Volunteer Extraordinaire
Mary Stern is the high priestess of goodness. She volunteers her time in the pursuit of helping nonprofit organizations raise awareness and funds for a higher purpose.
At many charity events, Mary is the person who greets guests at the door and helps them find their seats. Mary is also excellent at getting businesses to donate items to be auctioned off for charity. The money goes to support vital programs (and research) in the ongoing fight to find a cure or help those in need.
When the Chicago native moved to Boca Raton 25 years ago, she discovered that her passion was not just the sunshine and palm trees, but the ability to make a difference in the community.
She started as a volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, FAU Lifelong Learning Institute and the Boca Raton Museum of Art. This Delray Beach woman of perseverance and prowess has volunteered for over 65 nonprofit organizations. It is not uncommon for her to volunteer for two or three charity events in one day.
If there is a need in the community for a cause, then Mary Stern is on the front lines with purpose and passion.
For 10 years, she lent her time and heart to Brain Bowl, a nonprofit organization to raise awareness and funds for those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Dementia.
But that’s not all this petite woman with the fearless persona has done in the name of philanthropy. She has been involved in every phase of philanthropy. That’s why charity committee members have been known to call her months in advance to volunteer at an event. “They know they can depend on me and that I will do my best.”
Ted Hoskinson knows this first-hand. The founder of Roots and Wings calls Mary the Ultimate Volunteer.
“What we love about Mary is that she wants to spread awareness of our cause. At the same time, she is working hard to bring in extra funds for us at our events. I love watching her in action selling our raffle tickets.”
This zealous attitude toward helping others is something that has been ingrained in Mary for years. When she first moved to Florida (from California), part of her motivation was to meet people in the community.
But her passion for people was transformed into something much larger. “I love being a part of these nonprofits. Whether I’m selling raffle tickets, overseeing the seating or welcoming people. I do any job needed, as long as I am helping the cause of each charity.”
That cause can range from 30 to 40 events a month during the season. But this hectic pace and people-person persona is what drives Mary to get auction items, talk to people about each charity, and give her heart to different causes.
This dedication has not gone unnoticed. This year (and last year), Mary was nominated for the Junior League of Boca Raton Woman of the Year Award. For 2026, she was nominated by Roots and Wings and last year by the Brain Bowl.
5th) includes important leaders in the philanthropic world. Not just volunteers, but those whose hearts and heads are seared into the groove of selfless giving at the core of their being.
Mary’s friend, and local philanthropist Judy Legare understands why Mary is on this large stage of greatness two years in a row.
“Mary Stern is an ‘Angel On Earth.’ She is a gift that keeps giving. She has such a Beautiful Heart, and it reflects in the time she devotes to our community for so many charities.”
For the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, she received the Heart and Soul Award in 2015. She also won the Gold Star Award for her volunteerism at the Boca Museum.
For the past 24 years, Mary has been a volunteer for the Boca Bacchanal event that raises funds for the Boca Raton Historical Society.
Mary’s role ranges from selling raffle tickets to overseeing auction items, setting up and closing down the event.
Her enthusiasm, whether for a black-tie gala or a blue jean ball, has a box seat in the hierarchy of Mary’s life. “There are no days off,” she says.
Mary is also known as the woman who has never heard the word “NO.” She is relentless in asking guests to buy raffle tickets or bid on auction items for a good cause. At one Brain Bowl event, she sold 80 raffle tickets at $100 each.
This woman of steely determination has an endless supply of energy. Her smile could light up a room, and her enthusiasm peaks when she is helping others.
Mary’s perfectly coiffed hair and colorful outfits are part of her artistic persona. “I love art and design of any kind; everywhere and on everything.”
Though Delray Beach is her home now, she has traversed the world in the past. Her dreamscape of travel ranged from Oregon and California, France, Switzerland, a safari down the Nile, Kenya, China and shopping sprees in Hong Kong.
She also loves theater, music and museums and is an avid animal lover. Her beloved dog Daisy, a Shih Tzu-poodle, holds a special place in her heart.
For Mary Stern, volunteering is more than an activity on a calendar. It is a way of life, one that reminds us how determined a person with a generous heart can accomplish.
