Page 11 - 2022 Annual Report

Signature Events

The Friends Board holds a variety of events throughout the year in an effort
to raise funds for the children and families of Jack & Jill Center. These events
include a Power Lunch in the fall, Light Up Downtown during the holiday
season, and our signature spring event: Flip Flops on the Docks. The Friends
also host regular Happy Hours throughout the year at various local
establishments.

Flip Flops on the Docks
The 17th Annual PEDIATRIX Flip Flops on the Docks, presented by Spirit
Airlines was held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Lauderdale Yacht Club, and
raised over $455,000. This casual soirée overlooked the Intracoastal
Waterway, and guests enjoyed a panoramic view of Fort Lauderdale. The
evening featured relaxed tropical beach décor, delicious drinks, an open bar,
fabulous specialty food stations, live music by The Weedline, and
entertainment by Island Groove Entertainment. Attendees and online
bidders had the chance to bid on over 100 luxurious items in a live and silent
auction. Guests learned firsthand why this event was voted the Best
Nonprofit Fundraiser of 2021 by Fort Lauderdale Magazine.

Light Up Downtown
On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, over 400 attendees filled the Plaza on
Las Olas at the 21st Annual Stiles Light Up Downtown, presented by Joe &
Michele Maiuro. Guests enjoyed unlimited beverages, culinary delights by
The Restaurant People, and sweet treats from Lovelee Bake Shop. Festive,
live entertainment roamed the plaza including The Yuletide Carolers,
holiday-themed stilt walkers and jugglers, and a visit from Santa in his sleigh-
mobile. This event culminated with the lighting of a magnificent 30-foot tree
and raised $145,000 in support of Jack & Jill Center!
Power Lunch
Postponed by Hurricane Ian, the 21st Annual Power Lunch took place at the
First Baptist Downtown Event Center on Thursday, January 19, 2023, and
paid tribute to several special and outstanding honorees in the community:
Valley Bank - Corporate Honoree, Leslie L. Alexander Foundation -
Foundation Honoree, and United Way of Broward County ReadingPals -
Volunteer Honoree. Over 300 supporters attended this lunch featuring
Emcee, Neki Mohan, VP of Visit Lauderdale, and Guest Speaker, David
Lawrence, Jr., Founder of The Children’s Movement of Florida and Retired
Publisher for the Miami Herald. This event raised over $110,000.

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