Over 500 guests joined Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc. on May 18, 2011 at the Signature Grand to recognize special honorees at the Fifth Annual Starfish Luncheon presented by Wachovia, A Wells Fargo Company. This year’s honorees have made significant contributions to Women In Distress through their time, talent, and resources.
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- Leadership Award: Sr. Rita Levasseur/Sisters of Mercy /Holy Cross Hospital
- Community Partner: Sheriff Al Lamberti and Broward Sheriff’s Office
- Corporate Citizen: Publix Super Markets, Inc.
- Starfish Award: Presented to a survivor of domestic violence
With planning efforts led by Co- Chairs Gale Butler (AutoNation, Inc.) and Jen Klaassens (The Wasie Foundation), this year’s Starfish Luncheon raised $144,000 for the programs and services of Women In Distress, making it the highest-grossing Starfish Luncheon in the event’s five year history. One lucky individual won a four day, three night stay to Atlantis Paradise Island, donated by Kerzner International Resorts. In support of Women In Distress, guests purchased cupcakes, including a special starfish cupcake, from a special table set-up by Sweeter Days Bake Shop.
Funds raised through the luncheon will support the Women In Distress emergency shelter and supportive services to victims and their children in addition to domestic violence prevention and education activities surrounding domestic violence.
“Wachovia, A Wells Fargo Company is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Starfish Luncheon this year. Supporting Women In Distress and many other local South Florida charities is an important part of the work we do, said David Guzman, Senior Vice President. We strive to be a true community partner and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors.”
Leading the support for the Starfish Luncheon was Presenting Sponsor Wachovia, A Wells Fargo Company. Contributing Sponsors were AutoNation, Inc., JM Family/SE Toyota, Lorraine Thomas, Signature Grand, and Sun Sentinel. Other supporters included AT&T, Baptist Health, Circle of Friends, Citrix, Holy Cross Hospital, Konica Minolta, Memorial Healthcare System, Patriot Risk Management, Publix Super Markets Charities, the Thomas Family Foundation, the Wasie Foundation, and Waste Management.
Women In Distress will expand their operations of emergency shelter and supportive services this spring to a consolidated six-acre site in Deerfield Beach. The new Jim and Jan Moran Family Center campus will double the amount of space for services to adults and children of family violence, allowing the agency to better meet community needs. Philanthropist Jan Moran is matching all new gifts to the expansion campaign with a $1 million personal challenge grant through June 30, 2011.
For more information about Women In Distress and its services and to purchase tickets for the Starfish luncheon online, visit www.womenindistress.org or call 954-760-9800.