11th Annual Magnolia Luncheon

The 11th Annual Magnolia Luncheon, hosted by United Way of Broward County’s Women United, was held on Friday, December 2 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Each year, the Magnolia Luncheon recognizes women of dignity, strength and perseverance. 

This year, Lisa Leslie, three-time WNBA MVP and four-time Olympic Gold Medalist, served as the keynote speaker, and United Way of Broward County’s Women United honored two deserving women with awards. Debbie Savage, President & CEO of Responsive Home Care, received the Woman of Inspiration Award and Alexa Rosario, Luxury Real Estate & Investment Specialist at Alexa Rosario & Associates, received the Woman of Promise Award. This year’s Co-Chairs were Dr. Lori Eickleberry, Motivational Institute for Behavioral Health, Institute for Life Renovation and LaurieAnne Minoff, Costa Bella Realty Group.

“Magnolia is such an exciting event — the energy among all of these incredible, like-minded women is palpable. This group of women believes 100% in the mission and vision of United Way of Broward County,” said LaurieAnne Minoff, Costa Bella Realty Group. “We are passionate, strong women who share a profound commitment for doing good and making a positive impact in our community.”

United Way of Broward County’s Women United Initiative was formed in 2003 to encourage women leaders within Broward County to pledge a commitment to their community and each year Women United focuses their efforts on specific priority United Way projects. Angie Davis with Bank of America is currently serving as the chair for Women United.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported or joined us at our Annual Magnolia Luncheon where we honored and recognized strong and dedicated women in Broward County who help us to meet our mission to fight for those in need,” said Dr. Mary Beth Albritton, Vice-President of Major Gifts at United Way of Broward County. “We are especially proud to recognize both Debbie Savage and Alexa Rosario, two incredible, philanthropic women who have done so much for our community.”

Sponsors of the event included Title Sponsor: Celebrity Cruises; Gold Sponsor: Amazon; Silver Sponsors:  Consolidated Credit, Women of Tocqueville, JM Family Enterprise, Southeast Toyota; Bronze Sponsors: Castle Group, Comcast, HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, Holy Cross Health, Institute for Life Innovation, Kaufman Rossin, Motivational Institute for Behavioral Health, Susie and Alan B. Levan Family Foundation, Miller Construction Company, NSU Florida, Responsive Home Care, Right Management, Tower Club, Transworld Business Advisors; Media Sponsor: South Florida Business & Wealth; In-Kind Sponsors: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, I Lov-Itt Events, Leah Gernert