UTP 2.14

“Wynonna Judd’s performance was an unforgettable highlight of the evening,” said Pamela Weinroth, executive director of Boca West Children’s Foundation, in a post-event interview with “Under the Palms.” “Her involvement came about because of her deep connection to the cause. She has been open about her own struggles and the importance of mental health, which resonates with the work of many of our partner charities.”

Judd rose to fame in the 1980s alongside her mom, the late Naomi Judd, as the two made up the mother-daughter country music duo, The Judds. The “No One Else On Earth“ crooner then went solo in 1992. Naomi died by suicide in 2022 at her home in Tennessee at the age of 76, just one day before The Judds were set to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Naomi had long battled mental health issues, and an autopsy revealed she was being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder at the time of her death. 

“I can’t quite wrap my head around it and I don’t know that I ever will. That she left the way she did,” Wynonna told People magazine after her mother’s passing. “That’s how baffling and cunning mental illness is. You have to make peace with the fact that you don’t know. Sometimes there are no answers.” 

The $1.3 million raised will benefit 37 partner charities, each dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth.

“A significant portion will support programs focused on food security, education, medical and dental care, and mental health services. Our charity partners will use these funds to provide everything from daily meals and academic tutoring to therapy for children who have experienced trauma,” Weinroth explained.

Beyond essential services, the foundation is also investing in long-term change by funding college scholarships and workforce training.

“Ultimately, these dollars translate into real, tangible change — whether it’s ensuring a child has a safe place to sleep, access to counseling, or the resources to succeed in school. We are incredibly grateful to our donors for making this impact possible and for helping us continue our mission of giving kids the opportunities they deserve,” she added.

Palm Beach resident Sylvester Stallone is stepping into the tech world as one of the newest investors in Largo.ai, an AI-driven analytics platform for the film, TV, and advertising industries. The company has secured $7.5 million in its Series A funding round, with Stallone joining as both a backer and strategic partner.

Largo.ai, which works with over 600 film and TV companies — including major Hollywood studios and agencies — uses artificial intelligence to provide data-driven insights for content strategy.

Stacey Bendet painted the town Valentine’s red in late January for her clothing brand Alice + Olivia’s annual Galetine’s Party, held at The Royal Poinciana Plaza. The event brings together women to support the Selfless Love Foundation (SLF), which supports children in the foster care system. This year’s co-hosts were Bettina Anderson – currently making headlines for being Donald Trump Jr.’s new plus one to all the president’s recent inaugural events – and SLF co-founder Ashley Brown. 

The fashion designer tapped Palm Beach Embroidery owner Christopher Pappas to custom embroider undergarments for guests during the party. The room also featured lavish red roses and desserts were all frosted and decorated red. Comedian Jon Lovitz also attended, per reports, as he was in town for back-to-back shows at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

Palm Beach resident Rod Stewart has had a whirlwind start to 2025. The British musician celebrated his 80th birthday on Jan. 10 with a surprise party organized by his wife, Penny Lancaster. The bash included Stewart’s former Faces bandmate Ronnie Wood and his wife Sally, British TV host Jools Holland, and more. Stewart reminded his Instagram followers that he’s “80 years young,” and took time to shout out his loyal fans around the world on his big day.

“May I take this opportunity on this my 80th birthday to personally express my gratitude and thanks to all my loyal and rowdy fans all over the world, for helping give me such a wonderful life! In return I hope I’ve given you some memorable songs and lively concerts and…I’ve not finished yet x.”

Stewart also went beyond the Floridian waters to celebrate his birthday in luxury. Reports say the music icon rented a super yacht for a 10-day Caribbean vacation with Lancaster and their children.

Also in January, the Stewarts were named Ambassadors for The King’s Foundation in its 35th year. The couple visited the charity headquarters at the Dumfries House in mid-January.

We hear…

Interior designer Bunny Williams teamed up with fellow designer Elizabeth Lawrence for an annual lecture held at the Society of the Four Arts’ Gubelmann Auditorium. The duo talked about the recently published book Bunny Williams: Life in the Garden.

The Colony Hotel is making moves beyond Palm Beach. Owners Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall have purchased The Hedges Inn, a storied property in East Hampton, New York. Sarah, a familiar face on Worth Avenue, said the inn’s charm and history made it an irresistible opportunity. “It is the cornerstone of East Hampton village. In a lot of ways, it reminded me of The Colony and its prominent position right in the village. There are a lot of similarities.” For Palm Beach residents who frequent the Hamptons, the Wetenhalls’ latest venture offers a familiar touch of hospitality up north—making the choice of where to stay a little easier.

Speaking of The Colony, the famed Pink Paradise was scheduled to welcome Cindy Rinfret and Tommy Hilfiger on Feb. 13 to discuss their collaboration on the design of Hilfiger’s Palm Beach home. The fashion designer’s Palm Beach home is said to be a mix between style from the area and some influences of Nantucket.

Broadway legend Patti LuPone is bringing her signature flair to Palm Royale. During a recent appearance on Andy Cohen Live on SiriusXM, LuPone revealed she’s joining the second season of the Apple TV+ series, which dives into the lavish and exclusive world of 1960s Palm Beach high society.

The comedy was renewed for a second season last June following a critically acclaimed debut. Set in 1969, Palm Royale is an underdog story that follows Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig) as she tries to break into Palm Beach’s elite social scene. LuPone joins a powerhouse ensemble that includes Wiig, Carol Burnett, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Ricky Martin, and Kaia Gerber.

Save the Date

Locals have two exciting opportunities to see Priscilla Presley at The Wick Theatre on Feb. 22 in two separate performances featuring never-before-seen personal clips including wedding footage, home movies, her career in film and on television. The show will also be followed by a Q&A with Presley.

Sightings…

Model Victoria Brito, who has over 2 million followers on Instagram alone, was at The Colony Hotel in early January, saying she “loved” her stay there. Later, she played some golf at Popstroke on Jan. 13 with Alvin Wayne.

Former Real Housewives of New York City star Ramona Singer dined at Le Bilboquet on Jan. 31. She also attended trivia night at The Colony a few nights later and was proud to be on the winning team. 

Sylvester Stallone’s daughters Sistine Stallone and Sophia Stallone attended the Pegasus World Cup International on Jan. 29. 

Hercules actor Kevin Sorbo attended an exclusive screening of The Eastman Dilemma at Mar-a-Lago on Jan. 5, also his 27th wedding anniversary to his wife. Also in attendance were President Trump and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy, according to Sorbo.