“In recognition of National Adoption Month, Heart Gallery’s ‘Give With All Your Heart’ campaign highlights the ongoing efforts in Broward County to raise awareness about the need for adoptive families for foster children. We have had immense success in generating awareness and funds through our previous events like ‘Eat Your Heart Out,’ and this year, we wanted to offer a fresh approach,” said Dr. Mary Kinirons, executive director of Heart Gallery of Broward County. “We are grateful for the support of our many sponsors like BBI, Boies Schiller Flexner and The Moss Foundation plus event partners Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale, Sicilian Oven, and Heavenly Spa for making it possible to bring this new initiative to life.”
One of the highlights of the campaign is “Give With All Your Heart” nights at participating restaurants. On select evenings, local eateries will donate a portion of their proceeds to Heart Gallery.
Sicilian Oven in Fort Lauderdale (2761 E. Oakland Park Blvd.) will host a night for a cause on Mon., November 18, from 5 – 10 p.m., offering a special dining experience where patrons can enjoy a great meal while supporting foster youth. Fifteen percent of all sales this evening will benefit Heart Gallery. Known for its authentic Sicilian cuisine, the restaurant offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy a delicious meal. From traditional pasta dishes to wood-fired pizzas, Sicilian Oven provides a taste of Italy right in the heart of Florida. For more information visit
www.sicilianoven.com.
Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale (formerly Lips at 1421 E. Oakland Park Blvd.) will host a dinner, drag show and bingo with guest host Velvet Lenore on Wed., November 20, at 7 p.m. Fifteen percent of drink sales will be donated back to Heart Gallery. Lips Fort Lauderdale has been offering amazing drag entertainment to sold-out audiences for 17 years. It is being renamed Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale and will feature the best in drag entertainment with a variety of new show concepts, an elevated bar and dining menu, state-of-the-art stage lighting and sound to create an immersive and interactive entertainment experience. Lips is open Wednesday through Sunday nights with weekend brunch shows. Dinner, show, and bingo are $35 per person. Reservations are required by calling 954-567-0987 or visiting
opentable.com.
Heavenly Spa by Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort (321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.) is an exciting partner in this campaign. From November 25 to December 19, you can enjoy a variety of pampering spa experiences, with 10% of the cost of service excluding service charge and tax donated to Heart Gallery. Recently renovated with nearly $2 million in updates, Heavenly Spa now offers a serene oasis featuring luxurious treatments, including signature massages, facials, and body therapies designed to rejuvenate and relax. The enhanced space includes modern amenities, new treatment rooms, an infrared sauna, and a co-ed lounge and relaxation area.For more information on Heavenly Spa by Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort’s services and reservations, visit
www.westinfortlauderdalebeachspa.com.
The holiday season provides a special opportunity for the community to support these efforts, too, through Heart Gallery’s GWAYH initiative by starting their own fundraising team or page and competing for top prizes. The Moss Foundation has pledged to match 100% of all funds raised through individual efforts up to $40,000.Heart Gallery encourages the community to get creative by hosting their own Heart Gallery events at home. Families and friends can gather for holiday-themed events such as potlucks, gift exchanges, or virtual fundraisers.
The “Give With All Your Heart” initiative is proudly supported by BBI as Title Sponsor, Boies Schiller Flexner as Presenting Sponsor and The Moss Foundation. Other valued sponsors are Gunster, Walter Duke & Partners, Robbins & Moroney, Hudson Family Foundation, Advanced Roofing, Las Olas Capital Advisors, Locality Bank, GPR | Goodman Public Relations, Galleria Fort Lauderdale, and Daoud’s Fine Jewelry. These sponsors play a vital role in helping Heart Gallery connect foster children with their forever families.
About Heart Gallery of Broward County
The Heart Gallery of Broward County, one of over 100 independent heart galleries across the country, is a respected not-for-profit committed to finding loving families for the hardest to place foster children. The Heart Gallery of Broward County was introduced in 2007 as a traveling photography exhibit of foster children who were waiting to be permanently adopted and has evolved to work closely with ChildNet and local foster care providers to seek adoptive families and other connections for these children. Since its inception, Heart Gallery has placed over 500 kids in need with loving families. For additional information, or to adopt, volunteer or donate, please visit
heartgalleryofbroward.org.