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United Way of Broward County’s Women United Celebrated its 10th Anniversary of Magnolias During “Magnolia After Dark” Drive-In Women’s Empowerment Event on April 29

By May 11, 2021No Comments

United Way of Broward County’s Women United, a powerful network of women confronting head-on the most critical issues facing the Broward County community, celebrated the 10th anniversary of its annual Magnolia event on April 29 with its in-person, socially-distanced “Magnolia After Dark ― Engines Off, Party On!” women’s empowerment event. 

Held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Oasis parking lot in Hollywood, Florida, the event was attended by more than 350 notable guests. All of the proceeds raised from the event benefit United Way of Broward County, as it tackles complex, critical challenges and creates long-lasting positive change in the Broward community.

The girls’ night out featured a socially-distanced drive-in and a women’s empowerment presentation all in one. Participants had the option to pack a cooler with food and drinks or enjoy a Teriyaki wok-style meal from Potions in Motion Catering. Rock With U emceed the event.

Dominique Dawes, three-time Olympic gymnast, Olympic gold medalist, a member of the gold-medal-winning “Magnificent Seven” team, and the first Black gymnast to qualify for the Olympic games; served as the keynote speaker. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino synced its light show, a series of orchestrated outdoor music and light shows showcasing the LED lights built into all sides of the Guitar Hotel, to the event.

Cathy Donnelly, director of Community Relations for the Castle Group, was honored as the Woman of Inspiration; Jamie Hagar, employee health and benefits consultant for Marsh & McLennan Agency (MMA), was honored as the Woman of Promise. A special award was presented to Dr. Olga Wydner, a Publix Super Markets pharmacist who was honored for her work on the front lines of the pandemic.

Event co-chairs were Traci Miller of Miller Construction Company, and Nicole Villarroel of Olive Judd, P.A. Kathleen Cannon, President & CEO of United Way of Broward County also gave an inspiring speech at the event.

Attendees enjoyed bidding on raffle items, including a weekend in Broward County with hotel stays and dining, and a basket of fun excursions which included a 7-night cruise compliments of Celebrity Cruises and a luxury guitar basket courtesy of the Seminole Hard Rock.

“‘Magnolia After Dark ― Engines Off, Party On!’ was an absolute success, and a fun-filled evening for all attendees,” said Miller. “Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we created a unique, exciting outdoor event that raised critical funds for those in need who are served by United Way of Broward County. We are thankful to all who participated and our many sponsors.”

“Featuring an amazing keynote speech by Dominique Dawes, delicious food, a fantastic music and light show, wonderful speakers, and great raffle prizes, ‘Magnolia After Dark ― Engines Off, Party On!’ was a wonderful way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of United Way of Broward County’s Women United 10th annual Magnolia event,” said Villarroel.    

Title Sponsors were Celebrity Cruises and Consolidated Credit. Corporate Partners were Diamond Chairman’s Circle Partners; JM Family Enterprises, Inc.; Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC; Consolidated Credit, and Publix Super Markets. The Gold Chairman’s Circle Partner was Broward Health, and the Diamond Corporate Partner was Celebrity Cruises. Gold Corporate Partners were Holman Enterprises, Memorial Healthcare Systems, Nova Southeastern University, and The Howland Group. Silver Corporate Partners were Castle Group, JPMorgan Chase & Co., UKG, BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Wells Fargo and OffLeaseOnly.com. Events Sponsors were AutoNation, Durée & Company, Inc.; HealthTrust Workforce Solutions; Marsh & McLennan Agency; Miller Construction Company; Olive Judd, P.A. and Right Management; and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Susie and Alan B. Levan Family Foundation. In-Kind Sponsors were I LOV-ITT EVENTS, LLC., Blue Truck Productions and Marquee Rhythmic Gymnastics with South Florida Business Journal serving as the Media Sponsor.

About United Way of Broward County
United Way of Broward County is a volunteer driven, community-based, nonprofit organization servicing Broward County for more than 80 years. United Way of Broward County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in the community. United Way of Broward County is the catalyst for change and centerpiece of partnerships that unite the hearts, minds, and resources within the Broward community. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayBroward.org.

About United Way of Broward County’s Women United
For over 15 years, United Way of Broward County’s Women United has been leading the charge and inspiring the change here in Broward County. This powerful network of philanthropic women confronts head-on the most critical issues facing the community. They are a diverse group bound together by their belief in each other, to United Way’s mission and to Broward County. For more information, visit www.unitedwaybroward.org/women-united.

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