Amanda Schumaker
Amanda Schumaker, Founder and president of Tree of Life Foundation International
Photo courtesy Amanda Schumaker
The cause closest to my heart: Child trafficking
Philanthropy means: Giving through the heart to transform local, global and international communities.
I first learned the value of giving: through my mother, Helen Messic Ross, who had the vision to bring the first permanent Hospice Center to Palm Beach County. She began by forming the Hospice Guild, now known as the Palm Beach Membership of the Hospice Foundation. She led a crusade to build the Charles W. Gerstenberg Hospice Center in 1986, which became a leader in Hospice across the country.
The best way to make an impact is: to empower people with their ideas through collaborative efforts of gifts, talents and resources.
My dream fundraiser would be: The Tree of Life Foundation International would host a global fundraising event in Monaco, France. The first evening would feature a dazzling Harley Davidson Club of Monaco caravan, with women dressed in Elie Saab. Day two would bring a couture luncheon showcasing Chopard’s timeless jewelry. The festivities would conclude with a Christie’s Fine Art reception and an unforgettable dinner at Salle des Etoiles, highlighted by an exclusive performance from world-renowned singer-songwriter and activist Bono. treeoflife.elmedio.co
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
At Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, protecting Florida’s native species—including the tiny but resilient Eastern screech owl—is at the heart of everything they do, from rescue and rehabilitation to conservation education.
Photo by Capehart Photography
Dedicated to protecting Florida’s wildlife and natural resources, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary carries out its mission through two pillars: wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and environmental education. buschwildlife.org
American Humane
For 150 years, this pioneering humane organization has rescued, cared for and protected animals by responding to emergencies, advocating for stronger protections and creating programs that promote the healing power of the human-animal bond. americanhumane.org
Best Buddies International
With a mission to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Best Buddies International builds friendships, fosters employment, promotes leadership, supports inclusive living and provides family support worldwide. bestbuddies.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami serves youth throughout Miami-Dade and Monroe counties through mentoring programs, the arts and career training by tapping into the philanthropic passion of South Florida. bbbsmiami.org
Cancer Alliance of Help & Home
Working to assist local cancer patients, the Cancer Alliance of Help & Home ensures a future free of burdens within Palm Beach County. cahh.org
Feeding South Florida
South Florida’s chapter of the Feeding America network–the leading hunger relief organization—works to help minimize the food-insecure population. It is on a mission to end hunger in South Florida by providing immediate access to nutritious food, advocating for hunger and poverty and transforming lives through innovative programming and education. feedingsouthflorida.org
Florida Breast Cancer Foundation (FBCF)
The Florida Breast Cancer Foundation is on a mission to save the lives of those affected by breast cancer through supporting scientific research, education, advocacy and community-based organizations. With a vision to end the suffering caused by breast cancer, FBCF is dedicated toward providing hope and changing the breast cancer community. floridabreastcancer.org
GIVT
Established in 2015, GIVT serves students across South Florida. Delivering hygiene basics, feminine hygiene products and other essentials to students in poverty in South Florida schools, GIVT believes removing barriers is essential for self-worth and success in school and beyond. thegivt.com
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach
Part of the global Habitat community, Palm Beach County’s affiliate unites volunteers, donors and families to build homes and communities. Habitat believes that everyone deserves a safe home and helps people build better lives through shelter. habitatgreaterpbc.org
Hanley Foundation
Chairs from the Hanley Foundation work to eliminate additction through recovery support.
Photo by Lila Photo
Hanley Foundation works to eliminate addiction through evidence-based prevention, advocacy, treatment and recovery support. Partnering with communities across Florida, they develop programs that delay substance use and provide vital services for families and schools. hanleyfoundation.org
Impact 100 Palm Beach County
Working to connect, engage and inspire women in the Palm Beach community, Impact 100 empowers women through the power of philanthropy and collaboration. impact100pbc.org
Jupiter Medical Center Foundation
As the leading not-for-profit medical provider in the region, Jupiter Medical Center advances patient-centered care through philanthropic support from Jupiter Medical Center Foundation, transforming healthcare by funding innovative technology, state-of-the-art facilities and compassionate programs that meet the community’s evolving needs. jmcfoundation.org
Lois Pope LIFE Foundation
Committed to helping the disadvantaged and marginalized, the Lois Pope LIFE Foundation and Leaders in Furthering Education support disabled veterans, medical research, scholarships, humanitarian relief, the arts and animal welfare. Founded by philanthropist Lois Pope, they provide programs that improve the lives of those facing disabilities, neglect, abuse and other barriers. life-edu.org
Marine Education Initiative
Offering education experiences for students K-12, the Marine Education Initiative teaches the community about sustainability, marine conservation, ocean pollution and aquaponics. Whether raising produce through aquaponics to donate to food banks throughout South Florida or responding to natural disasters, the organization works to foster a healthier and more sustainable future. marineinitiative.org
Palm Beach Harvest
As a leading food-based nonprofit, Palm Beach Harvest works to redirect food to hunger relief agencies. Since 1998, Palm Beach Harvest has provided nutritious meals to those in need and built community gardens to supplement their produce. palmbeachharvest.org
Promise Fund
Committed to reducing breast and cervical cancer disparities, the Promise Fund provides underserved women with support and access to screenings, early diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care. thepromisefund.org
Semper Fi Service Dogs
Dedicated to pairing rescue dogs with veterans who have PTSD, Semper Fi Service Dogs offers free service dog training. Aiming to address increasing suicide rates, improve mental health among the veteran community, the organization is building packs across the country. semperfiservicedogs.org
The Society of the Four Arts
Committed to enriching lives through the arts, this nonprofit cultural organization inspires and engages the community through artist programs—including concerts, exhibits, education and cultural events—supported by philanthropic efforts that sustain lifelong learning and creative expression. fourarts.org
The Susan and Dom Telesco Center for Creative Education
The Center for Creative Education transforms teaching and learning through creativity and the arts, with a focus on enhancing literacy among elementary students. Through direct services to students, support for families, and influence on the education field, CCE advances educational excellence and innovation across communities. cceflorida.org
Tomorrow’s Rainbow
Offering free grief support and group therapy to children and their caregivers, Tomorrow’s Rainbow focuses on underserved communities and at-risk youth. Through various forms of therapy, including equine-assisted therapy with ponies, goats, donkeys and horses, Tomorrow’s Rainbow works to make a meaningful difference in the lives of grieving children. tomorrowsrainbow.org
Stephen Ross
Stephen Ross, CEO and chairman of Related Ross
Photo courtesy of Related Ross
CEO and chairman of Related Ross
The cause closest to my heart: Making West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County the greatest community in the United States.
To me, philanthropy means: Giving back.
I first learned the value of giving: From my family. My grandfather was the most influential person in my life, and my uncle, Max Fisher. They both instilled the value of giving back to the communities in which you live and work.
The best way to make an impact: Be a leader.
Why the Related Ross Foundation: The Related Ross Foundation supports the community in ways that make a difference. As more corporate partners move into the area, many are seeking ways to deepen their local engagement, and The Foundation serves as a bridge, connecting them with local organizations and nonprofits. relatedross.com
