PHILANTHROPY
Denise Fraile is widely recognized for mobilizing philanthropic leadership and community resources to strengthen Palm Beach County. Known as a catalyst for collaboration within the region's philanthropic community, she connects nonprofit organizations, business leaders, and civic partners—forging partnerships that expand fundraising capacity, strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, and drive lasting community impact.
Fraile approaches philanthropy not simply as participation but as a mission. She invests her time, expertise, and relationships to help mission-driven organizations expand their reach to strengthen and achieve sustainability—reflecting her belief that meaningful philanthropy must create sustainable, long-term change.
Over fifteen years of active engagement in Palm Beach County's philanthropic community, Fraile has mobilized significant philanthropic support, championing grassroots nonprofits whose work directly impacts vulnerable families. Recognized by Florida Weekly as a "purpose-driven powerhouse," she has established herself as a philanthropic influencer and driver for change—known for connecting philanthropists, business leaders, and nonprofit executives around shared mission.
Currently serving on the boards of two mission-driven organizations, she chairs development initiatives and leads flagship fundraising events that have achieved significant growth in support and community engagement. Her work demonstrates that real transformation comes from strategic collaboration, disciplined capital deployment, and sustained institutional commitment.
Denise’s remarkable career is defined by her relentless pursuit of bettering the world through innovative, community-driven initiatives. She believes that true legacy is measured not by possessions, but by the lasting impact left on the hearts and minds of others.
"I’ve learned that our true legacy isn’t in the sum of our possessions, but the imprint we leave on the hearts and minds of those we touch - each act of kindness is a chapter in the story of humanity." - Denise Fraile
NOTABLE
Families First of Palm Beach County - Champion Award Recipient (2026)
Families First of Palm Beach County Annual Luncheon - Event Chairmen (2026)
Known as Families First’s signature event, the Annual Luncheon continues to grow each year. With fantastic speakers, truly deserving award recipients, one-of-a-kind art displays and musical performances by local 5th graders, the Annual Luncheon has something for everyone. Viewed as the “must attend event,” the Luncheon truly embodies what Families First stands for and the significant impact the organization has made in the lives of those most in need right here in Palm Beach County.
Women's Foundation of Florida Dare to Raise the Bar Co-Chairmen (2026)
The Women's Foundation of Florida educates and empowers women and girls to be leaders, so they can change the world. We invest in their ideas and encourage their leadership to positively affect the economic, political, and social status of women and girls across Florida.
Association of Fundraising Professionals - Fundraising Volunteer of the Year Nominee (2025)
The Association of Fundraising Professionals is a member-based group that empowers individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research and advocacy.
CDG Event Co-Chairmen (2025)
The CGD Association of America (CGDAA) was founded in 2019 to advocate for patients and X-linked female CGD carriers with Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD). We have the largest community of patients and X-linked female carriers with CGD in the world. Currently, our database has 550 patient contacts and more than 200 CGD physician specialists/influencers worldwide.
Cancer Alliance Event Co-Host (2025)
Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope emerged because of the immense devastation cancer diagnoses were having on Palm Beach County residents. Cancer patients often had to make the impossible choice between feeding and sheltering their families or paying for the medical treatments necessary to save their lives or alleviate their unbearable pain.
Women's Foundation of Florida, Raise the Bar Event Co-Chairmen (2025)
The Women's Foundation of Florida educates and empowers women and girls to be leaders, so they can change the world. We invest in their ideas and encourage their leadership to positively affect the economic, political, and social status of women and girls across Florida.
Families First of Palm Beach County Annual Luncheon - Event Chairmen (2025)
Known as Families First’s signature event, the Annual Luncheon continues to grow each year. With fantastic speakers, truly deserving award recipients, one-of-a-kind art displays and musical performances by local 5th graders, the Annual Luncheon has something for everyone. Viewed as the “must attend event,” the Luncheon truly embodies what Families First stands for and the significant impact the organization has made in the lives of those most in need right here in Palm Beach County.
Volunteer Philanthropy Editor, Palm Scene Magazine (2024-2026)
Committed to educating the Palm Beach County community on the importance of philanthropy, highlighting impactful nonprofits, showcasing nonprofit events, and recognizing deserving individuals making a difference in the sector.
Extraordinary Kids Foundation, Inc - Event Co-Chairmen (2024)
At Extraordinary Kids Foundation, Inc, our mission is to improve the lives of special needs and medically complex children, young adults and their families by providing medical childcare, resources, advocacy and essential services.
Families First of Palm Beach County Annual Luncheon - Event Chairmen (2024)
Known as Families First’s signature event, the Annual Luncheon continues to grow each year. With fantastic speakers, truly deserving award recipients, one-of-a-kind art displays and musical performances by local 5th graders, the Annual Luncheon has something for everyone. Viewed as the “must attend event,” the Luncheon truly embodies what Families First stands for and the significant impact the organization has made in the lives of those most in need right here in Palm Beach County.
JustWorld International Annual Gala - Event Co-Chairmen (2024)
We are pleased to announce esteemed philanthropist Denise S. Fraile will co-chair the 2024 Gala alongside lifelong JustWorld supporter Maria Newman who graciously offers her prized farm as our community’s beloved venue. Bringing their sparkling visions for an extraordinary fundraiser to life exemplifies their unwavering dedication to serving JWI’s children. The stunning Belle Herbe Farm will once again be our gracious host, welcoming more than 600 guests to its flowering grounds for A Night in Paris.
8th Annual Hats Off Award – Volunteer of the Year Nominee (2024)
The Hats Off Nonprofit Awards has grown into one of the most anticipated nights of camaraderie and recognition in Palm Beach County. Join as we take our Hats Off to congratulate the most accomplished organizations and leaders of the year.
Association of Fundraising Professionals - Fundraising Volunteer of the Year Nominee (2024)
The Association of Fundraising Professionals is a member-based group that empowers individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research and advocacy.
Families First of Palm Beach County Annual Luncheon - Event Co-Chairmen (2023)
Known as Families First’s signature event, the Annual Luncheon continues to grow each year. With fantastic speakers, truly deserving award recipients, one-of-a-kind art displays and musical performances by local 5th graders, the Annual Luncheon has something for everyone. Viewed as the “must attend event,” the Luncheon truly embodies what Families First stands for and the significant impact the organization has made in the lives of those most in need right here in Palm Beach County.
Princess Grace Foundation - Crown Patron (2023)
The Princess Grace Foundation-USA is dedicated to upholding the legacy of Princess Grace of Monaco, (née Grace Kelly) and elevating extraordinary emerging artists in theater, dance and film through career-advancing grants.
Palm Beach Historic Society - Member (current)
The Historical Society of Palm Beach County is the world’s leading resource for Palm Beach County history, housing a permanent collection of millions of objects and images that span over 12,000 years of Palm Beach County and Florida history.
Catch The Wave Of Hope Inaugural Breakfast - Event Chairmen (2019)
Inaugural Breakfast at the Kravis Center, with guest speakers Dave Aronberg, State Attorney and Telisia Espinosa, Survivor
The Lighthouse Guild Palm Beach Annual, A Visionary Evening - Event Co-Chairmen (2018)
Lighthouse Guild addresses and prevents vision loss by coordinating care for eye health, vision rehabilitation, behavioral health and related services. Our goal is to reduce the burden of living with vision loss, it is the cornerstone of what we do.
JustWorld International - Leg-Up Humanitarian Award Recipient (2017)
The award recognizes and applauds outstanding recipients, who have gone above and beyond demonstrating admirable efforts in giving children in impoverished communities a “leg up” to a brighter future. JustWorld International is the only organization to have been nominated two times by CNN Heroes.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Woman Of The Year Campaign - Candidate of the Year (2011)
Leukemia & Lymphoma Palm Beach Candidate of the Year. Personally raising significant funds in 10 weeks and also securing the largest corporate sponsor, Mercedes Benz. All proceeds raised by the candidate will benefit LLS. The mission of the LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and melanoma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
COMMITTEES & BOARDS
Women's Foundation of Florida - Board Member (2026 - current)
The Women's Foundation of Florida empowers women and girls to be leaders so they can change the world. We invest in their ideas and encourage their leadership to positively affect the economic, political, and social status of women and girls across Florida.
Families First of Palm Beach County - Board Member (2023 - current)
Known as Families First’s signature event, the Annual Luncheon continues to grow each year. With fantastic speakers, truly deserving award recipients, one-of-a-kind art displays and musical performances by local 5th graders, the Annual Luncheon has something for everyone. Viewed as the “must attend event,” the Luncheon truly embodies what Families First stands for and the significant impact the organization has made in the lives of those most in need right here in Palm Beach County.
Women's Foundation of Florida - Development Committee Chair (2023 - current)
The Women's Foundation of Florida empowers women and girls to be leaders so they can change the world. We invest in their ideas and encourage their leadership to positively affect the economic, political, and social status of women and girls across Florida.
Families First of Palm Beach County - Development Committee Member (2022 - current)
For over three decades, Families First has been providing a hand up to families so they can find their way back to self-sufficiency and provide safe, loving homes for their children. Our services are directed toward family strengthening, health, behavioral health, and housing.
JustWorld International - Advisory Board Member (2020 - 2025)
JustWorld International (JWI) is a not-for-profit organization that transforms the lives of children in impoverished communities around the world. JWI supports nearly 10,000 children annually by providing access to life changing education, healthcare and nutrition programs. JustWorld International has been two time CNN Hero nominated.
JustWorld International - Development Committee Member (2020 - 2025)
JustWorld International (JWI) is a not-for-profit organization that transforms the lives of children in impoverished communities around the world. JWI supports nearly 10,000 children annually by providing access to life changing education, healthcare and nutrition programs. JustWorld International has been two time CNN Hero nominated.
Vita Nova - Board Member (2023 - 2025) Vita Nova is a safe bridge to independence for former foster care and other homeless youth through supportive housing, education, employment and life skills training.
Vita Nova - Development Committee Chair (2023 - 2025)
Vita Nova is a safe bridge to independence for former foster care and other homeless youth through supportive housing, education, employment and life skills training
Lynn University College of Business - Advisory Board Member (2019 – 2022)
Lynn University is a private university in Boca Raton, Florida. Founded in 1962, the university awards associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. It is named for the Lynn family. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,520.
Catch The Wave Of Hope - Board Member (2018 – 2020)
We work with local law enforcement, civic groups, churches, synagogues and businesses to help people rise up and protect their communities. We support legislation to end human trafficking. We educate through awareness presentations to mobilize communities. We offer healing programs for victims.
Alliance For Kids, Palm Beach Children's Hospital - Board Member (2012 – 2015)
The Mission of Alliance For Kids, Inc. is to provide innovative programs and resources to enhance Child Life services for hospitalized pediatric patients and their families. Child Life Specialists work with hospitalized children and explain to them in kid friendly terms what they will be experiencing. They also help distract the children while they are undergoing procedures. Many of our programs are Superhero themed because we believe that hospitalized kids truly are Superheroes.
Willis McGahee (NFL) Foundation - Advisory Board Member (2005 – 2012)
Founded by Willis McGahee of the Baltimore Ravens the Willis McGahee Foundation, serves to aid underprivileged children by providing them with the tools and encouragement they need to become self-sufficient young people.
ANNUAL EVENT COMMITTEES
Extraordinary Kids Foundation (2024 - current)
Women's Foundation of Florida, Raise the Bar (2023 - current)
Families First of Palm Beach County, Annual Luncheon (2022 – current)
JustWorld International Annual Gala (2007 – 2025)
MoviesMakingADifference (2023 - 2025)
Vita Nova, Mallets & Mojitos (2020)
The Arc of Palm Beach County, Cowboy Ball (2019)
Jupiter Medical Foundation, Key to the Cure (2016)
Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival (2015)
Sip & Paint, Alliance For Kids (2014)
EVENT HOST
Cancer Alliance (2025)
Dance The Night Away
Catch The Wave Of Hope (2018)
Hosted a fundraiser to benefit Catch The Wave Of Hope at Ferragamo
JustWorld International (2018)
Hosted The 1st Annual Salvatore Ferragamo fundraiser to benefit JustWorld International
JustWorld International (2017)
Hosted The 2nd Annual Salvatore Ferragamo fundraiser to benefit JustWorld International
JustWorld International (2016)
Hosted The 3rd Annual Salvatore Ferragamo fundraiser to benefit JustWorld International
JustWorld International (2015)
Hosted The 4th Annual Salvatore Ferragamo fundraiser to benefit JustWorld International
JustWorld International (2014)
Hosted The 5th Annual Salvatore Ferragamo Fundraiser to benefit JustWorld International
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
JustWorld International (2010 – 2022)
Leadership Development Program (LDP) Annual speaker for over 12 years. LDP aims to inspire today’s youth by instilling leadership, philanthropy, and team building skills in a fun, lively atmosphere. JustWorld International is the only organization to have been nominated two times by CNN Heroes.
NEXUS Summit Speaker (2016)
Nexus, founded in 2011, is a global movement with thousands of members who are strategically connected to leverage resources and ideas for maximum impact of change. The focus is on social and environmental issues that do not only need funding, but solutions and strategy to break the on-going and often devastating cycles. In only 6 years, NEXUS has grown to be the largest network of international next gen philanthropists, impact investors and social entrepreneurs in the world. NEXUS has members from over 70 countries representing families worth over $500 Billion.
ADVOCATE
Extra Ordinary Kids Foundation - current
Families First of Palm Beach County - current
Women's Foundation of Florida - current
Vita Nova - current
HAB Center - current
JustWorld International
Lynn University - Isaacson Business Competition Student Mentor
Palm Beach Children's Hospital
Second Chance Animal Rescue
Special Olympics
Lupus Foundation of America
Cancer Foundation
S.H.A.R.E.
Relentless Relief
Be A Star Foundation
Families First of Palm Beach County Volunteer
We invite you to join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in Palm Beach County by sponsoring our 20th Annual Children’s Day Luncheon on November 6, 2026.
For over 36 years, Families First of Palm Beach County has been a beacon of hope, providing essential support to families facing challenges and empowering them to create safe, loving homes for their children.
Champion Award
In a recent media interview, I was asked: if I could meet one person to fix a cause, who would it be? And my answer was simple—I don’t believe one person can sustainably fix a cause. Real change doesn’t come from a single individual. It comes from people—coming together, each bringing something different, something meaningful.
That’s why I love being part of Families First of Palm Beach County. Because every person in this room, and so many beyond it, contributes something unique. We each bring our own superpower to the table—and when those come together, that’s when true, lasting change happens.
So, thank you for allowing me to be part of something far bigger than myself.
