter, shared:
“Every dollar raised helps us create meaningful opportunities for the individuals we serve to develop their abilities, build independence and experience the dignity and confidence that come from being an active part of their community. To see this level of support from our community is incredibly meaningful to our individuals, their families and everyone at HabCenter.”
Event Chair Denise Fraile added:
“What made this evening so special was seeing our community come together around a shared purpose. The incredible response ultimately means greater opportunities for the individuals HabCenter serves.”
Culture, Community & a Shared Purpose!
Inspired by the cultural symbolism of chopsticks as representations of peace, harmony, unity and balance, the evening incorporated cultural education and appreciation throughout the event.
We were grateful to partner with Red Pine, Wyndham Boca Raton, Farmer’s Table and the FAU Asian Student Association to create an experience grounded in authentic cultural learning, appreciation and community connection.
For Christiana Lilly, a member of the Asian-American community who served as the event’s Cultural Ambassador, the evening offered an opportunity to celebrate Asian traditions while encouraging guests to learn about and engage with the cultures represented. “As a Chinese American, it was exciting to see Asian culture approached with a genuine desire to learn, celebrate, and appreciate,” Lilly said. “When we invite the community to experience culture with curiosity and respect, we create understanding and connection. That spirit of inclusion beautifully complemented HabCenter’s mission and the goals for the event.”
🏆 Congratulations to Our Honorees:
Fundraising Champion & Chopstick Challenge Winner: Jerry Fedele
Lifetime Service Award: Thomas Moraca of Moraca Builders, Inc., recognized for his longstanding commitment to service.
Most Authentically Dressed: Anika Wali, whose self-designed ensemble through Modest Collection by Anika drew inspiration from her Bangladeshi heritage and brought a beautiful personal expression of culture and tradition to the evening.
🌟 An Extraordinary Community Came Together. We were privileged to welcome Christine E. Lynn, philanthropist and title sponsor; Marci Woodward, Vice Mayor of Palm Beach County; Adam and Jillian Hasner, President and First Lady of Florida Atlantic University ; Dr. Katrina Carter-Tellison, Vice President of Student Success at Lynn University; Barbara Cambia, Executive Director of Career and Alumni Connections at Lynn University; Terry Fedele, philanthropist and trustee of the Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation; Pat Thomas, philanthropist and board member of the Boca Raton Historical Society; Roberta Kjelgaard, Institutional Advancement Director of Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens; Jason Hagensick, President and CEO of the YMCA of South Palm Beach County; Donna Biase, co-founder of Best Foot Forward; Diana Sierra, Executive Director of Boca School for Autism; Phillip DiPonio, General Manager of Wyndham Boca Raton and Farmer’s Table; Robert Weinroth, Former Mayor of Palm Beach, and his wife, Pamela Weinroth, Executive Director of Boca West Children Foundation; Christine Raymond of Extraordinary Charities; Julie Swindle of Families First; Dr. Katie Burke, Assistant Vice President of Alumni and Community Engagement at FAU; Jordan Dipentima, Executive Director of Government Relations, FAU and Mathew Rocco, President of the South Florida Manufacturers Association.
💙 With Sincere Appreciation to Our Sponsors & Partners. A very special thank you to our title sponsor, Christine E. Lynn and the E.M. Lynn Foundation, for their partnership and investment in HabCenter’s mission.
We are also incredibly grateful to:
Moraca Builders Inc. • Comerica Bank • Florida Power & Light • Jan Savarick • Barbara Schmidt • Jill and Adam Hasner • Danny’s Rose Garden • Castle Group • Wyndham Hotel Boca Raton • Red Pine Boca • Farmer’s Table • Paul and Kathy Adkins • Boca Raton Airport • Grimes Events & Party Tents • Palm Beach State College • Blues Brothers Roofing • Max and Sarah Pearson • Equestrian Sotheby’s • Lawrence and Summer Faerman • Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith • Robin Deyo • Strategic Partners Insurance • Mindy Shikiar • RHI Roofing • Robert Primeau • South Florida Manufacturers Association • Peter Brockway
👏 Leadership Behind the Challenge:
Thank you to HabCenter Board Chair Thomas Moraca and Board Directors Ana Sasmiresan, Stephen Pollart, Sherry A. Henry, Emily Grabelsky, Sarah Pearson, Freddy Farraj and Sonni (Jay) Johnson. The evening was expertly guided by returning Emcee Alex Price, while the spirited competition was overseen by judge Brian Altschuler, who participated in the inaugural event in 2025. Special thanks to Event Chair Lady-Denise Fraile and our dedicated committee: Mindy Sloane Shikiar, Emily Grabelsky, Anika Wali, Jenn Kovacs, Sherry A. Henry and Christiana Lilly, who also served as Cultural Ambassador.
And, of course, our fearless Chopstick Challenge “Jockeys”:
Jan Savarick • Jerry Fedele • Steve Clarfield • Dr. Van Williams • Nicole Grimes • Chi Chan. Their participation, enthusiasm and fundraising helped make this year’s Challenge such an incredible success.
Most importantly, thank you to our HabCenter employees, volunteers, program individuals and families. You are the heart of everything we do.
The success of the 2nd Annual Chopstick Challenge showed what can happen when philanthropy, business, education and community come together around one shared purpose—creating opportunities for individuals with differences to develop their talents, build greater independence and thrive.
123% growth. A sold-out room. One extraordinary community. And one mission at the center of it all. 💙
Thank you, Boca Raton and Palm Beach County, for showing up for HabCenter and the incredible individuals we are privileged to serve.
