A select group of us met at Barbara’s home. Kerrie was present, but left before I arrived, so sorry you weren’t featured in the slideshow Kerrie. We had great conversation, with thought provoking questions for the circle. Chef Barbara surprised us all with a feast for our eyes and appetites. We all left spoiled and full. A great evening Barbara. Thank you for the outstanding hospitality.

Family Central Inc. (FCI) will receive $5 for each advance ticket sold to this Coral Springs show.

Following is the information about the show; FCI’s logo is on the lower edge of the order form and we will “flag” any orders received as coming from FCI.

For phone orders, please mention “Family Central” so they may know to credit FCI accordingly.  As always, THANK YOU for your support.

Our very own Barbara Weinstein of Family Central was featured in Spectator Magazine as an “Extra” Ordinary Hero. Click on the link to read more about how she and Family Central are impacting lives throughout South Florida: http://www.familycentral.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=news.detail&content_id=399&x=7250672

Also, check out this testimonial on how Family Central helps clients “Pay It Forward”:

Family Central made a brief, but powerful impact on Anita Orsini’s life 13 years ago.  Now she gets to pay it forward.

Orsini, an artist, donated one of her pieces for a Family Central fundraising event at St. Lawrence Gallery in Fort Lauderdale held on Thursday, September 16th. The money raised will be used to support the organization’s work serving South Florida’s families. A regular exhibitor at the gallery, Orsini was approached about providing a print for an auction benefitting Family Central.  When she learned the name of the beneficiary, Orsini immediately said ‘yes’.  She was glad to have an opportunity to give back for the support she and her family had once received.

In 1998, Orisini was directed to Family Central to find a preschool for a young child her family was fostering. The young boy had emotional issues that were trying the family to the breaking point. Family Central provided financial support for him to attend preschool.

“He was 3 and ½ at the time and it was so hard,” said Orsini. “He had a hard time adjusting to a healthy family situation. We needed time apart from each other during the day and Family Central provided the break we needed.”

Because her son came from foster care, Orsini qualified for the support.  Family Central helped her locate an appropriate facility, which made it possible for her to continue teaching art classes.

“I had an art studio and a roomful of toys for him, but he fell apart every time he was there,” said Orsini.  “It was impossible to teach a class and it started affecting my income.”

While he eventually moved on to a therapeutic preschool, Orsini credits the time with the preschool instrumental in helping the family work through this difficult time. Consequently, they were able to adopt this child into their family at the age of 7.

Anita states "I am so glad to be able to give back to such a wonderful organization"."