Get to Know the Board

Meet Yvonne Ackerman

Jane Zenker, left, Yvonne Ackerman, right

Yvonne Ackerman arrived in Boca Raton 31 years ago. She has served on the board of directors of Boca West Children’s Foundation since 2012, just a year after its inception.

Yvonne grew up in a suburb of Philadelphia called Merion and moved to New York City at the age of 13. After college she became a model then married and had her first child. Yvonne and her husband Don have five children; two girls and three boys. They have 11 wonderful grandchildren; six girls and five boys. They’re also pet parents to Molly, a 9 year old Labradoodle, and Pippin, a 4 year old Maltipoo.

At 39, she started a school serving developmentally disabled children from birth to five years old. The school received half of its funding from the state of NJ and the rest from donations. Today, that school still exists at Montclair State Teachers College.

Do you have a favorite quote?  But for the grace of God there go I.

What initially drew you to Boca West Children’s Foundation?  Like the song, I believe the children are our  future.

What has been your favorite Boca West Children’s Foundation event or memory?  Definitely the Old Navy shopping day and holiday breakfast in December where we take several hundred children shopping for new clothes, give them each a gift, and throw a big kids party. I love spending time with the children.

What makes Boca West Children’s Foundation special to you?  Knowing that I am making a small difference one day at a time. Giving back and being a part of this wonderful organization has enriched every day of my life.

What do you enjoy most about working with the various organizations?  Seeing and hearing the positive changes in children’s lives that were made possible thanks to Boca West Children’s Foundation.

If you could tell someone just one thing about Boca West Children’s Foundation, what would that be?  The reasons for being part of it are pure. A smile from a child can change your life. More than 90% of the money we raise goes to the kids. There are very few other charities that can boast that.