The Jim Moran Foundation Award, on table, is presented to Fran Payne, right, by Jan and Jim Moran. Payne also received a $25,000 grant that she has designated to Jack & Jill Children's Center where she is the executive director.
Deerfield Beach, Fla. - The Jim Moran Foundation Award has been presented by its namesake founder to Fran Payne, 70, executive director of Jack & Jill Children's Center, for her child advocacy and humanitarianism. Philanthropists Jim Moran and his wife Jan, Foundation chairman and president, honored Payne on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at The Foundation's Deerfield Beach offices among an intimate gathering of friends, family, and co-workers.
"There is no one who has worked harder or been more dedicated to the children than you," said Jim Moran when presenting the award to Payne. "In the giving of your time and of who you are, you have taught the rest of us how to care beyond ourselves. It is my privilege to honor you today and to thank you for all you do."
Payne becomes the first recipient of The Jim Moran Foundation Award for her lifetime achievement and community service to children and families. At the ceremony, Jim Moran presented her with a $25,000 grant that she has designated to Jack & Jill Children's Center, a Fort Lauderdale child-care center serving low-income families. Payne was also presented with the gift of a sculpture commissioned by local artist George Gadson of George Gadson Studios. The bronze piece depicts a child climbing a ladder next to a "helping" hand which sits atop an open book. It signifies the importance of education and a supportive, positive role model for children to climb the ladder of success.
"This is such an honor coming from Jim and Jan," said Payne. "I am so grateful to them for their support and friendship. I am especially touched and wish to extend my thanks to everyone who played a part in this special presentation."
The Morans, The Foundation board members, and guests also honored Payne the following evening at a celebratory cruise aboard JM Family Enterprises' Gallant Lady. Jim Moran is also founder and honorary chairman of the diversified automotive company. Payne has been executive director of Jack & Jill since 1969. Under her leadership, Fort Lauderdale's oldest day-care center, which recently moved to a new, two-story building on Broward Blvd., offers important services that provides child care to more than 160 of Broward County's poorest families. The facility offers an emergency food bank, clothing bank, medical fund, emergency fund, family library and more.
The Jim Moran Foundation Award
The Jim Moran Foundation Award honors individuals who have an established history of giving back to their community through active service and personal commitment. The honoree must exemplify the characteristics of the mission of The Foundation, reflect proven accomplishments that address real community needs and/or concerns and exhibit a spirit that inspires and encourages others to embrace civic and charitable responsibility in meeting the needs of their community. The award selection committee is comprised of the Governance Committee of The Jim Moran Foundation.
The Jim Moran Foundation
The mission of The Jim Moran Foundation is to improve the quality of life for the youth and families of Florida through the support of innovative programs and opportunities that meet the ever-changing needs of the community. It is located at 100 Jim Moran Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, Fla. 33442. To learn more about The Foundation visit
www.jimmoranfoundation.org or call 954/429-2122.
Jack & Jill Children's Center
Jack & Jill Children's Center, located in Fort Lauderdale, strives to break the cycle of poverty for low-income families through the provision of year-round childcare for children ages six weeks to five years as well as a range of support services for their entire family. The goal is to give predominantly single, working parents who are living at or near poverty the peace of mind that their children are nurtured and educated so they are free to obtain and keep employment. This is their first step out of poverty and toward financial independence. In addition to childcare for 170 children, Jack & Jill provides an emergency food bank when food is scarce, clothing bank, medical fund, education and training programs, and emergency funds to help families in times of need. Since its inception in 1942, Jack & Jill has served more than 12,000 children and their families.