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, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Magnolia events with its in-person “Magnolia After Dark ― Engines Off, Party On!” on Thursday, April 29, 2021.
The event will feature a socially-distanced drive-in and women’s empowerment presentation all in one, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Oasis parking lot in Hollywood, Florida.
All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit United Way of Broward County as they tackle the most complex, critical challenges and create long-lasting positive change in our community.
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, will serve as the keynote speaker. She has served as the national spokesperson for the “Girl Power” campaign, which was a youth empowering initiative run by the Clinton administration. She focuses on issues that young people and women face today, such as developing positive self-esteem, incorporating fitness/wellness as part of a healthy lifestyle, and empowering girls to envision their dreams and ultimately reaching their full potential.
The outdoor “Magnolia After Dark ― Engines Off, Party On!” will be an in-person girls’ night out drive-in, with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. and programming taking place 7:30–10 p.m. on a stage. Participants are encouraged to bring “gal pals” of all ages and pack a cooler with food and drinks or enjoy a Teriyaki wok-style meal from Potions in Motion Catering. Social distancing will be observed on-site and all cars will be six feet apart.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is syncing 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, will be honored as the Woman of Inspiration. Jamie Hagar, employee health and benefits consultant for Marsh & McLennan Agency (MMA), will be honored as the Woman of Promise.
Event co-chairs are Traci Miller of Miller Construction Company, and Nicole Villarroel of Olive & Judd, P.A. Rock With U will emcee the event. Also speaking will be Kathleen Cannon, president & CEO of United Way of Broward County; and Mary Beth Albritton, Ph.D., vice president of Major Gifts for United Way of Broward County.
Raffle items will include a weekend in Broward County with hotel stays and dining (one entry for $25 or five entries for $100), and a basket of fun excursions (one entry for $100).
“‘Magnolia After Dark ― Engines Off, Party On!’ is certain to be a spectacular, memorable event celebrating the 10th anniversary of Magnolia,” said Miller. “A safe, socially-distanced girls’ night out, it will be incredibly entertaining and feature speakers, a mesmerizing light show, optional food, and much more.”
“This year’s Magnolia event is truly special because amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we have created a unique, exciting evening for all ages to enjoy, safely,” said Villarroel. “We are pleased to have event proceeds benefitting those who have been impacted this past year due to the pandemic and those who were in dire need before COVID-19.”
“We at United Way of Broward County’s Women United are thrilled to have Dominique Dawes speak in-person at this 10th Annual Magnolia event,” said Albritton. “From Olympic gold medalist to Broadway performer, to TV analyst, to president of the Women’s Sports Foundation, Ms. Dawes continues on a path to inspire, motivate and lead, something that our women value and implement into their daily lives.”
Celebrity Cruises and Consolidated Credit are serving as the event’s Title Sponsors. Corporate Partners are 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 is Broward Health, and the Diamond Corporate Partner is Celebrity Cruises. Gold Corporate Partners are Holman Enterprises, Memorial Healthcare Systems, Nova Southeastern University, and The Howland Group. Silver Corporate Partners are Castle Group, JPMorgan Chase & Co., UKG, BNY Mellon Wealth Management, Wells Fargo and OffLeaseOnly.com. Events Sponsors are Durée & Company, Inc.; Health Trust Workforce Solutions; Miller Construction Company; Olive & Judd, P.A. and Right Management; and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. In-Kind Sponsors are; I LOV-ITT EVENTS, LLC. and Blue Truck Productions.
Sponsorships ranging from $5,000–$10,000 are available. Full-page ads in the digital event program are available for $600, and half-page ads for $400.
The cost to attend the event is $50 per person. To attend the event or become a sponsor, visit UnitedWayBroward.org/MagnoliaAfterDark, or for more information, contact Macey Markowitz, MA, CPCA at 954-294-4737 or email mmarkowitz@UnitedWayBroward.org.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is located at 1 Seminole Way, Davie, FL 33314.
*Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way of Broward County is following all CDC guidelines including social distancing efforts and mandatory face masks for entry. The organization is monitoring updates from Broward County and public health officials and will continue to respond based on their guidelines.
All parking spaces will be 6 feet apart. Guests are encouraged to stay in their designated areas and attendants will be monitoring to ensure the safety of all guests. Event sponsors will have VIP parking in the front row of the stage. Restrooms will be available. Guests may choose to set up their own chairs outside of their cars or stay in their cars and listen to the program via the designated radio station.
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.