FORT LAUDERDALE – The Broward Center for the Performing Arts recently honored 1,400 volunteers who donated nearly 110,000 hours of community service during this year, the equivalent of an in-kind donation of more than $1 million. More than 600 guests attended the 21st annual volunteer recognition luncheon, which incorporated a Past, Present and Future theme in honor of the Center’s 20th anniversary and plans for renovation and expansion.
“As an integral part of the Broward Center family and our ambassadors in the community, our volunteers are pivotal to our success in making our patrons feel at home in our theaters,” said Kelley Shanley, Broward Center President and CEO. “They will be instrumental in helping us continue to build community through the arts as we enter an exciting new phase in the Center’s development.”
The Broward Center recognized Hollywood resident Jean Dorto as the 2010-2011 “Volunteer of the Year” for the 781 hours she contributed to ushering at education programs, volunteering in the administrative office and serving as an audio describer for the hearing impaired. As a token of appreciation for her hard work, Dorto received a commemorative Riverwalk brick at the foot of the Broward Center steps, two round trip tickets from Spirit Airlines to anywhere the airline flies, a weekend stay at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, a gift certificate to Mangos on Las Olas, a signed Broadway poster, a Jersey Boys gift basket donated by Broadway Across America and two tickets to see President Bill Clinton at the Broward Center.
Commissioner Chip LaMarca was present to thank all of the volunteers who serve the local community by donating their time and talents, wisdom and experience to patrons of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
“None of the Broward Center’s accomplishments could have been conceivable without the volunteers who make all of these programs possible and affordable to sustain. Their contributions and service contributes to the quality of life that we experience here in Broward County,” Commissioner LaMarca said.
The event, sponsored by McKinley Financial Services, Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa and Spirit Airlines, was held at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Volunteers usher and serve as community ambassadors for the Broward Center and its affiliate venues, the Parker Playhouse, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center at Nova Southeastern University and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Volunteers commit for the entire season to one of 10 weekly time periods choosing from seven evening and three matinee performance schedules.
For information contact the volunteer office (954) 468-2684. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District at 201 SW Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale.