FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – More than 200 guests attended United Way of Broward County’s Women’s Leadership Council 3rd Annual Magnolia Luncheon at the Signature Grand in Davie on Wednesday, May 21st. The annual event recognizes women of dignity, strength and perseverance.
During the luncheon, United Way of Broward County’s Women's Leadership presented renowned local businesswoman and philanthropist, Gale Butler, with the Magnolia Leadership Award in honor of the remarkable impact she has had on our community through her hard work, dedication and philanthropic efforts. During her tenure with AutoNation, Butler was responsible for community relations and charitable donations within the South Florida community. In addition to sitting on numerous non-profit boards, she was also the founding chair of the Women’s Leadership Council of United Way of Broward, and set the highest example of what it means to be a female community leader in Broward County.
United Way also presented Enterprise Holdings, Inc. with the Magnolia Corporate Philanthropy Award in recognition of the car rental company’s high number of female Leadership Donors and its company-wide commitment to United Way of Broward County and the community.
Michelle McLean-Bailey, a Founding Board Member of the United Way of Johannesburg and former Miss Universe, served as the keynote speaker. After winning the Miss Universe title, for her native Namibia in 1992, McLean-Bailey’s true passion of helping others came to the forefront and she now primarily focuses on philanthropic efforts to provide resources to the children of Namibia.
“It was with great pleasure that we had the opportunity to honor Gale Butler, and the team at Enterprise Holdings, Inc, all whom exemplify what it means to display dignity, strength, and perseverance,” said Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO of United Way of Broward County. “United Way of Broward County’s Women’s Leadership Council was proud to recognize both Gale and Enterprise Holdings who have made such an incredible, positive impact on our community.”
Formed in 2010, The Women’s Leadership Council was created to encourage women leaders within the community to pledge a commitment to United Way of Broward County. Together, the more than 500 women who currently contribute $1,000 or more annually to United Way of Broward County, account for more than $1 million of the total contributions raised through the organization’s annual workplace campaign. Each year the Women’s Council focuses their efforts on specific priority United Way projects.
Laurie Jennings, Local 10 News Anchor of Miami served as Master of Ceremonies for the luncheon. Event co-chairs included Rosy Lopez of Greenspoon Marder, and Stella Tokar, from BOLD Consulting. Host committee members included Kim Bentley, Elizabeth Cambareri, Kathleen Cannon, Betsi Kassebaum, Lisa Kitei, Jen Klaassens, Susie Levan, Paula Levenson, Chris Madsen, Ginny Miller, Stacy Ostrau, Arlene Pecora, Robin Sterne, and Kim Sweers. Event sponsors included JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Southeast Toyota Distributors, Consolidated Credit, Publix Super Market Charities, Broward Health, Memorial Healthcare System, Nova Southeastern University, BBX Capital, Wells Fargo and Signature Grand.
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About United Way of Broward County
United Way of Broward County is a volunteer driven, community-based, non-profit organization servicing Broward County for 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.
About the Women’s Leadership Council
The Women’s Leadership Council was formed to mobilize United Way of Broward County’s women donors to become powerful philanthropists and community leaders. The group’s goal is to educate women about the opportunities for philanthropic involvement and civic leadership through their own fundraising, advocacy and volunteering; and to engage more women in United Way’s community-transforming work.
