BOCA RATON — Passionate long-term donors and enthusiastic new friends came together at the recent Wee Dream Ball with a single, united goal – to ensure that the disadvantaged children at Florence Fuller Child Development Centers (FFCDC) will continue to have access to educational and wellness programs that prepare them for Kindergarten and beyond.
Under the leadership of Linda & Ralph Behmoiras and Amy & Mike Kazma, the Bollywood-infused Wee Dream Ball contributed an astounding $366,000 to the two Florence Fuller Child Development Centers in east and west Boca Raton.
“We are awed by the ongoing support of our multi-year sponsors who are committed to our mission to create a brighter future for at-risk children in our community,” said Linda Behmoiras.”
Amy Kazma added: “This year it was crucial that we secured funding for the need of quality early childhood education. Our donors understand the importance of preschool and afterschool programs for low-income families and realize that every child deserves a chance to reach their full potential. We are especially grateful to Gail Wasserman, our honorary chair, who is truly a Big Heart Helping Little Ones.”
Board member Jay Foreman, along with MC Alberto of Pure Energy, led the evening’s activities and DJ Andre ensured that the dance floor was always full. The evening’s appeal called Giving from the Heart, was introduced by Denise & Jordan Zimmerman and raised an unprecedented $106,000 for the centers’ Zimmerman Family Toddler Program.
Spokespersons for the appeal, former FFCDC students, Joshua McMann, an 8th grade class vice president, Julissa Caballero, an executive with Toshiba and Steve Geffrard, current #1 U.S. amateur heavyweight boxer who is headed for the Summer Olympic Trials, took the stage and relating stories of how FFCDC made a difference in their lives.
FFCDC parent, board member and Boca Raton police officer, Cornelius Reilly also spoke of the importance of FFCDC programs to both his family and the community
The FFCDC mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of young children from economically challenged families in our community. Florence Fuller Child Development Centers provide childcare, early education, family support programs and the only Head Start preschool in Boca Raton.