Rebecca Reports

Published February 24th, 2008

Friday, I met the charming, Neil O’Brien, vice president of special sales for legendary Italian tailors, Brioni, who was in town for a Brioni  trunk show at Maus & Hoffman’s Boca  store. Brioni of course rose to international super stardom after countless appearances in James Bond movies.  Former 007, Pierce Brosnan, is still a Brioni fan apparently.

Brioni would make 40 suits and tuxes for each Bond movie. Brosnan usually had five left at the end of filming that hadn’t been destroyed! Where’s Brioni’s hottest world market right now? “Russia,” O’Brien told me. I wonder if everything has to be fur lined!

Sunday, the Gold Coast British Sports Car Club took over Royal Palm Place, a new venue, for its 15th Annual British car show.  More than 160 cars took part. Le Mans 24 hours champion Derek Bell, now a Boca resident, also turned up to “Fly the Union Jack”.  The Best of Show Winner was a 1947 Morgan F Super owned by Frank and Ann Rubino.  The event was such a success the club is coming back next year. Well done chaps!

Tuesday began with a photo op at the Florence Fuller Child Development Centers. Kind-hearted corporate giant Tyson Foods delivered 36,700 lbs of protein (in an 18-wheeler) be shared between Florence Fuller and the Daily Bread Food Bank. Tyson Foods CEO Dick Bond, is a frequent visitor to Boca as his parents live here so knows the town well. Tom Ehrbar, President of Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, made a record–breaking thank you speech. According to CEO Doug Paton, three minutes was a record for Tom!

“If elected, I will serve,” said Helen Thomas, the legendary White House correspondent, responding to the question why aren’t you running for president?  The diminutive but indominitable octogenarian was in fine form Tuesday when she delivered the FAU Alan B. Larkin Symposium on the American presidency. She didn’t pull any punches--George W. Bush is not her favorite president (J.F.K. was) and Bill Clinton will not be immortalized on Mount Rushmore! I could go on--Thomas delivered insightful one-liners for all nine presidents she’s covered. My favorite quote from her speech concerned Dr. Henry Kissinger, well-known for his inflated ego. As overheard by Thomas—a woman thanked Kissinger for “Saving the World.” “You’re welcome,” he replied!

Thursday, I was a guest of Hospice of Palm Beach County, at the Boca Chamber of Commerce monthly “Successful Women in Business” luncheon. Speaker, Zelda Fraden, gave members excellent advice, including how to bounce back after your warehouse takes a direct hit from a tornado! A news update from the Boca chamber--president & CEO Troy McClellan is now the only male member of staff. Lucky man!