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 8th 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 8th Annual Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards.