Actor and philanthropist Gary Sinise helped lead an inspiring celebration of the power of local philanthropy at the 2026 Charity Guide Leadership Luncheon, held Oct. 19 at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale.
The Community Foundation of Broward partnered with Las Olas Boulevard & Isles Magazine to bring together philanthropic, business and civic leaders for the Leadership Luncheon, which launched the magazine’s September/October “Charity Guide” issue.
This year’s Charity Guide issue features a cover story about how Gary – whose memorable film roles include the iconic Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump – established a foundation that provides critical support for veterans, first responders and their families.
In addition to telling Gary’s story of service and commitment, the magazine’s Charity Guide showcases six “Hometown Heroes” whose local philanthropy is making a lasting difference in our community.
The Hometown Heroes include individuals and families who partner with the Community Foundation to champion support for local causes that transform lives and uplift our community. The honorees featured in the Charity Guide include:
- the Allen family, including Jonathan and Adrelia Allen and Tim Allen
- Anita and Ralph Byer
- Dev Motwani
- Nancy Lynn Brown
- Dara and Jarett Levan
- Elaine Vasquez
At the Leadership Luncheon, Community Foundation President/CEO Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson recognized each of the Hometown Heroes and shared highlights of the powerful impact of their local philanthropy.
“Six families, six different passions and one thing in common. Each of them chose to make their giving permanent, through endowments right here in Broward, to express their love for the place that we all call home,” Jennifer said. “That is what the Community Foundation exists to do and we had a very special privilege to do it with these six families.”
After honoring the Hometown Heroes, Jennifer led a meaningful fireside-chat-style conversion with Gary Sinise, an Oscar-nominated actor, humanitarian and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, which provides dedicated support for our nation’s veterans, first responders and their families.
Gary and Jennifer’s wide-ranging discussion included: how his role as Lt. Dan has helped him deepen his commitment to helping veterans, his new book “Graceful Warrior” about lessons learned from his son Mac, the importance of nonprofit support for the children of wounded and fallen veterans and first responders, how he travels the world to perform for U.S. troops and their families with his “Lt. Dan Band,” and more.
Thank you to everyone who attended this afternoon of celebrating service, leadership and commitment to local philanthropy.
Special thanks to the event host committee, which included: Ari Roloff, Bob and Robin Meagher, Bryan and Nukhet Hendricks, Chip and Eileen LaMarca, Danielle Gaudreau, George and Dawn Diehl, Eric and Mila Schwartzreich, George and Heather Moraitis, James Knapp, Jason and Gina Robichaux, Jason and Jacqueline Howe, Steve and Jody Lewis, Ken Evans, Matt and Gina Damiano, Melissa Fitzgerald, Mike Mobile, Mike and Wendy Osty, Paul and Jodi Tanner, Robin Sterne, Suzanne Higgins, Allan and Suzanne Migdall and Veronica Hazzard.
Please use the link below to explore the Charity Guide and to see the stories of our Hometown Heroes.
Contact the Community Foundation of Broward at info@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.
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