Community Builders

Jim Acheson is the scion of an entrepreneurial family whose roots stretch back to the Industrial Revolution. Edward Acheson, Jim's grandfather, was a protégé of Thomas Edison and is credited with successful lubricant work on the light bulb. That inquisitive and venturesome spirit has, for three generations, inspired the Acheson family to invest in the development of their businesses and communities. Soon after moving from Michigan, Jim put his philanthropy to work for South Florida. Of special pride, is state-of-the-art equipment he helped secure for the Lighthouse Point fire department. Jim shares that he particularly likes this project because it allows their small city to stay ahead of the curve. Investment in the communities where he lives is an Acheson tradition upheld by three generations. And that investment should meet the same standards as any healthy business endeavor, Jim says.

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Marion and Percy Archibald hailed from Maine, where Percy was an executive for a cigar maker. When Percy retired, they headed south and quickly fell in love with their new hometown of Pompano Beach. Although they had no children, Marion remained busy as an avid reader and master bridge player. After Percy passed away and Marion's eyesight began to fail, she looked forward to the company provided each evening by public broadcasting. Programs came into her living room where she could listen to the stories she loved so well. One day Marion took a fall, and was grateful for the kindness and care she received from the paramedics who came to her aid. Marion wanted to honor her marriage of 55 years to Percy and to give back to the programs and services that enhanced her quality of life. Her philanthropy reveals Marion's concern for others, and her passion to help.

A shared passion for boating drew Sally and Frank to Broward. Frank established Atlass Insurance in 1981 and built the company on the philosophy that "specialization makes hard problems simple." To invest in a brighter future for our community, when Frank sold the business, they created the Sally and Frank Atlass Charitable Fund.

BBX Capital has proven its commitment to our Broward community for over 30 years. The company’s generous giving has always included support for the arts. The BBX Capital Fund for the Arts is the first of its kind by a corporation at the Foundation. It creates a guaranteed source of support for Broward arts organizations, that will grow year-after-year and will last forever.

Nancy Lynn Brown partners with the Community Foundation of Broward to empower local students to broaden their horizons and expand their world view through travel. The endowed Nancy Lynn Brown Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation provides a permanent source of support to create educational travel opportunities for Broward’s college students – especially those who otherwise could not afford to go.

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Colin W. Brown has experienced the power of education firsthand. His mother was an educator and his father a diplomat – both of them committed to creating opportunities for others. It was through his own education and love for learning that doors opened for him. Education and Broward County have been the longtime focus of Colin’s efforts to build a stronger community. Rooted in the belief that education is fundamental to a successful future, the Colin W. Brown Fund will focus on helping to break the cycle of poverty through education and career readiness.

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Anita and Ralph Byer share a belief that the blessings of success come with an obligation to help others. They put their belief into action with dedicated support for Legal Aid Services of Broward County, JAFCO, the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Sheriff’s Foundation Fund and other charitable organizations that transform lives in Broward. With the endowed Setnor Byer Family Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, Anita and Ralph ensure a sustainable source of support for at-risk youth, fallen heroes, civic and cultural education and other causes that foster opportunity, independence and tolerance for the marginalized.

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Rita and Rick Case relocated Rick Case Automotive Group’s headquarters from Ohio to South Florida in 1985 where they have been philanthropic leaders ever since. Rita and Rick created, developed and led numerous fundraising initiatives that collectively raised more than $100 million for community organizations in South Florida. Rita, along with their children, Ryan and Raquel, continue to honor Rick’s legacy of giving back, creating generational hope and securing the future of local communities. The Rita & Rick Case Family Fund will fuel the family’s lifetime commitment to philanthropy, including their passion for youth, education, health care and more.

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Born in New Jersey, James lived in Virginia, New York, Nantucket and Chicago, but finally put down roots in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. He believed good health was the right of all. The James I. Coddington, Jr. Charitable Fund improves the health of all those in his beloved community.

Jean and David Colker made Fort Lauderdale their home for more than 50 years. The success of their local business, Chemical Packaging Corporation, enabled them to launch The Colker Family Foundation. Through their foundation, Jean and David generously supported education and the arts, as well as causes helping the visually impaired, children, veterans and the homeless in Broward. After David’s passing, Jean continued their commitment to local philanthropy. To celebrate her 100th birthday, Jean partnered with the Community Foundation of Broward to grow community support for seniors in need. She established the endowed Colker Cares for Seniors fund, which provides ongoing resources to improve the quality of life for Broward’s seniors for generations to come.

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Donald and Patricia Collins loved the adventure and friendships they found spending time together at sea. When they weren’t embarking on faraway cruises, Don and Patricia enjoyed inviting friends aboard their yacht, The Merry Makers. They were active members of the Lauderdale Yacht Club and the Coral Ridge Yacht Club, where Don served as Commodore. Through a partnership with the Community Foundation of Broward, Don and Patricia provide forever support for the place they called home. Thanks to the Donald R. and Patricia E. Collins Charitable Fund, Don and Patricia will always help chart a better course for Broward.

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(Randy, shown with his sister Elizabeth)When Randy and Larry Cotter speak about their sister Elizabeth their faces light up. They tell of her intense love of animals and her passion for helping young people. And, as brothers do, they boast of how Elizabeth led the U.S. Olympic Polo team and was a celebrated high school biology teacher. Their vivid recollections of Elizabeth are sadly told only from memories, as she succumbed to cancer at the young age of 49. When Randy and Larry were looking for a distinctive way to honor Elizabeth, they chose to create The Elizabeth Cotter Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward. Originally from Boston, the local expertise that the Community Foundation provides is important to Randy and Larry. “The Community Foundation introduces us to unique programs that combine Elizabeth’s passion for animals and education,” shares Randy. “It gives us great pride to make a difference in the lives of others, all while celebrating our sister,” adds Larry. We are honored to have Randy and Larry Cotter as Community Builders. Their commitment to South Florida will make a difference in Elizabeth’s honor…For Good. For Ever.

The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, Inc. was created in 1997 by the late Frederick DeLuca, co-founder of the global Subway® restaurant chain, to provide youth and adults the tools to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. Since its inception, the Foundation has focused on providing educational scholarship opportunities and grants to community-based organizations in the state of Connecticut. Today, the Foundation supports health access and awareness, workforce development, and artistic experiences through educational programs that enhance the lives of children and families throughout South Florida and beyond.

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Jack Deinhardt married Libby after his service in the army and began developing real estate properties as CEO of Multicon, Inc. Libby was the first employee of The Columbus Foundation, a community foundation. The Ohio natives moved to Fort Lauderdale and led boldly to unite community leaders in Broward and bring out the best in strategic philanthropy. As a result, the Community Foundation of Broward was established in 1984 to connect people who care with causes that matter. Libby and Jack believed in the power of endowment and the importance of unrestricted assets. Libby and Jack Deinhardt’s Funds empower the Foundation they created to forever respond to the changing needs of the community they loved.

Cathy and James Donnelly are high school sweethearts who met in Canada and have forged a life together in Fort Lauderdale based on family, hard work and giving back to the community they call home.

To say thank you to the community that embraced them, Cathy and James continue to work with nonprofit, business and community partners to enhance the lives of Broward’s most vulnerable residents. Their collaboration with the Community Foundation provides Cathy and James a team of philanthropic experts to ensure their generosity fuels solutions where needed the most. Now the Foundation’s BE BOLD Leadership Campaign has inspired them to create the endowed Cathy and James Donnelly Charitable Fund, which they established with a pledge and will continue to grow over time.

Their Fund provides permanent resources to tackle food insecurity, mental health and other issues that matter most to them. Cathy and James can see the timely impact of their Fund today, helping Broward residents overcome repercussions of the pandemic.

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Originally from New York, Leonard Farber, a pioneer in the development of suburban shopping centers, changed the retail landscape of South Florida in the 1970s. He was also a founding Community Foundation Board member. The Leonard and Antje Farber Endowment Fund was established by Leonard and his wife Antje to improve the welfare of our most vulnerable residents.

When they retired from Ohio in 1939, it was no surprise to Dorothy that Harold went back to work in their new hometown of Fort Lauderdale. He and Dorothy were still quite young when Harold began his second career as an appraiser for First Federal Savings and Loan of Broward. They were surrounded by a large professional and social circle, and were thrilled to be part of Broward County as it grew up around them. Residents for more than 50 years, Harold and Dorothy loved their South Florida home. They watched their community grow and evolve, and the Franks knew better than anyone that just as the needs of people change, so do the needs of a community. As they grew older, Dorothy battled both cancer and arthritis. Harold took care of her and now his thoughtful plans take care of the community they both loved.

Trevor and Margie Fried believe true success isn’t measured in wealth, but in the impact they make on their community. Trevor and Margie share a sense of responsibility to listen, to act when they see injustice and to be an ally when someone needs help. For the Fried family, it’s more than just giving back, it’s about making a difference in the lives of those around them. The endowed Trevor and Margie Fried Family Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation ensures that Trevor and Margie will always be able to support those facing injustice and help people in need.

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Born in Indiana, Richard Frisby joined the U.S. Navy to see the world. He returned home and used his natural business acumen to open a chain of successful men's fine clothing stores in South Florida, New York City and Maine. He created the Richard Frisby and Edward Burkhart Fund to make a lasting impact on the causes he cared about in the LGBT community.

Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz know the arts are the key to a thriving and vibrant community. The Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz Fund for the Arts will forever support local artists and arts organizations, and propel arts and culture forward in Broward for generations to come. They consider it a ‘thank you’ to a community that has given them so much.

Gertrude Gray's favorite pastime was pouring over The Wall Street Journal and reading everything she could get her hands on about investing and the markets. This was during a time when women did not manage the checkbook, let alone their investment portfolios. Gertrude was a woman ahead of her time. A graduate of Albion College, Gertrude never worked. Instead, she applied her knowledge to build her portfolio. She was married, and enjoyed a peaceful and modest life as a housewife in Margate. But she never abandoned her love of financial investing. Gertrude was a confident woman, and was particularly proud of the fact that she graduated college at a time when few women were even admitted. She believed in the gift of an education, and felt passionately that it was an investment that would keep on giving, with remarkable returns.

Steve and Madelaine Halmos have lived the American dream. They hope to give others the opportunity to live it, too. Their far-reaching philanthropy includes support for the Jack & Jill Center’s innovative education and supportive programing for children and families in need. They helped the Jack & Jill Center launch the Madelaine Halmos Academy – a state-of-the-art school for kindergarten through fifth grade students. The endowed Steve and Madelaine Halmos Children’s Opportunity Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward creates forever support for scholarships to send Jack & Jill Center graduates to college and emergency aid for families in need.

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Marlene Holder lived her life bringing out the best in others and making our community a place where all people can thrive. The Marlene Holder Fund for Broward was created through a gift from her estate. Her unrestricted Fund will evolve with the community, remain relevant and always focus on tackling the biggest issues of the day.

The Hudson Family has deep roots in Broward County and has already left an indelible impact on the community they proudly call home. The family's entrepreneurial spirit, inspired leadership and steadfast integrity have driven success in many of their endeavors, including the real estate and waste management industries. Those same values are reflected in their philanthropic philosophy, which has helped transform our community. To the Hudson Family, philanthropy is a moral obligation to give back to the community which has given them so much. Through the Hudson Family Fund, their legacy of community leadership and positive change will continue. For Good. Forever.

A graduate of Cornell, Yale and Harvard Law, Fred Jaqua earned a world-class education. His sharp, analytical mind served him well in top senior counsel positions for giants such as the American Standard and the Ford Foundation. Fred traveled the world in his career, and through these business trips, he developed a keen appreciation for other lands and cultures. When Fred retired to Fort Lauderdale from New York, he came to love his “permanent vacation” home.Travel and the law were not the only passions of this true renaissance man. Fred was an avid gardener, involved in his church and a lover of classical music. His diverse interests had two things in common: he valued excellence and understood the many components that must come together to assure a healthy,vibrant community.

Guided by faith and determined to make a difference, Lesley Mitchell Jones gives back to lift up children and seniors in need. Through the years, Lesley prioritized donating her time and financial support to helping others. In 2014, she partnered with the Community Foundation of Broward to create three endowed charitable funds: one to support organizations she cares about deeply, one to tackle pressing community challenges as they emerge and another to support seniors in need. With the Community Foundation as her philanthropy partner, Lesley’s support will make a real difference for generations to come.

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During the height of Fort Lauderdale's spring break, you could find Harriet and Jack Kaye behind the counter at their beach side hamburger stand.  Harriet and Jack enjoyed talking with and serving these young adults and saw in them the promise of the future.Though they did not have children of their own, Harriet and Jack were passionate about raising a generation of youth who would honor and uphold the nation's founding principles of democracy and freedom.  Each year they sent high school students to the Spirit of America conference at historic Valley Forge so they could walk in the path of our forefathers. Harriet and Jack were active in the community and enthusiastic patriots. It was important to them that young patriots learn first-hand the intent of our Founding Fathers, to carry it forward for the next generation to appreciate.

Ginnie and Dick Kearns first met as infants in Ohio, beginning a life-long love that set in motion a marriage of more than six decades. Throughout their lives together, they have always supported important causes in the communities they called home. Along the way, they raised two children, worked hard to build successful hospitality and construction businesses, and developed a strong family tradition of helping those in need. Always willing to offer a hand up to those working to become self-reliant, the Kearns place special importance on the vital nature of education to provide opportunities for all. Through the Kearns Family Foundation Fund, their family values will shape their philanthropy for generations to come.

When Stephen Keller spoke of graduating from the Wharton School and his career as a successful industrialist, he had a twinkle in his eye. He proudly told of taking each of the businesses he ran to new heights. Close to 30 years ago, he retired to Broward and immersed himself in the local community. The friends he made, while serving on local boards and as patron of the arts, were dear to him. Stephen took the same approach to planning his estate that he did in business. He was thoughtful and strategic and provided for the things that he cared about so deeply – his families, both his children and grandchildren, and his community family, here at home. We are honored to introduce Stephen Keller, posthumously, as our 16th Community Builder. His remarkable $5 million gift to the Community Foundation of Broward ensures that his philanthropy will continue as it did in his lifetime and that his South Florida family, our community, will rise to new heights…For Good. For Ever.

Since 1923, members of Kiwanis Club of Fort Lauderdale have led efforts to improve the lives of those living in our community. They established the Kiwanis Club of Fort Lauderdale Fund and Kiwanis Club of Fort Lauderdale Scholarship Fund to support youth in need, affordable housing, civic well-being and education.

Elaine and Jon Krupnick share a belief that the power of philanthropy can change lives. Elaine, an accomplished artist, spent her early years as an RN and an Assistant State Attorney representing child abuse victims. Jon founded a successful civil trial law firm and championed cases that resulted in design and safety improvements for many different products. Enthusiastic travelers, the Krupnicks use global experiences to shape their philanthropy in Broward. They will grow their support for arts and cultural initiatives and at-risk children through the Krupnick Family Fund and Elaine Krupnick Fund for the Arts. They are blazing new trails through their philanthropy, while bringing out the best in others – and our community. For Good. Forever.

Dara and Jarett Levan's leadership and generosity fosters love, empathy and life-changing impact for their community. Their visionary spirit led them to partner with the Community Foundation of Broward to establish the endowed Dara and Jarett Levan Fund for the Arts – an enduring source of support to help the arts flourish. And to tackle a growing community health challenge, they created the Dara and Jarett Levan Fund for Mental Health and Well-Being. Through the power of endowment, Dara and Jarett's support will always be there to transform lives and shape a brighter future for the community they love.

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Judith Linnell loved living in a vibrant community where she could be close to the sea. She was a longtime member of the Coral Ridge Yacht Club and an active participant in the club’s “Anc’Hers” women’s group. As a dedicated supporter of the Navy League in Fort Lauderdale, Judith championed our nation’s seafaring traditions.

Because she cared for her community, Judith prioritized giving back and getting involved in Broward. Whether supporting glittery fundraisers, taking museum tours or soaking in a night of opera music, Judith enjoyed participating in charitable events that helped lift up the place she called home.

Judith, who died in 2009, took her giving a step further with an estate gift that created the Judith Ann Linnell Foundation. Support from her private foundation helped the arts, civic engagement and education in Broward and also created opportunities for children in need. When her private foundation neared its sunset, Judith’s trustees partnered with the Community Foundation of Broward to continue her legacy of shaping a brighter future for Broward.

Through this collaboration, assets from Judith’s private foundation created the endowed Judith Ann Linnell Foundation Fund at the Community Foundation. Thanks to the power of endowment, Judith’s BOLD impact for Broward will never end.

Mary MacKenzie and her husband Alex settled in California after World War II. There, she launched her innovative shop that would become the empire: Motherhood Maternity. Mary became a defender of working mothers as she let women in the back door of her store so that their bosses would not learn of their pregnancies. A world traveler, Mary circled the globe more than two dozen times. She spoke six languages, and shared that some of her fondest memories were of her childhood in Cairo. Perhaps it was here, she mused, that her love of fabric and fashion was born. Called the "Dean of Designers" by Women's Wear Daily, Mary chose South Florida as her home. Not the community where she was born or built her business, it is the community in which she chose to create her charitable legacy.

Everett Metcalf served his country as a gunnery officer during World War II. Although not required to do so, he elected to fly high- risk missions so he could better train his men. Everett graduated from the University of Kentucky Law School and, soon after, headed to Fort Lauderdale where he became a real estate and probate lawyer for more than 30 years. A confirmed bachelor, he enjoyed a large family of brothers, sisters and 15 nieces and nephews. Dennis Thompson, his eldest nephew, fondly recalls Uncle Everett opening his home to him and his college classmates during the heyday of spring break. Everett was engaged in the community, serving as a Commodore at a yacht club and a leader of civic clubs and charities. Everett valued the care of family, care of community and care of country. He was proud to have been a part of Broward’s growth, and resolved to take care of the community that had done so much for him. The Everett H. Metcalf, Jr. Unrestricted Fund, established in 2001 provides needed support to keep our community strong.

The Rose Miniaci Family Fund 25 Years Ago...Rose Miniaci and her husband Alfred were careful to teach the importance of giving back to their children. And they in turn passed on those values to Rose and Alfred’s grandchildren. Philanthropy was an important part of all of their lives. Playing with her young grandchildren was a favorite pastime for Rose. However, she often found herself thinking about who they would be when they grew up and how they might be involved in the family foundation. Today...Rose’s grandchildren are grown and while the entire Miniaci family has a shared value in philanthropy, with different generations come different ideals. That is why Rose established the Rose Miniaci Family Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward. She and her family have worked with the Community Foundation staff and developed a Philanthropy Plan that involves the passions of each family member in their giving. We are proud to assist Rose Miniaci and her family with philanthropy. When we can assist you, please call us. Together, we can transform lives… For Good. For Ever.

Albert and Beatriz Miniaci share a passion for giving back and getting involved to support the community they love. They prioritize local philanthropy that empowers others to achieve their full potential. Much of their dedicated support goes to smaller organizations that work with underserved populations and people with disabilities. The endowed Albert and Beatriz Miniaci Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward locks in sustainable, permanent support for nonprofits and causes that matter most to them. Thanks to their endowed support, Albert and Beatriz will help make life better in Broward for generations to come.

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From humble beginnings in Chicago, automotive pioneer Jim Moran "The Courtesy Man" was the only car dealer to ever appear on the cover of TIME magazine in 1961. He became the world's largest Hudson and Ford dealer and, in 1968, founded what would become the largest distributor of Toyotas in the world. Today the company he created, JM Family Enterprises, continues to be an industry leader guided by his business philosophies and passion for giving back.Jim and Jan chose to lead big projects, establishing the Youth Automotive Training Center to teach at-risk youth basic automotive and life-management skills, and spearheading numerous campaigns to improve health care, children's education and family services. They often leveraged their philanthropy by challenging others to match their remarkable gifts, helping to transform the face of Broward County.Jan continues the work they began together, ensuring Jim's commitment to the community endures beyond his lifetime.

The Burnadette Norris-Weeks and Aaron Weeks Foundation – an endowed charitable fund created at the Community Foundation of Broward – ensures permanent support for promoting racial justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. For generations to come, their endowed support will continue to empower women of color, make higher education more attainable and help dismantle barriers to future success.

Pat Owen was a successful businesswoman who turned her retirement into an opportunity to transform lives. Pat and her husband Murnie “Buzz” Owen launched a collectibles mail-order business that became the country’s leading distributor of Christmas plates. After Buzz passed, Pat at age 75 founded Second Chance Society – a nonprofit that helps people overcome homelessness and other challenges by providing access to education and other tools for success. Pat’s 2022 estate gift to the Community Foundation of Broward created the endowed Pat Owen Charitable Fund, which ensures sustainable support for transforming lives through Second Chance Society for generations to come.

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Mona Pittenger sets a trailblazing example with her success as an entrepreneur and her commitment to give back and empower others. Mona’s philanthropy began with support for the LGBTQ+ community to overcome barriers to success. Later she became a founding Board Member for Our Fund Foundation, helping it grow into one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ foundations. Mona partnered with the Community Foundation of Broward to amplify the scope and impact of her activism. With the Mona Pittenger Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Fund, the Mona Pittenger Leadership Fund and the Mona Pittenger Giving Fund, Mona’s BOLD impact will never end.

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Mary N. Porter was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania where her physician father oversaw the building of the town’s first hospital. He instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility for others. “He never turned away a patient or anyone in need,” Mary once said. When she moved to Broward Mary continued her family’s strong philanthropic tradition, volunteering wherever she could and giving generously to local causes. She supported families devastated by hurricanes, at-risk teens and the jazz music she dearly loved. For more than a decade Mary worked with the Community Foundation to maximize the impact of her giving. When it came time to make her estate plan, she knew the Foundation would become “her eyes and ears” to faithfully fulfill her philanthropic vision. Mary’s bequest honors her family’s charitable values and ensures the Porter name will forever nourish this community and inspire others to do the same. The Mary N. Porter Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward marks the largest gift in the Foundation’s history and will provide millions of dollars each year to causes that mattered to Mary. Thanks to Mary’s thoughtful plan, the Porter spirit of giving will live on…For Good. For Ever.

When John H. Rau was a child, the science fiction of space flight captured his imagination. A successful stock investor, John's passion for space exploration found expression when it came time to create his estate plan. He established the John H. Rau Space Education Fund that now supports NASA space camp and other programs that inspire people to learn about space.

Alvin Ross’ story is an extraordinary one. A World War II radio operator, he was shot down over occupied France and hidden by farmers. He escaped to Spain by walking over the Pyrenees Mountains in the dead of winter in 1943. Alvin returned to his hometown of Elberon, New Jersey with little more than flight pay in his pocket. Hard work and a brilliant business mind helped him turn a small prefabricated garage business into Plymouth Modular Homes. Alvin and Gloria raised their four children in a home just like those he built for his clients and neighbors.Gloria and Alvin have chosen to continue their story by creating the Alvin and Gloria Ross Community Care Fund. Their Fund will provide support and training for those special caregivers who improve the lives of individuals suffering from dementia. With this gift, Alvin and Gloria continue a lifetime of giving … For Good. For Ever.

Rumba-Wire, as those in the construction business know, is the name of the material used to tie rebar together in concrete.  It's named after Joseph Rumbaugh, an inventor turned South Florida real estate developer. But, Joseph's real passion was for the arts. He and his wife Louise generously supported and drew needed attention to the arts in Broward.  Opera, classical music, ballet, museums, literature and virtually every other creative art were Joseph's inspiration. Joseph believed that the arts were a catalyst to a more creative community. And like his famous product, he sought to tie arts to his community in an enduring way. His dream was to light the creative spark in adults and children, to inspire them as he was inspired by the arts throughout his life.

Leo and Alice Rutten shared a generous spirit and a deep commitment to hard work. Leo, who became an accountant for General Motors, and Alice, who launched a thriving real estate career, liked to help people willing to work for success. Their friends caught glimpses of their generosity for hardworking people – over-tipping waitresses, giving a car to their gardener, helping a therapist buy a house. Through the endowed Leo M. and Alice J. Rutten Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, Leo and Alice will always be there to offer a hand up for hardworking people in need.

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Lawrence Sanders created stories that still enthrall readers around the world. His suspense thrillers feature private eyes, cops, crooks and other intriguing characters. The Anderson Tapes, First Deadly Sin and McNally’s Puzzle are just a few of his nearly 40 novels. He remains one of America’s most popular novelists, with more than 50 million copies of his books in print.

Originally from New York and raised in the Midwest, Lawrence moved to Pompano Beach a few years after becoming a novelist. And as his literary success soared, Lawrence decided it was important to give back to the adopted community he called home.

Through grants from his private foundation, two endowed Funds were created at the Community Foundation of Broward to promote Lawrence’s passion for literacy and cultivating ambitious young writers. Over a 20-year period these annual grants grew his endowed Funds to more than $1 million and Lawrence became the Community Foundation of Broward’s 43rd Community Builder.  

Although Lawrence has passed, the Lawrence A. Sanders Fund to Promote Literacy and the Lawrence A. Sanders Scholarship Fund for Creative Writing will provide forever support for the issues he cared about most.

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In 1957, Steve Scott’s family established one of the nation’s first Datsun/Nissan dealerships. After Steve sold the business, he and his wife Carole turned to the Foundation to create the Scott Family Fund to help Broward thrive now and into the future.

Del and Francis traveled the world believing their adventures helped them understand the needs of others. To honor Francis when he passed, the Francis A. and Adeline M. Sines Memorial Fund was opened by Del. She religiously attended the Foundation's education events and relied on its staff to help her support causes that reflected her values.

Helen Wyatt Rust Stoykov was an able woman. When her father died at the young age of 37, she saw her mother work tirelessly as a seamstress for the well-to-do in the bustling city of Baltimore. Helen was not far behind. After high school, she went to work first at a bakery, then a candy shop, and then as a “Rosie the Riveter” during World War II. She arrived with her own set of tools to make engine parts for the B-26 Marauder Bomber. She would later joke, “I must have done okay, we won the war.” Helen applied this same determination to manage her affairs after her husband, Frank, passed away. She converted highly appreciated stock into a charitable gift annuity that provided her income during her lifetime and produced a significant charitable gift upon her death. Family gatherings around the radio to hear Saturday Afternoon Metropolitan Opera left Helen with a lifelong love of opera. She also cherished poetry, piano music and animals. The Helen and Frank Stoykov Charitable Endowment Fund will continue to support art and animal welfare programs in our community.

Mildred “Millie” Talkwicz and her husband Jack were pioneers of the car wash industry in Florida.

After Jack passed, Millie’s connection to Broward grew stronger. She created the Mildred Talkwicz Charitable Fund with an estate gift to provide forever support to the Humane Society of Broward County, hospice care in Broward and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

This Fund was established by Elaine and the late, Dr. Erwin Vasquez, in honor of Doctors Natalie A. and Oscar Nadeau who were committed to and passionate about improving the lives of elderly citizens. 25 Years Ago...Elaine and Dr. Erwin Vasquez were busy raising a young family, building their careers, and managing a family foundation dedicated to assisting the elderly. Their good work was burdened by the everyday reporting, regulations and overall administration of running a family foundation. Their best intentions were being crippled by the complications of daily management. Today...philanthropy has become much more enjoyable for the Vasquez family because they converted their family foundation to The Vasquez Family Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward. Elaine relies on the Community Foundation to introduce her to small powerful projects. She no longer worries about administrative issues, she gets to review projects vetted by Foundation staff, explore ideas on PhilNet, the Foundation’s unique online resource, and go on Behind the Scenes visits to see her and her husband's grants in action. We hope that you will be inspired to create your own personalized, charitable Fund. Together, we can transform lives. For Good. For Ever.

Louise Wemyss often said she helped animals because they couldn’t help themselves. And throughout her life, Louise was always there for animals in need.

Her dedication began with taking in strays as a young girl growing up in Richmond, Virginia. And her commitment to animals continued as an adult with her support for animal rescue organizations. After she relocated to Fort Lauderdale and met her husband, James – an innovator in the paper industry and one-time owner of Vanity Fair Napkins – their elegant home always catered to their beloved pets.

When she passed, the Louise Wemyss Fund for Animal Welfare was created through her estate. Her endowed gift establishes permanent support to provide free animal spay, neutering and euthanasia services. Now the Community Foundation’s expert team will identify innovative, impactful opportunities to carry on Louise’s vision.

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Dixie E. Wheeler believed in offering a hand up to help others achieve success. As a P.E. teacher who became a vice principal, Dixie taught students how to overcome obstacles and live healthier. After retiring from education, Dixie worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help people overcome times of distress. Through it all, Dixie prioritized charitable giving that used education to transform lives. Her estate gift to the Community Foundation of Broward launched the endowed Dixie E. Wheeler Scholarship Fund. By partnering with the Community Foundation, Dixie’s support will empower generations of students to achieve success.

May Jean and Lou Wolff met in St. Louis,  Lou was in the Air Force and May Jean worked for the Department of War helping soldiers transition to and from Europe.  Today, they have been married for 57 years, and the love they share is so obvious now as it was the day they met. Shortly after they married, May Jean and Lou moved to Fort Lauderdale, Lou's hometown. It is here that they raised four children and established a successful architecture firm. Lou may be best known for his design of the Keenan building (now Citibank), a landmark for its mosaic facade and curved profile. The Wolffs worked hard, live a modest life and feel that they have been helped along the way. It is this belief, combined with their gratitude and sense of community that compels Lou and May Jean to reach out a hand to others.

Giving back is a family tradition for Andrew, whose father Angus Wurtele – former CEO of The Valspar Corporation – was a devoted philanthropist who supported the arts, education, cultural institutions and the environment in Minnesota and throughout the country. Andrew carried on the family tradition of philanthropy with his support for national charitable organizations with local programs to help Broward’s youth and lift up struggling families. But as he has come to know and love Broward, and become a father himself, Andrew has grown eager to have a greater local impact.

The Foundation’s BE BOLD Leadership Campaign has inspired Andrew to create the endowed Andrew L. Wurtele Family Fund. Andrew’s endowed Fund creates forever support for the issues that matter most to Andrew and Serena – support for Broward’s young people, the arts, our fragile environment and more. Together, Andrew and Serena are carrying on a family tradition that will shape the community they love and make life better in Broward for generations to come

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