fbpx

From the Editor

Over the past six years that Lifestyle has produced a special winter issue honoring the area’s philanthropists, it’s the impetus behind the giving that often stays with us.

In 2018, William Kennedy, founder of the Kennedy Legal Team in Coral Springs, shared that there were times in his youth when the house in which he lived with his mom and three sisters after his parents’ divorce often had no running water or electricity. Somehow, his mom managed to provide for the family. Years later, when Kennedy and his wife visited an orphanage in the Dominican Republic, the emotions from his childhood came flooding back. He met children with “no mother, no father, and no place to call home.” He decided on the spot that he would devote more of his life to charity—including ongoing support for that orphanage.

Former Miami Dolphins wideout O.J. McDuffie told us in 2019 that his early involvement with cystic fibrosis was inspired by Scott Chait, who worked in the NFL team’s media relations department. Chait, who had CF, died in 1997 at age 23 from complications shortly after a double lung transplant. But his example lingered. “I remember thinking, what are we complaining about as athletes when this young man [was all smiles] after having both lungs replaced?” McDuffie said.

The backstory for one of the women featured in our inaugural philanthropy issue (2016) was well-known to locals. Eight years earlier, Debbie Zelman had been diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer; one early prognosis gave her weeks to live. Zelman, a mother of three, not only sought out and responded to experimental treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, but she started the first nonprofit foundation, Debbie’s Dream, to raise awareness about the disease. Better still, her advocacy led to a $6 million donation by the Department of Defense for stomach cancer research.

Less known was the news that Debbie asked me not to share the day of our interview and photoshoot. Her cancer had returned with a vengeance. She pointed to all the places around her stomach where it had spread. Debbie died one year later, in December 2017, at age 50.

When I think back on our emotional conversation that day, it’s not just Debbie’s soaring spirit that stays with me. It also was her resolute desire to help others. It’s a trait that distinguishes the benevolent individuals featured in this year’s celebration—among them, Ana ViegaMilton (pictured with the editor), one of the most prominent philanthropic figures in the region.

We’re honored to once again feature the people who make South Florida a better place to live. Here’s to a joyous 2022.

You May Also Like

Dolphin Mall in Miami to Open Entertainment Venue Featuring Dining and Hospitality Options

Taubman Realty Group and Live! Hospitality & Entertainment partnered to create Vivo! Dolphin Mall, which will feature 62,000 square feet of dining and entertainment space with an expansive 30,000-square-foot al fresco plaza set to debut this summer. Vivo! will provide a destination for premium entertainment, food, drinks and first-class hospitality in Miami.  “It’s been incredible

Las Olas Wine & Food Festival Returns for 27th Anniversary

The Las Olas Wine and Food Festival (LOWFF) will celebrate its 27th anniversary on Friday, April 21. As one of Fort Lauderdale’s most extensive wine and food festivals, the event will transform Las Olas Boulevard and offer guests the opportunity to sip, sample and enjoy dishes from 40 of South Florida’s finest restaurants and more

Vinya Wine to Celebrate National No Phone Day With Miami’s Top Restaurants

Wanting restaurant guests to enjoy their meal and camaraderie with friends and family, Vinya Wine is spearheading an initiative to encourage patrons to enjoy a sip of wine with friends or family on National No Phone Day. Organized by Allegra Angelo, Vinya Wine partner and sommelier, Tuesday, April 18 has been declared No Phone Day,

W Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach to Host Post Tortuga Party

The Tortuga Music Festival on Fort Lauderdale Beach will bring thousands of concertgoers to the area for a weekend of live musical entertainment. The popular event is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with headliners Eric Church (Friday), Shania Twain (Saturday) and Kenny Chesney (Sunday), each performing for more than 25,000 fans. However, the party

Other Posts

LunaSol Nightclub: Miami’s Ultimate Rooftop Sanctuary Prepares for Summer Opening

Goat Hospitality Group’s latest marvel occupies the space formerly known as Club 50.

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Hosts Oscars Watch Party

Space is limited and advance purchase of tickets is required.

Diversity Honors at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Unveils Honorees

Groundbreaking and internationally acclaimed recording icon Belinda Carlisle will be among the recipients.

FuelFest Makes Return to West Palm Beach

The event features over 700 cars and live-action drifting with fan ride-alongs and a concert.