Gratitude Gathering
Join us as we honor distinguished individuals who are profoundly impacting the lives of children through their passion and tireless dedication to healing trauma and building hope across Palm Beach County.
November 4, 2026
Celebrating Champions for Children
Each year, our Circle of Giving honors those whose life's work has protected, healed, and advocated for children. Meet the three remarkable honorees we will celebrate at the 2026 Gratitude Gathering.
Bob has led Legal Aid since 1981, growing it from a staff of ten and a $200,000 budget into an organization of more than 185 people and a $19 million budget — four decades of standing up for children and families who had no one else.
Bob Bertisch received his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law, then spent eight years with Legal Services of Greater Miami. He went on to manage the Lancaster office of Central Pennsylvania Legal Services, and three years later became Executive Director of the Legal Services Training and Advocacy Project in New Haven, Connecticut.
He returned to Florida in 1981 as Executive Director of Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc., a position he has held ever since. Under his leadership, Legal Aid has grown to a staff of over 185, including nearly 80 full-time attorneys, with an annual budget of over $19 million.
Bob is a Past-President of the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, Leadership Palm Beach County, and the Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County, and serves as a Corporate Board Member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
Dr. Sperry has spent his career training therapists in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and Adlerian psychology — teaching in 30 countries and pioneering group drumming as a therapeutic modality.
Jon Sperry, PhD, is a Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lynn University in Boca Raton, where he has made significant contributions to counselor education through his expertise in trauma-informed care, Adlerian psychology, and innovative group drumming.
His work extends beyond traditional counseling methods to include group drumming as a therapeutic modality; he has facilitated drumming circles since 2007 and published research demonstrating the immediate positive effects of rhythm-based interventions. As an author, he has co-authored eight books translated into four languages, covering case conceptualization, clinical competencies, and psychopathology.
His international influence as a speaker and educator includes workshops and presentations in 30 countries worldwide. He served as President of the North American Society of Adlerian Psychology (2017–2018), is co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Individual Psychology, and is a faculty member of the International Committee for Adlerian Summer Schools and Institutes (ICASSI).
For years of investment in the health of Palm Beach County — funding the organizations and the infrastructure that keep children and families well, and making work like ours possible.
[Quantum Foundation description to be confirmed — add two or three sentences on the Foundation's mission and its impact on children's health in Palm Beach County, and any specific partnership with Center for Child Counseling you would like to recognize.]
Join us in honoring them. Learn about the Gratitude Gathering
Three Legacies of Compassion
Each award carries forward the legacy of a life devoted to protecting children.
This award honors Judge Ron Alvarez's pioneering work with youth in Palm Beach County, especially his use of a trauma-informed approach years before others in the system of care. It recognizes members of the legal community who champion that 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.
Named in honor of Jane Robinson, the founder of 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 and leadership, working tirelessly to advance mental health, safety, and resilience for children at the individual, community, and systems levels.
Julie Fisher Cummings received the inaugural Child Protector Award, and it was subsequently named in her honor to celebrate 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 demonstrating a steadfast commitment to protecting children's safety and well-being.
Our Host for the Evening
Eddie is an author, lecturer, and community leader who supports numerous local civic and charitable organizations, including serving as Vice Chair on our Board of Directors. He has championed Center for Child Counseling's mission for over seven years.
A popular and engaging motivational speaker, Eddie brings a passion for inspiring others, along with his own childhood experience overcoming adversity, to his work with the organization.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsoring puts your name alongside the champions being honored. Choose a level to see what it includes.
- Special recognition at the event
- Promoted video on Facebook and tagged social posts
- Highlighted on our website as a partner
- Name or logo on invitations and all event materials
- Email blasts reaching over 40,000 people
- Promoted video on Facebook and tagged social posts
- Highlighted on our website as a partner
- Name or logo on invitations and all event materials
- Email blasts reaching over 40,000 people
- Highlighted on our website and social media as a partner
- Name or logo on invitations and all event materials
- Email blasts reaching over 40,000 people
- Highlighted on our website as a partner
- Name or logo on invitations and all event materials
- Email blasts reaching over 40,000 people
- Highlighted on our website
- Recognized on event materials
- Show your support as a friend of children in our community
Every sponsorship is a child supported.
Making a Lasting Impact
Thank you to our annual sponsors, whose generosity lights the way for healing and helps us turn hope into action.
Interested in joining them? See sponsorship levels