The Community Foundation of Broward is proud to honor 12 representatives of dedicated nonprofits who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic. Our new Hidden Heroes Awards shine a light on 12 outstanding examples of bold impact by individuals who make life better in our community.
Rebecca Gould is one of the real-life superheroes who are stepping up to help in Broward, just when our community needs them the most.
Rebecca’s heroic efforts have enabled Broward’s kids to keep learning about science and get engaged in new online activities, while they are at home during the pandemic.
As the STEM Center Manager for the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, Rebecca found innovative ways to increase outreach efforts amid stay-at-home orders and temporary closings during the coronavirus crisis. She and her team helped produce 100 entertaining and educational online videos, about everything from making slime to stomp rockets.
In addition, Rebecca helped the museum to create “MODS PODS” – safe, clean learning environments where elementary school students could come to participate in their online school district virtual classes.
And to further the museum’s mission to connect families to inspiring science, Rebecca even created an online Saturday morning story-time series from her living room.
“She really does exemplify the hard work, the passion and the enthusiasm that our staff has shown here at the museum,” Museum CEO Joseph Cox said.
The Community Foundation’s Prize patrol surprised Rebecca with a cape and medal, in recognition of her heroic community service. And like our other Hidden Heroes Award winners, Rebecca received a prize package that includes $500, restaurant gift certificates and a two-night staycation at the beautiful Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach hotel.
“I always find that I get as much as I give, or even more,” Rebecca said. “When I see a kid delighted or someone who is maybe having a bad day who I can lift up, that’s very exciting.”
Rebecca is just one example of the many nonprofit hidden heroes all across our community whose hard work helps shape a brighter future for Broward. Thanks to support from philanthropists with charitable Funds at the Community Foundation, these hidden heroes can continue to tackle Broward’s big challenges – during this crisis and beyond.
Click here to see a video of Rebecca being surprised with her Hidden Heroes Award.
Click here to learn more about the Community Foundation of Broward’s Hidden Heroes Award winners.
To learn how the Community Foundation can help you fuel heroic, life-changing philanthropy in Broward, contact Vice President of Philanthropic Services Nancy Thies at nthies@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.
