On May 26th, philanthropist Amanda Schumacher hosted a tea at her home in Palm Beach for her friend Sharon Bush. Due to Covid-19 restrictions only a few of Sharon’s closest friends were invited including: Ambassador Mary Dawkins, Hilary Geary Ross, Karen Klopp, Amy Hoadley, Pam Taylor Yates, Jayne Chase, Katie Carpenter, Kirsten Fisk, Felicia Taylor, Palm Beach Social Diary’s George Ledes and myself.
Amanda had wonderful birthday cake made for Sharon by Sant Ambroeus Palm Beach which was served by masked and gloved waiters along with macarons and iced tea.
Guests gathered in the grand court yard of the estate until it started raining and we had to adjourn to the Schumacher’s light and airy sitting room. Friends offered toasts about how they had originally met Sharon along with one remarkable thing they had discovered about her since. A common thread was her kindness, uplifting spirit and interest in helping children. Sharon currently serves as director for development for Cristo Rey Brooklyn — a Christian school that educates young people of limited economic means to become men and women of faith, purpose, and service.
As many of you know I originally met Sharon while working at Elite Model Management in the early 2000’s where I launched her daughter, Lauren Bush Lauren’s modeling career. I have now known Sharon for twenty years. Having been through “many hair-do’s together,” one Christmas, she gave me a needlepoint pillow that read: You’ll always be my best friend, you know too much!!!
The most remarkable thing about Sharon that I can attest to is what a great mother she has been to her three children, Lauren, Ashley and Pierce Bush. In fact, she has done such a great job that back in 2001, I nominated her for an Outstanding Mother Award, granted annually by the National Mother’s Day Committee.
A previous event held at the Schumacher’s in April was meant to be a kick off for Sharon’s annual Cristo Rey Brooklyn fundraiser, but had to be rescheduled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Will keep you posted.
