South Florida individuals and organizations bring joy to foster youth this holiday season through
HANDY, Inc.
December 2009
The holiday spirit is alive and well in South Florida as HANDY, Inc. distributes gifts to approximately 1000 children, many of whom are in foster care under the custody of ChildNet, and in the Guardian Ad Litem program. HANDY is able to spread hope and joy because of the generosity of many local businesses, individuals and organizations who celebrate the holidays by holding toy drives, gift card drives, and office fundraisers to help the kids.
“Through no fault of their own, these kids have extremely difficult lives,” said Arlene Ratner, Executive Director of HANDY, Inc., “Our community wants to help during the holidays and people know that their donations will always go directly to a child or young adult when they donate through HANDY.” Chaired by Past President, Lucy Weber and Betsy Crudele, and administered by Eleanor Shaw, HANDY’s Holiday Gift Program successfully distributed gifts to more than 1000 disadvantaged kids in our community.
None of it would have been possible without the generous support of hundreds of caring individuals and the following sponsors:
“Individual donors and companies have made a holiday tradition of giving to kids who would otherwise have nothing,” continued Kevin Keene, Chairman of the board of HANDY, “They truly exemplify the spirit of community and many provide invaluable support for our year round programs as well.”
Read the South Florida Times aritcle entitled BROWARD STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE EMPLOYEES GIVE TOYS TO NEEDY CHILDREN.
HANDY, Inc. honored as Bank of America “Neighborhood Builder 2009”
Fort Lauderdale, FL
December 14, 2009
On Thursday, November 5th Bank of America Charitable Foundation awarded HANDY, Inc. the prestigious “Neighborhood Builder’s Award” through the Bank of America Neighborhood Excellence Initiative. The award includes $200,000 in core operating support as well as leadership training for a senior executive and one of the organization’s emerging leaders. It is designed to recognize, nurture and reward organizations and others who are helping their neighborhoods achieve excellence.
“This award honors HANDY’s commitment to the growth and vitality of Broward County,” said Arlene Ratner, HANDY’s Executive Director, “For 25 years HANDY has provided a lifeline to the abused children of our community. This generous award will provide vital support to the kids who, through no fault of their own face very difficult situations.”
Mark Maller, Broward President of Bank of America said, “The strength of Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth’s programs are truly a testament to your commitment to improving Broward County. We are thrilled to present you with the Neighborhood Builder award and look forward to recognizing your accomplishments in our community.”
For more information about supporting HANDY, Inc. contact Becky Irwin, Development Director (954) 522-2911 ext. 209 or birwin@handyinc.org. |
