All Proceeds from Ticket Sales Benefited the United Way of Broward County’s COVID-19 Relief Campaign

United Way of Broward County’s Women United ? a powerful network of women confronting head-on the most critical issues facing the Broward County community ? celebrated its 9th Annual Magnolia Luncheon virtually on June 3 via Zoom. The highly anticipated event was attended by over 470 notable guests. United Way of Broward County is celebrating its 80-year anniversary this year.

The event, which recognizes women of dignity, strength and perseverance, was attended by United Way of Broward County donors, volunteers as well as sponsors. All proceeds from ticket sales benefited the United Way of Broward County’s COVID-19 Relief Campaign, which supports two key areas: food assistance and emergency financial assistance.

Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.), provided an uplifting keynote speech. A combat veteran, she was the first woman pilot on the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron, a White House Fellow, and an inductee into both the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame. Col. Malachowski’s distinguished 21-year Air Force career came to an end when a devastating tick-borne illness left her struggling to speak or walk for almost nine months. She fought back against overwhelming odds and prevailed.

Today, she inspires audiences to rethink the challenges they face every day, and urges them to go beyond resilience and become resurgent. One of her resounding quotes during the event was, “Never write yourself out of the script nor anyone else. Together we can conquer and overcome all obstacles and continue to make an impact in our community in these uncertain times.” Her magnetic personality, sage advice and candid sense of humor had the audience enthralled, and full of questions during a virtual Q&A-style discussion following the event.

The luncheon’s co-chairs ? author Susie Levan and Consolidated Credit Director of Corporate Communications April Lewis-Parks ? served as speakers, as well as Kathleen Cannon, LCSW, president/CEO of United Way of Broward County; Mary Beth Albritton, Ph.D., vice president of Major Gifts for United Way of Broward County; and Carin Porras, chair of United Way of Broward County’s Women United.

For the first time, with every ticket purchased to the event, attendees were entered into a drawing for the Secret Armoire, which featured luxurious goods, jewelry, getaways and more.

“This phenomenal virtual event was powerful and inspiring. From start to finish, the event was perfectly executed, and embodied how women can conquer all obstacles,” said Albritton. “We are very thankful for our sponsors, and to Col. Malachowski, who was incredibly engaging, and elected to stay online after the event for a virtual Q&A-style discussion.”

Celebrity Cruises and Consolidated Credit served as the event’s Title Sponsors and Nova Southeastern University was the event’s Presenting Sponsor. Corporate Partners were as follows: Diamond Chairman's Circle Partners were JM Family Enterprises, Inc.; Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC; Celebrity Cruises, Consolidated Credit, and Publix Super Markets. The Gold Chairman's Circle Partner was Broward Health, and the Silver Chairman’s Circle Partner was OffLeaseOnly.com. Gold Corporate Partners were Holman Enterprises, Memorial Healthcare Systems, Nova Southeastern University, and The Howland Group. Silver Corporate Partners were BNY Mellon, Kaufman Lynn Construction, T-Mobile, and Wells Fargo.

Events Sponsors were Castle Group, AutoNation; BBX Capital; Durée & Company, Inc.; Hackleman, Olive & Judd, P.A.; Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Responsive Home Care, Right Management and Signature Grand.

About United Way of Broward County

United Way of Broward County is a volunteer driven, community-based, non-profit organization servicing Broward County for 80 years. United Way of Broward County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. United Way of Broward County is the catalyst for change and convener of partnerships that unite the hearts, minds, and resources within the Broward community. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayBroward.org.

About United Way of Broward County’s Women United

For over 15 years, United Way of Broward County’s Women United has been leading the charge and inspiring the change here in Broward County. This powerful network of philanthropic women confronts head-on the most critical issues facing the community. They are a diverse group bound together by their belief in each other, to United Way’s mission and to Broward County. For more information, visit www.unitedwaybroward.org/women-united.