Boca Raton, FL – The inspiration to become involved in WCFC was initially inspired through the leadership of Jon and Bonnie Kaye. Their involvement with Florida Atlantic University and Jon’s involvement at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Dean’s Advisory Board inspired them to create the White Coats-4-Care initiative to help “dress and equip” the very first class of Medical students.
Bonnie and Jon reached out to me, at the time a City Council member along with Mayor Susan Whelchel. We loved the idea, and embraced it as an exciting opportunity by which to introduce the College of Medicine to the greater Boca Raton community and get the entire City, its businesses and residents behind this transformational addition to the University.
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WCFC shone a bright light on the College as it debuted as the first and only medical school in Palm Beach County, a new valued City and community asset, as well as welcoming with open arms the students of the first class.
WC4C was and continues to be a “warm and welcoming” opportunity for all those involved as we embrace the students and show them how much they mean to our community and our future of healthcare.
We wanted the students to feel appreciated, and a part of something great. WC4C beamed a bright light on the University, the Doctors on staff, the depth of appreciation of generosity to the legacy of the Schmidt family for their vision to strengthen the three-legged stool of Boca Raton: FAU, Boca Raton Regional Hospital and The Boca Raton Resort & Club.
The energy, the excitement and desire to grow this event was so evident that I not only wanted to buy one coat, but also to become a true partner with these young future doctors by investing in their future. The scholarship initiative has become a hallowed tradition in this community for 14 years, critical to the future of medicine as well as a celebration of students, their families, faculty, the city and beyond. It has become a part of me and what I want my life to always be about. Education, embracing the future and transforming lives.
The impact the committee has had on the WCFC grows, expands and creates a resonating sense of true love, and unified dedication and commitment to the success of the event. Out of the meetings have grown friendships with one another, involvement with students as they move through each year of their studies. Each year, the committee shares new ideas and opportunities to make each year better and more successful than the previous one.
The committee collaborates on ways in which to raise the bar for donor engagement and contributions through various levels of donation levels with related benefits and recognition. A few years ago the idea of the White Coat Society was an outcome of the committee and I committed along with my husband Tom, immediately signed up. This is just one example of how engaged the committee is in the evolution of WCFC event and expanding the financial success.
I see my life as a Legacy. Through my faith and belief from childhood, believing in Jesus Christ, my commitment to honoring my parents before me that taught me my faith, beliefs, my actions and my journey all shape my legacy. By setting up my endowment, I have a chance to impact so much more than I can do with one life. It will drive great generational impact because these students are the first recipients of the investment and all the lives they touch, the knowledge and legacy they will leave means so much to me. I know that I will have made a difference. I hope that others, friends, family, members of the community, alumni and anyone that is touched by my decision to give to the Endowment fund for the benefit of scholarships for the Schmidt College of Medicine students will inspire them to contribute as well.
The White Coat ceremony is a very emotional forever memory, for the students, their families, and the greater community. It’s a day the students will forever draw upon throughout their career. It’s the foundation and commitment as they move forward to change their lives with a powerful future devoted to saving lives for decades to come. It’s an incredible journey as the students embark on their own Legacy.
I cry at every ceremony, praying they have faith to know they are so blessed to have chosen this as their dream, reality and legacy. I am so blessed to have this as a part of my journey. I thank my Lord and Savior everyday for my gift of life to witness all he has given me. His love for me has chosen this as a part of my legacy.
By Constance J. Scott
