The late Arthur J. Remillard was many things to many people, but at his core, he was a man with a passion for helping others.
After relocating to South Florida, Mr. Remillard wanted to give back through a local charity. He was introduced to Boca Helping Hands during its very humble beginnings - but even then, he saw potential to help create an organization with widespread impact.
Alongside Board President Gary Peters, Mr. Remillard envisioned a future for BHH that required a home far exceeding the confines of the small church we then operated in, serving just 36 meals per day in east Boca Raton.
With his support, the Boca Helping Hands’ Remillard Family Resource Center opened in 2010, rapidly boosting our capacity. Just 13 years later, we’ve expanded to serve nearly 35,000 clients annually in southern Palm Beach County, providing 300+ meals per day, distributing 10,000+ pantry bags per month, as well as offering financial assistance, job training, and other needed services.
"Wherever he lived, our father was dedicated to improving the lives of the less fortunate around him," said his son, Regan Remillard. Mr. Remillard’s generosity to BHH has been unparalleled, and his legacy lives on today as we continue serving the community from his namesake building.
Board President Gary Peters says, “To me and all who knew him at BHH, Arthur will always be thought of as our patron saint.” As the holiday season stirs feelings of giving and thanks, it seems particularly fitting to recognize the man who made our growth and longevity possible. “His encouragement, enthusiasm, and steadfast support of BHH were truly an inspiration to all,” Peters said.
