BPHI Honors Work of Volunteers
More than 5,000 hours of Service Given to Help the Homeless
Co-Chair Suzanne Hurowitz, BPHI Board Chair Dan Taylor,
Kristin Anderson and honorees Valerie & Kevin Taylor
FORT LAUDERDALE – To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the opening of the Broward County Central Homeless Center (Center), Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc (BPHI) applauded the work of its more than 500 active volunteers at the 3rd Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Luncheon held at the Center. The event, attended by more than 100 volunteers, featured Kristin Anderson co-host of channel 39’s popular news program, SouthFlorida.com/Live.
Co-Chair Susanne Hurowitz stated, “Volunteers are an intricate part of BPHI’s program to assist the homeless to rebuild their lives. Each time a volunteer helps one of our residents they bring positive energy that offers hope and inspiration. What an incredible gift!”
BPHI volunteers act as ambassadors of compassion and patience as they tirelessly serve others and the impact of their service can be felt each time a resident graduates from the BPHI program and moves on to live independently. BPHI proudly salutes the more than 2,000 volunteers who annually donate more than 5,000 hours of their time.
A highlight of the luncheon was the awarding the “Wizard Award” to an individual who has provided the Center’s residents with the same gift the Wizard of Oz provided the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion – Courage – Wisdom – and Heart!
The first volunteer to receive this distinction was Andrew Spokas, Esq. an employee of Burger King Corporation." Spokas was responsible for starting the “Lessons for Life” program that weekly shares with the homeless the expertise of professionals on topics such as goal setting, budgeting, interview techniques and living fit. The program is credited with motivating and encouraging residents in their journey to rebuild their lives.
The Recognition Luncheon presented by the Sun-Sentinel was co-chaired by Katie Freeman and Susanne Hurowitz. The Gold Sponsor was the Leo Goodwin Foundation. Additional sponsors included, Judy & Bob Cornfeld, Julie & Jeffrey Cornfeld, Steven Douglas Associates, Over the Top, Cheney Brothers, Inc., HDS Foundation, Ann’s Florist & Greenhouse, Yummy a Bakery, Circle of Friends Foundation, Nancy DeMartini, Leslie Urfirer, Michael Stephan, Steven & Lori Sadaka, and Susanne & Steven Hurowitz.
Honored at the Luncheon for their unselfish dedication to helping the homeless were:
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CORPORATE VOLUNTEER |
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For the past two years, Steven Douglas Associates have volunteered monthly to sponsor, cook and serve a lunch to our residents through the Breaking Bread Breaking Barriers program. Employees also played an active role as host committee members for the Salute to Leadership Gala, the BPHI Golfathon fundraiser and the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. |
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COMMUNITY GROUP
Park City Estates
Joan Trauscht & Beverly Chuckery |
| Over the past ten years the residents of Park City Estates have collected and donated more than $12,000 worth of clothing, household items, toiletries and bicycles |
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FAITH-BASED GROUP |
During the past year BPHI has been the recipient of the church’s Community Impact Day. Volunteering 136 hours, 34 members cut hair, sorted and sized clothing, set up a children’s library in the Family Dorm, organized the aftercare department and cooked and served meals. |
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EDUCATION GROUP |
Students Helping Achieve Philanthropic Excellence (SHAPE) engage high school students in philanthropic and leadership activities. Cooper City High School students donated $2,000 to sponsor one breakfast a month for a year. Taravella High School awarded a $1,000 grant to feed the homeless. Last summer SHAPE, intern Jamie Sloane worked 100 hours learning the intricacies of running a volunteer program. |
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FAMILY VOLUNTEER
Kevin and Valerie Taylor |
The Taylors are key volunteers at BPHI fundraising events — the Salute to Leadership Galas, the Las Olas River House Casino Night and the Breakfast for Champions of the Homeless. Valerie is a member of BPHI’s Program Committee, and with her Children’s Aid Club friends, hosts the children’s monthly birthday parties. Kevin has volunteered 500 hours of service in the Computer Lab. |
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OUTSTANDING NEW VOLUNTEERS
Shanta Williams & Brittany Woodcock |
Outstanding Dillard High School seniors, Shanta & Brittany have donated more than 200 hours organizing and filing in the records department. |
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MOST YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING
Anne McCudden |
Since 2003, Anne has served more than 500 hours assisting Case Managers and now inspires residents in the Workforce Development Center’s Computer Lab two Saturdays a month. |
For information on BPHI’s Volunteer Program please contact DonnaLee Minott, Volunteer Coordinator, at 954-779-7673 or dminott@bphi.org or visit our web site at www.bphi.org.
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