Community leaders honored for their generous commitment to youth mentorship
By Diana Hanford
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Broward County raised almost $400,000 at its 22nd annual signature fundraiser, Déjà Vu: Drift Away to Summer.
More than 350 community leaders decked out in summer chic attire celebrated generosity, mentorship and brighter futures while enjoying a private, poolside concert by multi-platinum artist Uncle Kracker at the glamorous Guitar Hotel pool deck at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.
“I am deeply grateful to our incredible honorees for their unwavering commitment to mentorship and the powerful impact they’ve had in helping us expand opportunities for local youth. Their leadership truly changes lives. Thank you to our sponsors and everyone who joined us to ‘drift away’ for the evening, dancing, celebrating and investing in the future of our young people. Together, we are creating BIG change,” said Malena Mendez, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County.
Event co-chairs Traci Miller, SVP and Shareholder at Miller Construction and Nicky Tesser, Senior Manager, Regional Marketing at JetBlue, outdid themselves once again. A stunning tunnel entry welcomed guests who enjoyed a festive cocktail reception, a high-energy live auction and an array of silent auction items to bid on. Guests mingled and nibbled from gourmet food stations set up against the backdrop of the famous Guitar Hotel, which was decked out in green lighting as a special nod to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County.
During the magical evening, four exceptional leaders who champion Big Brother Big Sisters’ mission of em-powering youth to reach their full potential through meaningful mentoring relationships were honored including:
Champion of Children: Manuel “Manny” Catedral
Manuel “Manny” Catedral joined the BBBS of Broward County Board two years ago, but his dedication to mentorship began long before. He currently mentors a student in the BIG Futures program and supports two young professionals at Collinson, where he serves as Vice President of Business Development for The Americas.
An engaged board member and finance committee contributor, Catedral brings strategic insight and hands-on leadership to initiatives such as Lace Up for Learning, which provided more than 500 youth with new sneakers for the school year. Through his advocacy, Collinson has funded mentoring support for 20 high school students participating in BIG Futures, equipping them with tools for college and career readiness. His servant leadership and passion for youth empowerment continue to make a meaningful difference.
Impact Award: Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is a valued BIG Futures partner, working with Stranahan High School to expand mentorship and career pathways for students. The company currently supports 15 Bigs and 20 Littles, reflecting a strong investment in workforce readiness and opportunity.
From its longstanding BIG Futures partnership in Miami to its continued support in Broward, Southern Glazer’s has demonstrated consistent commitment. For the past five years, the company’s in-kind support of BBBS events has strengthened fundraising efforts.
Their culture of mentorship is exemplified by employee Brian McGrath, named 2025 Big of the Year. Rabinovich, Executive Vice President of Sales Execution, accepted the Impact Award on behalf of Southern Glazer’s.
Legacy Award: Dawn Stagliano
Dawn Stagliano has served on the BBBS of Broward County Board for more than 15 years. As Director of Government Affairs and Community Impact for Comcast, she has secured critical funding and resources for the organization, leveraging Comcast’s national partnership to drive local impact. She also designated BBBS as a beneficiary of Comcast Cares.
A driving force behind the success of Déjà Vu, Stagliano s leadership, creativity and dedication have helped elevate the event into a signature celebration that generates vital funding for youth mentoring programs. Her ability to rally supporters and champion the mission has created lasting opportunities for countless young people.
Inductee to the Alumni Hall of Fame: Chief Delrish Moss
Chief Delrish Moss, a former Big Brother in Miami, has long championed the power of mentorship. As Chief of Police for the City of Miramar, he launched the Bigs with Badges program, pairing officers with high school students to foster trust, guidance, and college and career readiness.
With more than 40 years in law enforcement, Chief Moss has served in leadership roles with the Miami Police Department, the Florida International University Police Department and as the first African American Chief of Police in Ferguson, Missouri, where he guided the department through significant reform.
His induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame honors both his distinguished public service career and his steadfast belief that mentorship transforms lives.
Sponsors of the 22nd Annual Déjà Vu: Drift Away to Summer were the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and The Guitar Hotel, Baker Construction, JM Family Enterprises, Publix Supermarket Charities, Southern Glazer s Wine & Spirits, Sixth Star Entertainment, Ana G. Méndez University, Comcast, Miller Construction Company, UKG, Collinson Group, Upchurch Management, Leo Goodwin Foundation, WSVN, Pepsi, GMS Law, City of Miramar, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Franklin Street, SouthState Bank, Rosalind Perlmutter, One Digital, First Southeast Mortgage, Grant Cardone Foundation, Team SCG, Stearns, Weaver and Miller, Norwegian Cruise Lines Holdings Ltd. and Lifestyle Media Group.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County
For more than 50 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County has offered unprecedented access to resources to empower youth to reach their full potential through meaningful mentoring relationships. These mentoring relationships build self-confidence and emotional well-being, encourage young people to stay on a path to graduation and higher education, and help them establish a plan for a successful future. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County is to ignite the power and promise of youth. For more information, visit bbbsbroward.org.
