Letters

Pembroke Pines, Florida  -- The 12th Annual Harbor Lights Gala was a resounding success, bringing together an unforgettable evening of giving back with flair by raising $280,000 for teens in foster care. Held on March 8, at Bergeron Green Glades Ranch in Weston, Florida, the event directly benefitted Children’s Harbor and was a true celebration of community spirit supporting a great mission. Guests enjoyed a night filled with joy, and excitement, all contributing to the heartwarming mission of supporting local teens and families. The generosity of everyone who attended made this year’s gala one for the books!

Spanish Dancing

Hosted by Children's Harbor, this annual signature event made guests feel as if they were transported to the culturally rich roads of Spain, with live Flamenco performances, authentic decor, a mechanical bull, and a Spanish marketplace that includes carving stations, textiles, fresh fruits, and more. Both Marleen Applebaum, Children’s Harbor’s board member and VP of Business Operations at MA Construction Group, and Debra Lage served as the co-chairs for this event. Adding their leadership and vision made the night unforgettable. Following the evening's excitement was a silent auction where lucky guests won a 10-14 night luxury cruise from Celebrity Cruise, exclusive items from Louis Vuitton, and more. Guests danced to music, sipped on cocktails, and enjoyed light bites. Everyone arrived ready to fiesta in their favorite Spanish-inspired attire for an unforgettable celebration championing the nationally accredited nonprofit agency on a mission to strengthen families in our community. 

Tiffani Dhooge, President & CEO Children’s Harbor, Ali Bergeron, Alligator Ron Bergeron, owner of Green Glades West Ranch,  Stephanie Parker, Board of Directors, President, South Florida Condo – HOA FirstService Residential

“This night was one to remember! My heart is filled with gratitude to have seen everyone come to show support for Children’s Harbor,” said Tiffani Dhooge, President and CEO of Children’s Harbor. “We are committed to providing resources that promote healing, support, and hope for our teens and families, and it is our incredible community and sponsors who help us achieve these goals!” 

Children’s Harbor Board – Nicholas Sproul, Managing Broker Southwestern Real Estate, Brenda D. Forman, Broward County Clerk of Courts, Clara Acero Smith, Executive Director Kingdom Charitable Trust, Stephanie Parker, President, South Florida Condo – HOA, FirstService Residential, Manolis Alevropoulos, VP of Celebrity Cruises Marine Operations, Debra Lage, Co-Chair, Senior Principal, Mercer, Troy Sorel, Senior Financial Advisor, Partner SlateStone Wealth, LLC, Martin J. Alexander, Esq., Equity Partner Holland and Knight, Karen Ross, Partner, Accountant, Enrolled Agent Palermo Landsman & Ross P.A., Ariadna Alvarez, Partner Holland & Knight LLP, Marleen Applebaum,  Co-Chair, VP of Business Operations, MA Construction Group, Tiffany Dhooge, President & CEO of Children’s Harbor

As the evening came to a close, it was clear that the unity of support would continue to drive the unwavering mission of Children’s Harbor forward. With the ongoing support from the community and sponsors, this year’s 12th Annual Harbor Lights Gala also served as a powerful reminder of how collective efforts can create a lasting impact. Here’s to many more years of giving, growing, and making a difference in the communities Children’s Harbor serves. 

View of Children’s Harbor Ole Reception

For more information, visit childrensharbor.org.

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About Children’s Harbor

Established in 1996, Children’s Harbor is a nationally accredited child welfare organization with a mission to help strengthen families who are struggling in our community, while providing safe shelter and support to teens in foster care so that they may grow into healthy, educated and productive adults.

With the belief that children should feel safe, that family is worth fighting for and that cycles can be broken, Children’s Harbor provides a harbor of hope and healing for children who have been impacted by the trauma of child abuse.  The main campus in Pembroke Pines provides a supportive family environment for teenagers in foster care and their younger siblings. The family support services program prevents kids from coming into foster care by providing free in-home counseling and support to families who are struggling in the community. Additionally, Brown’s Harbor is a supportive housing community dedicated to serving young adults, aged 18-23, who have aged out of the foster care system.  These young adults are provided with affordable housing and the wrap-around support and independent living programs necessary to help them overcome their trauma and navigate through the early stages of adulthood.

To learn more about Children's Harbor and the difference we are making in the lives of children affected by trauma and abuse, please visit childrensharbor.org.