All posts tagged: Circle of Wise Women

Two Dynamic Women Will Be Recognized At Rosé Soirée

JA Event Honors Woman of Wisdom Maureen Canada and Spark Award Recipient Ana Rodriguez

For Immediate Release

BROWARD COUNTY, FL — For 50 years, Maureen Canada and her family ran the Lighthouse Point Marina and Nauti Dawg Marina and Café in Lighthouse Point. This year, her decades of service to the community, and her passion for philanthropy, will be recognized by Junior Achievement of South Florida (JA) when the organization’s JA Circle of Wise Women (CWW) honor Canada with the Woman of Wisdom Award at the 2023 Rosé Soirée.

Rosé Soirée, featuring Title Sponsor CITY Furniture and presented by TD Bank, is an annual fundraising event for Junior Achievement of South Florida that gathers empowered women, business entrepreneurs and leaders in philanthropy to mingle over appetizers and sip Rosé while support JA’s financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness programs. This festive affair is hosted by the CWW, a women’s philanthropic group that believes JA programs are a springboard to show today’s youth their potential for success.

The CWW was founded in May of 2009 at the home of Janet Davis with only 10 original members. Now, the CWW boasts a membership of more than 180 women. Since its inception, the group has raised more than $5 million for Junior Achievement of South Florida.

Rosé Soirée is a fun opportunity for the CWW to pin new members of the group, present scholarships to highly deserving high school girls and honor two women with special awards.

The first award, the Woman of Wisdom Award, will go to Canada who has been an active member of the CWW and a recognized business leader in Broward County. She will share her personal formula for success as a profitable family business leader and inspire event attendees with her passion for social advocacy.

The second award, the Spark Award, will be given to Ana Rodriguez, Florida Power & Light Community Relations Specialist. Rodriguez is the first ever to be recognized with this new award, which recognizes an exceptional female trailblazer. Rodriguez has been a mentor in JA’s Girls Rule program, Girls Rule host committee member since its inception and is an active volunteer in JA’s Career Bound and Pre-Apprentice Programs. She serves on the board of directors at Henderson Behavioral Health and Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach.

Last year, Rosé Soirée raised $110,000 for JA programs. Thanks to this year’s sponsors Happy Pineapple Charity Fund, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Advanced Roofing, Walter Duke + Partners, Florida Power & Light, Synovus, Resolve Marine Group, Rick Case Automotive Group, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, Lawless, Edwards & Warren Wealth Management, Broward Health, Bergeron Family of Companies, Peter & Fran Woolf, Florescue Family Foundation, The Pretty Nomad, Ed Morse, American Global, Intact Insurance, Tripp Scott, Vital Title & Escrow, Hudson Family Foundation, Halmos Holdings, Intentions Pilates & Wellness Spa, Miller Construction Company, RoofConnect, Transworld Business Advisors, CrewFacilities.com, Maureen Rotella Compass, Toothaker.org, RVG & Company CPA’s, Holy Cross Health, Lank Oil Company, Seacoast Bank, Urban Street Development, American National Bank and numerous partners, this event promises to have a greater impact.

The 2023 Rosé Soirée will be held on September 14 from 4:30 to 7 pm at the former Neiman Marcus at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale (2442 E Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304). To purchase a ticket, please visit JASouthFlorida.org/RoseSoiree. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please reach out to Diana Metcalf by email at [email protected] or by phone at (954) 979-7120.

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About Junior Achievement of South Florida

Junior Achievement of South Florida empowers our youth with the knowledge, ability and confidence to navigate their futures, drive our economy, and lead our community. 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 5,000 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered 20+ programs to over 74,000 students in classrooms throughout Broward and south Palm Beach counties and at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

For More Information, Contact:

Christopher Miller, Senior Marketing and Media Production Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110

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Go Riverwalk January 2022: A Triumphant Return

SAMPLE DISHES AND DRINKS FROM LOCAL CHEFS AND VENDORS AT JA WORLD UNCORKED

Go Riverwalk
Fort Lauderdale’s City Magazine
January 2022

The non-profit organization Junior Achievement of South Florida has been making an impact on K-12 students for more than 60 years. With 20 different programs, their focus is on instilling students with the confidence to navigate their futures through learning about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness.

“Our programs are realistic and impactful. It’s all about teaching kids real-world skills they might not learn anywhere else, and we have 55,000 plus students who come through JA World each year,” said Diana Metcalf, director of development at Junior Achievement of South Florida.

Unfortunately, for JA, one of its biggest fundraising events had to be cancelled earlier this year due to Covid but luckily this Jan. 29, the JA World Uncorked event will finally be making its triumphant return. The annual event is hosted by one of the Junior Achievement’s biggest supporters, the Circle of Wise Women, which was founded in 2009 with the goal of supporting the organization and its programs in a substantial way.

“When we first founded the Circle of Wise Women, we had a very simple mission — to advocate for and support Junior Achievement of South Florida and their programs,” said Metcalf.

Since its inception, the group has raised more than $4.5 million for Junior Achievement of South Florida, and more specifically through its signature event, the annual JA World Uncorked. At the culinary showcase, guests may sample gourmet bites prepared by leading South Florida chefs and sip on wines, spirits, craft beers and cocktails from local vendors.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ONLINE

CLICK FOR INFO ABOUT JA WORLD UNCORKED

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JA Circle of Wise Women Announce Virtual Rose Soiree Event

 For Immediate Release 

For More Information Contact: 

Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager 
Junior Achievement of South Florida 
(954) 979-7110  
[email protected] 

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTH FLORIDA’S CIRCLE OF WISE WOMEN ANNOUNCE VIRTUAL ROSE SOIREE EVENT

Rose Soiree Honors Susan Renneisen, Pins New Circle of Wise Women Members and Raises Funds for JA Programs and Girls Scholarships

Junior Achievement of South Florida’s Circle of Wise Women (CWW) and event Chairs Maureen Canada and Jan Nouss will host Rose Soiree presented by TD Bank on Wednesday, September 16, from 5:00 p.m.-6:15 p.m.

This virtual event celebrates the 2020 Woman of Wisdom (WOW) Honoree Susan Renneisen, Vice President of Community Affairs and Special Events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. It also pins the newest members of the CWW, as well as awards three deserving female students from JA programs with scholarships.

“Even the JA Circle of Wise Women founding members had no idea how significant their impact would be. Initially, the mission was to support and advocate for JA. But this amazing group of women that created JA World Uncorked and the Rose Soiree have now expanded their reach to provide scholarship opportunities for young women from JA’s high school programs. The Circle continues to look for new and innovative ways to support JA’s mission. You may want to join them,” said Diana Metcalf, JA Director of Development

JA’s CWW recognizes Renneisen as this year’s WOW because she is not only hard working and committed but has added much needed value and innovation in her industry. Starting her career in the hospitality industry, she began to establish her reputation as an innovative event planner, caterer and decorator while working with several casinos.

Her talents range from event production, logistics, marketing, catering, convention services and employee training. She also has dedicated her time and talents to Junior Achievement of South Florida and CWW, including assisting with the production of the 10th Anniversary of JA World Uncorked.

“Thank you. It is an honor to be recognized as the 2020 Woman of Wisdom. Junior Achievement of South Florida and the Circle of Wise Women have done so much for our community to help today’s youth become tomorrow’s leaders. As someone who is philanthropic, I am proud to give back to such great organizations like JA,” said Susan Renneisen.

The pinning ceremony will recognize six of the newest CWW members including: Grazia Bulte, Grace V Events; Ann Burris, Holland America Line; Brenda Horner, Consolidated Credit Solutions; Anita Paoli Kotler, Law Offices of A. Paoli, P.A; Lisa Morley, Maritime Professional Training; and Caitlin Stella, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Unlike previous years, this Rose Soiree will be a unique virtual event due to the safety concerns of COVID-19. Guests will be receiving a bag of cheer delivered straight to their doors with Rose wine, a delectable charcuteries board catered by Red Chair Catering and a scrumptious dessert from Batch Cookie Company.

Ticket prices start at $55 per person with VIP ($75) and CWW member ($65) options that include a raffle ticket valued at $25. Raffle tickets for $25 each or 3 for $100 are also available to the public for a Lilly Pulitzer bag filled with Lilly, basket of Rose and other incredible items. Proceeds from this event support scholarships for young women in JA programs entering college or seeking career certifications, summer camps and other initiatives that promote entrepreneurships, work readiness and financial literacy.

Signature sponsors include: Presenting Sponsor TD Bank, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Nauti Dawg Marina Café, CWW Member Hosts Bob and Carole Alden; and partners JA Circle of Wise Women, Daoud’s Fine Jewelry, Jan and Ashley Nouss, Batch The Cookie Company and Red Chair Catering.

For more information about the Rose Soiree, including tickets, raffle prizes, sponsorship and opportunities, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org/RoseSoiree or contact Diana Metcalf, Director of Development, at (954) 979-7120.

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 7,100 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, a first-class facility housing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org. Follow JA on social media @jasouthflorida.

About the JA Circle of Wise Women

The JA Circle of Wise Women was founded in May of 2009 at the home of Janet Davis. It originally started with 10 Founding Members and has since grown to more than 100 women. JA’s Circle of Wise Women believe that Junior Achievement programs are a springboard to show today’s youth their potential for success. Since its inception, the group has raised more than $4 million for Junior Achievement of South Florida. The group’s signature event is the annual JA World Uncorked – a culinary showcase where guests sample gourmet bites prepared by leading South Florida chefs and sip premier wines, spirits, craft beers and cocktails from local vendors. In addition, the Circle of Wise Women host social gatherings throughout the year and participate in JA-related events, such as the Rosé Soirée. Learn more at https://jasouthflorida.org/circle-of-wise-women/.

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Support Restaurants and Beverage Providers During COVID-19

Funky Buddha Brewery giving back to the community. JA celebrates supportive restaurants.

Junior Achievement of South Florida and the JA Circle of Wise Women are fortunate to have developed outstanding relationships with local restaurants and beverage providers who support our programs as storefronts in JA BizTown and at the annual JA World Uncorked event. Now, it’s time to give back to those who are providing delivery or take-out services during COVID-19. Below are logos linked to the restaurants.

In addition, JA is extremely proud of its partnership with Funky Buddha Brewery, which last year released the exclusive Dreamers of Dreams, a craft beer dedicated to JA’s 60th Anniversary. Funky Buddha has started a new project during the COVID-19 crisis – Beers For The Biz. The project brings aid and awareness to family in the service industry affected by COVID-19. Proceeds from each case of Funky Buddha beer sold in April will be donated to CORE™: CHILDREN OF RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving food and beverage service employees with children, who are faced with medical diagnosis, illness, injury or affected by a natural disaster and are in need of help.

Click here to learn more about this project.

RESTAURANTS PROVIDING DELIVERY & TAKE-OUT SERVICES

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Go Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale: JA World Uncorked

SIP, SAMPLE AND SUPPORT

JA World Uncorked Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Culinary Signature Event

By Rose Faraone
December Go Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale

JA World Uncorked – one of South Florida’s favorite culinary events – started just over 10 years ago. Back in 2009, a group of 10 women joined together to create a fundraiser for Junior Achievement of South Florida’s educational programs. That group of 10 women is now the Circle of Wise Women and has grown to more than 100 strong.

CLICK IMAGE TO READ FULL ARTICLE

Press

Go Riverwalk Magazine December 2018: JA World Uncorked

“JA Is Brewing Up Something Special For Their 60th Anniversary”
December 2018 Issue

Junior Achievement of South Florida was founded locally in 1959 by the Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club and is celebrating its 60th anniversary of training the next generation of business leaders, employees and consumers by educating students about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy.

An organization that exemplifies the tenants of Junior Achievement and has been a success for close to ten years is Funky Buddha Brewery.The brewery started out with small batch, hand-crafted beers and growing to become one of Florida’s most recognized and awarded breweries…

…It was a natural fit that Funky Buddha Brewery became involved with Junior Achievement’s premier annual event – JA World Uncorked, a Circle of Wise Women signature event.

CLICK HERE to read the full Go Riverwalk Magazine article.

CLICK HERE to buy your tickets to JA World Uncorked.

Press

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 Finance Park. For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org.

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