September 2008 - The Parklander Magazine

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What does a 96 year-old-Countess have in common with Bill and Melinda Gates, The Walton Family, Michael and Susan Dell and Paul Allen More than one would think. By Colleen Wilson They have more in common than just being generous philanthropists: they concentrate their altruistic works into health (Gates Foundation, the Dells) and the arts and culture (the Walton family, Paul Allen). But only Boca Raton’s own Countess de Hoernle covers all of those bases and more. “The sick, the poor, education and the arts,” the Countess said recently when asked to name her charitable priorities in order. She further explained, since it would not be possible to enjoy the arts or culture without one’s health, that seemed to be the most practical place to start! The Countess was inspired while visiting an ailing relative in the hospital. She noticed the name plates on various wings and wondered who those people were. Knowing that, it should be no surprise that her first donation was the entire east wing of Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, New York.When she and her late husband relocated to Boca Raton, their first charitable act was a sizeable donation to the Boca Raton Community Hospital. As for the arts, she has funded many scholarships to music students. Her first recipient was a gifted young man named Gene Boucher who now enjoys a career with the Metropolitan Opera Company, much to the delight and satisfaction of the Countess. She has helped construct major projects in the Palm Beach county area including the Mizner Amphitheater and the new Caldwell Theater. When asked how she decides where she will contribute, the Countess says she starts at the source: What is their mission Are they having an impact on the community And does it make sense Secondly, she then evaluates the organization from independent sources; just the facts, no nonsense. The Countess has served on 16 Boards of Directors, ranging from the American Red Cross to the YMCA, and estimates that she has gifted up to $40 million to various charitable causes over the years. The issue that has her attention of late is the plight of our homeless veterans and their inability to receive benefits simply because they do not have a permanent address. “There is no excuse for this to happen and something needs to be done for these brave men and women!” she said firmly. The Countess also believes that all seniors should be safe and recently spearheaded a drive for a hurricane haven at her home in St. Andrews Estates South, the Boca ACTS Retirement-Life resort where she has lived for the past 26 years. “I love ACTS. Everything is done for me here so I have all the time in the world to do what I want… and that is to give.” Recently, I had the good fortune to work on the Countess’ hairstyle for a portrait shoot with photographer Glenn Heino. I had worked at Harrods’ Beauty Salon in London and on various assignments for Vogue around the globe with many famous personalities, including Sharon Tate, Julie Christie, Faye Dunaway, Glenda Jackson, models Jean Shrimpton, Twiggy, Kate Moss and many others, but Countess Henrietta de Hoernle was by far the most dynamic, gentle but strong woman I have ever met. I was amazed by her incredible vitality, generosity, warmth and modern approach to life. Her spirit and attitude are contagious. She has wisdom, humor, charm and is a great conversationalist, albeit on business or on her charitable projects. In her 96th year she is still busy giving. She labors until 1:30 in the morning working on her business, summarizing the day’s telephone calls and answering her mail. She explains that things are getting busier rather than easing off. After we finished the photo shoot, I continued to contemplate my impressions of my encounter with the Countess. Her mind is active, she does not carry baggage, no secretary takes notes for her or directs her day’s work. She chooses not to use modern technology such as computers or the Internet. She brings only a pen and notebook to every meeting. When she’s finished a meeting, she gets on her buggy and quickly drives off to the next meeting. She is busy every day and has many commitments to keep up with. When I asked her what “The Next Big Project” might be, she explained that she is so booked at this moment, she is not taking on any more projects, at least for the time being. When you ask about her past, she will give you a history lesson, and when you talk about the present, she will discuss without any hesitation her plans for the future. She plans weeks, months and years ahead just like someone half her age. The difference is that her investments are in her charities. She states that she plans to be around for a long time. The Countess was born in Karlsruhe, Black Forest, Germany in 1912. She has resided in the US since 1931 and has two daughters, Diana Burgess and Carolina Wagman, and has lived in Boca Raton since 1981. Her late husband, Adolf Count de Hoernle was the owner of Stewart Stamping Corp. in Yonkers, New York. He sold the business and retired in 1965 and then he and the Countess spent 40 years traveling the world before they decided to settle down in sunny South Florida. In addition to her title of Countess she has seven Dame titles including Dame de Grande Croix de Justice, Dame of the 56 SEPTEMBER 2008
should all hope to be half as effective at any age as she is right now.” The Countess attributes her vitality to a daily vitamin regimen. This tireless woman has helped construct over 32 public buildings and has received honors from President George Bush and Governor Charlie Crist on the occasion of her 95th birthday. The Countess’ motto is “Give while you live, and know where it goes,” and she is fully involved with the charities to which she donates. She is not a checkbook philanthropist – but rather an interested, get-her-hands-into-it humanitarian who wants to see results. She has made a real difference in the places that she has chosen to call home. We are lucky to have her in South Florida. Noble Companion of the Swan, Dame of the Knightly Association of St. George the Martyr, Dame of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem, Dame of the Most Venerable and Holy Orthodox Order of Saint Basil the Great, Dame Commander of Justice of the Order of the Knights of Malta, Dame Commander of Justice, Ambassador at Large, Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta. “Her spirit and energy are amazing,” said her friend, local broadcaster Dick Robinson. “We A collaboration by: Article by PR Manager Colleen Wilson – ACTS Retirement-Life Communities/ St. Andrews Estates South, Photography by Glenn Heino, Assistant Joe Pizzarello, Author, Art Director & Hairdresser Harold Leighton, Makeup Artist, Georgio Fernandez, Clothing, Maxine Leighton, Editor, Sherri Heino NEW! NEW! NEW! CHECK THIS OUT! CONTRACT IN 14 DAYS! SOLD SOLD FULL PRICE 1 DAY! SOLD I Love the Landings • 5 Beds 3.5 Baths • New Roof • New Drive & Patio Pavers • New Beautiful Porcelain Tile & Carpet Throughout • New Children's Wing Including 3 Beds 2 Baths and a Media Room • Gorgeous Master Bath • Wonderful Kitchen With Granite/Warm Wood • New Hunter Douglas Blinds Throughout • Wonderful Window Treatments & Drapes • 3290 Under Air • Screened Pool • Cul de Sac • Large Lot over 14,000 sq ft. $675,000 I Love the Landings 5 Beds 3 Baths • New Roof • New Screen Enclosure • New Pavered Drive • New Decorative Fence • New Kitchen • New Baths • Knockdown Ceilings • Garage Tek Garage • Cul De Sac • Custom Floorplan • Pool • Fully Fenced Yard $669,000 • If You are Looking for a Fulltime, Hands-on, Result Oriented Realtor... Call Kate 954-592-9311 the PARKLANDER Winston Park-Coconut Creek • 3 Bed 2 Bath + Pool • New Roof • New A/C • New Porcelain Tile and Carpet throughout • New Kitchenaide Appliances • New Duet Washer/Dryer • Wide Open Floorplan • Low HOA Fees (only $120 QTR) • Community Pool • Screened Pool/Patio • Large Corner Lot $276,000 www.katesells.com • katefontenot@bellsouth.net Winston Park-Coconut Creek • Wow What a Deal • 3 Bed 2 Bath • Tile Throughout • New Kitchen • New Bath • Just Painted Inside & Out • Interior Lot • Low HOA Fees (just $140 per Year) • Great Curb Appeal $270,999 57
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September 2008 - The Parklander Magazine

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