A bright spot amid the pandemic has been the extraordinary generosity toward healthcare workers and organizations.
This was on full display earlier this month when Broward Health Foundation hosted the Tribute to Healthcare Heroes presented by Skanska, which raised $225,000 for the foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. The special one-hour program streamed on social media told stories of patients and showcased frontline workers and Broward Health leadership. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Laurie Jennings, the event also featured NBA Hall of Famer and former Miami Heat player Alonzo Mourning and former Miami Dolphins standout Twan Russell.
Local students also united for the cause. Weston native Shelbie Rassler composed a song titled “Love and Light,” which was performed by students from Cypress Bay, American Heritage, Western High, Archbishop McCarthy, South Plantation, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Dillard, J.P. Taravella, Dreyfoos School of the Arts and NSU University School.
The Broward Health Foundation’s relief fund “provides ongoing philanthropic support for Broward Health’s evolving needs throughout the pandemic.”
“The Tribute to Healthcare Heroes was one of our major fundraisers this year and we are tremendously grateful to everyone who generously donated to help support such a meaningful cause,” said Bill Diggs, president of the Broward Health Foundation. “We are in awe of our selfless healthcare heroes, like nurse James McCrae, who continue to work tirelessly throughout the pandemic and are proud to give back to our community, which trusts and relies on Broward Health for their care.”
View the tribute here. Donations can be made to Broward Health Foundation here.
Pictured: Nurse Manager Colleen Virgins with Laurie Jennings at a COVID testing site.