‘AN EVENING OF GOOD FORTUNE’ HONORS COMMUNITY LEADERS AND RAISES MORE THAN $285,000 FOR BROWARD PARTNERSHIP FOR THE HOMELESS, INC.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (May 27, 2011) – On Saturday, May 14, more than 350 guests enjoyed "An Evening of Good Fortune" at the 12th Annual Salute to Leadership Gala and helped raise more than $285,000 for Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc. (BPHI). The event, which took place at Christine Lee's at Gulfstream Park, honored several outstanding community and business leaders who have had a significant impact in helping the homeless rebuild their lives.

Dan Taylor, Commander Rick Wierzbicki, Frances Esposito, Representative Ari Porth and Sheriff Al Lamberti

The James J. Blosser Community Trusteeship Award was presented to Joseph and Winifred Amaturo in recognition of their unwavering generosity and long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life for not just the homeless, but the entire South Florida community. This prestigious award was created in honor of Fort Lauderdale attorney and community leader Jim Blosser, who mobilized the community to care for its homeless by building and opening the Broward County Central Homeless Assistance Center on the Huizenga Family Campus in 1999.

Dan Taylor, Joseph and Winifred Amaturo, Frances Esposito

The Corporate Trusteeship Award recognized Carnival Cruise Lines for the ongoing financial, in-kind, and volunteer support the company and its employees have provided BPHI since 2005. The Foundation Trusteeship Award was presented to the Baxter International Foundation, whose generous contributions to BPHI's on-site dental clinic have been instrumental in addressing the critical oral health care needs of the homeless. The Legislative Advocacy Award honored State Representative Ari Porth, Sheriff Al Lamberti and Commander Rick Wierzbicki in recognition of their involvement in the passage of House Bill 11, known as the "Hate Crimes Bill," which made Florida one of the first states to include the homeless as a protected population under its hate crimes law.

Dan Taylor, Vicky Rey, Frances Esposito

"BPHI is proud to recognize these individuals and organizations who have truly led the way in helping to reduce homelessness in Broward County," said Daniel C. Taylor, BPHI Board Chair. "Thanks to their tireless efforts, as well as those of all of our supporters and volunteers, we have been able to provide more than 16,000 homeless men, women and children with the opportunity to rebuild their lives."

Dan Taylor, Wolf Kupatt, Frances Esposito

Sponsors of the 12th Annual Salute to Leadership Gala included title sponsor The Leo Goodwin Foundation; presenting sponsor The Mary Jane Harlow Charitable Trust; gold sponsor JM Family Enterprises, Inc.; and silver sponsors AutoNation, Christine Lee's, Emerald Asset Advisors, Dr. Gerald Glass and Mrs. Mary K. Glass, Mr. and Mrs. H. Wayne Huizenga, and the Sun Sentinel. The event was also made possible through the hard work and dedication of event co-chairs Elliot P. Borkson, Esq. and Dodie Keith-Lazowick, as well as gala host committee members Kim Bentley, The Honorable Claudette Bruck, Gale Butler, Ralph Campbell, Ray de la Feuilliez, Art Greenfeder, Kenneth Gordon, Esq., Jan Klein, Kevin Leonard, Angelo Luiso, Ed McCluskey, Elliot Melamed, Chuck Mohr, Carol Molnar, Stacy Ostrau, John Primeau, Carlos Reyes, Esq., Mary M. Short, Daniel Taylor, Esq., and Patrick Taylor, M.D.

Funds raised from the event will help BPHI continue providing shelter, food, and solution-focused services at the Broward County Central Homeless Assistance Center/Huizenga Family Campus, a 200-bed emergency housing facility that serves more than 1,200 homeless men, women and children annually. On-site comprehensive services include primary medical and dental care; mental health diagnosis and treatment; substance abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment; education, support groups, and family therapy; adult educational services, vocational training and job placement; computer literacy and practical life skills classes that help move individuals toward self-sufficiency and independent living. For more information on Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc., contact Berne Teeple, Director of Development at (954) 832-7037 or bteeple@bphi.org.

ABOUT BROWARD PARTNERSHIP FOR THE HOMELESS, INC.