Ultimate Software, Inc. honored with the inaugural “Heart of Broward” Award for its generous donation of $500,000 to the official Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund
FORT LAUDERDALE – Broward Education Foundation rolled out the yellow brick road at its fundraiser themed “An Evening in Emerald City” presented by BrightStar Credit Union. For its generous donation of $500,000 to the official Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund created by and entrusted to Broward Education Foundation, Ultimate Software, Inc. was honored with the inaugural Broward Education Foundation “Heart of Broward” Award.
Guests were dressed as their favorite OZ character, donned ruby slippers or dazzled in emerald attire as they journeyed down the yellow brick road with courage, brains and heart to support the only 501(c)3 direct support organization of Broward County Public Schools.
“This is always great night to shine the light on the incredible achievements in public education in Broward County,” said Dustin Jacobs, Vice President of Marketing at BrightStar Credit Union. “Broward Education Foundation is a wonderful organization that provides tremendous support for our county’s students and teachers. We look forward to celebrating with everyone again next year.”
The spectacular journey to the Land of Oz began with a cocktail reception and silent auction in “Kansas” and “Munchkinland”, and was followed by a scrumptious dinner, dancing and show-stopping entertainment in the Emerald City as Broward Education Foundation also celebrated 35 years of supporting students and teachers in Broward County Public Schools.
Broward Education Foundation Executive Director Shea Ciriago added, “We appreciate the generous contributions of all of our corporate partners, business leaders and community donors who continue to support the vital role that we play in shaping the future of students.”
“An Evening in Emerald City” was made possible through the generous support of Presenting Sponsor BrightStar Credit Union; Bronze Sponsors Wells Fargo, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Broward Teachers Union, CBRE | Heery, JDL Technologies, Johns Eastern Co. Memorial Healthcare System, Pirtle Construction, Ultimate Software, Inc.; Parking Sponsor Avaya; Entertainment Sponsor Rick Case Automotive; Table Sponsors
Ballard Partners, Broward County Public School IT Department, Charter Schools of Excellence, Dell, iHeartMedia, Lexmark, and NBC 6; and In-Kind Sponsors BECON TV, Hoffman’s Chocolates, Jimmy Jam Productions, Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina, Naughty Tea Wine and The Wick Theatre and Costume World. Proceeds benefited Broward Education Foundation programs including innovative teaching grants to advance Pre K-12 achievement; school supplies for Title I school teachers and students; and scholarships for high school seniors. Broward Education Foundation is proven agile, adept and responsive to shifting needs in education and the community. Each year, the Foundation contributes more than $3 million to Broward County schools, serving as the catalyst for educational excellence.
For more information, call 754-321-2030, visit Broward Education Foundation and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
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About Broward Education Foundation:
Celebrating its 35th Anniversary this year, the nonprofit Broward Education Foundation aligns with Broward County Public Schools by providing grants for teachers who develop innovative curriculum that increases student outcomes; vitally needed school supplies for students and teachers in Title I schools; scholarships for qualified high school seniors; and support for programs and initiatives like Debate, Scholastic Chess, TurnAround Arts, STEM and more. Each year, Broward Education Foundation Foundation contributes more than $3 million to Broward County schools, serving as the catalyst for educational excellence.
Most recently responding to the Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy, Broward Education Foundation initiated a GoFundMe, established the official Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund and raised $10.5M for victims’ families, survivors and those impacted. Broward Education Foundation was awarded the 2018 President’s Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter for these fundraising efforts.
For more information visit Broward Education Foundation, email BEFInfo@browardschools.com, like or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
