The Lauderdale Yacht Club in Fort Lauderdale hosted an annual Care for Kids Cocktail Reception organized by ChildNet, Broward County’s lead Community-Based Care agency. The event was a huge success, raising over $132,000 to support foster youth throughout Broward County. The event was sold-out, and the Health Foundation of South Florida and Memorial Healthcare System sponsored it.
At the event hosted by WPLG Anchor/Reporter Eric Yutzy, Melida Akiti was honored with the Champion for Children Award by ChildNet for her exceptional support and dedication to the children in foster care in Broward County. Woodson Benjamin, a former foster youth, shared his experience in the foster care system and how ChildNet positively impacted his life. Additionally, South Florida’s Youth Poet Laureate, Devin Modia, delivered a captivating performance of his award-winning poem titled “It’s a hard knock life, For us, It’s a hard knock life for us,” which explored the struggles those in foster care face.
The funds raised during the Care for Kids Cocktail Reception will allow ChildNet to have the flexibility to focus on the specific needs of 1,800 children, youth and caregivers. It will enable the organization to take advantage of opportunities and prepare to tackle unforeseen challenges. The aid provided by these funds will go beyond necessities such as braces, swimming lessons, and sports uniforms and extend to college tours and one-on-one tutoring. The goal involves helping foster children succeed and thrive from the moment they enter the foster care system until the moment they leave it.
