It is with deep sorrow that we share that Seagull Services’ President and CEO, Barbara Nurenberg, passed away Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, after a brief illness.

Ms. Nurenberg served as President and CEO of Seagull Services since November, 2013, and made many significant contributions to the agency during that time.

As President and CEO, she guided Seagull Services to refine its mission and dedication to filling unmet needs for services to adults and students with developmental disabilities in the Greater Palm Beaches. Under her leadership, Seagull has added programs to help more students transition from school to work and help more adults succeed in the workplace with the development of learning centers and the expansion of Supported Employment Services.

Ms. Nurenberg brought a lifetime of experience and expertise with special populations to Seagull Services. Previously, she spent many years in leadership at Detroit-based JVS Human Services. As President and CEO, she grew the organization from a vocational agency serving 5,000 people to a comprehensive human services organization serving nearly 20,000 people.

She was a pioneer in providing people with disabilities the opportunity to work in the community. She also was a strong advocate in how we honor and care for the elderly.

Ms. Nurenberg earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Master of Arts in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Wayne State University in Detroit.  She had done post-graduate studies at Wayne State University, Harvard Business School, and Michigan State University.

Guests at the 9^th Annual Chef Event got an education in the finer points of fine chocolate replete with samples as Pastry Chef Zachary Detweiller prepared his molten chocolate torte for the gourmet luncheon event’s finale.

The luncheon and demonstration was held at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa on Nov. 16 and raised more than $35,000 for Seagull Services’ educational programs for youth and adults with developmental disabilities.

Seagull Board Chair Laura Fowler welcomed guests to the packed ballroom and thanked the numerous event sponsors. The 9^th Annual Chef Event was presented by Douglas C. Lane & Associates and Publix Super Markets Charities. Other major sponsors were Comerica, FPL, Gulfstream Insurance Group, the Lillian & Joseph Schwartz Trust, and Nozzle Nolen.

“The Chef Event is a 9-year old tradition that we’ve come to love because it’s a great afternoon that ends with a fantastic dessert presentation. But the real enjoyment of the Chef Event takes place back at Seagull’s Achievement Center and in the classrooms at Seagull Academy for Independent Living,” Fowler said.

“The real joy is witnessing the accomplishments and fulfillment that our program participants achieve,” she said. “Some of our clients come to us as pre-teens just starting middle school. While they learn academics in middle and high school, SAIL also emphasizes life skills and employment readiness programs so that each one can live their fullest life – employment for many and perhaps independent living. I want to thank each of you for helping to make it happen. As we say at Seagull, you’re enriching lives, erasing barriers, and helping people soar.”

In addition to the culinary demonstration, the event featured a silent auction and raffles. Guests had the opportunity to bid on art, jewelry, event tickets, and gift baskets.

At Seagull Services’ headquarters, everyone enjoyed a catered luncheon. The cafeteria was decked in fall colors, and volunteers and staff dished up heaping plates of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and green beans.

At Seagull Academy for Independent Living where cooking is part of the life skills curriculum, the donation from the Town of Palm Beach United Way provided the ingredients for an elaborate cooking lesson. Beginning weeks in advance, the students prepared their menu and shopped. Then classes took turns in the kitchen to cook the meal they all enjoyed together.

We are thankful indeed!