The Inaugural Knights and Dames Gala, Presented by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Emily Taffel, Mugsy PR

754-367-2722, Emily@mugsypr.com

The Inaugural Knights and Dames Gala, Presented by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem

Honoring the philanthropy of Christine E. Lynn, November 4, 2017

The Knights and Dames Gala, to be held on November 4, 2017 at the Royal Palm Yacht Club (2425 West Maya Palm Way, Boca Raton) at 6pm, is the signature fundraiser and inaugural Gala event for the Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller of Florida. (OSJ)

The organization’s mission to care for the sick, poor and less fortunate of the world is best summarized in the Order’s nearly 1,000 year-old motto “For Faith, for Service to Humanity.”  The local chapter has supported many charitable initiatives in the South Florida community inspired by the philanthropy of the late Countess de Hoernle. Therefore the Order has chosen to recognize one individual per year who most embodies the Countess’ spirit of love and giving.

The evening will be one of celebration and inspiration, with Christine E. Lynn as the 2017 honoree. Ms. Christine Lynn’s contributions to OSJ and her impact on the community have been numerous – from the University that bears her name to the many rooms and buildings at Boca Raton Regional Hospital to a variety of charities in the Boca Raton community – she has touched thousands with her generosity and good will.

The OSJ Knights and Dames Gala will be preceded on Friday evening, November 3, by a solemn promotion ceremony attended by H.E. Grand Commander and Grand Prior Paul M. Borg OSJ from Valletta, Malta. The solemn ceremony, held at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Boca Raton, will promote nine members of the Florida Commandery who have distinguished themselves through their dedication and service to the mission and goals of the Order of St. John.  Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The Gala is open to the public (individual tickets are $275) to give everyone the opportunity to honor this true community heroine. Proceeds from the evening will go to the many charities in the community supported by the Order of St. John. In the last year alone, OSJ has been able to create homes and healthcare facilities in underserved communities, provide safe spaces for homeless children, develop services for distressed and abused women, and so much more. Fundraising events such as the Knights and Dames Gala are critical to raising awareness, and providing funding to directly impact the lives and needs of the local community.

Honorary Chairs of the 2017 Knights and Dames Gala are Annie and Lou Green, Debbie Lindstrom and Bob Sheetz.  The event is co-chaired by Chevalier Richard Cartledge, KSJ, MD and Dame Samantha Cartledge, DSJ, MD, members of the OSJ Florida Commandery.

A variety of benefactor and sponsorship opportunities for the 2017 Knights and Dames Gala are still available. For more information, please visit https://osjflorida.org/events/.

Find us on Facebook @OSJFL #KnightsandDames2017.

About the Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller

The Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller (OSJ), founded in 1099 AD, is among the oldest Orders of Chivalry in existence today, and has continuously served the sick and poor for 965 years. It is now, and has always been, considered an “Order of Malta.”  The term “Hospitaller” originally referred to the nature of the Order’s medical and social work.  The OSJ (Malta) is made up of more than 1,200 Knights and Dames located in Europe, the United States, Canada, Caribbean, Latin America and Australia.  The OSJ Florida Commandery based in Boca Raton, under the leadership of Commander Isabelle K. Paul DCJSJ, is affiliated with the OSJ Americas Priory that includes Commanderies in New York, Florida, Texas and the West Indies.