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What do Walt Disney and Fidel Castro have in common?

The tourism trailblazer and the communist dictator were featured in an exclusive lesson in leadership that former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux recently provided to more than 70 Community Foundation of Broward Fundholders and Legacy Society members.

The first Food for Thought event of 2019 offered a unique opportunity for Community Foundation supporters to learn about how Florida, and Broward in particular, came to be the fast-growing land of opportunity and challenges where so many people live today.

LeMieux offered insights from his book, “Florida Made: The 25 Most Important Figures Who Shaped the State.” He also discussed Florida’s changing political scene, with new Gov. Ron DeSantis taking office, and the possibilities emerging from Florida’s growing economy.

“I’m very optimistic about the Sunshine State,” LeMieux said.

Food for Thought gatherings are exclusive opportunities for Fundholders and Legacy Society members to learn about big issues, hear about the Foundation’s leadership work and connect with other philanthropists.

This Food for Thought event also featured Foundation investment advisor Brian Crawford sharing his 2019 economic outlook and expert review of the Foundation’s investment portfolio.

The importance of good leadership, whether in politics or economics, was the common theme from LeMieux and Crawford – just as good leadership is the cornerstone of what the Community Foundation delivers, Foundation President and CEO Linda Carter said.

Carter shared with Food for Thought attendees how the Foundation’s new BE BOLD Leadership Campaign seeks to fuel innovation and inspire people to step up and define Broward’s future. A key campaign goal is to build permanent philanthropic resources – able to provide long-term solutions to Broward’s growing challenges.

“Leadership is key to our mission at the Community Foundation of Broward,” Carter said. “We provide leadership to find community solutions and we foster philanthropy that connects people who care with causes that matter.

To learn how you can BE BOLD and shape the future with a charitable Fund for Broward, contact Vice President of Philanthropic Services Nancy Thies at nthies@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.