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Published: November 09 2014

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL  – More than 800 distinguished guests joined Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO of United Way of Broward County, and event host, Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief, at United Way of Broward County's Mayor's Gala, presented by JM Family Enterprises, Inc. and Southeast Toyota Distributors on Saturday, October 25th at The Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center. The event, which honored the mayors of Broward County's 31 cities, and this year celebrated Broward County's Centennial, raised $150,000 which will be used to fund crucial programs helping create a stronger, healthier community. These programs include United Way of Broward County initiatives such as MISSION UNITED which assists our military as they re-acclimate to civilian life, ReadingPals which helps improve literacy, and Project Lifeline, which coordinates bulk purchases and delivers nutritious food to those in need.

United Way of Broward County's Mayor's Gala host Barbara Sharief (center) with event co-chairs Juliet Roulhac and Ramola Motwani - View All Photos

"I would like to thank Mayor Barbara Sharief, our city Mayors, community leaders, and supporters who demonstrated their commitment and dedication to improving our community," said Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO of United Way of Broward County. "The Mayor's Gala is a prime example of what we can accomplish when working together. These dollars will make the difference between hope and despair for many individuals facing tough times."

In honor of Broward County's Centennial, United Way of Broward County's Mayor's Gala featured a "Celebration of Firsts." Prior to the event, each Broward County city had the opportunity to nominate a person who served as a pioneer for their city. These individuals were recognized during the evening's program. (A full list of the pioneers is attached).

"It was a great honor to serve as host of this year's United Way of Broward County's Mayor's Gala and to recognize all of the great pioneers and leaders in our community," said Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief. "Broward County has a rich cultural history, and it was incredible to celebrate our Centennial, while raising money to make our community a better and healthier place to work, live and play."

The Mayor's Gala provided an opportunity for key influencers and charity supporters to come together with the common purpose of building a better community through United Way of Broward County. The enchanting black-tie event featured a cocktail hour, formal dinner, dancing and a fabulous silent auction. In addition to the inspiring "Celebration of Firsts" presentation, guests heard from Colin Brown, President & CEO of JM Family Enterprises, Inc. who spoke about United Way of Broward County initiatives and how the organization focuses on serving the community as a whole. Spectacular performances by local entertainers including Junkanoo Revue Miami, Hurricane Bhangra, Mai Kai Polynesian Islander Revue and Project Soul and Jason Alpert served as Master of Ceremonies.

Event co-chairs for the Mayor's Gala include Commissioner Ramola Motwani, Chairwoman and CEO of Merrimac Ventures, and Juliet Roulhac, Senior Attorney at Florida Power and Light (FPL). Chairman's Circle Sponsors included JM Family Enterprises, Inc.; Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC; Consolidated Credit and Publix Super Markets Charities.

About United Way of Broward County
United Way of Broward County is a volunteer driven, community-based, non-profit organization servicing Broward County for more than 75 years. United Way of Broward County mission is to focus and unite the entire community to create significant lasting change in the impact areas of Education, Income and Health, the building blocks for a better life, which positively impacts people's lives. 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