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Community Enhancement Collaboration (CEC) kicked off 2024, celebrating its 18th Annual Award and Birthday Party, “You Stood in the Gap,” on Saturday, January 6, at the beautifully decorated Hollywood Jaycees Hall. President Nadine McCrea honored 13 outstanding community members, partners, and CEC’s outstanding volunteers. Manuel Garcia served as Master of Ceremonies, and Kevin Love provided the music and entertainment.
Among those honored included Shelly Woolf, Membership Growth Consultant at Chen Medical Center; Matthew and Mae Helen Lovette of Butler Temple COGIC; Josh Levy, Mayor of Hollywood; Russell Chard, Hollywood Firefighter (Retired); Debra Jeanne Saunders, Executive Director of Hollywood Jaycee Hall; Ruby Franklin, Pastor of Nationwide Holiness Church of Brotherly; Tim Curtin, Director of Memorial Healthcare System; Marie Woodson, Florida State Representative District 105; David Rosa, Pastor of Cruciform Church; Kim Newhouse, Hollywood Women’s Club; Paco Velez, CEO/President of Feeding South Florida and Ira Glick, former president of Hollywood Rotary Club.
Christine Heft, Administrative Director of Grant Programs for Memorial Healthcare System, was the esteemed honoree recipient for her leadership in securing several grants to support the organization’s community service initiatives, especially during COVID-19 to the present day. Christine’s initiative has expanded CEC’s impact in providing mobile food pantry services and increasing its storage capacity to help those in need. Congratulations to all honorees!
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CEC…An example of “You Stood in the Gap”
CEC’s mission is to provide vital access to healthy food options, and linkages to available resources and serve as a catalyst for volunteer engagement in the Washington Park community as well as throughout Broward County.
Recently, a distraught single mom came to CEC and tearfully told Nadine her current situation. The woman had been harassed at her job and lost her position. She had no income and struggled to feed her family. She mentioned that some years ago, she had come to CEC when as a young mother, she needed to provide food for her children. She trusted CEC and returned during another crisis. Nadine gently calmed her down and Jackie Bioski, CEC Office Manager, quickly put a box of nourishing food together. These two CEC leaders provided Hope to this woman, knowing she could count on the CEC and that it was going to be ok.
“You Stood in the Gap.”
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25th Annual Washington Park Toy Distribution– A Christmas Miracle
This year’s toy distribution was the signature event marking 25 years of making local children’s Christmas merrier. Grinch-like circumstances almost led to the cancellation of the event. Thanks to the exceptional staff of the Hollywood Parks and Recreation and Cultural Arts helping with the setup and cleanup of the Washington Park Community Center, children of all ages were left with smiles and great gifts to mark the holiday season. Nearly 300 children and their families were in for a treat as volunteers played games and assisted in distributing over 2,000 toys. The CEC raffled off many items, including electronics, to make the parents happy, too! “A beautiful night for children of all ages.” “Great job spreading joy! Thank you, CEC, for helping make our family Christmas special.”
Special thanks go out to all who helped this Christmas miracle occur including the Hollywood Parks and Recreation Department, Mayor Josh Levy, Commissioner Idelma Quintana, the Hollywood Women’s Club, the Hollywood Jaycees Club, Cruciform Church, the Hollywood Police and Fire Departments, the vendors and all the CEC volunteers.
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2023 was a remarkable year for the CEC, thanks to your generosity. | |
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We hope you continue supporting our organization as we work together to alleviate hunger and provide opportunities for self-sufficiency, empowerment, and community connections. The CEC serves individuals and families annually through various social service initiatives, including educational, vocational, and basic needs distribution programs.
In 2023, CEC provided assistance to:
- 3,840 families through its Monday walk-thru food pantry program
- 2,800 seniors through its client choice food program on Tuesdays
- 5,402 individuals and families through its home food delivery programs partnership with Memorial Healthcare System
- 32,000 individuals and families are fed through its drive-thru mobile food distribution program
- 3,150 individuals throughout the Food Insecure Mitigation program Miramar, Dania, Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Hallandale
In 2023, the CEC held seven signature events, including:
- Over 100 participated in the CEC 17th Annual Award and Birthday Party
- Distributed over 8,000 Personal Items Distribution
- Served 300 children and families Back to School and Family Fun Day
- 35 families participated in Halloween Trunk or Treat
- Served over 300 seniors at the Thanksgiving Senior Luncheon
- Served and provided food for over 1500 Thanksgiving Holiday Annual Food Distribution
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Distributed over 2,000 toys at the 25th Annual Holiday Toy Distribution
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Upcoming Event ~ 3rd Annual LARGEST Personal Store Returned Items Distribution, Sat- 2/24/24, WPCC, 9 AM-12 PM
Over 8,000 store returned items to giveaway; you can choose 10-12 items or more. Personal items may be lotions, makeup, bleach, paper towels, and more.
* WALK-UP ONLY * BRING OWN BAG * MUST BE IN LINE BY 11:30 AM
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Groups, Individuals, and Students - WE NEED YOU!
Register to Volunteer with CEC
During 2023, 1129 volunteers supported our cause and made a difference in the lives of those in need. We are grateful for the volunteers’ dedication and efforts. Many of the volunteers commit countless hours to collecting donations, sorting, setting and cleaning up, distributing food and other items, working special events, and helping out in the office.
You fill the Gap!
Nadine McCrea
Founder, CEO
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