Wiley Reynolds Society

In November 2005, Adopt-A-Family lost a dear friend, Mr. Wiley Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds was the agency’s first “adopter,” and a founding member of Adopt-A-Family’s Board of Directors. He was largely responsible for Adopt-A-Family’s growth and vision. Following his death, then Board Chairman John Castronuovo announced the formation of the Wiley Reynolds Society at the Annual Meeting to honor Mr. Reynolds’ legacy.

The society is comprised of friends of Adopt-A-Family who have historically contributed more than $100,000 and share Mr. Reynolds passion to positively impact the lives of others. Though he is deeply missed by family and friends, his name will always be associated with generosity, and his legacy will live on through the Wiley Reynolds Society Members.

Individual Society Members

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Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Assaf

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Backstrom

Mr. and Mrs. Sean P. Bresnan

Mr. and Mrs. Doug Briggs

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Castronuovo

Mr. and Mrs. Dale Clift

Ms. Elizabeth DeBrule

Mrs. Martha B. DeBrule

Mr. and Mrs. John C. DeMarco

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy M. Donahue

Mr. and Mrs. Edward K. Dudnyk

Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Edelman

Mr. and Mrs. Dean Ferguson

Ms. Karen S. Fischer

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Flynn

Ms. Mari Frankel

Mr. Thomas Frankel

Mr. and Mrs. David and Stephanie Gitlin

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Hay III

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Haynes

Ms. Penny Heller

Mr.* and Mrs.* Arthur Kobacker

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Koppelman

Ms. Nancy J. Kyle and Mr.* John B. Fraser

Mr. and Mrs. James E. Larschan Jr.

Mr. John P. Lipari

Mr.* and Mrs. John R. Loomis

Mr. Jay R. Marcus

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Marasco

Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. McGarrity

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Meshberg

Mr. and Mrs. George Michel Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. William B. Oberlink

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Parr

Mr. and Mrs. William B. Peterson

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey W. Preston

Mr. and Mrs.* Garth E. Rosenkrance

Mr. and Mrs. E. Burke Ross

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Scarpa

Ms.* Jane W. Smith

Mr. and Mrs.* Lawrence Silverstein

Ms. Melissa H. Sullivan

Mrs. Meredith B. Trim and Mr. James L. Robo

Mr. Walter Wick and Ms. Lisa Hedley

Foundation Members

BallenIsles Charities Foundation, Inc.

The Batchelor Foundation, Inc.

The Walter and Adi Blum Foundation, Inc.

The W. Dale Brougher Foundation

Day 1 Families Fund

Lawrence J. and Florence A. DeGeorge Charitable Trust

The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation

The Celia Lipton Farris & Victor W. Farris Foundation

The Fortin Foundation of Florida, Inc.

The Mary Alice Fortin Foundation, Inc.

Gerstner Family Foundation

The Hearst Foundation

The Edward L. Hennessy, Jr. and Ruth S. Hennessy Foundation

Kingdom Charitable Trust

The Kirkwood Fund

Kresge Foundation

The Lattner Family Foundation

Lost Tree Village Charitable Foundation

The Lu Foundation

Cathleen McFarlane Foundation, Inc.

The Jim Moran Foundation

The Price Family Foundation, Inc.

The Harold and Kate Reed Family Foundation

J.M. Rubin Foundation

The Salah Foundation

Lawrence A. Sanders Foundation, Inc.

The Smith Brothers Family Foundation

The Stone Foundation, Inc.

The John Ulbrich Charitable Trust

2026 Award Recipients

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Wiley Reynolds Society Award of Appreciation – Sam Meshberg

This year’s recipient of the Wiley Reynolds Society Award of Appreciation, Sam Meshberg, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment over the last decade to creating meaningful, lasting change in the lives of the children we serve. His generosity has offered unique academic, social, and emotional opportunities, including providing scholarships for private school education, neuropsychological assessments, access to technology, trips to Washington, D.C. for Safety Patrol, and so much more. Sam’s philanthropy reaches far beyond the classroom, strengthening entire families and building a foundation for generational progress.

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Crystal Castor Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service - Lewis Miller

With a generous spirit and a hands-on approach, Lewis Miller consistently dedicates his time, energy, and resources to support our organization. Whether it's taking the kids to the beach, checking out animals at Lion Country Safari, or helping the students create a bouquet for a loved one, Lewis's love for Project Grow is obvious. He has sponsored, attended, and transformed the annual Tree Lighting Celebration with beautiful floral arrangements and centerpieces, and served as a strong ambassador of our mission, sharing his love and passion for Adopt-A-Family.

2025 Award Recipients

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Wiley Reynolds Society Award of Appreciation – Penny Heller

For nearly 20 years, Penny has generously dedicated her time, talent, and unwavering support to the mission of Adopt-A-Family. As a dynamic member of our Board of Directors and former board chair, she has played a vital role in driving the agency’s growth and expanding its impact. A true ambassador of our mission, she constantly seeks innovative ways to amplify Adopt-A-Family’s reach and effectiveness. She has played a major role in every event and fundraising effort, even pioneering new efforts such as our Project Grow Graduation. Just as important, Penny values the well-being of our staff, recognizing that caring for our team is essential to serving our community. Penny exemplifies what it means to lead with generosity, compassion, and heart.

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The Crystal Castor Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service – Tequisha Myles

Tequisha has been a tireless volunteer, dedicated board member, and steadfast agency supporter for nearly two decades. Tequisha has been involved in nearly every aspect of Adopt-A-Family’s mission, bringing professionalism, compassion, and care to every role she takes on. Her legal expertise and guidance have strengthened our work in countless ways, and her creativity, respect for the dignity of others, and thoughtfulness make her indispensable to our agency. When volunteering her time to Adopt-A-Family events ranging from large fundraisers to client gatherings, she makes service a family affair, deepening her acts of kindness and responsibility and serving as a model for others. We are deeply grateful for Tequisha’s leadership, generosity, and heartfelt commitment to our work

2024 Award Recipients

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Wiley Reynolds Society Acknowledgement of Appreciation – John and Mary Castronuovo 

John and Mary Castronuovo have poured their time, talents, and resources into Adopt-A-Family for nearly 30 years. As a dedicated member of our Board of Directors, John’s wisdom, passion for service, and genuine care for others have shaped our programs, guided our growth, and strengthened our agency. Mary’s dedication to tutoring Project Grow students and her support of our special events have made a lasting impact on the families we serve. The Castronuovos’ kindness has cultivated a strong agency culture and made our community brighter. We are grateful for their steadfast commitment to our work and mission.

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The Crystal Castor Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service – Joanie Maduri

For over ten years, Joanie Maduri has been the driving force behind the wrapping room at our Santa Shoppe event each December, recruiting over 20 volunteers from the Clipped Wings Organization, a group of retired United Airlines flight attendants, of which she is a proud member. Joanie’s unwavering commitment and meticulous attention to detail ensure that hundreds of children make unforgettable holiday memories. Joanie has lent her support to numerous other agency events, and she always brings her warm smile and boundless energy.

2023 Award Recipients

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Wiley Reynolds Society Acknowledgement of Appreciation – Martha and Elizabeth DeBrule 

For Martha and Elizabeth DeBrule, supporting Adopt-A-Family has been a family affair that has passed the test of time. The family’s unwavering dedication spans more than 25 years and includes in-depth involvement in fundraising, programs, advocacy, and so much more. Martha and Elizabeth have spent decades pouring their hearts and resources into Adopt-A-Family. Their kindness, generosity, and charm are felt in every area of the organization. Like Mr. Wiley Reynolds and fellow society members, the DeBrule family shares a strong desire to help others and make a difference in our community. Adopt-A-Family is thankful for their enduring support. It is truly an honor to celebrate such an incredible mother-daughter duo.

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The Crystal Castor Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service – Adopt-A-Family Golf Tournament Committee

The Adopt-A-Family Golf Committee consists of eight passionate individuals who, year after year, put together one of our largest and most successful fundraisers. Each year, the golf committee introduces new sponsors and donors to the work we do, and increases awareness of the impact homelessness has on our community. Their commitment to our mission goes well beyond the golf
tournament—they are true supporters and ambassadors of the work we do to provide housing and hope to families in need. Individually, they are each impressively talented, generous, and caring. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with, and we are grateful for all that they do. To our Golf Committee, thank you for your support and dedication to Adopt-A-Family.

2022 Award Recipients

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Wiley Reynolds Society Acknowledgement of Appreciation – Paula and George Michel

Since the agency’s beginning, Paula and George Michel have been a pivotal part of its history and evolution. Paula served as president of our Board of Directors from 1995 through 1997. Paula was critical to the early vision and growth of Adopt-AFamily. Together, Paula and George’s profound commitment to the mission of the agency has left a longstanding legacy of generosity and selflessness. We thank the Michels for their years of influential leadership and dedication.

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The Crystal Castor Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service – Kathy Peterson

Kathy Peterson has been a generous and influential friend of the agency for over three decades. She has had the responsibility and distinction to serve as chair and co-chair of our Tree Lighting Celebration, helping us raise significant funds to assist families in need. Kathy is defined by her kindness, warmth, and consistent support of our clients and staff. We treasure the many years of partnership with Kathy and her husband Bill, and we feel honored to have their support.

2019 Award Recipients

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Wiley Reynolds Society Acknowledgement of Appreciation – Nancy J. Kyle and John B. Fraser

It is an honor to recognize Nancy and Jack as recipients of the Wiley Reynolds Society Acknowledgement of Appreciation Award.  Like Mr. Reynolds, Nancy and Jack share a strong desire to extend a helping hand to families in need.  For nearly two decades, their investment in our mission has allowed us to make a measurable impact on the lives of thousands of families in Palm Beach County.  We are humbled by how much they care and their willingness to help strengthen our community.  Adopt-A-Family recognizes and appreciates Nancy and Jack’s passionate and dynamic support of the work we do.

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The Crystal Castor Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service – Debby Parr

Debby Parr has kept Adopt-A-Family close to her heart for twenty amazing years.  She has been an active and dedicated volunteer as well as a powerful ambassador for Adopt-A-Family’s mission.  Year-round, Debby works tirelessly to ensure the success of Tree Lighting, our biggest fundraiser, while also being at the forefront of every Adopt-A-Family special event.  Under her leadership as Tree Lighting Chair, Debby has been responsible for helping us raise significant funds to support our programs, allowing us to serve thousands of families in need.  She and her husband Ron are an integral part of AAF’s history, and we are grateful for their many years of unwavering support.

2018 Award Recipients

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Wiley Reynolds Society Acknowledgement of Appreciation – Chris Oberlink

If you have the good fortune to know Chris Oberlink, then you know of her passion for Adopt-A-Family and for the families we serve. Over the last thirty years, she and her husband Bill have truly made a difference in the lives of homeless families in Palm Beach County. Chris has dedicated her life  to our mission, and has been at the forefront of every Adopt-A-Family milestone. As a volunteer, she brings so much to the organization; skills, advice, experience, resources, friendship, vision, leadership, and inspiration. However, above all these, she chooses to donate to us the world’s most precious commodity, her time! It is an honor and a privilege to recognize her powerful and indispensable support to our agency.

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The Crystal Castor Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service – Heather B. Ferguson

Heather is Adopt-A-Family’s longest standing board  member. Her caring spirit and unyielding commitment are what makes her a blessing to our agency and to the families we serve. Year after year, Heather volunteers her time, talent, and resources in a humbling yet inspiring way. Adopt-A-Family is grateful to have Heather as one of our founding pillars. Heather, thank you for all that you do.

2017 Award Recipients

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Wiley Reynolds Society Acknowledgement of Appreciation – Jayne and Tim Donahue

Adopt-A-Family proudly recognizes Jayne and Tim Donahue for their powerful and meaningful support of our mission. Their generosity and tireless efforts have allowed us to carry out our vision in ways we never thought possible. Their commitment and trust to our organization has allowed us to transform the lives of thousands of Palm Beach County families. We are overwhelmed by their profound devotion and concern toward the families we serve.

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The Crystal Castor Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service – Alice Tarone

The word strong barely begins to describe Alice Tarone. For many years, Mrs. Tarone has been the driving force behind all AAF fundraising efforts. She is one of our angels who unselfishly gives us her time, talent, and resources. Mrs. Tarone is an example of fortitude and grace, and an inspiration to all who know her. Thank you, Alice, for loving and supporting our mission in such a remarkable way.