HANDY celebrates graduates who overcame adversity and the community leaders who helped them succeed

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For young people who participate in HANDY (Helping Abused, Neglected, Disadvantaged Youth), a college degree is more than an accolade, it's a symbol of their unwavering commitment to a better future. At the 12th Annual Scholars Breakfast on Friday, June 2, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, HANDY will recognize its largest graduating class, 19 scholars who have overcome adversity to earn their diploma. The event will also honor HANDY's 2017 Champions of Children, local leaders and organizations whose interest, vision and generous support have significantly contributed to HANDY's continued success. The 2017 Champions of Children include Bank of America, JM Family Enterprises, Lucy Weber of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st and Michael Berry of Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six.

"The HANDY Scholars Breakfast is our signature event and it continues to get bigger and better each year," said Evan Goldman, CEO of HANDY. "HANDY launched its Scholars Breakfast with just one student graduating from college and to see far we've come is a testament our remarkable community support."

HANDY currently supports 76 scholars who attend 21 in-state and out-of-state colleges and universities. The organization serves at-risk youth totaling more than 1,200 individuals each year through comprehensive programs that focus on education, youth development and economic self-sufficiency.

"I am the next 'Big 4' CPA/Auditor," said Ashley Young, recipient of a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Accounting from Florida A&M University, and one of this year's Scholar's Breakfast graduates.

"With HANDY's help, I graduated from college, overcome significant turmoil in my life, and have emerged focused on making a difference in my community."

The Scholars Breakfast is chaired by Kathleen Thomsen, Marsha Levy and Suzanne Kranz. Sponsors include JM Family Enterprises, Hypower, Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, Resolve Marine Group, Moss & Associates, Kathryn and Roy Krause, The Farver Foundation, Broward College, Marsha and Alan Levy, Northern Trust, Mark Miller, UBS, Shutts & Bowen LLP, Joseph Goldstein, Suzanne Driscoll, Kathleen Thomsen and Andy Hyman, Tripp Scott, Todd Kirkpatrick, Marine Industries Cares Foundation, Niroc Consultants, Inc., Phil DeBiasi, Jay Fanning,  Jillian Krueger Printz, Dr. Joyanne Stephens., Castle Group, Andy and Allison Cagnetta, EDSA, B2B CFO, State Representative Richard Stark

HANDY's mission is to achieve positive, lasting change for youth by providing life skills, education, and a supportive community. Since 1985, HANDY has transformed the lives of over 50,000 children and family members in Broward County. Each year, HANDY serves over 1,300 individuals per year, including youth ages nine-25, family members and caregivers in Broward County. Our award winning LIFE Program focuses on education, youth development and economic self-sufficiency. HANDY is headquartered at the Lillian S. Wells Center at 501 NE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.

For more information, please visit www.handyinc.org

CONTACT: Beth Bryant, Chief Development Officer / 954-982-2444 / [email protected]

SOURCE HANDY

Related Links

http://www.handyinc.org