A reception with the honorees for the 2023 women of distinction begins at 11 a.m., with the luncheon to follow at noon. Registration is $350 for an individual ticket or $3,500 for a table of ten. Register at pba.edu/wod.
Mary Fairbanks Freitas of The Mark and Mary Freitas Foundation supports many causes affecting those in need in the community, especially children. The foundation aids charitable organizations including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, Town of Palm Beach United Way, Nat King Cole Generation Hope and Best Buddies International.
Mary Freitas is a trustee of the Town of Palm Beach United Way, Cox Science Center and Aquarium, Rosarian Academy and Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach. She is a board member of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. She is a founding member of the Palm Beach Police Foundation’s Council of 100 and a founding member of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. She has chaired numerous luncheons and galas for many organizations.
Freitas is a graduate of Florida State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in media communication. She worked in radio and television locally for WPTV and radio stations WRMF and WJNO during and after completing her studies. Freitas attended high school at Rosarian Academy, where she is a parent and board member.
Monika Preston was born in Stockholm, Sweden, and grew up in Ontario, Canada, where she met her husband, John, at the University of Guelph. She moved to Palm Beach County in 1991.
Preston chaired the American Heart Association Ball in 2019 and has been a co-chair for several years. She has also co-chaired the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation Ball with her husband. Preston is vice chair of the Board of Directors of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. She has co-chaired the Kravis Center’s annual gala for a number of years. She previously served on the boards of The Benjamin School, Town of Palm Beach United Way, Center for Children in Crises and Stop Children’s Cancer.
She is a mother, wife and grandmother to five. She and her husband will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this summer. In addition to her civic responsibilities, she is thankful to be an equestrian.
