All posts tagged: Office Depot

Let’s Talk Magazine: JA World Uncorked 2023

JA World Uncorked 2023

Let’s Talk Magazine

Exotic, glamorous, risque, festive, exciting… These are all words that could be used to describe Moulin Rouge. Perhaps, that is why the enticing concept was used as a theme for the latest JA World Uncorked, held on January 28 at the JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, 1130 Coconut Creek Blvd. in Coconut Creek. Hosted by the Circle of Wise Women, this yearly event benefits Junior Achievement of South Florida.

The theme wasn’t the only thing they changed this year. The event continues to improve, and this year, they brought in more money than ever before – a historic $345,000 and more than 700 guests!

Also this year, the food options seemed more diverse than ever, and delicious, everything from a light and airy panna cotta to a soul-satisfying smoky pulled pork. Guests could start with trying a Caesars salad and tortilla soup and maybe grab some of Yot’s famous fish dip and move on to items like sliders, prime rib, pasta, sashimi and countless other delectable options from local restaurants, and then finish with desserts like cookies, cake, cream puffs, tarts or Italian Ice.

The spirits on hand were just as plentiful and varied. Guests could choose a refreshing and lemony light KLEO-Patra, a mixture of the Greek spirit KLEOS, lemon juice, simple syrup and basil, or opt for a taste of a creamy Pennyslvania Dutch Salted Caramel drink. They could sip their favorite wines, grab a gelatin shot, choose a craft beer from Funky Budha, enjoy Canyon’s prickly pear margarita and more. There was even an espresso martini cart, by Gray Robinson, P.A, where the purveyor got on the bicycle attached and pedaled to grind his own coffee! Yvette and Bob Birdsong sponsored a welcome cocktail for everyone… the Capital Grill Stoli Doli. The variety of wine, spirits, beer and seltzers kept guests happy all night long and the culinary options kept them smiling. DJs played music throughout while guests roamed.

Let’s Talk Magazine: JA World Uncorked 2023
read more

Annual JA Business Hall of Fame Returns May 13th

Five Top Community Leaders will be Inducted into Business Hall of Fame. Two Additional Outstanding Individuals will Receive Prestigious Awards.

For Immediate Release

City of Coconut Creek, Florida — Junior Achievement is hosting the JA Business Hall of Fame, presented by American Express, Friday, May 13, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Event will occur at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion.

Five top community leaders, who have made a significant impact in their industry and have demonstrated vision, commitment to excellence, courageous leadership and community responsibility, will be inducted into the JA Business Hall of Fame. The 2022 Laureates are Jon and Ron Antevy (eBuilder), Milton L. Jones (Milton Jones Development Corporation), Ramon Rodriguez (WithMyDoc, Inc.) and Mark Warren (International Materials LLC).

This year’s special award honorees are Harry Patten (Patten Family Foundation) and Juliet Roulhac (Florida Power & Light). Harry Patten, who’s loyal dedication to Junior Achievement of South Florida, will receive the Huizenga Lifetime Legacy Award, created in honor of the late Marti and Wayne Huizenga in 2016.

At the Patten Family Foundation JA Finance Park, each year more than 20,000 eighth grade students from Broward and south Palm Beach Counties learn how financial decisions will impact their lives. These include expenses related to family health care, real estate and home improvements, automobiles, insurance, entertainment, education, and purchasing items such as clothing, furniture and groceries.

Juliet Roulhac will receive the Melissa Aiello Character Award, created in 2015 in recognition of Melissa Aiello, the former CEO & President of Junior Achievement of South Florida who lived her life with integrity and honor. Juliet has dedicated her life to philanthropic endeavors and community engagement so much that it has become her career.

“We are so thankful to these incredible leaders who have supported our mission and the greater community,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of South Florida. “They are role models to the over 54,000 students who participate in our innovative entrepreneurship, financial literacy and career readiness programs. This event gathers some of the top community advocates together to recognize these outstanding leaders and raise funds to support our impactful mission.”

The 2022 JA Business Hall of Fame is sponsored by American Express, CITY Furniture, Delta Air Lines, Huizenga Family Foundation, TD Bank, Rick Case Automotive Group, eBuilder, Florida Power & Light, R-Squared Charitable Fund, Transworld Business Advisors, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Kaufman Rossin, Mark Warren Family Foundation, Stiles Corporation, Health Foundation of South Florida, Office Depot, American National Bank, Lifestyle Media Group and Silver Lining Catering.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities and digital advertising, contact Jennifer Barb at [email protected], call (954) 979-7101 or visit JASouthFlorida.org/BusinessHallofFame.

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 7,100 trained corporate and community volunteers, JA delivered 20+ programs to over 54,000 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.

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

Annual JA Business Hall of Fame Returns May 13th
read more

IT’S OFFICIAL: JA WORLD UNCORKED IS BACK!

South Florida’s Top Food and Wine Festival Attracts 600+ Guests and Raises Funds for Junior Achievement Programs

For Immediate Release
For More Information, Contact:
Christopher Miller, Marketing Manager
Junior Achievement of South Florida
(954) 979-7110
[email protected]

CITY OF COCONUT CREEK, FL – Junior Achievement of South Florida’s (JA) Circle of Wise Women will host its signature culinary event, JA World Uncorked, presented by Breakthru Beverage Florida and amplified by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday, January 29, 2022 from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lilian S. Wells Pavilion.

JA World Uncorked is an indoor food and spirits festival featuring tantalizing bites and indulgent desserts from some of South Florida’s finest restaurants and a vast selection of premier wines, champagne, spirits and craft beers from Breakthru Beverage Florida and Funky Buddha Brewery.

“JA World Uncorked is the complete experience for wine and food lovers. We anticipate more than 600 people to attend this event that brings music, gourmet food, assorted spirits, wine and craft brews together in one amazing venue for a great cause. There’s something for every attendee to enjoy,” said Laurie Sallarulo, Junior Achievement of South Florida President & CEO.

Tickets are $150 until December 15th, when they increase to $185 per person and can be purchased at www.JASouthFlorida.org/JAWorldUncorked. Attendees will enjoy unlimited food and beverages, live music, dancing and raffle prizes.

Special thanks to this year’s three Co-Chairs, Circle of Wise Women Lisa Duke, Alyssa Lovitt and Susan Renneisen. “We have some incredible Co-Chairs and Culinary Chairs on board for this highly anticipated event. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is proud to support the Circle of Wise Women and Junior Achievement’s mission. It’s going to be an exciting evening you don’t want to miss,” said Susan Renneisen of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Also, Executive Chef Marc Gruverman of The Capital Grille, Chef Jose Gonzalez of Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Chef Paul Niedermann of SALT 7, and Chef Anibal Suarez of Cuba Libre are the event’s Culinary Chairs.

JA World Uncorked is sponsored by Breakthru Beverage Florida (Presenting Sponsor), Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, ESG Safe, Florescue Family Foundation, CITY Furniture, Exotech, Bob & Sandra Moss, Bluegreen Vacations, Comcast, Rick Case Automotive Group, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Office Depot, MST Foundation, Dickinson Wright LLP, Gray Robinson, Fran and Peter Woolf, Austin & Christine Forman, John Buyers, Greenberg Traurig, OK Generators, Susan Rindley Sotheby’s International Realty, Centennial Bank, Centuric, and NextEra Energy (FPL). Special thanks to this year’s Host Sponsors: Connie Chaney, Milin Espino, Jill Ginsberg, Alyssa Greenspan – Community Capital Management, Jennifer Homan, Blaire Lapides, Johanna Maytin, Diana Metcalf, Jan Nouss. Thanks also go out to this year’s Partners: Argyle Coffee Roasters, Brandstar, Daoud’s Fine Jewelry, Funky Buddha Brewery, Lifestyle Media Group, Print Basics, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and WPLG Local 10.

Now in its eleventh year, this culinary event raises funds to benefit Junior Achievement’s educational programs. Each year, these programs help educate 50,000 kindergarten-12th grade students in Broward and south Palm Beach counties about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. Since it was founded in 2010, the JA Circle of Wise Women have raised more than $4.5 million through JA World Uncorked and other initiatives.

The event is held at JA World, which is the largest JA facility in the world at 60,000 sq. ft.  JA World houses JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. In JA BizTown, more than 21,000 5th graders each year operate a hands-on mini city as citizens, consumers, employees and business owners. JA Finance Park welcomes 20,000 8th graders each year to learn how financial decisions will impact their lives – including budgeting for family health care, real estate, home improvements, automobiles, insurance, entertainment, education, purchasing goods and services and more.

For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, please contact Diana Metcalf at [email protected] or (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.

IT’S OFFICIAL: JA WORLD UNCORKED IS BACK!
read more

Girls Rule Connected High School Girls with Successful Women

Junior Achievement® of South Florida’s Inaugural “Girls Rule ― Ignite Your Super Power” Virtual Event on March 31 Connected Over 200 Local High School Girls with Successful Women 

COCONUT CREEK, FL – On March 31, over 200 girls from South Florida high schools were able to connect with accomplished women during Junior Achievement® (JA) of South Florida’s inaugural “Girls Rule ― Ignite Your Super Power” virtual event. Junior Achievement’s “Girls Rule” is one amazing initiative and two virtual events that celebrate, empower, and inspire women and girls.

During the March 31 virtual event, students who might not have the opportunity to be influenced and mentored by strong women role models engaged with inspiring and exciting keynote speakers. In addition, they attended breakout sessions led by experienced women leaders, paired with young female JA alumnae; and received a swag bag.

Serving as the event’s keynote speaker was Ari Chambers, a New York City-based multimedia journalist, sports host, and social media manager. Chambers is the founder of HighlightHER, a rapidly-growing women’s sports platform. Jeanine Suah and Maghan Morin, co-founders of Thynk Global, also served as guest speakers for the event.

Breakout session topics covered self-care, goal setting, financial wellness, self-invention, personal branding, making responsible choices, building positive relationships, self-acceptance, effective teamwork, the power of positivity, and effective communication/public speaking.

“‘Girls Rule,’ held during International Women’s Month, was an outstanding success,” said Laurie Sallarulo, Junior Achievement of South Florida president & CEO. “We connected over 200 girls in South Florida with resilient and forward-thinking women of today, with the common vision to transform and advance the world for future generations of women.”

“It was such an honor to be a part of this event and positively impact the lives of so many aspiring girls,” said Mo Corker of Comerica Bank, the event’s title sponsor. “‘Girls Rule’ was designed to empower these young women and encourage them to have healthy, courageous conversations through a number of skills, including goal setting, personal accountability and harnessing their own unique super power.”

The March 31 virtual event was preceded by a March 16 virtual launch event, attended by “Girls Rule” sponsors and facilitators. The launch event was sponsored by Title Sponsor Comerica Bank and Presenting Sponsor Bluegreen Vacations, and featured keynote speaker Kara Goldin, founder & CEO of Hint, Inc.

Additional “Girls Rule” partners include CITY Furniture, Rick Case Automotive, Castle Group, JM Family Enterprises, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, FPL, Jazwares, EY, Office Depot, Valley Bank, Ultimate Kronos Group, Hoffman’s Chocolates, RCC Associates, Kaufman Rossin, KEMET Electronics, Hotwire Communications, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, Memorial Healthcare System and Miller Construction Company.

All women can join the Women Ignites Futures Movement, powered by CITY Furniture. For a donation of $50, women can submit a 2-minute video sharing their superpower, which will be shared on all social media platforms. For $100, they can also receive a copy of Goldin’s book “Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters.”

For more information about Girls Rule, visit www.jasouthflorida.org/girlsrule. To learn more about JA, 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 7,100 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.

###

Girls Rule Connected High School Girls with Successful Women
read more

Girls Rule Celebrates, Empowers and Inspires Women and Girls

COCONUT CREEK, FL – Junior Achievement of South Florida launches Girls Rule – one amazing initiative and two exciting virtual events that celebrate, empower, and inspire women and girls.

Girls Rule with Title Sponsor Comerica Bank and Presenting Sponsor Bluegreen Vacations, kicks off with The Girls Rule Launch Event on Tuesday, March 16, from noon-1:15 p.m. “We are bringing together today’s resilient and forward-thinking women together to connect around a common vision to transform and advance the world for future generations of women,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO.

The Launch Event is reserved for sponsors, their guests and supporters and will provide an intimate and real-life opportunity to network. Guests will be inspired by Kara Goldin, Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc. Her company is best known for its award-winning Hint® water, the leading unsweetened flavored water, with more than 150 employees and $150 million in sales. She also has a podcast and new book entitled, “Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters”.

On Wednesday, March 31, from 3-5 p.m. is the Girls Rule – Ignite Your Super Power Main Event that will connect hundreds of high school girls with powerful women. Students who might not have the opportunity to be influenced and mentored by strong women role models, will engage with inspiring and exciting keynote speakers, attend breakout sessions led by experienced women leaders paired with young female JA Alumni and receive a swag bag.

The event keynote speaker is Ari Chambers, a multi-media journalist, sports host, and social media manager based in New York City. Ari works for highlightHER and has grown its followers to over 70,000 and is considered the fastest growing women’s sports platform. Her message: “Women’s Potential is Limitless”.

Breakout session topics will cover self-care, goal setting, financial wellness, self-invention, personal branding, making responsible choices, building positive relationships, self-acceptance, effective teamwork, the power of positivity and effective communication/public speaking.

“We are honored to serve as the title sponsor of Junior Achievement Girls Rule,” said Mo Corker, Comerica Bank Florida External Affairs Market Manager. “Historically, women have played a vital role in our country’s economic recovery and growth, which is why it is important that we invest in girls’ and women’s empowerment. Our bank is committed to equipping the leaders of tomorrow with the tools and money skills needed to navigate the increasingly complex financial landscape. Partnering with JA on this initiative, creates a path to economic freedom for girls who traditionally would not have access to these resources.”

Other Girls Rule partners include Bluegreen Vacations, CITY Furniture, Rick Case Automotive, Castle Group, JM Family Enterprises, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Office Depot, Valley Bank, Jeni Kampeas Chokron, Laurie Sallarulo, Peter Woolf, Hoffman’s Chocolates, KEMET Electronics, Chaisteli Insurance Group, Holy Cross Hospital and Miller Construction Company.

In addition to sponsoring the event, women can join the Women Ignites Futures Movement, powered by CITY Furniture. For a donation of $50, women can submit a 2-minute video sharing their superpower, which will be shared on all social media platforms. For $100, they can also receive a copy of Kara’s book “Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters”.

For more information about Girls Rule, including sponsorship and facilitator opportunities, visit www.jasouthflorida.org/GirlsRule or contact Robyn Harper at (954) 979-7124 or [email protected].

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 Kara Goldin
Kara Goldin is the Founder and CEO of Hint, Inc., best known for its award-winning Hint® water, the leading unsweetened flavored water. She has been named one of InStyle’s Badass 50, Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs, Fortune’s Most Innovative Women in Food & Drink and EY Entrepreneur of the Year for Northern California. The Huffington Post listed her as one of six disruptors in business, alongside Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Kara has successfully navigated the world of large companies and startups in many industries including media, tech and consumer products. In addition, she understands retail and direct to consumer well. She is an active speaker & writer and hosts the podcast The Kara Goldin Show where she interviews founders, entrepreneurs and other disruptors across various industries. Kara’s first book, Undaunted, published by Harper Leadership, was released in October 2020. She lives in the Bay Area. Follow Kara on all social handles @KaraGoldin
###

Girls Rule Celebrates, Empowers and Inspires Women and Girls
read more

Financial Literacy Program to Help Children and Families

For Immediate Release

For More Information Contact:

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

FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM TO HELP
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ACROSS BROWARD COUNTY

City of Coconut Creek, FL – On Saturday, July 11th Junior Achievement of South Florida (JASF) will be distributing backpacks from 10 am to 1 pm at JA World Huizenga Center at the Lillian S. Wells Pavilion, 1130 Coconut Creek Parkway in Coconut Creek. The backpacks will be filled with youth financial education materials, books, healthcare information, gift cards, snacks and other relevant items.

JASF has partnered with the Early Learning Coalition and other nonprofits who serve families in need to receive the backpacks. Farm Share, Inc. will be on site to provide fresh fruit to families registered to pick up backpacks

There has never been a more important time to stress the critical need for financial literacy than now. Since the day schools closed due to COVID-19, JASF provided free online resources to BCPS, teachers, students and parents so they had the tools to continue to educate our children on the importance of making informed financial decisions that can have a lasting impact.

Now that schools are closed for the summer, JASF stepped up once again and implemented an initiative to reach thousands of children with financial literacy education. Also, through a joint effort with community partners, the backpacks will include reading and health literacy information.

“In school, out of school and at home, learning never stops,” said Laurie Sallarulo, President & CEO of JASF, “That’s why JA has launched the Books, Bucks & Backpack initiative. The goal of this powerful movement is to financially educate children and families who need it most, so they may be empowered to have a more prosperous future. It is also to bring much needed awareness and importance around financial literacy as a cornerstone of education and a strategy for economic recovery.”

Books, Bucks and Backpacks partners currently include American Express, Hudson Family Foundation, Delta Air Lines, Community Care Plan, First Horizon Foundation, TD Bank, Kemet, Office Depot, Citrix, Rick Case Automotive, Health Foundation of South Florida, Ultimate Software, Truist Bank, Nova Southeastern University, PNC Bank, Bank of America, e-Builder, CrewFacilities.com, Dickinson-Wright, Broward College, Broward County, Broward County Public Schools, Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, JetBlue, GL Homes, Broward Health, Miami Book Fair, Chick-fil-A, Florida Panthers and numerous individual donors.

“There has never been a more important time to share financial literacy education. That is why American Express is supporting Junior Achievement’s Books, Bucks and Backpacks campaign. We want to help spread this knowledge to children and families,” said Franki Lupo Schmidt, Vice President and General Manager, American Express.

For more information on how others can support this campaign, visit www.JASouthFlorida.org/GivingToLiteracy, contact Robyn Harper at (954) 979-7124 or email [email protected].

 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.

###

Financial Literacy Program to Help Children and Families
read more

Office Depot Donates to Youth-Focused Non-Profit Organizations

Office Depot Donates to Youth-Focused Non-Profit Organizations

Article appeared on FloridaTrend.com.

Office Depot, Inc. (NASDAQ: ODP), a leading provider of business services, products and technology solutions through an integrated B2B distribution platform, today announced that it is providing $200,000 to select Boys & Girls Clubs across the country as well as other youth-focused non-profit organizations. These donations will help fund programs designed to keep underserved children and teens learning and engaged throughout the summer in an effort to beat summer learning loss, also known as the “summer slide.”

“Office Depot is proud to support non-profit organizations in communities across the country to help provide underserved students with access to educational tools and programs all summer long,” said Gerry Smith, chief executive officer for Office Depot, Inc. “Despite the new set of challenges brought on by these uncertain times, we remain committed to investing in our youth and providing resources that will help them to feel empowered, confident and ready to tackle the new school year.”

In South Florida, where Office Depot’s headquarters is located, the company will donate additional funds to each of the following non-profit organizations for programming geared towards financial literacy, college preparation and more, including Junior Achievement of South Florida.

Office Depot Donates to Youth-Focused Non-Profit Organizations
read more