The venue is handicapped accessible and the hotel’s address is Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel, 1825 Griffin Road, Dania Beach, FL 33004.

On Friday, December 4 at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port Hotel PACE Broward hosted its 7th annual Believing in Girls Society luncheon.

The theme of this year’s luncheon was "Embracing Growth and Change."  Our keynote speakers Samantha and Taylor, current PACE Broward program participants, gracefully spoke about how they have grown from their past experiences and how PACE has helped them change to have lives with hope and promise.

This year’s luncheon raised $80,000 in donations, sponsorships and memberships in PACE’s multi-year "Believing In Girls" Society.  "The success of this event belongs to our Table Hosts who invited over 300 guests to join them at the luncheon," said Richard Zaden, Esq., PACE Broward President.  "As PACE ambassadors, they do an outstanding job helping us convey our mission throughout Broward County."

PACE Broward welcomes Sheila Bechert, Thomas T. Coon, Jr., Esq., Fred and Stephen Goldstein in honor of their mother Silvia K. Goldstein, and Judith Stern as new "Believing In Girls" Society members, who pledged their sustainable support over 5 years.

Proceeds from this event will provide for the underfunded counseling and academic services at PACE Broward and the special needs of the girls such as lunches, school supplies and uniforms.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO MADE THE 2009 LUNCHEON POSSIBLE!

Photos by Faith Risa Kasten
EVENT CHAIR:  Women’s Executive Club

SPONSORS: Signature Sponsor-Leo Goodwin Foundation; Associative Sponsor-Citrix Systems, Inc.; Collaborative Sponsors-FP&L, Law Offices of John D. Fry, P.A., The Honorable Paul Backman and The Honorable Arlene Joy Simon, Women’s Executive Club.

UNDERWRITERS: Sharyn Bey, Carol M. Brown, Julie Dean / RSVP Events, Executive Printing & Mailing, FastSigns of Fort Lauderdale, Faith Risa Kasten, City of Wilton Manors and Wilton Manors Police Department.

TABLE HOSTS: Elizabeth Athanasakos, Esq., Jamie Finizio Bascombe, Esq., Sheila Bechert, Michelle Brooks-Brundage, Tonja Haddad Coleman, Esq., Thomas T. Coon, Jr., Esq., Julie Dean, Elizabeth Finizio, Esq., John D. Fry, Esq., Mary-Jane Graff, Dr. Cynthia Hardy, Deborah Hartman, Linda Haury, Joanie Iaco, Anya E. Macias, Esq., Ginger Martin, Chadia Meroueh, Barbara Moorman, Jo Moskowitz, Lynda Napolitano, Barbara Cohen Pippin, Melissa Rapkin*, Senator Debby Sanderson, Karen Unger, Barbara Wagner, Esq., Richard Zaden, Esq.

PLANNING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Lynda Napolitano (Chair), Tonja Haddad Coleman, Esq., Julie Dean, Anya E. Macias, Esq. and Melissa Rapkin.

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The 2009 luncheon was dedicated to Ronnie Karlin who lost her battle for life this past August. Among her charitable endeavors, Ronnie served four years on PACE Broward’s Board of Directors.  She was passionate in her belief that all girls and young women deserve an opportunity to succeed. Ronnie will be remembered for her enthusiastic approach to life, inspiring leadership and compassion for others.

We had a wonderful October, starting with the Cannon Circle at Trina London’s. We enjoyed each other’s company and were treated to delicious food, and how about that view? At our October luncheon, we welcomed new member Ronnie Halpern, Beth Tobin of Starpack presented a business showcase, and Kim Stone, our speaker from the Miami Heat/American Airlines Arena, mesmerized us with her story.

We had a wonderful time at the Stranahan House Halloween tour. Several members were dressed in costume so please look for pictures on the website. Thanks to Carol Metevier, Susan Kingsley and her committee for organizing this event.

We have several events in November to look forward to: the luncheon on the 18^th, and a Cannon Circle at Barbara Moorman’s lovely store, Carroll’s Jewelers, on the 19th. At the luncheon, please don’t forget to bring food or cash for our annual food drive.

Somi Ali of No More Tears will be our speaker, discussing domestic violence. You won’t want to miss Linda Linder’s business showcase.

Two other big events on our calendar are the catamaran cruise on December 3^rd and the following day is the Pace Believing in Girls luncheon. WEC is an event sponsor of the Pace event so please attend if you can and show your support. You can rsvp to Melissa Rapkin or Chadia Meroueh.

There has been much discussion regarding our new website/blog (wecftl.com). The new format allows much more member interaction and we’ll be able to post articles at any time. If you have any questions regarding the new site, feel free to contact Chris Guld, our wonderful webmaster. Please continue to send in your news to Jenette Mathai.

As many of you know, attendance at our luncheons has grown tremendously, thanks to Jan Bullard and all of you who have invited guests. In order to have time for self introductions, the speaker and business showcase, we must start on time. I will be calling the meeting to order at noon sharp. If you would like to network, please feel free to come at 11:30 am. Also, be courteous during self introductions and limit your comments. Instead, please send them to Jenette Mathai to be included in the Grapevine. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.