Broward Education Foundation Hosted a Roaring Night for Education, Supporting Students and Teachers in Broward County Public Schools

Carma Henry

6 months ago

Submitted by Diana Hanford

Danielle St Leon; Maura McCarthy Bulman; Dr. Howard Hepburn, Superintendent, Broward County Public Schools; Debbi Hixon, Board Chair, Broward County Public Schools and Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union.

Dr. Dorothy Orr serenaded by Radio Radio lead singer

Juliet Roulhac and Christine Shaw with Florida Power & Light accepting the ‘Heart of Broward’ award with James A. Knapp, president & CEO, Broward Education Foundation.

Parkway Middle School students performing a Roaring ‘20s song and dance medley

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 12, 2025) – The spirit of the Roaring ’20s lit up the night as more than 200 guests gathered for BrightStar Credit Union’s The Secret Passage, presented by Broward Teachers Union. Held May 2 at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, the signature event benefited the Broward Education Foundation, raising vital funds to support students and teachers across Broward County Public Schools.

Wanda Paul, Megan Turetsky, Senior Director of External Affairs at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and John Sullivan Chief Communications & Legislative Affairs Officer, Broward County Public Schools

Dustin Jacobs, Chair Broward Education Foundation with Jean McIntyre Past Chair

Jamie Manburg; Sharon Glickman, Esq. and Sue Colton, Broward Education Foundation board members

Dressed to the nines in flapper finery and vintage glam, guests were transported back in time for a speakeasy-inspired evening filled with flair and purpose. The festivities began with a lively cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by an elegant dinner and dancing to the rhythms of live jazz, blues, swing, and dance music.

Mike Olbel and Anna Fusco, president, Broward Teachers Union

Standout moments of the evening included a stellar performance of 1920s classics by the exceptionally talented students from Parkway Middle School and a special recognition of Dr. Dorothy Orr and her daughter Kendra. Dr. Orr received a standing ovation for her groundbreaking contributions as one of the original founders of Broward Education Foundation.

“It was a night to remember, thanks to our generous partners and supporters who help us raise the funds needed to maximize educational opportunities in Broward County Public Schools,” said James A. Knapp, president and CEO of Broward Education Foundation.

Christine Shaw and Juliet Roulhac with Florida Power & Light and Coco Burns, Director of Innovative Teaching, Broward Education Foundation

The celebration also featured the presentation of the annual “Heart of Broward” award, which was accepted by Juliet Roulhac, director of external affairs for Florida Power & Light’s Broward and Southwest region and director of corporate philanthropy for NextEra Energy Inc.

James A. Knapp, president & CEO, Broward Education Foundation and Alex Cunningham, Memorial Healthcare System

Proceeds from the event benefit the Foundation’s transformational programs and initiatives. Each year, Broward Education Foundation contributes more than $5 million in program support of students and educators in Broward County Public Schools.

Tim Curtain, Memorial Healthcare System, Tammy Tucker, Dave Smith and Nancy Smith
(Photo Credit: Downtown Photography)

Sponsors included Title Partner BrightStar Credit Union; Presenting Sponsor Broward Teacher’s Union; Valet Sponsor JM Family Enterprises: Grand Supper Sponsors Arthur J. Gallagher and Kelly Education; Davies North America; Florida Power & Light; Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance; Jorge A. Gutierrez Architect; Pirtle Construction; Lisa Milenkovic; Broward County Athletics Association; Broward Principals & Assistant Principals; Cerra Enterprises; Dr. Valerie Wanza; Harmony Development Center; Memorial Healthcare System; Broward Health; Nova Southeastern University; Hollywood Discount Liquor; i Heart Radio; Broward County Public Schools; Debbi Hixon and special guests Dr. Dorothy Orr and Kendra Orr.

About Broward Education Foundation

The nonprofit Broward Education Foundation aligns with Broward County Public Schools by providing grants for teachers who develop innovative curriculum that increases student outcomes; vitally needed school supplies for students and teachers in Title I schools; scholarships for qualified high school seniors; and support for programs and initiatives like Debate, TurnAround Arts, STEM and more. Each year, Broward Education Foundation contributes more than $4 million to Broward County schools, serving as the catalyst for educational excellence.

For information visit Broward Education Foundation, email BEFInfo@browardschools.com, like or follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.