Admirals Cove Foundation: A Culture of Giving in Northern Palm Beach County
From left, foundation board members Erica Scherzer, Suzanne Carroll, Jill
Riehl, Margot Lessans, Charles Ezrine, Eric Becker, Rebecca Divine, Andy
Kahn, Elaine Lai Rosen, and Joe McCart (missing: Nancy Bush & Jodi Butler).
In 2016, Rebecca Divine was appointed as the first executive director of the Admirals Cove Foundation, with a mission to transform what had been a bi-annual, eventbased fundraising initiative into a year-round culture of collective philanthropy. She launched the foundation’s signature “Season of Giving,” setting the stage for what has become a powerful movement within the Admirals Cove community.
Under Rebecca’s leadership, the Foundation, now composed of more than 70 dedicated members, has significantly expanded its impact. Since 2016, the Foundation has distributed over $18.7 million to local organizations focused on health, education, and social services, as well as educational scholarships for Admirals Cove employees and their children.
The Admirals Cove Foundation’s mission is rooted in enhancing the quality of life in the community by supporting nonprofits that provide access to healthcare, education, and critical social services. As Rebecca notes, “The needs in our community continue to grow, and our focus remains on improving the lives of those in northern Palm Beach County who need it most.”
The Foundation’s contributions reflect this commitment. In 2017, it pledged $1 million toward the Oncology Registration Suite at Jupiter Medical Center’s Anderson Family Cancer Institute, and more recently committed $5 million for the new imaging center. Beyond financial grants, Admirals Cove residents have donated medical equipment to Clinics Can Help, bicycles to Jake the Bike Man, and clothing, furniture, and shoes to Place of Hope.
Rebecca highlights that food insecurity and housing remain two of the most urgent local needs. In response, Admirals Cove Foundation organizes regular food drives and “pantry raids” in support of St. Peter’s Food Bank and El Sol. They also support several nonprofits, including the Chasin A Dream Foundation, which provides emergency assistance for housing, transportation, food, and utilities to local families with children battling life-threatening illnesses and disabilities.
Each year, the Foundation receives more than 110 grant applications.
What truly sets the Admirals Cove Foundation apart is the depth of community involvement. Residents of all ages, from 6 to 95, volunteer their time and talents. The Admirals Cove Kids Program engages the youngest members of the community in service projects like book, toy, and clothing drives, and provides community service hours for teens.
One of the Foundation’s proudest accomplishments is its scholarship program, which has awarded over $1.1 million in education scholarships to employees of Admirals Cove and their children.
In 2024, the Admirals Cove Foundation was honored with the Outstanding Foundation of the Year award by the Palm Beach County Association of Fundraising Professionals, recognizing the impact that can be made when a community comes together with purpose and heart.
Looking ahead, the Admirals Cove Foundation is committed to growing its footprint beyond the gates of the community through volunteering, donating, and deepening its partnerships with local organizations.
As Rebecca Divine reflects, “It’s about creating a legacy of giving and doing so together.”
