Impact Broward’s 2015 Community Impact Awards Luncheon

Local organizations, community members and elected officials honored at
Impact Broward’s 2015 Community Impact Awards Luncheon

Fourth annual awards ceremony attracted more than 270attendees as dedicated volunteers and supporters were honored

Impact Broward (http://www.impactbroward.org), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization solving community problems through the volunteer service of adults, awarded local officials, organizations and community members for their exemplary service to those in need in Broward County on Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 during the fourth annual Community Impact Awards Luncheon. The event Master of Ceremonies was John Gerard, CBS4 Meteorologist.

The Presenting Sponsor for the luncheon was Broward Health and Major Sponsors included: AT&T; BB Insurance; Humana; Kaufman Rossin; VITAS Healthcare; Holy Cross Hospital; Shirley Sumner and Doumar, Allsworth, Laystrom, Voigt, Wachs, Adair &Bossack, LLP. “Impact Broward would like to thank our generous sponsors, honorees and attendees for making the 2015 Community Impact Awards so successful,” states Impact Broward’s Chief Operating Officer, Diane Smith. “Revenue from the luncheon will be utilized to recruit and engage additional volunteers to solve critical needs throughout Broward County.”

With more than 270 guests in attendance, the ceremony honored organizations and members of the community who are dedicated to improving the lives of Broward County residents. Those who were honored include:

• VITAS Healthcare: Corporate PartnershipAward;
• John Gargotta, President & CEO Impact Broward: Distinguished ServiceAward of Excellence;
• Jack and Jill Children’s Center: Nonprofit Partnership Award;
• Ronni Laing: Individual Award
• Senator Matthew Meadows and Charley Mae Meadows: Edith S. Lederberg Wisdom in Action Award.

Local volunteers who were nominated by Impact Broward’s partnering volunteer sites were also recognized for their commitment during the awards ceremony. The volunteer awards include awards in the categories of serving children, adults and nonprofits. Impact Broward’s Volunteer Service Awards recipients included:

• Shirley Mildwurf of Foster Grandparent Program: Public Service Award for Volunteering with Children;
• Robert Scott of Senior Companion Program: Public Service Award for Volunteering with Adults;
• Paul Goodstatof Retired & Senior Volunteer Program/Executive Service Corps: Nonprofit Capacity Building Public Service Award.
• Billy Stacey of Retired and Senior Volunteer Program: Public Service Award for Volunteering with Veterans

The chairman of this year’s luncheon was Peter C. Leighton of Best Care (http://www.bestcare.net), a private-duty nursing and home health carecompany. In addition to his extensive experience with senior care, private duty care and home health care services industry, Leighton also serves on Impact Broward’s Board of Directors.

“It was an amazing day of giving and paying it forward for our seniors and vets in Broward County. I was truly inspired by all of our senior volunteers and honorees states Leighton. “Reflecting on the meaning of adulthood and adult development, it’s all about use it or lose it – keep the mind fresh, working and altruism could not be a more poignant manner to do so. Thank you volunteers of Impact Broward, you are our motivation.”

Impact Broward has actively served the Broward County community for 49 years. During the 2013 fiscal year, Impact Broward volunteers provided more than 265,000 hours of volunteer services. The organization offers multiple community programs including: The Senior Companion Program; Relief for Caregivers; Retired and Senior Volunteer Program; Foster Grandparents;Case Management Services; Encore Connect and RSVP Executive Service Corps and Veterans Helping Veterans Program.

Impact Broward would not be able to successfully serve the residents of Broward County without the generosity of its Presenting Sponsor, Broward Health, Platinum Sponsor, Shirley Sumner and supporting sponsors, including: AT&T; VITAS Healthcare; Humana; Alternative Home Health Care; Trustbridge; Continental Mining and Metallurgical Corporation; h2u @ Plantation General Hospital and Westside Regional Medical Center; SunTrust; Florida Power and Light; Buckner, Shifrin, Etter, Dougan and Kohlman; Nova Southeastern University; Roberta Young, CPA; Morrison, Brown, Argiz and Farra, LLC.; Ginsberg Shulman; T.M.S. Cleaning and Maintenance and Hyer End Homes. For more information on Impact Broward or to make a donation, go to http://www.impactbroward.orgor contact Diane Smith at (954) 484-7117.

About Impact Broward
Founded in 1965, Impact Broward’s volunteers dedicate their time and skills to: tutor and mentor children, provide support and companionship to the elderly and people with disabilities, offer mentorships to assist younger veterans’ transition from combat to civilian life, host workshops for baby boomers, and aide nonprofit organizations by providing pro bono consulting services that enhance their capacity to serve local residents.