We all know that life can change in a millisecond. And it did for Gary Schweikhart on July 11. Schweikhart, locally regarded as the godfather of public relations in Palm Beach County, was simply working in his home office when a speeding car crashed into—and through—his house, burying him under rubble completely.

Gary was rushed to Delray Beach Community Hospital with severe injuries; he was in intensive care for days, then released into rehab. He needed tendon repair and a metal plate in his face, because of a fractured mandible and fracture of his orbital floor. He is also without a home for at least the next eight months. 

The communities of Boca, Delray and Palm Beach—especially its PR professionals—rallied around Gary to help immediately (kudos to Rich Pollack and Julie Mullen who have spearheaded efforts), and a fundraiser is planned at the Arts Garage on Aug. 28 in his honor. 

The event, “He DID Survive: A Benefit Concert for Gary Schweikhart,” will be headlined by Rich & Jill Switzer, Deborah Berman Silver, Avery Sommers, and accompaniment from Phil Hinton, with a special pre-recorded message from Rob Russell. More entertainers are signing up daily. Arts Garage is partnering with The Buzz Agency and Pollack Communications and tickets are $50 each. All proceeds raised at this event will go toward Gary’s recovery. 

After spending several days in the intensive care unit and two weeks in Pinecrest Rehab Center, Gary is now slowly recovering—but he needs our help, just as he has helped so many of us through the years.  

Please join us at the Arts Garage Aug. 28 to give Gary that help. To order your tickets, click here.

We’ll see you there.

To make a larger gift to Gary of $250 or more, make checks out to:

Gary Schweikhart Recovery Campaign. Please include your name, address and email and mail directly to: Gary Schweikhart Recovery Campaign, Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC101 Northpoint Parkway, West Palm Beach, FL 33407