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JA World Uncorked Raises $382,000 for Educational Programs

JA World Uncorked Raises $382,000 for Educational Programs

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Seared scallops, grilled lamb chops and delicious burgers were just a few of the culinary dishes from quality chefs and restaurants that wowed the tastebuds of over 900 passionate food lovers at JA World Uncorked on Saturday, January 19th. Guests also enjoyed tastings of wine, spirits, champagne, bourbons and beers throughout the evening and danced to the music of Hyrbrid, sponsored by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

The 9th annual JA World Uncorked, JA Circle of Wise Women’s Signature Event, presented by Breakthru Beverage Florida, was the most successful to date. Over $382,000 was raised at this sold out event to support JA programs that foster work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Thank you again to Co-Chairs, Sharon Gustafson-Florescue, Shannon Brooks and Susan Rindley-Devlin, the Host Committee, sponsors, partners and attendees for helping to make this a night to remember!

The event featured 35+ fabulous restaurant partners, a vast selection of wine and spirits offered by Breakthru Beverage and other beverage partners like Bloomers and the outdoor Beer, BBQ, Bourbon Lounge, where Funky Buddha Brewery served up a selection of beers, including the “Dreamers of Dreams” limited edition brew created especially for Junior Achievement of South Florida’s 60th anniversary.

Attendees also had the chance to visit the Bluegreen Vacations Champagne Lounge, where they indulged in a couple of oysters hand-shucked by Bubbles & Pearls. Sponsors mixed and mingled in the Florescue Family Foundation Sponsor Pavilion, featuring The Capital Grille and Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of sponsors, partners and featured restaurants. BUY your tickets now for the 10th Anniversary of JA World Uncorked – Saturday, January 18, 2020!

JA World Uncorked Raises $382,000 for Educational Programs
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Hear Why RVG & Company Chooses JA

Hear Why RVG & Company Chooses JA

“It doesn’t feel like volunteer work, because you are having fun too! Thank you Junior Achievement of South Florida for allowing RVG & Company the opportunity to volunteer at JA World and be part of your family.” – Brittany Nehring, RVG & Company Employee.

Each year, more than 7,000 trained volunteer role models and mentors from the local community help teach core principles around financial literacy, career skills and entrepreneurship, to students in the classrooms and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion. These mentors include working and retired business professionals, corporate teams, parents, and college students. We have a wide range of opportunities from a few hours in JA BizTown guiding 5th-grade students as they learn how a real city operates or JA Career Discovery Park helping 8th grade students on how to manage their personal finance through budgeting to classroom experiences that range from once a week to 15 sessions with high school students in JA  Fellows as they operate their own real business throughout the school year.

Watch Brittany’s testimonial and be inspired to volunteer your time for any worthwhile organization, like JA, that has a lasting impact on our community.

Hear Why RVG & Company Chooses JA
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JA Volunteer Spotlight – Bob Alden

JA Volunteer Spotlight – Bob Alden
Junior Achievement of South Florida is fortunate to have outstanding volunteers like Bob Alden! Bob’s life’s work has centered around his passion for giving back. Read below to learn more about Bob, and why he chooses to volunteer at JA. Thanks for all you do, Bob!
How long have you been volunteering with JA?
I started volunteering with JA San Diego in 2006 but have been with JA South Florida since 2016.
What industry do you typically speak about at JA?
My favorite is to volunteer at the (JA Career Discovery Park) Wells Fargo storefront. I like teaching students about investments and sharing some of my personal experiences.
 
What was your career before you retired?
I was a Naval officer and then worked as a civilian contractor for the Navy.
 
How has JA changed your life?
My entire life has been about volunteering and philanthropy. JA gives me an opportunity to talk about the importance of financial literacy, which is not generally taught to today’s youth in our schools. It fills a critical need.
 
What would you tell a potential volunteer?
Our children are our future. It’s important for them to know about our economy, how to survive in the real world, manage their money, and about all the career options available to them. I wish I knew about JA earlier in life because I would have done a lot of things differently.
Each year, more than 7,000 trained volunteer role models and mentors from the local community help teach core principles around financial literacy, career skills and entrepreneurship, to students in the classrooms and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion. These mentors include working and retired business professionals, corporate teams, parents, and college students. Learn more and become a JA Volunteer today!
JA Volunteer Spotlight – Bob Alden
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Happy Thanksgiving from Junior Achievement

Happy Thanksgiving from Junior Achievement

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past year and give thanks for everyone who makes our work possible. We feel blessed that our teachers, volunteers, mentors, donors and partners have chosen Junior Achievement of South Florida to support through your work, partnership, volunteerism and philanthropy. We know that we cannot impact the lives of over 50,000 students without you. Thank you for being the inspiration our young people need and for helping us to prepare them by building their capacity as consumers, employees and employers.

Warmest wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Junior Achievement
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JA Experience Announces JA Biz Challenge

JA Experience Announces JA Biz Challenge

Junior Achievement of South Florida invites you to the JA Biz Challenge – where our  JA Experience at Lauderhill 6-12 students will present their 1st Case Study. This presentation will provide a solution to a real business problem posed by one of our JA BizTown businesses. Community leaders acting as “Investors” will listen to solutions provided by the students and invest in those they find most viable.

Please join us for this exciting day and watch as these students apply skills learned through JA programs to real business issues. This is what JA is all about – bridging the gap between the classroom and the boardroom!

RSVP with Elexcy Morrison at (754) 300-7669 or El****@************da.org.

JA Experience Announces JA Biz Challenge
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Junior Achievement of South Florida Partners with LB Class XXXVII

Junior Achievement of South Florida Partners with LB Class XXXVII

Junior Achievement of South Florida is honored to be selected as one of Leadership Broward Class XXXVII’s Community Projects. A team of local dedicated leaders will work with JA to create an alumni network. We are looking forward to connecting with  people in our community who participated in JA programs as youth, so they may share their story and the impact this experience had on their lives and careers.

We warmly welcome our LB team (above) Stephanie Marcoux, Jim Hammond, Angie Stone, Kesha Davis, Alex Ernest-Jones, Jarred John, Brian Seidenberg and Carolyn Rose to the JA family!

Leadership Broward is a premier leadership development program, designed for adults who currently hold leadership positions and are involved in their community. The 10-month long program begins with an announcement reception in August, followed by a two-day opening retreat in September. The monthly day-long sessions expose participants to the multitude of issues and resources related to our community.

During the program, each participant will be given the opportunity to develop a wealth of knowledge about Broward County, to build a valuable contact network, to learn facilitative leadership skills and to experience the feeling of making a positive difference in our community through a team community project.

About Leadership Broward Foundation

The Leadership Broward Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, is Broward County’s premier leadership development training organization with a 36-year history of helping emerging and established leaders to expand their leadership skills, enhance their knowledge of local and state issues, and leverage their individual passions to initiate positive change in the Broward County community.

Its mission, “to develop and inspire individuals to serve our community,” is accomplished through a range of programs starting with its signature Leadership Broward program, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at issues affecting the Broward County in the areas of government, education, business, media, transportation, criminal justice, history, environment, culture, arts, recreation, and health and community services. Youth Leadership Broward and Women Leading Broward round out the organization’s program offerings. For more information, visit www.LeadershipBroward.org or call 954-767-8866.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,000 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and South Palm Beach Counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion on the Broward College North Campus, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Career Discovery Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

Junior Achievement of South Florida Partners with LB Class XXXVII
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Meet Our JA World Uncorked Culinary Chairs

Meet Our JA World Uncorked Culinary Chairs

Chef de Cuisine Paula DaSilva, Burlock Coast at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale

South Florida culinary darling Paula DaSilva now helms the kitchen of Burlock Coast at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale as Chef de Cuisine. Known for her remarkable talent, imaginative farm fresh dishes rich with the flavors and freshness of South Florida’s abundant flora and fauna. DaSilva will treat guests to a dining experience in keeping with the standards that Burlock Coast is known for.

The Brazilian native’s love for cooking began at a young age working at her family-owned restaurants in Massachusetts and, later in South Florida. Eager to expand her culinary repertoire, DaSilva attended the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, where she earned a degree in Culinary Arts.

DaSilva began her professional culinary career at 3030 Ocean at the Harbor Beach Marriot under the tutelage of esteemed South Florida Chef Dean Max. It was around this time that DaSilva competed in the fifth season of FOX’s Hell’s Kitchen with Gordon Ramsey and finished as the season’s runner-up and fan favorite, cementing her place as one of Florida’s celebrity chefs. In 2010, DaSilva took her talents to South Beach as the executive chef of 1500 Degrees at the illustrious Eden Roc Hotel. The chic farm-to-table concept earned rave reviews and popular acclaim for its soulful, seasonal, rustic cuisine – which have now become synonymous with DaSilva’s style of cooking. Her culinary skills at 1500 Degrees earned massive praise and wide-ranging appeal, including a nod from Esquire magazine as one of the “Best New Restaurants in America.” A couple years later, DaSilva’s career came full circle when she returned to 3030 Ocean as executive chef. During her second stint there, DaSilva revitalized the menu, injecting her now-signature soulful cooking style into the restaurant’s seafood-centric menu. After leaving 3030 Ocean for the second time, the culinary powerhouse took some well-deserved time off to travel.

Prior to joining the Burlock Coast team, DaSilva served as executive chef and simultaneously oversaw all food & beverage operations for Artisan Beach House at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami.

Adrienne Grenier, Executive Chef at 3030 Ocean Restaurant

A South Florida native, 3030 Ocean’s Executive Chef Adrienne Grenier began her culinary career in 2005 as a cook at 3030 Ocean Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale’s Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, after earning a degree from Florida State University in Food Science and Nutrition, and while studying Culinary Arts at the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale. After two years at 3030, she moved to California where she worked her way up the ranks at the Michelin starred restaurant, Gordon Ramsay at the London West Hollywood, and later working briefly for renowned Chef Jason Neroni. While living in California, a state known for using organic and local produce, Grenier spent much of her time visiting local farmer’s markets, embracing the art of farm-to-table cooking.

In 2010, Grenier joined the opening culinary team at 1500° at Miami Beach’s Eden Roc as Sous Chef.  During her tenure, the restaurant earned a nod as one of Esquire magazine’s “Top 20 Best New Restaurants in the U.S.”  In January of 2011, Grenier competed and won on Food Network’s Chopped.

In 2013, Grenier returned to where her culinary career began, as sous chef at 3030 Ocean. Following an extensive renovation of the oceanside dining destination in October 2015, she was named executive chef. Grenier and 3030 have since earned numerous accolades, including top-ten chef and seafood restaurant in Broward County..

About JA World Uncorked

Please join us for the ninth annual JA World Uncorked co-chaired by the Circle of Wise Women’s Sharon Gustafson-Florescue with her daughters Shannon Brooks and Susan Rindley-Devlin. This indoor food and spirits festival, hosted by the JA Circle of Wise Women features many of South Florida’s finest restaurants and a vast selection of beverages from Breakthru Beverage and Funky Buddha. Stroll through our 60,000 square foot facility while sampling an array of culinary cuisines and sipping from a collection of domestic and international wines, specialty drinks and craft beers. Enjoy live music, dancing, raffles, and a silent auction. Our Culinary Co-Chairs are Adrienne Grenier, Executive Chef of 3030 Ocean, and Paula DaSilva, Chef de Cuisine at Burlock Coast at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are on sale now!

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,000 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and South Palm Beach Counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion on the Broward College North Campus, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Career Discovery Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

Meet Our JA World Uncorked Culinary Chairs
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Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives Grant from State Farm

Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives Grant from State Farm

Funding Supports Junior Achievement Work Readiness & Financial Literacy programs for At-Risk Children

City of Coconut Creek, Florida – Junior Achievement of South Florida announced today that it has received a $5,000 grant to fund its work readiness and financial literacy programming. The grant, from State Farm Insurance, is part of a larger statewide initiative totaling $60,000 that will support Junior Achievement programs in 11 localities throughout Florida, enabling over 5,000 young people to participate in Junior Achievement’s nationally recognized economic education programs.

“Junior Achievement programs benefit all students,” shares Jose Soto, State Farm Public Affairs Specialist, “however, Junior Achievement targets schools with a high percentage of low to moderate income students because they are more likely to derive greater benefit from the programs.” “Since 2014, State Farm has invested $205,000 to support JA financial literacy programs across the State of Florida”.

“Many students in our community lack the basic information they need to make good education, career and financial decisions,” explains Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “Junior Achievement provides them with the essential entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy skills to be successful future consumers, employees and leaders. We appreciate State Farm for investing in our mission to prepare and inspire youth for success in a global economy.”

Locally, the $5,000 allocation of State Farm funds to Junior Achievement of South Florida partially funds 330 at-risk high school students with Personal Finance and JA Career Success programs.

The check presentation occurred in the Dave and Lorraine Thomas JA BizTowns at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion on June 25. Pictured (left to right) are: Jose Soto, State Farm Public Affairs Specialist; Tina Teague, President of Tina Teague Insurance Agency Inc. at State Farm; Laurie Sallarulo, Junior Achievement of South Florida President and CEO; Gina Griffin, Grants Manager; and Raul Despian, State Farm Agent.

About State Farm®

The mission of State Farm is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of auto and home insurance in the United States. Its nearly 19,000 agents and nearly 65,000 employees serve more than 84 million policies and accounts – more than 81 million auto, fire, life, health and commercial policies, and more than 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 33 on the 2017 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com

  

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,000 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and South Palm Beach Counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion on the Broward College North Campus, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Career Discovery Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.jasouthflorida.org.

Junior Achievement of South Florida Receives Grant from State Farm
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JA Business Hall of Fame Raises Over $500,000 Benefiting Entrepreneurship, Work Readiness and Financial Literacy Programs

JA Business Hall of Fame Raises Over $500,000 Benefiting Entrepreneurship, Work Readiness and Financial Literacy Programs

City of Coconut Creek, Florida— Junior Achievement of South Florida, still basking in the success of its milestone 30th Annual JA Business Hall of Fame Awards Celebration, presented by Delta Air Lines, is approaching the end of its 59th year with momentum. Thanks to generous donations made at the event on April 24th, including a $250,000 contribution from the Florida Panthers Foundation, Junior Achievement of South Florida raised more than $500,000 to support its educational programs.

“The whole evening was a thrill! On behalf of the 50,000 students we serve each year, I’d like to congratulate the Laureates and honorees. Thank you to our sponsors, supporters and guests for embracing the mission of Junior Achievement and making this year’s JA Business Hall of Fame Awards Celebration a huge success,” said President/CEO Laurie Sallarulo. “It was inspiring to hear the students share their stories of how these programs have given them opportunities to learn and practice real-life skills. We are so proud of the impact Junior Achievement programs have had on over 900,000 students since 1959, helping to create a generation of problem solvers and innovators that will lead us into the future.”

The awards ceremony included the induction of five Laureates into the JA Business Hall of Fame, which recognizes business leaders who have made a significant impact in their industry and the community. They were honored for their commitment to excellence, innovative vision, courageous leadership and community responsibility.

This year’s Laureates were: Richard Berkowitz, Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants; Jim Ellis, Ellis Diversified, Inc.; Kim and Randy Sweers, FB Marine Group; and Vincent Viola, Florida Panthers and Virtu Financial.

Junior Achievement of South Florida also celebrated Dr. Patrick Taylor of Holy Cross Hospital, who received the Melissa Aiello Award. In addition, the family of Terry Stiles accepted the Lifetime Legacy Award on his behalf. In honor of the late Wayne and Marti Huizenga, who received the first JA Lifetime Legacy Award, the award was proudly renamed the Huizenga Lifetime Legacy Award.

“Each year, this award will be given in remembrance of the life and leadership of the Huizenga’s and the deep mark they left on Junior Achievement of South Florida,” Sallarulo said.

During his induction to the JA Business Hall of Fame, Vincent Viola, owner of the Florida Panthers, committed to a gift of $250,000 from the Florida Panthers Foundation. This generous contribution will support the JA Fellows Company program, Junior Achievement of South Florida’s pinnacle entrepreneurship, business and leadership experience for high school students.

“Youth education and entrepreneurship is a pillar of the Florida Panthers Foundation and a core tenant of our organization’s outreach initiatives. Being at the JA dinner and hearing so many bright, young people speak was inspiring, and we’re proud to be able to continue to support young leaders in South Florida,” he said.

Through this in-depth, leadership and entrepreneurship program, students gain real-world business experience by working in teams of 15-20 to conceptualize, capitalize and manage their own small business. Mentored by top professional leaders, students gain insight around concepts, such as market research, leadership and financial management. The program has grown since 2014 from four teams and 60 students to 21 teams and over 500 students in 2017 and captured the title of national JA Fellows Company of the Year in 2017. The ultimate goal is to have every high school in Broward and south Palm Beach Counties participate in JA Fellows. For more information about JA Fellows or to support the program, visit www.jasouthflorida.org.

About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) inspires and prepares youth to succeed in a global economy. JA provides real-world training in financial literacy including budgeting, spending, investing and the use of credit; offers cutting-edge skill-building opportunities that enable young people to explore meaningful, productive careers; teaches students how to start businesses; and introduces entrepreneurial values that strengthen workplaces. Last year, with the help of over 7,000 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered over 20 various programs to almost 50,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and South Palm Beach Counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion on the Broward College North Campus, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Career Discovery Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.jasouthflorida.org.

JA Fellows student Geomani Brooks, 2018 Horatio Alger Scholarship recipient, shares his Junior Achievement experience with the attendees.

(Left to right): Event Co-Chair Andy Cagnetta; Board Chair Amy Allen; JA Business Hall of Fame Laureates Richard Berkowitz and Vincent J. Viola; Kenneth Stiles, son of Terry Stiles, Stiles Corporation; Laureates Jim Ellis, Kim and Randy Sweers; President/CEO Laurie Sallarulo; and Event Co-Chair Steve Hudson.

Pictured with President/CEO Laurie Sallarulo (center) are the 2018 JA Business Hall of Fame Laureates (left to right): Jim Ellis, Ellis Diversified, Inc.; Vincent J. Viola, Florida Panthers and Virtu Financial; Richard Berkowitz, Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants; Melissa Aiello Character Award recipient Dr. Patrick A. Taylor, Holy Cross Hospital; Kim and Randy Sweers, FB Marine Group.

The family of the late Terry Stiles accepted the Huizenga Lifetime Legacy Award on his behalf.

Representing the Title Sponsor is Luciano Macagno, Managing Director Latin America and Caribbean, Delta Air Lines. He is pictured with Matthew Caldwell, President and CEO of the Florida Panthers.

JA Business Hall of Famers Rick and Rita Case

JA Business Hall of Fame Raises Over $500,000 Benefiting Entrepreneurship, Work Readiness and Financial Literacy Programs
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In Loving Memory of Wayne Huizenga

In Loving Memory of Wayne Huizenga

Dear Friends,

This past Thursday (March 22, 2018), the community lost one of the world’s most savvy and successful businessmen and a remarkable community advocate and supporter. Wayne Huizenga helped shape this community and has left a huge mark on so many individuals and organizations.

To say that the largest Junior Achievement educational center in the world would not exist in Broward County if not for Wayne Huizenga, is an understatement. Along with his wife, Marti, Mr. Huizenga was the catalyst in making the vision of JA World Huizenga Center a reality.

Like with all his projects, both business and charitable, Mr. Huizenga took on the creation of JA World with determination, persistence and persuasion. He often used his private helicopter to take community and business leaders to visit other JA facilities around the country. His influence, combined with Marti’s passion to “teach children to fish, rather than give them a fish”, was key to building this unique educational asset on the Broward College north campus and to securing an agreement with the Broward County School Board that every 5th and 8th grader would participate in JA programming.

The mission of Junior Achievement is so aligned with the values and entrepreneurial spirit of Wayne Huizenga. Mr. Huizenga, the only person in history to have founded three Fortune 500 companies, was named the 2005 Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of The Year. Through our JA Fellows entrepreneurship program, with which he was so impressed, we will continue to foster his passion for taking ideas to exceptional levels in our students.

At Junior Achievement of South Florida, we feel a profound loss for this amazing man who had such an impact on our organization. On behalf of the students, board of directors and staff of Junior Achievement of South Florida we feel so fortunate and honored to have gained his continued support, confidence, loyalty and commitment. Mr. Huizenga’s spirit and legacy will live on at JA World.

We express our heartfelt condolences to the entire Huizenga family for their huge loss.

Laurie Sallarulo
President & CEO

In lieu of flowers, the family has named Junior Achievement of South Florida, NSU’s Huizenga College of Business, Boys & Girls Club and Cleveland Clinic to receive donations in Mr. Huizenga’s honor.

Make a Lasting Gift
In Loving Memory of Wayne Huizenga
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