Vanessa Gallegos Florida Project at the Junior League Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon

On Friday, November 21st, 2025, I had the honor of attending the 38th Annual Woman Volunteer of the Year Award Luncheon & Fashion Show hosted by the Junior League of Boca Raton. The event took place at The Boca Raton, and the doors opened at 10:30 a.m. From the first moment, the room felt full of energy and purpose. As part of the Vanessa Gallegos Florida Project, I always love being in spaces where service, leadership, and community come together.

A Celebration of Local Women Making an Impact

This luncheon is one of the most exciting annual events in our area. It brings together volunteers and supporters from Palm Beach and Northern Broward counties. Every nominee is a woman dedicated to serving others and helping her community grow. Their stories remind us how powerful one person’s kindness can be.

The event was led by Honorary Chair Carrie Rubin and Event Co-Chairs Namrata Israni and Racheal Petullo. They created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made the celebration even more meaningful.

Supporting Women’s Leadership

The Junior League of Boca Raton uses this event to highlight its mission. They focus on advancing women’s leadership through training, collaboration, and hands-on volunteer work. Their current work centers on Child Welfare and Nonprofit Support, which both make a clear and lasting difference. Because the Vanessa Gallegos Florida Project also supports community impact, I felt deeply connected to the purpose of this event.

The luncheon also received strong support from partners. The Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation and the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health and Wellness Institute sponsored the award presentation. The Junior League’s 1971 Society served as Presenting Sponsor. In addition, Boca Magazine was the Exclusive Magazine Sponsor, and The Boca Raton produced a beautiful fashion show. The entire afternoon ran smoothly and felt thoughtfully planned.

Honoring Becky Heatherman

This year, I attended to support Rebecca (Becky) Heatherman, a nominee recognized for her work with The Diaper Bank, Covering South Florida. Becky has played a major role in bringing attention to diaper insecurity, which is a crisis many people do not see. Since diapers are not covered by government assistance, families often struggle to afford them. Without enough diapers, parents cannot enroll their children in childcare, and this prevents them from working. The cycle becomes overwhelming, especially for families already facing financial stress.

Becky’s dedication is changing that. She helps lead The Diaper Bank using a mission based on P.E.A.C.E.—Partner, Educate, Advocate, Compassion, and Elevate. They partner with local nonprofits to reach families who need support the most. They educate the public, advocate for long-term solutions, and elevate the conversation around diaper need. Their compassion allows families to feel seen, supported, and respected.

Portrait of Rebecca Heatherman, nominee for Woman Volunteer of the Year, representing The Diaper Bank Covering South Florida.

An Afternoon Filled With Purpose

Throughout the luncheon, I felt inspired by every woman in the room. Their stories showed how small acts, repeated over time, can change lives. The Junior League of Boca Raton created the perfect setting to honor their work.

As the afternoon came to a close, I walked away grateful for the chance to attend. The event strengthened my belief in the power of volunteer work, and it encouraged me to keep growing the Vanessa Gallegos Florida Project. When women come together to lift others, our entire community becomes stronger.