The 2022 Knights and Dames Gala,
Presented by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller

For Immediate Release
Media Contact: John Sternal, Merit Mile Advertising & PR
954-592-1201, jsternal@meritmile.com

Annual Knights and Dames Gala, Presented by the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, November 5, 2022

The annual Knights and Dames Gala, to be held on November 5, 2022, at the Royal Palm Yacht Club (2425 West Maya Palm Way, Boca Raton) at 6pm, is the signature fundraiser and gala event for the Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller of Florida (OSJ).

Established in 1099 AD by the Blessed Gerard, and with less than 1,200 worldwide members, the Order began as a hospice for pilgrims and the local population while serving people of all faiths and remains among the oldest chivalric and religious organizations in the world. 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. This year, the evening will be one of celebration and inspiration, with H.E. Grand Dame Isabelle Paul as the 2022 honoree. Grand Dame Isabelle Paul’s contributions to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, and her impact on the community have been numerous and she has touched thousands with her generosity and goodwill.

The OSJ Knights and Dames Gala will be preceded on Saturday November 5th by a Solemn Ceremony of Investiture starting promptly at 4 o’clock, and it is expected that H.E. Grand Commander and Grand Prior Paul M. Borg OSJ from Valletta, Malta will officiate. The ceremony will be held at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church (100 NE Mizner Boulevard, Boca Raton), and the following six aspirants, who have distinguished themselves through their dedication and service to the mission and goals of the Order of St. John, will be invested into the Florida Commandery: Carol Hicks Boucard, Andrea Jacqueline Haynes Chang, Danville Lloyd Chang, Scott Monroe Coffey, Michael Robert Koppenal, and Mark Anthony Reino.

The Honorary Chair of the 2022 Knights and Dames Gala is Christine E. Lynn. The Gala Chair is Chevalier Martin Marinov, KSJ. The Committee Chairs are Dame Kristin Viets, DSJ, and Chevalier Jim Viets, KSJ, all active members of the OSJ Florida Commandery.

The public are welcome to attend the Solemn Ceremony of Investiture free of charge, as well as the Gala by purchasing a ticket (individual tickets are $350; black or white tie formal dress). Proceeds from the evening will go to the many charities in the community supported by the Order of St. John. Since 2011, OSJ has been able to help create homes and healthcare facilities in underserved communities, subsidize safe spaces for homeless children, 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. The Order of St. John Commandery of Florida has raised nearly $2 million for local charities since 2011.

A variety of benefactor and sponsorship opportunities for the 2022 Knights and Dames Gala are still available. For more information, please visit https://osjflorida.org/events/.

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 923 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 approximately 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 H.E. Grand Dame Isabelle K. Paul, is affiliated with the OSJ Americas Priory that includes Commanderies in New York, Florida, Texas and the West Indies.