April 2020

Supporting each other through COVID-19

Twenty years ago, my husband created his foundation to be responsive to the ever-changing needs of the community. During this unprecedented crisis, we continue to do exactly that by providing $5 million in emergency response grants to more than 80 of our current nonprofit partners in Broward, Duval and Palm Beach counties. Please visit our website to review a list of recent funding.

Jim once said, "When we look around in our communities, we often find there are so many who need someone to care." That is especially true today with a growing number of struggling individuals and families. We are so very appreciative of all the nonprofits whose staff and volunteers are working tirelessly and under extreme circumstances to address large-scale, immediate needs for food and housing, emotional well-being and loss of employment in our communities. It is humbling to walk alongside them.

Please stay healthy and be well.

Review Our Emergency Response Grants


Thank you, nonprofits!

Hundreds of amazing organizations, including some of our partners highlighted below, are stepping up in herculean ways to help those affected by the pandemic. We are grateful for you!



ElderSource and Aging True recently teamed up to pack 1,000 bags of Hunger Fight meals, toiletries, paper goods and more for delivery to frail seniors in Duval County.



Feeding South Florida is responding to a 600% increase in need by distributing millions of pounds of food through partner agencies, drive-through food distributions and "Summer Breakspot" sites at local schools.



Children's Harbor Life Coaches have been working with the 33 children in their care to ensure each of them are prepared for virtual learning while schools are closed.



Although 211 Broward's and 211 Palm Beach / Treasure Coast's incoming calls for assistance have exponentially increased, the organizations continue to connect callers with critical resources 24/7, as well as check in daily with vulnerable seniors to ensure their well-being.



BEAM's staff, volunteers and partner agencies have supplied in excess of 50,000 pounds of food and emergency rental assistance for more than 100 households in the Jacksonville beaches community.



The Pantry of Broward has committed to feeding its regular 500+ clients each month as well as an additional 750 families now in need of their assistance.



"We've quickly pivoted to a telehealth model...While we focus on the mental health of children, that often means working with the whole family. Right now, families are going to need the support of mental health professionals more than ever," said Renee Layman, CEO of Center for Child Counseling.



The FLITE Center is offering emergency food and housing assistance, baby and hygiene supplies and additional services to former foster care youth as well as other youth dealing with challenging circumstances.



In addition to hosting drive-through food distributions to meet an increased need for assistance, Feeding Northeast Florida and its partners are preparing hot meals for delivery to senior housing communities.



LifeNet4Families created its Essentials 4 Essentials program to deliver food boxes to those working in supermarkets, fast food restaurants and convenience stores as many individuals are unable to attend food giveaways that generally occur during store hours.

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