The Community Foundation of Broward recently welcomed local mayors and other municipal officials for an engaging discussion about how philanthropy can help shape stronger, more vibrant communities.

The inaugural “Mayors Philanthropic Forum,” held on May 14 at the Community Foundation, is planned to become an annual event where local leaders can learn more about the work of the Foundation as well as ways for philanthropy to help make life better in local communities.

City officials in attendance included: Coconut Creek Mayor Jacqueline Railey, Dania Beach Mayor Joyce L. Davis, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Broward County Commissioner Beam Furr, Lauderdale-by-the Sea Mayor Edmund Malkoon, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Town Manager Linda Connors, Lauderdale Lakes Mayor  Veronica Edwards Phillips, Lauderdale Lakes City Manager Venice Howard, Lauderhill Mayor Denise Grant, Lauderhill City Manager Kennie Hobbs, Jr., Lighthouse Point City Administrator Ross Licata, Oakland Park Mayor Tim Lonergan, Oakland Park Assistant City Manager Andrew Thompson, Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo, Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin, Tamarac Mayor Michelle Gomez, West Park Mayor Felicia Brunson and Weston Mayor Margaret Brown.

Forum topics included:

• The Foundation’s “Lead with Love” mural project, a transformative public art initiative in collaboration with Business for the Arts Broward, which is creating nine murals that promote love, unity and cultural engagement in communities across Broward.
• A new philanthropy study produced for the Foundation that looks at the generosity and untapped philanthropic potential of Broward County.
• Press Forward, a national movement to invest in local news and information to ensure the community has access to the local knowledge it needs to thrive.
• A discussion about ways for philanthropy to create positive impact in cities and examples of creative philanthropic partnerships already underway in cities across Broward.

“It was an honor to host some of Broward County’s most influential and visionary leaders at our inaugural Mayors Philanthropic Forum,” said Community Foundation President/CEO Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, Ph.D. “By coming together to address the challenges facing Broward County, we are fostering the collective power of philanthropy to drive meaningful change. Philanthropy is not just about giving back, it’s about investing in resilience, sustainability and equity for our community for generations to come. Together, we are shaping a stronger and more vibrant community for all those who call Broward County home.”

SEE PHOTOS FROM THE MAYORS PHILANTHROPIC FORUM.

LISTEN TO THE WLRN-FM COVERAGE OF THE MAYORS PHILANTRHOPIC FORUM.

Let’s talk about how you can partner with the Community Foundation of Broward to create lasting impact in the community you love. Contact Vice President Kelly Marmol at kmarmol@cfbroward.org or 954-761-9503.

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