South Florida business leaders and benefactors set sail to benefit The Salvation Army of Broward County (TSABC) at the organization’s inaugural Red Shield Regatta presented by JM Family Enterprises at “The Park” on March 9. The evening raised $210,649 for TSABC’s Plymouth Colony, an essential transitional housing complex in Hollywood that provides shelter and supportive services for families facing adversity.
Over 170 guests were treated to an elegant outdoor nautical-themed tropical evening with live entertainment, gourmet bites, and an open bar. Bids went rapidly for the silent auction featuring a cruise, sports memorabilia, luxury resort getaways, golf foursomes, dinners, and more.
The Salvation Army of Broward County’s Area Commander Major Juan Guadalupe shared a moving video featuring residents from Plymouth Colony and spoke about how their lives and others have been impacted by the generosity of the community.
The highlight of the evening was a motorized mini sailboat regatta pitting event sponsors against each other, first, followed by a run-off against local media personalities WPLG Local 10 Anchor Nicole Perez, WPLG Local 10 Reporter Roy Ramos, 101.5 LITE FM’s Host Julie Guy, and 102.7 FM The Beach Host Gaby OC. Sponsor KPMG emerged first and victorious in both races.
TSABC engages in year-round critical operations such as shelters and housing programs to aid those experiencing homelessness; emergency disaster services, weekly food pantry distributions and a daily soup kitchen; economic stability programs, substance abuse counseling, back to school supply drives; a summer camp program, and holiday initiatives including Thanksgiving meal distributions, and its signature Angel Tree toy distributions. To support these efforts, fundraising activities like the seasonal Red Kettle bell ringing campaign and this year’s new Red Shield Regatta offer the community the chance to invest for long-term impact. All funds raised directly assist the most disadvantaged in Broward County.
The Red Shield Regatta was presented by title sponsor JM Family Enterprises with additional support provided by Friends of the Army (Mega Yacht Sponsor); KPMG, Ocean Bank and Nivalmi Consulting (Super Yacht sponsors); Bombardier, HMY Yachts, Icon International, SJF Law Group, and AVPRO (Motor Yacht sponsors); Gulfstream, Best Roofing, Sodexo USA, Marksman Security, Convergint, PWC, Genset Services, Mapo Builder, Deerfield magazine, Juju Booth, Princess Yacht and Yacht Life TV (Cruiser Yacht sponsors); Enterprise Rent-A-Car, The Sarria Family, Nexa Mortgage, Sevenson Environmental Services, Moss Foundation, City of Fort Lauderdale, Lovell Reality Group, AutoNation, Mansell Production, Fast Printz and WPO Development (Tender) and Judith Butler, The Sabatano Family, The Cahill Family Charitable Fund, Pete & Jenny Sudler, Samantha Fitzgerald, and The Pino Family.
The Salvation Army of Broward County has been serving our county since 1926. Its mission is to meet basic human needs without discrimination through various programs such as the Economic Stability Program, Seasonal Services, Housing Programs, Food Assistance, and Disaster Relief Services.