Save the date of October 12, from 6 – 8:30 p.m., to celebrate the 10th anniversary of “Eat Your Heart Out,” Fort Lauderdale’s beloved food and fundraising event at Galleria Fort Lauderdale! This milestone celebration, benefiting the Heart Gallery of Broward County, an esteemed nonprofit organization dedicated to finding loving families for foster youth facing placement challenges, will honor Michael Goodman, founder of GPR | Goodman Public Relations, as its Child Advocate of the Year during Heart Gallery of Broward County’s signature fundraiser.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this momentous year of ‘Eat Your Heart Out,’ marking a decade of dedicated support for our cause and showcasing the outstanding dining establishments in our region,” said Dr. Mary Kinirons, executive director of Heart Gallery of Broward County. “This year, we are proud to honor Michael Goodman, founder of GPR | Goodman Public Relations, as our Child Advocate of Year. Michael is an exemplary community advocate who prioritizes and raises awareness for our mission to make a positive impact in the lives of foster youth and we look forward to recognizing his achievements.”
Courtesy Goodman PR
Michael Goodman, founder of GPR | Goodman Public Relations, this year’s “Eat Your Heart Out” honoree, is a trailblazing entrepreneur, community advocate, and philanthropist. A highly respected leader in South Florida, Goodman is revered for his marketing expertise and outstanding contributions that have left a lasting impact on the community. His commitment to South Florida families includes serving as a board chair for Neighbors 4 Neighbors, the City of Wilton Manors Community Affairs Advisory Board, and the City of Oakland Park School Advisory Board. Additionally, he is an honorary board member and past vice-chair of Art and Culture Center/Hollywood and a past board member of Arc Broward, Junior Achievement, Family Central, and Gilda’s Club. Goodman’s outstanding contributions have earned him numerous accolades including South Florida Business Journal’s 2023 Diverse Voices recognition, the 2023 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Dreamer Award, and the GFLCC 2023 Chair’s Award. Other notable honors bestowed include the 2022 GFLCC Small Business of the Year Award, the 2022 ArtsUnited Award for his philanthropic efforts in the arts, and the South Florida Business and Wealth Diversity & Innovation Award. In 2016, he was honored with the “Man of the Year” Award by the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood. Furthermore, his leadership and contributions were acknowledged with the Leadership Broward Foundation Profiles in Leadership Award in 2013. Beyond his professional success, Goodman gives back to the community through his “Share the Good” Fund, which supports initiatives benefiting the LGBTQ+ community and more.
“I am humbled to receive this prestigious honor from Heart Gallery of Broward, an organization that is truly special and unique,” said Goodman. “Giving back is my joy and my team and I are proud to support local causes that matter. If Heart Gallery places any child in a loving home, then we have made a huge difference, together.”
An impressive roster of dining venues will sizzle and spice up the event as they show their support for Heart Gallery. Past restaurants providing guests with a dazzling array of epicurean bites have included Boatyard, The Capital Grille, Cooper’s Hawk Restaurants & Winery, Eddie V’s, Lips Fort Lauderdale, Andy’s Live Fire Grill, Tulio’s Tacos and Tequila,Press & Grind Café, Sweeter Days, Takato, Seasons 52, Moksha, Funky Buddha, Sicilian Oven, Dunkin, Wilton Creamery and more. This year’s participating restaurants will be named at a later date.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in exciting raffle drawings and a silent auction, with a chance to win valuable prizes.
Heart Gallery of Broward County launched in 2007 as a traveling photography exhibit of foster youth 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. Now in its 10th year, this event, the largest and most successful fundraiser that the organization hosts, benefits not only the children, family and partner organizations it serves, but the whole community.
Tickets are $150 per person and include complimentary valet parking. Tickets will go on sale August 15 at www.heartgalleryofbroward.org. For sponsor opportunities or more details, call (954) 918-3008 or email mary@heartgalleryofbroward.org.
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.
