Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach raises support at 'Taste of Italy' in Palm Beach Gardens

Members of the Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach board include, from left, Mindy Hanken, Rachael Bonlarron, Esther Uria LaBovick, Blanca Lopez Mackrey, Sherry Thompson, Javid Khan, Pamela Pangas Cope, Aisha Ali, Ana Rodriguez and Shantel Accilien. [Photos by Kelly O'Brien, Coastal Click Photography]

An evening of Italian cuisine and community support helped advance a mission focused on empowering young women as approximately 160 attendees gathered for the “Taste of Italy” fundraiser benefiting Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach.

Appetizers at Taste of Italy

Held April 22 at Carmine's La Trattoria, the event featured a curated four-course Italian dinner paired with fine wines, along with live music, a silent auction and dessert. Organizers said the evening brought together supporters around Pace’s mission of

ensuring that “Every Girl Deserves” a future filled with opportunity, respect and the ability to pursue her goals.

Mindy Hanken, Executive Director of Pace Palm Beach, with Javid Khan, Board Member of Pace Palm Beach

“I appreciate everyone who came to Taste of Italy and helped us to support our girls who overcome tremendous obstacles daily,” said Mindy Hanken. “Thank you to our event co-chairs Pamela Pangas Cope and Sean Casey… as well as to our sponsors, who help our programming expand

and provide more girls with the social and academic services needed to thrive.”

Pace Center for Girls provides a comprehensive support system for middle and high school students, combining academic instruction with counseling, case management and life skills development. Participants work closely with trained therapists using girl-centered and trauma-informed approaches, while also gaining practical skills such as personal finance, job readiness and daily living essentials. All services are offered at no cost.

Since its founding in 1985, the Palm Beach County program has served more than 3,000 girls locally, contributing to broader statewide and national efforts that have impacted more than 40,000 participants.

The event’s host venue, Carmine’s La Trattoria, has received multiple accolades, including recognition in The Palm Beach Post’s “Best of the Best” Community Choice Awards, as well as honors from Boca Life Magazine, OpenTable and Wine Spectator.

The fundraiser was co-chaired by Pamela Pangas Cope and Sean Casey, with support from a wide range of sponsors including Everyday Solutions, Inc., Nextera Energy Resources, Regions, Chase, Florida Power & Light and others.

Proceeds from the evening will support Pace Palm Beach’s continued efforts to provide education, counseling and resources to girls navigating academic and personal challenges.

For more information, visit pacecenter.org.