8th Annual Community Care Plan – Non-Profit Awards

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 8^th ANNUAL

COMMUNITY CARE PLAN NON-PROFIT AWARDS

8^th Annual Non-Profit Awards presented by Signature Grand

& hosted by 2-1-1 Broward 

In true awards show style, more than 700 executives, community leaders and members of the non-profit sector attended the sold-out 8^th Annual Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards presented by Signature Grand and hosted by 2-1-1 Broward on Friday, February 23^rd. The Non-Profit Awards celebrated the inspiring work of Broward County’s non-profit agencies and recognized the individual efforts of outstanding non-profit executive and board leaders, while raising nearly $144,000 for 2-1-1 Broward.

The event began with a reception followed by a welcome from Sheila Smith, President & CEO of 2-1-1 Broward; and John Benz, President & CEO of Community Care Plan. After the welcome, a moment of silence was held for the victims of the tragic shooting that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. As a 24-hour crisis helpline, 2-1-1 Broward’s staff has provided an immense amount of support to callers who have been affected directly or indirectly from the recent tragedy.

Emcees Kavita Channe and Jonathan DeLuca began the awards ceremony and introduced an empowering performance by Alexander Star. Alexander Star, a Coral Springs native, has been so inspired by the movement that the students from Parkland have started that he dedicated his hit song “This is My Era” to the kids in the community fighting for positive change.

During the Luncheon, the winners of each of the 10 award categories were announced, each receiving an award and $1,000 for their non-profit organization. The finalists in each category were awarded $500. Winners were chosen for their dedication to Broward County and the impact they have on the community. A notable moment occurred while the awards were being distributed, as Gail Bulfin, chairperson of Business for the Arts, announced that they will be donating their award money to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Victims Fund.

FROM JOHN BENZ!  “I am honored to be recognized by 2-1-1, the community’s most important resource for help for those in need in Broward County. While my personal goal has always been to improve the health and wellness of the community, I am not alone in this effort. With heart, hope and guts, the non-profit community organizations throughout Broward County address the challenges our community faces. I will continue working alongside these outstanding organizations to drive change and an improved quality of life for all Broward County residents,” said John Benz, President & CEO of Community Care Plan.

“Our Annual Non-Profit Awards is always a special day in which we are able to recognize and honor the hard work of Broward County’s organizations that strive to make our community a better place each and every day,” said Sheila Smith, President/CEO of 2-1-1 Broward. “We are especially grateful for the support of our partners: Community Care Plan and Signature Grand and the rest of our sponsors who help us celebrate our community’s non-profit organizations every year.”

The event Co-Chairs this year were Susan Mansolillo, Chief Human Resources Officer of Community Care Plan, and Sandra Birdsong, Senior Vice President at PNC Bank.

Sealed envelopes with the winning organizations and leaders were secured and delivered by Berkowitz Pollack & Brant Advisors and Accountants, the official accounting firm of the Non-Profit Awards.

The 8^th Annual Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards winners were: 

• Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Non-Profit Organization of the Year: Arc Broward
• WLRN Outstanding Non-Profit Leader of the Year: Andy Fernandez, Firewall Centers
• FPL Non-Profit Board Leader of the Year: Robert Taylor Jr., Habitat for Humanity
• Greenspoon Marder Non-Profit Organization of the Year – The Arts: Business for the Arts of Broward
• SunTrust Bank Non-Profit Organization of the Year – Collaboration: ArtServe
• Brown & Brown Insurance Non-Profit Organization of the Year – Innovation: Dan Marino Foundation
• Calvin Giordano & Associates Non-Profit Organization of the Year – Rising Star: FLITE Center
• Children Services Council Collective Impact for Youth Award: ChildNet
• The Sanford Institute of Philanthropy National Leadership Institute Development Executive of the Year, ARC Broward
• OK Generators Lifetime Achievement Award (winner to be selected by 2-1-1 Broward): John Benz, Community Care Plan 
• Publix Community Choice Award: Broward Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization

Get social! Follow 2-1-1 Broward:  facebook.com/211Broward, twitter.com/211Broward and instagram.com/211Broward. Use event hashtags #Awards211 and #Dial211.