Julia Kadel is a 2024 Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation Catalyst Award winner.
It doesn’t feel right to mislead a friend.
But sometimes—if there’s a good reason— I suppose you can make an exception.
So, when I called Julia Kadel and told her I wanted to get together to discuss “Delray stuff”, I was telling a white lie. But I had a good reason.
Let me explain.
But first, if the name Julia Kadel rings a bell, here’s why. Julia and her husband Jeff are the founders of the Miracle League of Palm Beach County. For two decades, the Kadel’s and a team of volunteers have given every child with special needs the opportunity to play baseball.
The Kadel’s started right here in Delray Beach. In 2005, they came to the City Commission and pitched a vision to build a field for all children at Miller Park. I was mayor at the time. I remember how excited our City Commission was to help.
Julia and Jeff were watching TV one night and saw a news segment about special needs children playing baseball. They decided—then and there– that this would be their family’s heartfelt mission. They made it happen and along the way have touched countless lives.
Julia is a catalyst, someone who makes good things happen. And that’s why I called her and invited her to my office to discuss “Delray stuff.”
But the real reason was to surprise Julia by naming her a winner of the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation’s “Catalyst Award.” The award is given to people who exhibit Carl’s spirit of taking action and making good things happen.
You can’t apply for this award, those of us at the Foundation survey the community and look for people who are doing amazing things.
Winners are given cash awards for their nonprofits and are honored at a luncheon in October courtesy of the Foundation.
Last year, the first year of the award, we honored Pastor Bill Mitchell for his work with CityLead and we also honored Danny Pacheco of the Delray Beach Police Department for creating Delray Kicks, a youth soccer program that has built magical inroads with immigrant communities that may not trust law enforcement.
Our other 2024 winner is Ted Hoskinson, the founder of “Roots and Wings”, a wonderful nonprofit that tutors students and recognizes the amazing work done by teachers.
Ted is a catalyst. Someone who saw a need and works passionately and relentlessly to fill it.
Mr. Hoskinson has a heart for teachers because he was one. He taught at St. Albans School in Washington, D.C., his alma mater.
Although Ted did not make teaching his life-long vocation, he has always cared deeply about elementary education. With his wife Anne, Ted decided that their joint legacy would be to establish and fund a charity to focus on children in need with the mission of improving their lives through education and encouraging strong, cohesive families.
Anne passed away in April 2016. In her honor, Ted began the mission they conceived together. Anne wanted to call the charity “Roots and Wings,” and the non-profit was officially established as a 501(c)(3) organization under that name.
In the ensuing years, Ted and his team have touched countless lives and this year they expect to serve 1,300 students in Palm Beach County. We have watched the effort grow from its humble origins in Delray, into a countywide organization making a profound impact.
Roots And Wings Founder Ted Hoskinson.
This award means the world to us at the Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation because it allows us to celebrate the spirit of our founder and honor those who are making a real difference in our community.
Like Carl– who loved delighting people he cared about– we like to surprise winners with the award.
Last year, we showed up at their workplaces with the news—and a check. This year, we worked with key people in the lives of our catalysts to gather friends and board members at one of our offices. We told a white lie to get them there, but then we opened the door to a conference room celebration.
Julia and Ted were very surprised.
And when I saw Julia’s shocked look, I felt momentarily guilty. I assured her what was happening was a good thing– a great thing actually– and how happy we were to say thanks to a community hero who has enriched so many lives.
My favorite part of this year’s announcement was the “circle of praise” we created (courtesy of my Foundation colleague Maritza Benitez) in which we had everyone in the room share why they adore Julia and Ted. (These were separate surprise events, but we will bring our Catalysts together at the luncheon).
To see the love in the room, the stories of gratitude and respect for these special people created something that’s hard to describe.
Julia and Ted are building community. Julia through baseball. Ted by recognizing unsung (and underpaid) teachers and by helping students create a better future through education.
These are the Catalysts that make our community special.
Special thanks to Jeff Kadel and Roots and Wings board member Joycelyn Patrick for making the day possible.
There were tears and lots of laughter. We left the room feeling blessed for having these special Catalysts in our world. They fill our hearts with joy and gratitude.
This prestigious award just goes to show DELRAY BEACH that one needn’t be in THE DBPD….to be considered
DELRAY’S FINEST…
Congrats to JULIA AND TED….and both of their entire teams that put the UNITY INTO THE COMMUNITY.
Bravo
Bravo
That is so well said Bobby.
This is a beautiful idea. So glad to learn about fhe Kadels and to hear that Ted Hoskinson and Roots and Wings are receiving the recognition they so richly deserve.
Thanks, Betti. This award is so special to those of us who love Mr. D.
Jeff, thank you for sharing. I haven’t met Julia, but I look forward to doing so. I am honored to call Ted a friend. Thanks to the foundation for recognizing catalysts in our community. My wife and I feel like we won the lottery when we settled in Delray Brach nearly seven years ago. Here’s to a bright future. Cheers!
Thanks Matt. You are definitely a lottery winner.
What a special day and moment that was! And what a surprise! Out of tragedy I found my purpose. I am not one who likes being surprised! I like being the one who surprises. There is nothing better than walking into a classroom and surprising a teacher in front of his or her students. The best part is when we ask the students, “What makes your teacher great.” We see all the students raising their hands, eager to tell us why! That is usually when the tears appear in the teacher’s eyes, because they hear such wonderful and meaningful things out of their students’ mouths.
AND the children in Project UpLift. Oh my! Changing lives! That’s what literacy does. It unleashes curiosity. Roots and Wings only works with the bottom 25% of the students in the class. These are the ones that too often are really non-readers. Our after-school tutorials allow the hand-up these students need in a small-group setting, learning lessons the re-introduce the lesson taught during the day in a new and fun and imaginative way. Taught by the certified teachers from the school in their home school in small classes of ten or less is the secret sauce the success. We are changing the lives of these children. This extra time and freedom to be with their students is as rewarding for them as the students. AND the great progress these students make, measured and recorded for all to see what this Project UpLift does!
Simple ideas. I do understand the word “catalyst” even though I never really thought of myself that way. This honor is incredible. I love quotes, and this moment draws me to one from Wayne Dyer, “When you seek happiness for yourself it will always elude you. When you seek happiness for others you will find it yourself.”
This is so beautiful Ted. It demonstrates why we think you are so special. Thank you for caring for our children. We are so grateful.
What a special day and moment this was! And what a surprise! There was a stank face, and then there was a surprise face—and I think you got both, Jeff!
I’m not a fan of liars, but little white lies that do good? Those should have a pretty little bow on them.
Baseball—it’s more than just a sport. It’s the all-American pastime that brings people together, creating a sense of community and belonging. But what happens when you introduce baseball to the special needs community? It transforms into something even more powerful. It’s not just about the game; it’s about breaking down barriers and creating a space where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can experience joy, camaraderie, and acceptance.
When we started the Miracle League nearly 20 years ago, it was about more than just providing a field to play on. It was about giving the special needs community the same opportunity to experience what baseball represents—a sense of belonging, the thrill of teamwork, and the joy of achieving something together.
It’s not just the athletes who are touched by this experience; it extends to the parents, siblings, spectators, business owners, and everyone who comes out to support the games. The impact ripples through the entire community.
For many of our athletes and their families, baseball represents a place where they are not defined by their limitations but celebrated for their abilities. It’s a place where parents can cheer proudly, where siblings can be part of something larger, and where our athletes can feel the same excitement and inclusion that this All-American sport provides to so many. It’s about giving a voice to those who often feel unheard and creating an environment where everyone feels they belong.
This is why I do what I do, and I am beyond proud to be recognized for advocating for these families and individuals. While it may seem like it’s just baseball, it’s so much more—it’s community, acceptance, and love in its purest form.
Out of my own personal struggles with social anxiety and the pain of bullying, I found my purpose. I never considered myself a “Catalyst”, but through those experiences, I realized the power of creating a space where everyone is seen and valued for who they are. Looking at the smiles on the field, the cheers from the stands, and the connections made, I see how something as simple as a game can bring about lasting change.
As Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” That’s what this journey has been about—making every person feel they belong.
I am also deeply honored to be included alongside an exceptional human who shares the same passion, Ted. His dedication and love for this cause inspire us all.
Thank you to Jeff, Maritza and the Carl DeSantis Foundation for recognizing not just me, but my family, our volunteers, our families, and the community as a whole. Most importantly, thank you for recognizing the special needs community. Your support validates the work we do and shines a light on the incredible spirit of those we serve.
Julia,
This comment is so thoughtful and so wonderful. Thank you for sharing your heart and the deep meaning behind your story and your work. You capture it all and I find myself understanding even more the beautiful heart behind the Miracle League. Yes, you are a catalyst. But you are so much more and those beautiful children and their families are the beneficiaries of a wonderful person, her partner and her team. What a wonderful story you are writing for us all.