Editor’s Choice

When Erika Valbuena first told her students that they would be part of Coconut Creek’s first art show for students with special needs, many of them couldn’t contain their excitement, asking her every day when they could start on their creations. As the autism coach at Tradewinds Elementary School, Valbuena always looks for ways to

Coconut Creek resident Irene Feldman had no idea that a trip to the cardiologist would lead to 10 years of generosity. Every holiday season since that visit a decade ago, Feldman has donated toys to needy children through the Fort Lauderdale-based Children’s Aid Club. “There was a sign on the door [from the Children’s Aid

If some people are born natural dancers, then Britt certainly is one of them. The Miami Dolphins cheerleader started dancing tap, jazz and ballet at age 3 and didn’t stop, becoming a ballroom dancer at 12 and learning rumba, salsa, jive and cha cha. Britt (the team doesn’t share its cheerleaders’ last names for privacy

The holidays are a time for gatherings— community gatherings to raise funds for worthy causes; gatherings of friends and co-workers, who toast the season at holiday parties. And, of course, gatherings of family. Trimming the Christmas tree or finding just the right menorah is the fun part, but the real work takes place around the

With gently used soccer balls and cleats, Mica Wenger, a senior at Miami Palmetto Senior High School, helps give back by moving forward. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve watched my brother play competitive soccer,” she says. “Over the years, it’s been hard not to notice how easily his equipment would get destroyed

On the days when she dons her traditional white chef’s coat, it can be said that Paula DaSilva wears her heart under her sleeves instead of on them. That’s because the Coconut Creek resident and new chef de cuisine at Burlock Coast on Fort Lauderdale Beach has three (visible) tattoos on her arms that give

Katie Masucci Director of estate and gift planning, American Cancer Society Everyday help: For Masucci, giving back is a natural part of everyday life, a habit she credits to her mother’s example and one she appreciated even more while making charitable appearances as a Miami Heat dancer. “In my family, it’s just part of our

Debra Tendrich Founder, Eat Better, Live Better Healthy perspective: It started as a way to “shut people up” four years ago at the dental office she used to manage. Tired of her co-workers badgering her for drinking too much Coke and eating too much fast food, Tendrich agreed to exercise and eat right for 30

When asked what it is about comic books and graphic novels that attract people of all ages and from all walks of life into the store that he and his wife, Cristina, opened in June 2016, Stacey Giulianti points to the real-life plotlines that play out around the world. “It feels like there’s this need

Stephanie Silverman Houser has a spiel. As director of The Cupboard, a new kosher food pantry in Davie, she’s responsible for its day-to-day operations. She efficiently gives the breakdown, explaining how the pilot program has been helping 100 families struggling with food insecurity. But when asked why there’s a kosher—adhering to Jewish religious dietary laws—food

Hali Utstein Oversees charitable giving program at Coastal Wealth; advocate for Child Rescue Coalition One for all: Hali Utstein was drawn to the charitable clause in her job description. As vice president of marketing at Coastal Wealth, part of MassMutual Financial Group, she took over its charitable giving program, ensuring that more than 250 employees

If your ship hasn’t already come in, give it time. Cruise lines such as Celebrity and MSC are responding to the industry’s moment in the sun by expanding their fleets and adding more things to do. The numbers tell the story. Approximately 26 million passengers are expected to set sail globally in 2018, nearly double