Philanthropic and Civic Leaders Gather for Inaugural Friends of THE FUND for West Palm Beach Police Blue Hour

Hosted by board members Ben Macfarland and Ned Grace, the waterfront evening welcomed new and existing supporters to help strengthen public safety

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (October 26, 2026) — More than 100 philanthropists, civic leaders, business executives, and supporters gathered on October 21 at Lamarina in West Palm Beach for the inaugural Friends of THE FUND for West Palm Beach Police Blue Hour.

The evening introduced prospective members to THE FUND’s mission and invited them to help support officers, their families, and community programs that enhance public safety.

Generously hosted and underwritten by THE FUND board members Ben Macfarland and Ned Grace, the gathering brought longtime benefactors and new supporters together for cocktails, conversation, and connections with local officers.

Macfarland, founder and CEO of SROA Capital, and Grace, co-founder and managing director of NDT Development, joined Bill Bone, THE FUND’s President and CEO, and West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo in addressing guests about how philanthropic support helps meet the needs of the department and the community it serves.

For over four decades, THE FUND, which merged six years ago with the former West Palm Beach Police Foundation, has provided support beyond traditional municipal funding by investing in educational scholarships, emergency financial assistance, specialized training and equipment, officer recruitment, and community outreach.

In 2026, more than 50 children of West Palm Beach police officers each received a $4,000 scholarship to further their education. THE FUND also assists officers and their families facing unexpected hardships and supports programs that build relationships between law enforcement and residents. These include Shop with a Cop, the Police Explorers program, and holiday meal deliveries to residents in need.

“Our members collectively contribute more than $1 million annually to support the West Palm Beach Police Department,” said Bone. “Every contribution matters, and every new member helps strengthen our support for the officers who serve West Palm Beach. We invite residents and businesses to join us in investing in a safer, stronger community.”

Residents and businesses can become members year-round, with memberships remaining active for one year from enrollment before renewal. Every contribution helps expand the resources available to officers, their families, and the community.

Become a member, make a contribution, or learn more about THE FUND for West Palm Beach Police at thefundforwpbpolice.org.

ABOUT THE FUND:
THE FUND, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was created to support and collaborate with the very people who ensure that the community remains a safe, vibrant, world-class city, the West Palm Beach Police. For them, operating at maximum effectiveness often goes beyond what local budgeting can bear. Working within the requirements of city government and police leadership but outside the confines of local budgeting, THE FUND supplements operational needs and financial limitations for WPB’s finest. Also, by supporting these first responders’ needs, resources become an investment in improving public safety and enhancing residents’ quality of life. It’s a community, after all, and communities become stronger when individuals have each other’s backs. To the police of West Palm Beach, we’re on our way.