WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Every month, WPTV comes to you to connect and listen.
Tuesday, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we hosted our "Let's Hear It" meet-up at the Esperanza Community Center in West Palm Beach.
WPTV anchor Mike Trim spoke with Wade Wattick, the coordinator of the upcoming Devil Dog 5k. The event will take place on Sept. 28 at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton.
Last year, Waddick's goal was to raise $80,000 for the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund. He ended up successfully raising over $100,000.
Lia Head-Rigby works with Palm Beach County's HIV Services, which is aiming to reduce new HIV infections by 90% by 2030 through the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.
"We've got to figure out how to control (HIV)," Head-Rigby said. "So, going into the neighborhoods to try and halt it by getting people tested."
Head-Rigby said that she is working hard to end the stigma around HIV by educating people that it's still possible to live their normal lives while still getting treated.
"Within Palm Beach County, 50% of all cases of HIV and AIDS are aged 50 years and older," Head-Rigby said. "It's very scary that one out of 175 people that you meet has HIV here."
Ten years ago, artists Trina and Anthony Burks were under the threat of losing their homes. After speaking with WPTV anchor Tania Rogers about their situation, the Burks were able to raise enough money to keep their home.
Shortly after, the Burks founded the No More Starving Artists Foundation as a way to give back to the community, helping artists sustain themselves personally and professionally. They have provided artists with resources on how to kick-start their business, connecting them with an an accountant or even giving them a grant.
"We want for the community to know that artists are relevant to what's going on— we're the history makers and the storytellers," Trina Burke said. "Without art, there is nothing else. So just support your local artists."
Carole Pichney is the president of the Artists of Palm Beach County. She spoke with WPTV Reporter Joel Lopez about the organization's work with Esperanza Community Center.
Each summer, the organization works with Esperanza Community Center to hold a photography competition for children. Last year, there were over 100 entries.
"I just love to see the joy in the children," Pichney said. "They've had hard times last year, and even if we can give them a month's worth of joy and pride in their community, that's what we're looking to do."
