Association of Fundraising Professionals Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter Presented Award at National Philanthropy Day® Nov. 10 Virtual Awards Luncheon
As part of its Nov. 10 virtual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter honored Fort Lauderdale-based Freedland Harwin Valori, PL (FHV) and the Rotary Club of Weston with its “Heroes Among Us - Community Hero” award.
This year, the AFP Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter recognized the “Heroes Among Us” - individuals, groups, businesses and youth - who carried out selfless acts for the community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis; in addition to honoring the community’s outstanding philanthropists.
The year 2020 marks the 33rd anniversary of National Philanthropy Day for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter. National Philanthropy Day provides an opportunity to recognize those members of the community who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to leadership in philanthropy and volunteerism in Broward County.
FHV and the Rotary Club of Weston, under the direction and suggestion of FHV founding partner Michael Freedland, Esq. and his children, created and manned the “Rotary Feeds the Frontline” initiative to meet the food needs of the heroes on the frontline, as well as residents in need, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Freedland is a past president and longtime member of the Rotary Club of Weston.
Rotarians purchased all food from local restaurants and catering companies, which produced meals; as well as oversaw the collection of donations to cover the costs and arranged the food deliveries.
“Rotary Feeds the Frontline” provided popcorn from PopsCorn and other healthy snacks from Yummy in My Tummy to 1,000 Cleveland Clinic employees in Weston. The initiative also provided lunch from Tap 42 to all 450 employees at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.
The Rotary Club of Weston, along with the Vernon Carey Foundation and Memorial Foundation, hosted a thank you BBQ for over 250 National Guard soldiers and health care workers from the Memorial Healthcare System. These workers have been tirelessly testing thousands of people for coronavirus at C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines.
Additionally, The Rotary Club of Weston created a fresh produce distribution at Weston City Hall for residents in need. Rotarians distributed boxes of fresh produce prepared by local farmer’s markets to 250 families in need.
Overall, the “Rotary Feeds the Frontline” initiative fed over 300 families in need throughout the community and over 1,700 frontline workers.
“The Rotarians quickly took action after my children and I suggested the idea for ‘Rotary Feeds the Frontline,’” said Freedland. “We are pleased to have made a difference, and are thrilled to have been recognized by the AFP Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter.”
“We are honored and humbled to be recognized by the AFP Fort Lauderdale/Broward Chapter as a ‘Heroes Among Us - Community Hero,” said Jesus “Jay” Sanchez, president of the Rotary Club of Weston. “With our ‘Rotary Feeds the Frontline’ initiative, we were pleased to work together to serve our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
About Freedland Harwin Valori, PL: Freedland Harwin Valori, PL is a consumer justice law firm that has been involved in some of the nation’s most significant litigation. Its practice areas include medical malpractice, defective drugs and medical devices, nursing home negligence, birth injury, auto accidents, and premises liability. Freedland Harwin Valori’s main office is located at 110 SE 6th Street, #2300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Its Weston office is located at 2400 N. Commerce Parkway, #109, Weston, FL 33326. To reach Freedland Harwin Valori, call (954) 467-6400. For more information, visit www.fhvlegal.com.
About The Rotary Club of Weston: The Rotary Club of Weston has been a part of the landscape of the City of Weston since 1986, and today is recognized as one of the leading community service organizations in Southwest Broward County. It focuses its community service activities in the areas of Services to Youth (including education / scholarship / learning development) and Services to Families In Need. It addresses the needs of the Southwest Broward community through volunteerism, the application of member skills, organizational resources, and fundraising activities and events. For more information, visit www.westonrotary.com.
