By Rachel Galvin

On September 11, Zion Lutheran was the site of a Community Health & Wellness Fair. Tents took over the parking lot filled with plenty of health information and other information on everything from children’s services to Hospice care. The Kiwanis Club and their Key Club was there as well. Mayor Bill Ganz and Commissioner Drosky were among those in attendance at the opening ceremony as the event began. 

The event was held in memory of Alexis J. Marion, who took her life in February 2020. Her parents, Mari and Michael were at the fair. Mari said that when Alexis was struggling, the city and Broward Sheriff’s Office were there for them, something for which she is very thankful, but she found that certain other mental health organizations and services were not. That is something that they continue to bring up — the need for there to be services available when needed. “When kids need help, show up,” she said. “All kids just want to be heard.” She said they wanted to make sure this never happens to another family. 

That is a reason they support Deerfield Beach Community Cares. Executive Director of the group, Joel Smith, said his goal to be at events like this one is to listen to the community and determine what the people’s needs are and how he can match providers with those who need the services. He had people fill out a survey asking what types of programs they would like to see and how they handle situations like stress in their life.

See photos on the Observer Newspaper Online Facebook page.

 The Fort Lauderdale Concours (FTLC) is pleased to announce Lotus Cars USA, the innovative sports and racing car manufacturer, as the presenting sponsor of its 1st annual event.

Showcasing an elegant display of classic cars, lifestyle curations, fine art and live music, the FTLC will be held on Friday, October 29, from 5-10 p.m. on the rooftop event space of the Las Olas Parking Garage at the Intracoastal Waterway (200 Las Olas Circle, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316). Tickets are now on sale. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Lotus, a daring company that has been mavericks in the automotive industry,” states Maria Jannace, founder and CEO of FTLC & The New York City Concours (TNYCC), which had its immensely successful premiere in September 2019. “Lotus values the history and heritage of the automobile while continually pushing to innovate and that forward thinking vision mirrors our own mission to honor the concours d’elegance universe through reinvention.”

“The FTLC is creating a bold, electric event that speaks directly to our audience of passionate car enthusiasts and we just had to be a part of it,” explains Geoff Dowding, executive director, Sales and Aftersales of Group Lotus. “Maria’s rooftop concours series is at the forefront of reimaging a new standard for classic car exhibitions for future generations.” 

Ticketing for the limited capacity FTLC is comparable with concours events, while offering added entertainment experiences. From now until September 30, Advanced VIP tickets are $125 and $150 starting October 1st. Additionally, in collaboration with the renowned Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS, running  October 27-31), a discounted combination ticket can be purchased for the FTLC and FLIBS Windward VIP Experience (Friday only) for $420 — offering a unique confluence of the automotive and recreational marine enthusiast in an ambiance of grandeur not previously presented. 

Admission to the FTLC’s reinvented “classic car show” includes:

• Classic Automobiles: 35+ rarely-seen, iconic cars including the Lotus Emira
• Cocktails and Canapes: Denison Yachting Sunset Rooftop Lounge, including specialty spirits and wine tastings
• Sneaker Curation: Mixed media artist Matt Senna will curate a high-end collectable sneaker display that will match select cars on display
  Sweepstakes: Premiere online watch magazine HODINKEE will host a sweepstakes for a $5k watch, attendees can opt in at time of ticket purchase
• Fine Art: Acclaimed automotive custom artist Ray Drea will be creating a stylized art piece of the Lotus Emira painted live during the event and will feature a gallery of his completed works plus other fine and pop artists
• Live Music and DJ: Valerie Tyson Band, an eight piece electrifying band specializing in top 40 popular music, Jazz, Classic Rock, R&B and Reggae, and international DJ Anna de Ferran aka ADF
• Fashion: Zaddy fashion component
• Stunning Venue: Rooftop with 360º view of the city’s picturesque beach, Intracoastal waterway, marina and downtown skyline  

Charitable partners are the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) and the RPM Foundation, which will have a presence at the event. Go to https://www.ftlconcours.com/tickets to purchase.

For further details on the FTLC, including exhibits, sign up for updates at ftlconcours.com. 

Habitat for Humanity of Broward is one of more than 220 Habitat for Humanity organizations awarded a grant recently from Wells Fargo as part of its nationwide initiative to help families unable to obtain conventional financing to become first-time homeowners.

Wells Fargo’s $15,000 grant to Habitat Broward will help provide the Moreaus, a hard-working family of seven, with a home of their own in A Rick Case Habitat Community in Pompano Beach.

“Far too many people across the country are facing housing instability and one of our key priorities is to create housing affordability solutions where everyone can have a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Wells Fargo South Florida Social Impact and Sustainability Leader Leo Toca. “We are proud to support Habitat for Humanity of Broward in providing homeownership opportunities in South Florida.”

“Wells Fargo understands the economic empowerment that comes with homeownership and is acting on this belief across the nation,” said Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward CEO and executive director. “Families like the Moreaus would not achieve the dream of homeownership without great corporate citizens like Wells Fargo and we can’t thank them enough.”

The grant is part of a $7.75 million donation Wells Fargo is making to Habitat for Humanity International through Wells Fargo Builds, an initiative that provides philanthropic financial support and volunteerism to create sustainable affordable housing. More than 340 homes will be constructed or repaired with Habitat in over 40 states through the initiative this year. Wells Fargo Builds is part of Wells Fargo’s $1 billion philanthropic commitment to create more housing affordability solutions by 2025.

It is hard to believe but school is about to start again — no more staying home; kids will be in their seats at school. The school year begins on August 18 and the last day of school is June 9. For more info. on important dates, visit www.browardschools.com/Page/57219.

As usual, there will be a sales tax holiday for those preparing their kids for their first day, buying appropriate supplies and new clothes. This year’s Tax Holiday will occur from July 31 to August 9. There are stipulations for what qualifies to be untaxed. See https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips/Documents/TIP_21A01-08.pdf for more info.

Put on your favorite Christmas attire and run, walk or roll to “krush” poverty and homelessness at The Salvation Army of Broward County’s Kettle Krush 5K presented by PwC. WPLG Local 10 SoFlo Health’s Hunter Franqui will serve as the special guest host for the fourth annual event. An option for those (both in the region and beyond) who wish to participate virtually at home is also available. This all-ages event is designed to raise awareness and funds for families in need. Registration is open, now, at https://tinyurl.com/KettleKrush2021.

The Salvation Army serves over 50,000 Broward County residents, every year, and more than 70% of its funding comes directly from the community – individuals, groups and businesses.

The race is named after The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettles which are staffed during the holidays to collect funds for families in need. Last year, The Salvation Army raised $320,215, more than a 33% increase over the same period last year, in less than five weeks in November and December. The Salvation Army of Broward County also distributed 7,566 gifts to 1,114 families with 2,483 children at 2020’s drive-through Holiday Toy Shop.

The racecourse at Quiet Waters Park is sanctioned by the USATF, and the race will be timed by AccuChipUSA, Inc. Awards will be given to runners in  “Top 3” categories and age groups.

WHEN:             Saturday, July 24 at 7 a.m.

WHERE:          Quiet Waters Park

                          401 Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

                         Those who cannot be at the physical race site are encouraged to participate virtually at home!

COST:              Register at https://tinyurl.com/KettleKrush2021

                         Fees:

                         $10 for kids (ages 2 – 8)

                         $25 per participant (18 and under)

                         $30 for registrants (19 and over).

                         Team registration is $20 per person for teams of five or more.

                         A FREE commemorative race t-shirt will be given to all registrants.

                         Quiet Waters Park entry fee will be waived for all Kettle Krush 5K participants. Parking will also be FREE and available directly across from the Runner’s Pavilion area.

WHO:              The Salvation Army of Broward County’s Kettle Krush 5K presented by PwC is sponsored by Broward Health, Edd Helms AC & Electric, FPL, Costco Wholesale, Pronto Urgent Care, Trader Joe’s, Fast Printz, Profile by Sanford, ACME Barricades, Bimbo Bakeries, Dom and Sharon Pino, Pete and Jenny Sudler and Gerry and Isolde Cahill.

                     The Salvation Army is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to “meeting human needs without discrimination.” Since 1926, The Salvation Army has been active in Broward County serving thousands of our most needy community members. Today, it offers a number of vital programs including its Economic Stability Program, the Open Door Project emergency shelter, a food pantry, transitional family housing, New Beginnings for pregnant homeless women and disaster services.

INFO:              For more information or to pledge additional monetary and/or sponsorship support, please contact Robert Beasley at 954-712-2480 or email Robert.beasley@uss.salvationarmy.org.  Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/Browardsalvationarmy, on Instagram @salvationarmybroward and on Twitter @SalArmyBroward.