Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
About this Event
Love to Learn is Palm Beach County’s signature early learning celebration, bringing together business, philanthropic, civic, and education leaders who believe every child deserves a strong start.
Join the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County at the Kravis Center for a morning centered on one powerful idea: the future starts before kindergarten.
Featuring nationally recognized early learning leader and author Elliot Haspel, Love to Learn will celebrate this year’s honorees and the partnerships helping children and families thrive. Together, we will recognize the people and organizations whose leadership is strengthening early learning across Palm Beach County.
Behind every enrollment, classroom, and family resource is an opportunity to shape a child’s future. What happens in the earliest years helps children arrive at kindergarten ready to learn, supports families, and strengthens the community we share.
Put your organization at the table for Palm Beach County’s youngest learners and the future we share. Sponsorships help sustain the work that connects children, families, educators, and quality early learning opportunities.
https://www.elcpalmbeach.org/love-to-learn-2026/
Love to Learn Honorees
Lifetime Honoree - Phillippe Jeck, Palm Beach County attorney and founding Coalition Board Member
Impact Honoree - Patrick McNamara, President and CEO of Palm Health Foundation
Inspiration Honoree - Thais Sullivan, Senior Vice President with Valley Bank and current Board Member
Catalyst Honoree – Kristin Calder, CEO of the Literacy Coalition
Advocate Honoree – Commissioner Bobby Powell
Featured Voices
Keynote speaker and author Elliot Haspel will be joined by Makayla Buchanan of The Children’s Movement of Florida and Alethea Brown, Executive Director of Kingswood Academy, for a conversation moderated by Sunil Gunderia, Co-Founder and CEO of Mindset CoPilot. Matt Lincoln of CBS12 is Love to Learn’s event Emcee.
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Welcome Breakfast & Networking
Info: Guests will enjoy a plated gourmet breakfast, coffee, and tea while minging with leaders and champions in the space of early learning.
🕑: 08:30 AM - 08:45 AM
Opening Remarks from Warren Eldridge
Host: Warren Eldridge
Info: A warm welcome from the Chief Executive Officer of the Early Learning Coalition, Warren Eldridge, with CBS12's Matt Lincoln as emcee.
🕑: 08:45 AM - 09:15 AM
Keynote Address: Elliot Haspel
Host: Elliot Haspel
Info: Renowned author of “Raising a Nation: 10 Reasons Every American Has a Stake in Child Care For All”, Elliot Haspel, offers insights from his acclaimed book.
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:15 AM
Interactive Panel
Host: Elliot Haspel
Info: Interactive panel discussion featuring keynote speaker and author Elliot Haspel, Makayla Buchanan of the Children's Movement, Alethea Brown the Executive Director of Kingswood Academy, with Sunil Gunderia as moderator, as they explore bold ideas and practical strategies shaping the future of early learning.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Early Learning Champion Awards
Host: Patrick McNamara
Info: Recognizing champions whose leadership and dedication are strengthening early learning.
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Book Signing & Farewell
Info: Each guest receives a copy of Raising a Nation.
Photo or book signing opportunities with Elliot Haspel (time permitting).
Final networking and coffee service.
Event venue & nearby stays
Cohen Pavilion at The Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.