By Robyn A. Friedman

City & Shore Magazine

Broward’s non-profit organizations and their leaders Friday (2/23) were recognized for their hard work, dedication and achievement in an awards ceremony complete with red carpet, sparkling wine and a surprise performance by singer/songwriter Alexander Star.

The 8^th Annual Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards, presented by Signature Grand, hosted by 2-1-1 Broward and sponsored by City & Shore Magazine, celebrated the highest levels of achievement, innovation and quality in the non-profit sector. Honorees include local non-profit organizations and their staff members and volunteers who, while they make a difference in people’s lives every day, often work behind the scenes and receive few thanks.

“The 8th Annual Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards are an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the positive impact our community’s non-profits have had on the wellbeing of those in need here in Broward County,” says Sheila Smith, president and CEO of 2-1-1 Broward. “2-1-1 Broward is a hub for connecting people in need with agencies that can help them, so this is a great event for guests to attend and connect with other like-minded individuals who share a passion for helping those in need.”

Awards were given in 10 categories. The winners and finalists in each category received a monetary award for each of their non-profit organizations. Those who were nominated but not selected as a finalist are eligible to win a $1,000 grant for their organization through the Publix Community Choice Award.

The winners’ names appear in bold below, followed by the names of the finalists in each category:

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Non-Profit Organization of the Year

Arc Broward

PACE Center for Girls

HandsOn Broward

WLRN Outstanding Non-Profit Leader of the Year

Andy Fernandez, Firewall Centers

Mandy Bartle, South Florida Community Land Trust

Mary Partin, Dan Marino Foundation

FPL Non-Profit Board Leader of the Year

Robert Taylor Jr., Habitat for Humanity

Dr. Heidi Schaeffer, Broward Human Trafficking Coalition

Ian Lis, HANDY

Greenspoon Marder Non-Profit Organization of the Year – The Arts

Business for the Arts of Broward

Museum of Discovery and Science

Artists with Autism

SunTrust Bank Non-Profit Organization of the Year – Collaboration

ArtServe

David Posnack JCC

Memorial Healthcare System

Brown & Brown Insurance Non-Profit Organization of the Year – Innovation

Dan Marino Foundation

Sheridan House Family Ministries

Taylor’s Closet

Calvin Giordano & Associates Non-Profit Organization of the Year – Rising Star

The FLITE Center

Parkland Buddy Sports

Morningday Community Solutions

Children Services Council Collective Impact for Youth Award

ChildNet

Children’s Harbor

KidSafe

The Sanford Institute of Philanthropy National Leadership Institute Development Executive of the Year

Jessica Rodriguez, Arc Broward

Shelli Gold, JAFCO Children’s Ability Center

Beverly Bachrach, David Posnack JCC

OK Generators Lifetime Achievement Award

Bob Birdsong of OK Generators presented John Benz of Community Care Plan with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the luncheon.

“Like 2-1-1 Broward, the mission of Community Care Plan is to improve the quality of life of those we serve in Broward County,” says Benz, president and CEO of Community Care Plan. “We are natural partners with 2-1-1 Broward, as both organizations work to address the concerns of those in need.”

Benz – and many other speakers – mentioned the importance of community involvement, togetherness and programs like 2-1-1 Broward in the wake of the shootings last week at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The event began with a moment of silence for the victims and their families.

For more information, call 954-390-0493 or visit 211-broward.org. See a short video of Alexander Star’s performance at the event on City & Shore‘s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/CityAndShoreMagazine/

- Mark Gauert also contributed to this report

PHOTO: John Benz, president and CEO of Community Care Plan, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award Friday (2/23) at The 8^th Annual Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards.