More than 150 guests gathered in Boca Raton for a sold-out evening benefiting Fuller Center, as the Red Meat Lovers Club partnered with AlleyCat and Sunset Sushi to launch the inaugural Red Tuna Lovers Club event. Combining exceptional culinary experiences with a meaningful community purpose, the evening raised over $25,000 for Fuller Center while also increasing awareness of the organization’s mentorship initiatives and inspiring new supporters to explore ways to become involved in the lives of local children and teens.
The event highlighted the growing need for caring, adult mentors, while introducing attendees to Fuller Center’s mission of embracing, educating and empowering children and families. Through its early childhood education, youth development, family support and expanding teen programs, Fuller Center serves approximately 1,000 students and 700 families annually across Palm Beach County.
By the end of the evening, more than 20 guests expressed interest in learning how they could become mentors, demonstrating the powerful impact that community partnerships can have in creating opportunities for young people.
“Mentorship can change the trajectory of a young person’s life,” said Eric Roby, CEO of Fuller Center. “When caring adults show up consistently, listening, encouraging and helping students see what is possible, they become part of a support system that empowers children and families to reach their full potential. We are grateful to the Red Meat Lovers Club, AlleyCat, Sunset Sushi and every guest who helped shine a spotlight on this important need.”
Fuller Center also extends its gratitude to Stephen Marino and the United Way of Palm Beach County, who each provided a $5,000 to help amplify Fuller Center’s mission. Fuller Center also wants to recognize Amy McKie-Billing and Greg Billing with Corsa America Rally for being a key sponsor of this event.
Supporting the Next Generation Through Mentorship
At Fuller Center, mentorship plays a critical role in helping children and teens build confidence, develop life skills, and navigate important educational and personal milestones. Meaningful relationships with trusted adults provide encouragement, accountability, and guidance that can positively influence a young person’s future.
“When I think about what makes mentorship work, it always comes back to relationship — that one caring adult who shows up consistently for a young person,” said Gwyn Williams of United Way of Palm Beach County. “Our partnership with Fuller Center is a meaningful part of that work in our community. Events like this remind me why we do this: every new connection between an adult and a young person who needs support is a step toward changing that young person’s story. I’m grateful for the chance to be part of it, and for what it means for the future of our community’s mentorship ecosystem.”
As Fuller Center continues expanding its Teen Leadership Program and youth development initiatives, mentors remain an essential part of creating pathways to success for students throughout the community.
An Evening of Food, Community and Philanthropy
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a dynamic culinary experience featuring premium wagyu, handcrafted sushi, and a variety of interactive food stations. Live entertainment, auctions, and raffles added to the festive atmosphere while helping raise philanthropic funds for Fuller Center’s programs and services.
One of the night’s most memorable moments was the live presentation of a 200-pound bluefin tuna, in which chefs showcased a variety of premium cuts that were transformed into sashimi, nigiri, maki and temaki for guests to enjoy.
The menu featured an array of creative offerings, including pastrami sandos, corn and octopus churros, dynamite scallop tacos, tuna crispy rice, wagyu carpaccio pizza and izakaya sliders. Guests also enjoyed a Korean barbecue carving station featuring Australian Tajima wagyu tenderloin served with house-made accompaniments, followed by desserts including matcha donuts with ube crème anglaise and miso caramel carrot cake skewers.
The evening also featured live and silent auctions led by longtime supporters Neil and Trisha Saffer, with guests enthusiastically participating throughout the night.
Community Partnerships Creating Lasting Impact
For event organizers and supporters, the evening represented more than a successful fundraiser. It demonstrated the power of bringing together local businesses, community leaders and philanthropic supporters around a shared commitment to helping children and families thrive.
“Working on the ‘Full for Fuller’ meating was epic and truly felt like a partnership,” said Evan Darnell, founder of Red Meat Lovers Club. “Our steaksmen showed up in a big way to help raise funds, and we look forward to collaborating again.”
By pairing an unforgettable experience with a mission-driven purpose, the inaugural Red Tuna Lovers Club event introduced new supporters to Fuller Center’s work while helping advance conversations around mentorship and youth development.
As Fuller Center continues serving children and families throughout Palm Beach County, partnerships like these help ensure more young people have access to the guidance, encouragement, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
