Country Club Living - Palm Beach North - April 2026

4 C O U N T R Y C L U B L I V I N G - PA L M B E A C H N O R T H | M AY 2 0 2 6 Community Investing inWhat’s Next: - By Noel Martinez, Chair, Florida Association of Chamber Professionals; President & CEO, Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce - - Photos provided by Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce - N ot long ago, the Palm Beach North Education Foundation wasn’t something widely recognized in the community. It didn’t begin with a large campaign or a headline announcement. It started with one individual who believed in the idea. John C. Giba made a donation and entrusted the Chamber with a simple premise: that investing in young people early can shape the future of an entire community. That initial gift generated about $6,000 each year. It wasn’t a large amount, but it created a starting point. Over time, it grew. It grew because local businesses, Chamber members, and community partners continued to support it. They understood that investing in students is not just a charitable effort, but a necessary one. It is how a region builds its future workforce and strengthens its long- term success. Six years later, that early investment has expanded into something much more impactful. This year, the Foundation will distribute $162,000 to students and teachers across Palm Beach North. But the impact of that investment goes far beyond the dollar amount. It begins in classrooms where students are developing the confidence and skills they need to succeed. It supports programs that help ensure students stay on track early in their education. It also provides resources for teachers, recognizing the important role they play in shaping future generations. And it is reflected most clearly in the students themselves. One student’s story stands out. After her brother was involved in a serious car accident that left him with severe brain trauma, her family’s life changed almost overnight. Medical challenges quickly became financial and emotional ones. Her grandparents moved into the home, and daily life shifted to meet new responsibilities. As a high school student, she stepped into a caregiving role while continuing to pursue her education. Despite these challenges, she excelled academically and remained deeply involved in her school community. She founded a club focused on supporting foster children, growing it from a small group into an initiative that reached more than 100 children across Palm Beach County. Through these experiences, she discovered her path. She plans to pursue a career in neurology, driven by a personal understanding of the impact that care and treatment can have on families. This is the kind of student the Foundation is designed to support. Students who demonstrate resilience, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose. This year, the Foundation will award four full- ride scholarships, along with three additional scholarships supporting students pursuing two-year degrees. These opportunities do more than provide financial assistance. They expand what is possible. Because when students like her are supported, the impact extends beyond the classroom. It carries into the workforce, into our healthcare system, and into the broader community. The Palm Beach North Education Foundation was never intended to be just a scholarship program. It serves as a bridge between education and opportunity, helping ensure that students can see and pursue a future for themselves right here in our region. As Palm Beach North continues to grow, the importance of this work will only increase. The future of our community will be shaped by the people we invest in today. What began with a single act of belief has grown into a shared commitment. One that continues to create opportunity and strengthen our region with every student it supports. To learn more or to be part of this work, visit pbnedfoundation.org. Building the Future of PalmBeachNorth