NOVEMBER 2018

The Broward Public Library Foundation was founded in 1982 to enhance the collections, programs and services of the Broward County Library beyond the means of public funding. The nonprofit Foundation is the catalyst in sparking private funding and endowments to enrich the Broward County Library system.

News of Interest from the Broward Public Library Foundation

Save the Dates for Literary Feast 2019

Mark your calendars! The Literary Feast season will begin on Friday, February 8, with the 10th annual LitLUNCH! featuring best-selling author Elizabeth Berg. An award-winning writer, Berg is the author of 19 books, including the upcoming Night of Miracles. The luncheon will begin at 11:15 a.m. in the Mary N. Porter Riverview Ballroom at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale.

Sixteen notable authors, including Pam Jenoff, Beatriz Williams and former Senator George LeMieux, will take part in the 31st edition of the Broward Public Library Foundation’s fundraising weekend, Literary Feast, on March 1 and 2.

The Night of Literary Feasts is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, and will begin with a Welcome Reception at Bahia Mar – Fort Lauderdale Beach. The reception, scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., will include books sales and signings, an outstanding silent auction, and open bar. At 7:30 p.m., guests will depart for intimate dinners with an author hosted in private homes or upscale restaurants. Other confirmed authors include: James O. Born, Dave Cullen, Beck Dorey-Stein, Ben Fritz, Shari Lapena, Lydia Millet, Lori Rader-Day, James Swain, and Daniel Stone.

On March 1, the Feast authors and several local authors will engage thousands of Broward County high school students in discussions of their work and the craft of writing during Author Day for Students. That evening, at LitLIVE!, the Feast authors appear in a panel discussion format, followed by book signings at three Barnes & Noble bookstores in Broward County. A percentage of all sales at Barnes & Noble that evening will benefit the Foundation.

For details and tickets, visit bplfoundation.org, or call 954-357-7382.

The holidays are a great time for warm and fuzzy programs and Broward County Library’s Books ‘n’ Bears at the Holidays program is just that!

For over 30 years this beloved program has introduced thousands of needy preschoolers to the services offered at the library through cheerful holiday parties. Each library branch invites young children to partake in themed activities such as story time, arts and crafts, and interactive play as they snack on treats and share the love of reading with other young minds.

For many toddlers, this program serves as their first introduction to the library. Over the years, this holiday program has ensured young children receive the key to accessing many of the library’s resources. An average of 500 toddlers signed up for library cards last year!

The goal of the program is simple and continues to put books in the hands and homes of Broward’s neediest toddlers. With the support of members and other donors, the Library Foundation underwrites the program’s cost each year. To donate to Books ‘n’ Bears at the Holidays, please visit bplfoundation.org/booksandbears.

Two Major Bequests Benefit Library FoundationTwo Broward Public Library Foundation members have remembered our organization with generous bequests in their wills.

Neil Ellenoff, long-time member of the Library Foundation Board of Directors, left an unrestricted gift totaling $1 million upon his death in April 2018. Ellenoff served as the Board Treasurer for five years and was the Title Sponsor of Literary Feast, the Foundation’s major fundraising event, for three years. Neil became a Foundation donor in 1999.

Neil E. Ellenoff Trust trustees Michael Ross and Richard Talbot said, “Neil hoped that his generosity, in addition to supporting much needed programs in Broward County, might inspire others to donate to this worthwhile organization in whatever ways they could.

“His gift underscored his faith in the mission of the Foundation, its leadership and his desire to ensure its future.”

The second donor, a Carnegie Society member who requested anonymity, gave 2,500 shares of Microsoft stock, which were sold for $250,000, upon his death in December 2017. He had been a member since 2007.

Both gifts were placed in the Library Foundation’s endowment, administered by Northern Trust Bank, where they will grow for the long-term benefit of Broward County Library.

Books ‘n’ Bears Make Holidays

Bright

Neil Ellenoff with author C.J. Box

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Cocktails for Humanity Supports Broward Libraries

NOVEMBER 2018

Thirteen “Celebrity Bartenders,” including Broward County Mayor Beam Furr, poured wine, beer and craft cocktails for a good cause during the monthly Cocktails for Humanity event at the FATVillage Art Walk in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, September 29. These volunteers helped raise $4,300 to benefit the Books ‘n’ Bears at the Holidays program for 2,400 needy preschoolers in December. An estimated group of more than 400 attended the Cocktails for Humanity event at the General Provision co-working space.

Bascombe, Simon to Lead BPLF Board

Tim Bascombe and Nila Do Simon are the Broward Public Library Foundation Board of Directors’ new Chair and Vice Chair. The new leadership team was approved by Board members at the October 3 Annual Meeting.

Bascombe, who has served on the Board since 2013, was Vice Chair and Investment Committee Chair during the 2017-2018 year. He is the CEO and President of the World Food Connections based in Fort Lauderdale. Tim and his wife Jamie Finizio-Bascombe have hosted several Literary Feast dinners.

Simon is the Editor-in-Chief of Venice magazine, a luxury lifestyle publication focused on Fort Lauderdale. She joined the Board in 2010, was the co-chair of Literary Feast in 2015 and 2016, and hosted several Literary Feast dinners. She served as the Board’s Vice Chair in 2016-2017 before moving to Philadelphia. Simon recently moved back to South Florida with her husband, Dr. Joshua Simon, and daughter Fallyn.

Other Board officers include Secretary Sean Chari of Metro 1; Treasurer Douglas Reynolds of Tripp Scott; At-Large Member Sunem Beaton-Garcia, Broward College Central Campus President; and Immediate Past Chair Marty Shuham of the Shuham & Shuham law firm.

At the Annual Meeting, Shuham was presented with the Literary Light Award for his outstanding contributions to the Library Foundation. Joseph M. Goldstein, managing director of Shutts & Bowen, and Gene Harvey of BB&T were thanked for their years of service on the Library Foundation Board.

December Book With Brunch Features Author Andra Watkins

New York Times best-selling author Andra Watkins will be the guest author at our Book With Brunch at 10:30 a.m. December 6. Watkins will discuss her latest book, I Am Number 13, the third novel in her Nowhere Series. A blend of riveting suspense, forgotten history and a dash of paranormal fiction make this book not to be missed. Her memoir, Not

Without My Father: One Woman’s 444-Mile Walk of the Natchez Trace, was a National Book Award nominee.

Book With Brunch includes a light brunch, an author presentation, question and answer session, and book sales and signings.

Book With Brunch takes place at ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. The event is a membership benefit for members at the $50 level and above. Guests may attend for $25 on a space-available basis. To register, contact Sarah McKenney at 954-357-7382 or smckenney@bplfoundation.org.

SunTrust Foundation Provides Help for Startup BusinessesSince June, thanks to a grant from the SunTrust Foundation, Broward entrepreneurs have had monthly access to solid information on starting a business. The free sessions, facilitated by Hope Inside’s Financial Wellbeing Coach for Credit and Small Business Nathan Beauchamp, are held at the Main Library’s Creation Station Business co-working hub.

One hundred people have already signed up for the November 20 session, “Structure of a Business Plan” and registration is closed. Walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows. The final session, “Access to Capital,” is scheduled for December 18. The workshops take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

The Creation Station Business offers high–tech equipment, business resources, and expert assistance for creating and growing businesses. Inside the space, you’ll find discounted books on business strategies, individual meeting rooms to make phone calls or pitch ideas, and helpful staff available to answer questions.

For more information, contact the Creation Station Business at 954-357-7418 or creationstationbusiness@broward.org. Visit Eventbrite.com to register for the December 18 workshop.Save the Date —

November 27Support the future of our libraries and donate to the Broward Public Library Foundation on #GivingTuesday, November 27. #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media. Join the movement by donating here: bplfoundation.org/donate-today.

If you’re 70½ or older, consider giving your required minimum distribution to the Foundation. You can transfer up to $100,000 tax-free, and the money is not included as part of your adjusted gross income.

Visit https://smile.amazon.com/ch/59-2224746 to sign up, then shop as you normally would.

AmazonSmile is a program that lets shoppers donate .5% of their qualifying purchases to a cause.

Please remember us in your wills and trusts.

Karen Jones, Jeff Martin, Jessica Triana, Christi Rice, Shawn Thornton, Mayor Beam Furr, Carlos Suarez, Sasha Moon