Celebrating Champions of Hope and Healing

Join us for our 2026 Gratitude Gathering, an uplifting evening of reflection, recognition, and celebration centered on hope, healing, and impact.

Together, we will honor remarkable individuals whose compassion, leadership, and dedication are transforming the lives of children affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma. Their work deepens understanding, sparks meaningful action, and strengthens communities.

This special evening celebrates our shared commitment to creating safety and resilience for every child. Experience powerful stories, inspiring voices, and meaningful connection with a community of changemakers who believe in the power of possibility and lasting change.

Event Details

Date: November 4, 2026

Time: 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Cost: $25 includes drinks and passed hors d'oeuvres

Location: Center for Child Counseling. 5205 Greenwood Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.

The Judge Ron Alvarez Resiliency Award

This award honors Judge Ron Alvarez's pioneering work with youth in Palm Beach County, especially using a trauma-informed approach years before others in the system of care.

The award recognizes members of the legal community who champion a trauma-informed approach, making the justice system more compassionate and equitable for vulnerable children and families.



First presented to Judge Alvarez in 2019, the award carries forward his legacy with the blessing of his wife, Elaine. Past honorees include Dori Foster-Morales (2020), Judge Kathleen Kroll (2023), and Justice Barbara Pariente (2024).

The Jane Robinson Child Advocacy Award

Named in honor of Jane Robinson, the founder of the Center for Child Counseling, this award recognizes individuals whose unwavering dedication reflects her lifelong mission: to protect children, uplift their voices, and promote their emotional well-being.



Honorees embody the spirit of advocacy, compassion, and leadership—working tirelessly to advance mental health, safety, and resilience for children at the individual, community, and systems levels. Past recipients include: Kathy Leone (2023), for her commitment to championing the rights of children in the child welfare system, and Dr. Barbara Gerlock (2024) for her decades of service promoting the mental health and well-being of the most vulnerable youth in Palm Beach County.

The Julie Fisher Cummings Child Protector Award

Named in honor of Julie Fisher Cummings, this award celebrates a lifetime of extraordinary leadership in championing the rights of children and women. As a nationally recognized philanthropist and civic leader, Julie has spent over four decades advocating for vulnerable populations—working to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up safe and healthy.



The award is presented to an individual or business that has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to protecting children’s safety and well-being. Honorees exemplify the values Julie has spent her life advancing: bold advocacy, compassionate action, and a deep dedication to building a more just and equitable world for children.

Our Gratitude Gathering is proudly hosted by The Circle of Giving.

About The Circle of Giving

The Circle of Giving was created from Melissa Haley’s vision to make lasting change for children and families impacted by trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Together, members form a circle of love, protection, and healing—advancing children’s mental health through strategic philanthropy, trauma-informed training, prevention-focused investment, and advocacy that turns awareness into action.

As a Circle of Giving member, you join a compassionate community committed to protecting childhood and creating brighter futures. Your annual gift provides consistent, reliable support so children can access care when they need it most, while you receive exclusive impact updates, invitations to special events, and the opportunity to lead meaningful change for children and families across our community.

Our Sponsors are Making a Lasting Impact!

Thank you to our annual Sponsors: Stevens & Stephens, and Valley Bank for their incredible generosity and commitment to our mission. Your support lights the way for healing, strengthens families, and helps us turn hope into action.

Click here to learn more about Gratitude Gathering and become a sponsor today! Partnership options available when you purchase your event ticket!