FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:    

MARGE SULLIVAN, PALM HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION, 561-833-6333

MELANIE OTERO, THE WATERS PELTON ORGANIZATION, 561-626-0026, x11

JENNIFER MARTINEZ, THE WATERS PELTON ORGANIZATION, 561-626-0026, x19

Palm Healthcare Foundation to Host One of Palm Beach's Largest Events to Honor the County’s Top Nursing Professionals at

5^th Annual Nursing Distinction Awards Dinner

WEST PALM BEACH, FL. – On May 18, 2007, Palm Healthcare Foundation will hold one of Palm Beach’s largest events, the fifth annual Nursing Distinction Awards dinner. This dinner, which honors Palm Beach County’s dedicated and highly skilled nursing professionals, features nominees from various ends of the nursing spectrum including: registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse educators, nursing assistants, nursing students, and volunteers who have made a significant impact in the lives of patients and fellow healthcare professionals throughout the community.  The event will take place at The Breakers Palm Beach.

All nominees display dedication to excellence in an area of expertise beyond the scope of their jobs, commitment to the profession of nursing, and a sense of community.  Every year, Palm Healthcare Foundation and The Palm Beach Post recognize those who serve as an inspiration to others in an effort to improve the quality of healthcare, discover new ways to assist those in need, and display compassion and caring on a daily basis. 

“Nurses are the glue that holds together the healthcare community,” said Suzette W. Wexner, Palm Healthcare Foundation President. “We are honored to be able to host this dinner year after year to honor these heroes in our area. We know that there are many outstanding nurses in Palm Beach County who have displayed compassion, devotion to our community, integrity and leadership, and have served as an inspiration to others.”

For their 5^th Annual Nursing Awards Dinner, Palm Healthcare is thrilled to bring the nursing community together these healthcare professionals to celebrate and honor their hard work with an energetic performance by innovative dance troupe, La Mystique. Not only will guests watch the show, but guests will also be invited to dance with members of the troupe – sure to make the night unforgettable! Emcee of the evening will be News Channel 5’s chief meteorologist, Steve Weagle.

The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of Nursing Distinction Award category winners and the 2007 Nurse of the Year. The Nurse of the Year will win a $1000 grand prize and a spa weekend at The Breakers in Palm Beach.  Additionally, each category winner is receiving a certificate to Gianna Christine Salon, Spa, and Wellness Center, a professional portrait and an award.  Award categories include:

• Leadership Award
• Registered Nurse of the Year
• Licensed Practical Nurse of the Year
• Certified Nursing Assistant of the Year
• Nursing Student of the Year
• Educator of the Year
• Hands & Heart Award (recognizes a nurse whose compassion and caring has made a profound impact on a patient’s life)
• Extra Mile Award (recognizes a nurse who fosters professional growth in others and/or serves the community as a mentor or volunteer)

Major sponsors for the event are VITAS Innovative Hospice Care, Boca Raton Community Hospital, WPTV, The Palm Beach Post and the Palm Beach Health Network.

About Palm Healthcare Foundation, Inc.
Palm Healthcare Foundation, Inc.was chartered in 2001 as an independent community healthcare foundation. Believing that “Together We Can Do More,” the foundation’s mission is to transform healthcare challenges by bringing together the talents and resources of the community to create innovative solutions that deliver high-impact results. The Foundation’sfunding priorities—accessto healthcare, healthcare quality and safety, healthcare technology, healthcare policy and healthcare workforce—are designed to empower non-profit healthcare organizations and healthcare professionals to create programs and services that improve the quality of life for Palm Beach County’s underserved citizens.  Since 2001, the Foundation has distributed more than $14.5 million to over 70 non-profit organizations in Palm Beach County operating over 130 programs that met its funding goals.  To learn more about Palm Healthcare Foundation, please visit www.palmhealthcarefoundation.org.