2026 Business Partnership Award Winners

Abby Jablin is a community leader who has consistently supported Kindergarteners at Grove Park Elementary School for over 14 years. She (and her husband, Eric, a former mayor of the City of Palm Beach Gardens) believe that a strong start contributes to a strong finish. Ms. Jablin has spent thousands of  dollars out of her own pocket and grants she has secured to finance school supplies for Kindergarteners, classroom resources for all the Kindergarten teachers as well as individual incentives for the teachers at the start of the school year, just prior to the Holiday break, in observance of the 100th day of school, and in celebration of Spring. She is a familiar, friendly face who has supported years of Kindergarteners and their teachers and celebrated their success each year. As an earnest advocate for literacy, Ms. Jablin is tireless in fundraising for books, purchasing books, and reading books to some of our youngest students. Countless numbers of past Grove Park Elementary School students have strengthened their reading and comprehension skills and entered middle schools much stronger readers because of the care and support provided by this committed student advocate.

Ms. Jablin and her husband are both  known for their community involvement in and around the Palm Beach Gardens area. She is also a strong supporter of community gardens and for teaching young people about where food comes from and advocating for healthy eating.

School Superintendent Mike Burke, School Board member Virginia Savietto, Board Chair Karen Brill, Community Leader Category Silver Winner Abby Jablin, Eric Jablin, Board Vice Chair Matthew Lane, Principal Marzella Mitchell, Board Member Marcia Andrews, Matthew Jablin, North Region Superintendent, Dr. Camille Long all smile for the camera.

The Frenchman's Creek Charities Foundation has been a valued Grove Park Elementary School partner for over eight  years. During each of those years  they have provided between $5000 and $10,000 to support a range of Grove Park's programs and activities. Even when staff and students moved temporarily to Lincoln Elementary School during the two-year  rebuilding of our facility, the Foundation's support positively impacted student learning through resources, equipment  and physical enhancements they provided.

The student incentive program stems around improving student attendance and student achievement.  For two -three years, students had a high absentee rate which resulted in  a lot of missed valuable instruction.  The school was able to purchase student friendly items to have at our student assemblies that provided  lunch or breakfast for the families in grades K-5. 

Grove Park was also able to  purchase rewards for those students who showed growth over the course of the year with their assessments.  While students  are taught to own their learning, the  younger-aged students are truly motivated when they know they will  receive tangible rewards. VPK-5th grade students took grade level trips to a variety of locations, including:  

• Miami Heat and Miami Dolphins Games
• The Kennedy Space Center
• The Miami Zoo
• Animal Kingdom
• Junior Achievement of South Florida
• Museum of Discovery Science
• Butterfly World
• Islands of Adventure
• Florida Wetlands
• Epcot Center

Many of the past trips aligned  with the school’s  International Baccalaureate/STEAM, school theme.

Field trips to museums and historical sites, and cultural events  expose the students to different traditions, and perspectives, promoting cultural awareness and appreciation.  

Frenchman’s Creek Charities Foundation sponsored these trips, in addition to  purchasing  classroom realia and cultural kits,  Ipads, headphones and other equipment to enhance the learning experience of the school’s K-5 students. The motivation, excitement, and impact on students has been significant and enduring.

Principal Marzella Mittchell talks with North Region School Board Member Matthew Lane and Anne Sternlicht from the Frenchman Creek Charities foundation at the April Awards event.

Tinasue Burchfeld, General Manager of the Palm Beach Gardens Outback Steakhouse represented her restaurant at the recent Kravis Center celebration of this year’s District winners. The popular eatery, known for its steak and other delicious entrees, has been a Grove Park Elementary School partner for over five years and generously donates food for at least one of the school  year’s several Professional Development Days for school staff (and with 100 folks on staff–that’s a considerable contribution!) Outback has also developed a reputation among staff for its delectable desserts.  Each year at the school’s annual Valentine’s Day Luncheon for teachers, administrators, and staff,   the taste-bud tempting goodies the restaurant provides (which truly raises staff morale) has everyone looking forward to lifts spirits, raises morale, and makes staff and teachers feel seen and truly appreciated.

The Back-to-Basics, Inc. not-for-profit organization has been a blessing to the students and families of Grove Park for more than 10 years. Through their Uniform and Angel Programs they make a difference in the lives of thousands of students and families across the District each year. This organization comes to Grove Park Elementary each summer  before school starts and fills the Grove Park closet with new underwear, socks, school uniform shorts, pants, skirts, and shirts in small, medium, and large sizes for boys and girls, in addition to a variety of close-toed shoes for both genders. As a Title I school, some students might not otherwise have new back-to-school clothing and shoes. Thanks to this regular donation of clothes and shoes, along with the filled backpacks provided by another donor, the recipient students are literally and psychologically prepared for the start of a new school year. The clothing, which the school pulls from throughout the school year, can sometimes make the difference between a child’s solid self-confidence and the possibility of feeling self-conscious. In addition, just prior to the winter holidays, the group’s Holiday Angel program drops off bundles and bags of labeled toys for selected families and gifts or gift cards for the parents. This not-for-profit organization makes a direct and immediate impact and lifts spirits with their ongoing and continuous, tangible efforts. They have altered the culture of the school by ensuring that very specific areas of need are fully addressed.

Back-to-Basics Founder/Award Winner Beverly Perham (center, seated), Kathy Bradley  (seated left); clockwise, Anne Sternlicht, standing, Frenchman’s Creek Charities Foundation, Principal Marzella Mitchell, Abby Jablin, Eric Jablin, Matthew Jablin,  School Board Vice Chair Matthew Lane.