Mary Porter’s legacy of BOLD impact for the community she loved has reached another milestone with the groundbreaking for Flamingo Garden’s new learning center.

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Community Foundation of Broward President/CEO Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., recently joined the ceremonial start of construction for the future Mary N. Porter Learning Center – the latest community building project made possible by Mary’s powerful estate gift to the Community Foundation.

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This impressive addition, expected to open in December 2021, will create a new entrance to Flamingo Gardens and eventually host field trips, classes, art exhibitions and other community events for visitors who flock to the botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary in Davie.

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The learning center, made possible with a grant from Mary N. Porter Legacy Fund at the Community Foundation, will honor Mary’s passion for education, her love for events and her support Broward’s animals and environment.

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“Mary Porter wanted to create an endowed charitable Fund that would boldly support building efforts for vital community programs, long after she was gone,” Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson said. “All across Broward, you can find examples of Mary’s commitment to building a better future for the community she loved, and she’d be thrilled with the new Learning Center to be named in her honor.”

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After years of dedicated local philanthropy, Mary left an estate gift that enabled the Community Foundation to become the only grantmaking organization in Broward with a dedicated source of support for capital projects. And to encourage more philanthropy in her community, Mary’s gift is a challenge Fund. That means grants from her Fund have to be matched by other fundraising by the organizations her Fund supports.

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In addition to Flamingo Gardens’ learning center, other projects supported by the Mary N. Porter Legacy Fund include:

• Habitat for Humanity of Broward – Hardworking families are on the path to Economic Independence since moving into this new neighborhood of 77 affordably priced homes under construction in Pompano Beach. A neighborhood reading garden dedicated to Mary opened in January.
• Arc Broward - Arc Broward’s new commercial kitchen is complete. Arc’s Culinary program – which helps people with special needs gain skills for employment – is helping launch new careers during this economic crisis and beyond.
• Navy League - A new Sea Cadet Training Center will provide improved facilities to help shape a brighter future for Broward’s youth.

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The Mary N. Porter Legacy Fund is one of several charitable Funds Mary created at the Community Foundation to shape a brighter future for Broward. We are proud to be the stewards of Mary’s bold commitment to her community, which is made stronger by the enduring power of endowment.

To learn how you can create bold impact with an endowed charitable Fund, contact Vice President of Philanthropic Services Nancy Thies at nthies@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.

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