31 minute read
CHARITY DATEBOOK
GIVING BACK
CENTER of Attention
The Community Foundation of Broward is helping good go around with the launch of its Center for Nonprofi t Excellence
BY JESS SWANSON
Above: Director Cathy Brown (left) and Sabeen Perwaiz Syed, of the Florida Nonprofi t Alliance, lead a workshop at the Community Foundation of Broward.
Broward County is home to more than 9,000 registered nonprofi t organizations all working to better the county, whether by funding the arts, supporting underprivileged youth, or promoting environmental awareness, to name just a few areas of need. Now, the Community Foundation of Broward hopes to use its own muscle to uplift the county’s nonprofi ts with the launch of its newest initiative: the Broward Center for Nonprofi t Excellence.
“The idea is that we are part of the community as a service and resource hub ... to really support the people and organizations doing the work to meet the needs of the community,” explains Cathy Brown, the Center for Nonprofi t Excellence’s new director. “What we heard consistently was that there was a need to continue support for nonprofi ts, to help them grow, to help them meet the needs of our community.”
The Community Foundation of Broward is a public grantmaking charity. Since 1984, it has awarded $145 million in grants, managed $269 million in assets, and overseen 489 charitable funds. But the pandemic changed many nonprofi ts’ day-to-day operations. As a result, the Community Foundation of Broward spent eight months planning, including listening to those in the county’s nonprofi t sphere about specifi c challenges they faced—from staffi ng shortages to board engagement to fundraising. Now thanks to a large anonymous donation, the Center for Nonprofi t Excellence is endowed for years to come.
“The whole idea of naming the center was intentional because we really are helping nonprofi ts on a journey,” Brown says. “You don’t just get to excellence, it’s an ongoing journey. Different types of organizations achieve excellence in different ways, but we want to support them with the resources, information, training, connections, coaching, and mentoring.”
Brown has worked with nonprofi ts for more than 30 years. In Indiana, she ran several small nonprofi ts and helped launch organizations based on the community’s needs. Most recently, she taught at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis. At one point or another, Brown says, she has either been teaching and volunteering in the nonprofi t sector, or working in nonprofi ts and teaching voluntarily. She moved to Fort Lauderdale earlier this year.
“This is the kind of work that I love,” she says about her new role. “A real draw is that this is a really philanthropic community; people care about the welfare of each other, and the organizations and the businesses are really involved. There are a lot of agencies trying to make an impact, make a change, and that has always spoken to me. From the fi rst time I visited, I could feel that.”
The Center for Nonprofi t Excellence will be headquartered in the Community Foundation of Broward’s current offi ce on Las Olas Boulevard in downtown Fort Lauderdale. It will help the foundation further maximize its
Below: Members of the Community Foundation of Broward team visit the Stonewall National Museum & Archives in Fort Lauderdale.
community impact, marking a new chapter in its 38-year history.
“The bulk of Broward’s registered nonprofits—80 percent of them—are small grassroots organizations that may not know some of the resources here in Broward to support them,” Brown says. “We’re working on an assessment to weigh in on where nonprofi ts could use more support and help, better access to the community, and any gaps in opportunity.”
For example, the online resource hub on the Community Foundation of Broward’s website will include a directory, tools, and research all in one location, which nonprofi ts can use in their daily operations. In addition to assisting with grants and funding opportunities, the Center for Nonprofi t Excellence will also host training sessions for volunteers, staff, and board members to help them adapt to changes in the philanthropy sphere, with programs and resources focused on board engagement, risk management, and cryptocurrency donations.
Staffi ng shortages are a widespread problem, and Broward’s nonprofi ts are not immune. As a long-term goal, the center aspires to connect nonprofi ts to potential board members, help them fi nd volunteers, and post competitive descriptions and salaries for open positions.
“One of the things we’re working on with additional partners is to really pull together, talk about, and build resources around what hiring in the nonprofi t fi eld looks like today,” Brown says. “We want to look at how to onboard new people [and] what to do to keep people in these jobs, especially in the fundraising and development areas.”
Though Brown says some of the training sessions might incur a cost, the vast majority of the center’s resources will be free, and nonprofi ts will not need to pay any sort of annual membership fee to participate.
“Anyone who wants to learn more about working and volunteering with nonprofi ts can participate,” she says. “This is the fi rst place to start all the great things.” (cfbroward.org) «
Boca Raton Historical Society
Historic Town Hall, 71 N. Federal Hwy. Boca Raton, FL 33432 office@bocahistory.org bocahistory.org
Year Founded: 1972 Description of Charity: The Boca Raton Historical Society and The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum serve the Boca Raton community by collecting, preserving, and sharing its history. The museum features new, interactive history exhibits to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Other programs include tours, lectures, and activities for children and families.
Leadership: Joyce DeVita and Lauri Saunders Role: Chairpersons Event: Boca Bacchanal Wine Festival Date: March 31, 2023 Location: Private residences, Boca Raton Price: $350 Description: The annual Boca Bacchanal Wine Festival will return for its twentieth year in 2023. Vintner Dinners in private homes will take place on March 31, and The Grand Tasting will be held at The Boca Raton on April 1. Enjoy delicious wine sourced worldwide and gourmet food.
Event Contact: Mary Csar Contact Number: 561.395.6766 Email: director@bocahistory.org
Boca Raton Museum of Art
501 Plaza Real Boca Raton, FL 33432 561.392.2500 boca@bocamuseum.org bocamuseum.org
Year Founded: 1950 Description of Charity: For over 72 years, the museum and its art school have created memorable art experiences that celebrate diversity, creativity, and excellence. Its signature annual fundraiser supports the presentation of collections and exhibitions of superb works from across cultures and centuries, and educational programs that provide a fresh look at art-making and greater insight into the world around us.
Leadership: Jody Harrison Grass Role: Chairperson Event: Gala Dinner with Guest Chef Marcus Samuelsson Date: January 28, 2023 Location: Boca Raton Museum of Art, Boca Raton Price: $1,500 Description: Celebrate global expressions of art, culture, and cuisine with award-winning chef and author Marcus Samuelsson. Born in Ethiopia, raised in Sweden, trained in France, and living in Harlem, Samuelsson’s myriad influences come together to create a very special culinary evening limited to 200 guests.
Event Contact: Tatiana Velasquez Contact Number: 561.392.2500 Email: tvelasquez@bocamuseum.org
Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation
800 Meadows Road Boca Raton, FL 33486 561.955.7100 brrhfoundation@baptisthealth.net brrh.com
Year Founded: 1967 (Hospital) Description of Charity: The Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt subsidiary of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. The foundation is pleased to share this opportunity to support the hospital and its mission. It is committed to the community—both in sickness and in health. Each and every contribution is vital to the foundation’s mission.
Leadership: Amy and Mike Kazma Role: Chairpersons Event: Sixtieth Annual Ball Date: January 21, 2023 Location: The Boca Raton, Boca Raton Price: $10,000 per table Description: The Annual Ball began in 1963 to raise funds to build the hospital. Today, it is one of the most anticipated social events of the year. The Ball has grown exponentially in attendance and offers topname entertainment, including Rod Stewart and Sting. Proceeds will expand and enhance patient care services.
Event Contact: Terrie Mooney Contact Number: 561.955.6634 Email: terrie.mooney@baptisthealth.net
Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc.
201 SW Fifth Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954.468.3284 foundation@browardcenter.org browardcenter.org
Year Founded: 1985 Description of Charity: The Broward Performing Arts Foundation supports the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which ranks as one of the top 10 theaters in the country for attendance. The Broward Center offers more than 700 performances for more than 700,000 patrons annually and serves more than 130,000 students each year with the largest free arts-in-education program in the country. Membership and support opportunities range from $75 to $10,000 a year. The foundation was established to deliver the required private funding to build the center and create an endowment to sustain its operations. Over the years, the foundation has successfully raised funds to support the Broward Center’s innovative and diverse programming, arts-in-education initiatives, community engagement activities, and capital projects.
Leadership: Lisa Kitei Role: President Event: Annual Celebration Date: February 25, 2023 Location: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale Price: $1,250 Description: The Annual Celebration will feature a concert by the incomparable Grammy Award–winning James Taylor and his All-Star Band. Festivities include valet parking, a 90-minute cocktail reception on the Wendt Terraces at the Huizenga Pavilion followed by preferred seating at Taylor’s performance, and complimentary drinks throughout the evening.
Event Contact: Betsy Weisman Contact Number: 954.468.3298 Email: foundation@browardcenter.org
ChildNet
1100 W. McNab Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 954.414.6000 info@childnet.us childnet.us
Year Founded: 2002 Description of Charity: To protect abused, abandoned, and neglected children in the communities ChildNet serves.
Leadership: Larry Rein Role: President and CEO Event: Care for Kids Cocktail Reception Date: Lauderdale Yacht Club, Fort Lauderdale Location: May 11, 2023 Price: $150 Description: ChildNet, Broward County’s lead community-based care agency, will host its Care for Kids Cocktail Reception at the Lauderdale Yacht Club. The event will honor Melida Akiti, vice president of Ambulatory Program and Community Service for Memorial Healthcare. All proceeds from this event benefit the children and youth served by ChildNet.
Event Contact: Andrea Cunningham Contact Number: 954.204.6198 Email: andrea.cunningham@childnet.us
Children’s Harbor
19425 SW 58th Manor Pembroke Pines, FL 33332 954.524.4736 events@childrensharbor.org childrensharbor.org
Year Founded: 1996 Description of Charity: Since its founding, Children’s Harbor has kept 545 teenagers with their younger siblings within family group homes and provided 200 teen moms with education, coaching, and the opportunity to live with their children and practice parenting skills within a supportive environment. The Children’s Harbor Family Strengthening team provides in-home counseling to families in the community and has safely supported 11,000-plus children in the last 25 years. The Children’s Harbor Safe Harbor Society is actively building a community of “Harbor Keepers,” a team of community advocates ushering in change to enhance the lives of foster children impacted by trauma and neglect.
Leadership: Tiffani Dhooge Role: President and CEO Event: Winterfest Boat Parade Dinner and Viewing Party Date: December 10, 2023 Location: Grateful Palate, Fort Lauderdale Price: $250 Description: Children’s Harbor hosts an annual Winterfest Boat Parade Dinner and Viewing Party on Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal. Guests will enjoy the ultimate boat parade experience beginning at 6 p.m. with prime viewing, dinner, and cocktails.
Event Contact: Erik Chafin Contact Number: 954.252.3072, ext. 213 Email: events@childrensharbor.org
Children’s Harbor
19425 SW 58th Manor Pembroke Pines, FL 33332 954.524.4736 events@childrensharbor.org childrensharbor.org
Year Founded: 1996 Description of Charity: A nationally accredited non-profit agency, Children’s Harbor helps strengthen families struggling in the community while providing safe shelter and support to teens in foster care so that they may grow into healthy, educated, and productive adults. Children’s Harbor provides a harbor of hope and healing for children who have been impacted by the trauma of child abuse, providing a supportive family environment for teenagers in foster care and their younger siblings. The family strengthening program prevents kids from coming into foster care by providing in-home counseling and support to families. Those who have aged out of foster care are provided housing, life skills, and support to overcome their trauma and navigate through the early stages of adulthood through independent living programs at Brown’s Harbor, a supportive housing community.
Leadership: Tiffani Dhooge Role: President and CEO Event: Tenth Annual Harbor Lights Gala Date: May 19, 2023 Location: Charles F. Dodge City Center, Pembroke Pines Price: $300 Description: Children’s Harbor will host its Tenth Annual Harbor Lights Gala with the theme “Prom Through the Decades.” Harbor Lights Gala guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and live musical entertainment. Details on the Harbor Lights Gala can be found on the Children’s Harbor website as information is released.
Event Contact: Erik Chafin Contact Number: 954.252.3072, ext. 213 Email: echafin@childrensharbor.org
21301 Powerline Road, Suite 301 Boca Raton, FL 33433 561.218.2929 mdinuzzo@crohnscolitisfoundation.org ccflluncheon.com
Year Founded: 1967 Description of Charity: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is a nonprofit, volunteer-fueled organization dedicated to finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.
Leadership: Susan Gringauz and Amy Elrad Silver Roles: Co-Chairpersons Event: Winter Wonderland Luncheon Date: December 1, 2022 Location: The Polo Club, Boca Raton Price: $175 Description: Meet us in “Paris” as Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s Southern Florida Chapter hosts its annual Winter Wonderland Luncheon: “Winter in Paris.” Sip Champagne while strolling through the silent auction followed by a Parisian-inspired luncheon and entertainment.
Event Contact: Melissa DiNuzzo Contact Number: 561.218.2929 Email: mdinuzzo@crohnscolitisfoundation.org
Florida’s Children First
1401 N. University Blvd., Suite 408 Coral Springs, FL 33071 954.796.0860 fcf@floridaschildrenfirst.org floridaschildrenfirst.org
Year Founded: 2002 Description of Charity: Florida’s Children First (FCF) is an awardwinning nonprofit organization that advocates to make positive systemic changes that improve children’s lives and long-term outcomes. Its primary focus is on protecting the rights of children in foster care. Its work also impacts immigrants, children with disabilities, those who are homeless, or have juvenile justice involvement. The Florida Youth Shine program for youth ages 13-26 was developed to educate, empower, and support youth from foster care to become passionate advocates who amplify their voice to advocate for themselves and for changes in the child welfare system.
Leadership: Geori Berman Seldine Role: Executive Director Event: Advocates for Children Awards Date: February 23, 2023 Location: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale Price: $150 Description: Each year, the Advocates for Children Awards recognize individuals, corporations, nonprofits, and outstanding youth advocates who support the mission of Florida’s Children First by making positive changes and systemic improvements in the lives of children in foster care, with disabilities, those who are homeless, are immigrants, or have juvenile justice involvement. Join FCF to celebrate these outstanding champions for children at the annual awards reception. Visit FCF’s website for more information or to sign up for the newsletter.
Event Contact: Jaye Abbate Contact Number: 954.683.9159 Email: jaye.abbate@floridaschildrenfirst.org
Funding Arts Broward
1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Suite 110 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.353.7673 fundingartsbroward@gmail.com fundingartsbroward.org
Year Founded: 2003 Description of Charity: Funding Arts Broward (FAB) is a nonprofit volunteer-based organization committed to preserving and cultivating the arts in Broward County. FAB’s mission is to support, sustain, and enrich the arts in the community. Since its inception in 2003, FAB has granted over $4.5 million to local visual and performing arts programming and is celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year.
Leadership: Ed Hashek Role: President Event: Black & White: A Night at the NSU Art Museum Date: January 9, 2023 Location: NSU Art Museum, Fort Lauderdale Price: $75/member, $100/non-member Description: A multicultural evening of fine art, entertainment, wine, and decadent dessert creations with live music, a surprise performance by a FAB grantee, and a private tour of FAB-funded current exhibits of artists Kathia St. Hilaire and Scott Covert led by Bonnie Clearwater, the director and chief curator of NSU Art Museum. This signature event is one of several FAB Fun events that showcase the variety of innovative arts programming in Broward County.
Event Contact: Kat Sierra Contact Number: 954.353.7673 Email: fundingartsbroward@gmail.com
Historic Stranahan House Museum
335 SE Sixth Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954.524.4736 info@stranahanhouse.org stranahanhouse.org
Year Founded: 1901 Description of Charity: Historic Stranahan House Museum is the oldest and most historically significant surviving structure in Broward County. Recognized as the birthplace of Fort Lauderdale and home to the area’s first businessman, Frank Stranahan, and the first schoolteacher, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, Stranahan House is an epicenter of Broward County’s long and fascinating history. At the time, it was the site most closely associated with the founding of the city and the center of its economic and social development. Today it is a vibrant cultural asset, historical resource, educational center, and tourist attraction. Stranahan House is open 350 days per year, educating and entertaining more than 3,000 fourth-grade students and more than 30,000 visitors annually, making it one of the top cultural attractions in the area. The City of Fort Lauderdale Historic Preservation Board has certified Stranahan House as an Historical District. Stranahan House is open daily for tours, including the popular Victorian Christmas Tours in December when costumed tour guides lead guests through spectacular, picture-perfect Victorian era décor, explaining the origin of many holiday traditions and how the pioneers celebrated in the early days of Fort Lauderdale.
Leadership: Christine Yates Role: President of the Board of Directors Event: Pineapple Jam Price: $150 Description: Pineapple Jam is the Historic Stranahan House Museum’s largest annual fundraiser. Every spring, guests trade in their usual black-tie attire for tropical chic and enjoy signature cocktails, a premium open bar, live music, Floribbean cuisine, and a silent auction featuring exclusive items and experiences. Event Contact: Jennifer Belt Contact Number: 954.524.4736 Email: director@stranahanhouse.org
History Fort Lauderdale
231 SW Second Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954.463.4431 info@flhc.org historyfortlauderdale.org
Year Founded: 1962 Description of Charity: A proud steward of the community’s past by making its heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, History Fort Lauderdale brings the diverse community’s stories to life through engaging educational experiences, innovative cultural exhibits, research, and preservation of artifacts housed in five historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus.
Leadership: Patricia Zeiler Role: Executive Director Event: History Makers Honoring the Drum, Clark, and Cox Families Date: November 10, 2022 Location: History Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Price: $125 Description: This yearly special event commends individuals and companies who have made an impact on the growth of the City of Fort Lauderdale. Honorees for the twenty-sixth annual edition are Ted Drum and the Drum, Clark, and Cox families who have made significant contributions to the development of the City of Fort Lauderdale through political leadership and prosperous marine, hospitality, and real estate ventures.
Event Contact: Patricia Zeiler Contact Number: 954.463.4431 Email: info@flhc.org
HomeSafe
2840 Sixth Ave. S. Lake Worth, FL 33461 561.383.9800 development@helphomesafe.org helphomesafe.org
Year Founded: 1979 Description of Charity: HomeSafe is a nationally accredited nonprofit protecting South Florida’s most vulnerable residents: child abuse and domestic violence victims. Through its results-driven approach, the organization is a leading provider of prevention and intervention services, serving more than 15,000 infants, children, young adults, and families each year. HomeSafe is one of just five specialized therapeutic group care agencies in Florida—the only one in Southeast Florida—and cares for 50 percent of all the children these organizations serve.
Leadership: Matthew Ladika Role: CEO Event: Twentieth Annual Classic Rock & Roll Party Date: January 28, 2023 Location: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Price: $500 Description: The Twentieth Annual Classic Rock & Roll Party is a high-energy night of music and fun that includes a silent auction, sit-down dinner, open bar, program, and a private concert by Don Felder, a former lead guitarist of the Eagles. The celebrity host is Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain. Party co-chairs are Rex Kirby and Kelly Smallridge and Gina and Larry Melby.
Event Contact: Chere Camus Brodi Contact Number: 561.383.9842 Email: cherebrodi@helphomesafe.org
Island City Stage
2304 N. Dixie Hwy. Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.928.9800 md@islandcitystage.org islandcitystage.org
Year Founded: 2012 Description of Charity: Creating quality professional theatrical experiences focused on the LGBT+ community for a universal audience.
Leadership: Martin Childers Role: Managing Director Event: Eleventh South Florida Season Date: October 20, 2022 to September 3, 2023 Location: Island City Stage, Wilton Manors Price: $40-$60/show or $185 Flexpass for five productions Description: Island City Stage’s Eleventh South Florida Season includes Pageant – The Musical with book and lyrics by Bill Russell and Frank Kelly, music by Albert Evans, and conceived by Robert Longbottom; Rotterdam by Jon Brittain; I Wanna F@#king Tear You Apart by Morgan Gould; Tracy Jones by Stephen Kaplan; and Springfield Pride, commissioned by Island City Stage.
Event Contact: Marty Childers Contact Number: 954.928.9800 Email: md@islandcitystage.org
Jack & Jill Center
1315 W. Broward Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954.463.8772 communications@jackandjillcenter.org jackandjillcenter.org
Year Founded: 1942 Description of Charity: To strengthen children and families through innovative education, supportive programming, and community engagement. Jack & Jill Center supports children of high-need working families through high-quality early childhood education, elementary education, health, and family programs to ensure every child and family to reaches their full potential.
Leadership: Heather Siskind Role: CEO Event: Flip Flops on the Docks Date: March 18, 2023 Location: Lauderdale Yacht Club, Fort Lauderdale Price: $250 Description: Flip Flops on the Docks is a casual soiree overlooking the Intracoastal that features tropical beach decor, live music and entertainment, mouthwatering specialty food stations, an open bar, and both a live and silent auction that feature over 100 luxurious items! Sponsor opportunities are available.
Event Contact: Jennifer Swercheck Contact Number: 954.463.8772, ext. 206 Email: jswercheck@jackandjillcenter.org
Kids In Distress, Inc.
819 NE 26th St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 954.390.7654 flaviaaliberti@kidinc.org kidinc.org
Year Founded: 1979 Description of Charity: Kids In Distress, Inc. (KID) is a nationally accredited organization dedicated to preventing child abuse, preserving families, and treating children who have been abused and neglected.
Leadership: Mark Dhooge Role: President and CEO Event: Duck Fest Derby presented by JM Family Enterprises, Inc. Date: April 1, 2023 Location: Esplanade Park, Fort Lauderdale Description: Enjoy a free, family-friendly festival featuring KID Olympics, bounce houses, live music, food trucks, and a rubber duck race. Adopt a $5 duck for a chance to win fabulous prizes including the $10,000 grand prize. All of the rubber duck proceeds benefit 20,000 children and families KID serves.
Event Contact: Flavia Aliberti Contact Number: 954.390.7654, ext. 1148 Email: flaviaaliberti@kidinc.org
Leadership Broward Foundation
1330 SE Fourth Ave., Suite 1 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 954.767.8866 info@leadershipbroward.org leadershipbroward.org
Year Founded: 1981 Description of Charity: Leadership Broward Foundation (LBF) is a unique countywide organization that offers leadership development programs for businesses and community professionals and youth. LBF programs help participants develop professionally and grow their businesses, connect with other community leaders, and positively impact the community through increased awareness of critical issues. LBF also offers companies leadership development consulting to build strong, committed, and effective teams. LBF’s mission is “to develop and inspire individuals to serve our community.” The foundation offers four premier leadership development programs: Leadership Broward, Youth Leadership Broward (YLB) for juniors in Broward County schools, Follow the Leader in You (FLY) program for at-risk youth, and Women Leading Broward (WLB) for female leaders to expand their network of likeminded women.
Leadership: Andrew Zullo Role: CEO Event: Leadership Broward Fun Lunch Date: March 10, 2023 Location: Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, Hollywood Price: $125 Description: Each year Leadership Broward honors alumni at its annual Fun Lunch who have made significant contributions to the community and who live the mission of Leadership Broward each day. Sponsorships and program ads are available. Details can be found on the website as information is released.
Event Contact: Andrew Zullo Contact Number: 954.767.8866 Email: andrew@leadershipbroward.org
Museum of Discovery and Science
401 SW Second St. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954.467.6637 booking@mods.org mods.org
Year Founded: 1977 Description of Charity: The Museum of Discovery and Science’s mission is connecting people to inspiring science.
Leadership: Joseph P. Cox Role: President and CEO Event: Twenty-Sixth Annual Wine, Spirits, and Culinary Celebration Date: March 3, 2023 Location: Museum of Discovery and Science, Fort Lauderdale Price: From $150 Description: The Museum of Discovery & Science will host its Twenty-Sixth Annual Wine, Spirits, and Culinary Celebration, where guests will dine, drink, and discover in a venue like no other. The event’s legendary Grand Tasting will take place from 6:30 p.m.–10 p.m. VIP access starts at 5:30 p.m. Highlights include delectable fare from South Florida’s leading restaurants and a vast array of flavorful wines and spirits from around the world, as well as local craft beers.
Event Contact: Hillary Wallace Contact Number: 954.712.1172 Email: hillary.wallace@mods.org
Rotary Fort Lauderdale
1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Suite 112 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.683.9159 rotaryftlaud@gmail.com rotaryfortlauderdale.org
Year Founded: 1922 Description of Charity: Now celebrating its 100th anniversary, Rotary Fort Lauderdale is Broward’s premiere service organization supporting critical causes, numerous nonprofits, and hundreds of individuals in ways that enrich our community and embody its motto of “Service Above Self.” Its comprised of business leaders, community activists, philanthropists, and members who are people of action dedicated to improving lives. Rotary Fort Lauderdale’s impact includes awarding $3 million in college scholarships, doing annual neighborhood improvement projects, beach clean ups, youth mentorship, and donating thousands of toys, meals, wheelchairs, rebuilding supplies, and more annually. Visitors are welcome to attend weekly meetings and learn more about the organization.
Leadership: Jaye Abbate Role: President Event: “Service Above Self” Community Hero Awards Gala Date: June 25, 2023 Location: Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Fort Lauderdale Price: $100 Description: The Community Hero Award is bestowed on a person who is a non-Rotarian and has made a significant impact in the community that exemplifies the rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” Honorees will be recognized for their service at a gala event. Be part of this special night celebrating those who give of their time, knowledge, money, and resources to improve the local community and the world at large. All are welcome. Nominations are accepted online.
Event Contact: Jaye Abbate Contact Number: 954.683.9159 Email: jaye.abbate@gmail.com
Royal Dames of Cancer Research Inc.
3296 N. Federal Hwy., Suite 11525 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339 954.451.1526 rhonda.ritchie@nova.edu royaldames.org
Year Founded: 1969 Description of Charity: It is the Royal Dames’ fundamental belief that mankind is not destined to die of cancer. To this end, the Royal Dames are dedicated to funding research to find a cure.
Leadership: Carole Nugent Role: President Event: Fifty-Second Annual Tiara Ball Date: November 19, 2022 Location: Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale Price: $350 Description: The Royal Dames of Cancer Research, established in 1969 to raise critical funds to support cancer research at the Nova Southeastern University Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research (RGI), is proud to present its Fifty-Second Annual Tiara Ball. The event, recognized as the premier gala of the South Florida social season, will transform the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach into a glittering winter wonderland. Each year, the Royal Dames’ Tiara Ball draws more than 300 of Fort Lauderdale’s most influential women and men for an evening of lavish food and drink, a luxury auction, and dancing. All proceeds support cancer research at Nova Southeastern University.
Event Contact: Carole Nugent Contact Number: 954.451.1526 Email: clnugent213@yahoo.com
The Salvation Army of Broward County
Year Founded: 1926 (Fort Lauderdale Command) Description of Charity: Meeting human needs in His name without discrimination. The Salvation Army serves thousands of the neediest community members. It offers a number of vital programs including its Economic Stability Program, a food pantry, disaster services, transitional family housing, the Open Door Project emergency shelter, and New Beginnings for pregnant homeless women.
Leadership: Majors Stephen Long and Connie Long Role: Area Commanders Event: Red Kettles and Holiday Angel Tree Program Date: November to December 2022 Location: Various Price: Donations Description: All proceeds from the Red Kettles stay in Broward County and support the Salvation Army’s feeding, shelter, and social service programs. The Angel Tree Program secures and distributes thousands of gifts annually to families with diminished resources.
Event Contact: Joshua Myers Contact Number: 954.712.2431 Email: joshua.myers@uss.salvationarmy.org
South Florida Symphony Orchestra
2201 Wilton Drive, Suite 12 Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.522.8445 info@southfloridasymphony.org southfloridasymphony.org
Year Founded: 1997 Description of Charity: South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) provides enriching cultural music experiences to residents and visitors in Monroe, Miami-Dade, and Broward counties. Guided by the belief that music is pivotal to thriving communities, SFSO brings vibrancy and engagement with the arts via innovative programming and transformative educational initiatives.
Leadership: Sebrina María Alfonso Role: Music Director Event: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Gala Date: March 29, 2023 Location: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale Price: $250 Description: South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Gala will benefit its artistic, community engagement, and education initiatives including Symphony in the Schools music education program. The black-tie optional fundraiser will feature a Champagne reception, dinner, and enchanting concert-in-the-round by Grammy Award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey.
Event Contact: Jacqueline Lorber Contact Number: 954.522.8445 Email: jlorber@southfloridasymphony.org
Tri-County Animal Rescue
21287 Boca Rio Road Boca Raton, FL 33433 561.482.8110 tricountyfrontdesk@gmail.com tricountyanimalrescue.com
Year Founded: 1996 Description of Charity: Tri-County Animal Rescue is a 100 percent no-kill, 501(c)(3), nonprofit animal shelter working to prevent the killing of over 170,000 unwanted pets in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties each year. Since its inception, it has saved over 84,000 domestic animals (some just minutes before euthanasia). The organization plans to continue rescuing as many as pawsible.
Leadership: Andrea Stark, Adrien Arpel, Deborah Robinson, Mary Boykin Role: Chairpersons Event: Peppermint Bark and Brunch Date: November 20, 2022 Location: Trump International Golf Club, West Palm Beach Price: $375 Description: Join Tri-County Animal Rescue for a day of fun, shopping, drinks, lunch, and live music.
Event Contact: Suzi Goldsmith Contact Number: 561.482.8110 Email: suzigoldsmith@aol.com
YMCA of South Florida
900 SE Third Ave., Suite 210 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 954.334.9622 lciciolla@ymcasouthflorida.org ymcasouthflorida.org
Year Founded: 1916 Description of Charity: The YMCA is a leading nonprofit and powerful association of individuals with a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility. Its programs and facilities are based on the communities’ unique needs and interests, but every Y has one thing in common: its people. With a deep commitment to moving the community forward, the Y’s mission is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies. The Y strengthens communities and work with our neighbors to ensure everyone can learn, grow, and thrive.
Leadership: Sheryl A. Woods Role: President and CEO Event: Veterans Day Breakfast Date: November 11, 2022 Location: Bonaventure Town Center Club Ballroom, Weston Price: $100 person/$2,500 starting table sponsor Description: The YMCA has a long history of supporting veterans in South Florida and is proud to continue that tradition by providing military personnel with financial support for their families to attend and utilize Y membership and programming across any South Florida YMCA Locations. Funds from the Y’s veterans campaign have also helped provide disaster relief support for military families in times of need. Spirit Airlines is the presenting sponsor of this year’s Veterans Day Breakfast.
Event Contact: Aimee Fretwell Contact Number: 954.334.9622, ext. 1045 Email: afretwell@ymcasouthflorida.org
