The Landings & Bay Colony

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C

hildNet, the Community-Based Care lead agency in
Broward and Palm Beach Counties, recently hosted its

inaugural Care for Kids Luncheon, raising over $60,000 for
children in the local child welfare system. Presented by
premier law firm Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP, Broward’s
local business, government and community leaders gathered
at the Hyatt Pier Sixty-Six to raise funds and awareness for
the community’s abused, abandoned and neglected
children. Lorraine Thomas, widow of Dave Thomas (founder
of Wendy’s restaurants), was also honored for her longtime
dedication to children in foster care.

As the provider of basic needs for the community’s most
vulnerable children, ChildNet organized the luncheon to
supplement the essentials these need and to acknowledge
the support of community partners, service providers,
legislators, foster parents and all who help them directly
support the activities and items needed by the more than
3,000 children in Broward’s welfare system.

“Through no fault of their own, an increasing number of
children enter the foster care system every year. This year,

ChildNet and our partner agencies are serving 650 more
children. It is vital that we not only provide each and every
child in our care with a safe environment, but that we also
give them the opportunity to enjoy activities like any other kid,”
said Emilio Benitez, CEO and President of ChildNet. “We are
grateful to our amazing group of sponsors and attendees that
allow us to say ‘yes’ to many foster children who want to
attend field trips, go to summer camp, play in the band, join a
sports team or take a dance lesson. These opportunities create
lasting memories for the children in our care.”

Those who spoke at the event also included Eric Yutzy, Local
10 News anchor, who was adopted; Sigrid McCawley, Vice
Chair of the ChildNet Board of Directors from presenting
sponsor Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP; Lorraine Thomas,
philanthropist, honoree and recipient of the Champion for
Children Award; and Gabriella Stroup, adopted child and
Miss Miami-Dade’s Outstanding Teen of 2015.

Thomas was recognized at the luncheon for her avid
support of the adoption of children in care. A resident of
Broward County for more than 30 years, she and her late

Neighbors & Friends

Care for Kids Luncheon

ChildNet Hosts Care for Kids Luncheon Benefitting Children in Foster Care

(L to R): Jeffrey Dwyer, ChildNet; Eric Yutzy, WPLG Local 10; Lorraine Thomas, honoree; Sigrid McCawley, Boies Sciller & Flexner LLP; Catalina Avalos, Tripp Scott P.A.

Philanthropist Lorraine Thomas receives Champion for Children Award