If it’s Tuesday, it’s #GivingTuesday!
Today, we write to share with you the wonderful mission and outstanding work of Branches, an organization that we have most recently gotten involved with.
Branches seeks “to serve, educate and inspire people through student, family and financial stability services in partnership with our communities”. Established in 1973, Branches has focused on empowering our disadvantaged neighbors to pursue life changing opportunities.
Miracle baby Danielle Niel is the epitome of Branches‘ impact. Born two months premature and after having lived in Jamaica for several years — she moved back to Florida with her parents in search of a bright future. She joined Branches, who helped bring out her self-confidence and self-esteem. At a young age, she has taken on several leadership roles, spent six weeks in Seoul, South Korea as part of a youth initiative, and been offered a full-ride scholarship to Yale University.
Yesterday, we had the honor of joining Danielle and the Branches family — alongside exemplary community leaders — to kick-off their Black Tie & Blue Jeans Benefit Dinner and Auction.
The event will be taking place on Saturday, April 27 at the beautiful JW Marriott Marquis.
Since 2015, Branches has been honoring a member of our community with the Trish and Dan Bell Community Empowerment Award. Named in honor of our dear friends Trish and Dan Bell — this recognition honors someone who, like Trish and Dan, has dedicated their life to creating a more compassionate community that provides real opportunities for all children and families.
For this reason, Marile and I are truly honored to be chosen as the 2019 honorees of the Trish & Dan Bell Community Empowerment Award.
We are humbled to be among the remarkable leaders who have previously been recognized — Trish and Dan Bell; The Batchelor Foundation and Founder George E. Batchelor; Mr. David Lawrence, Jr.; and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.
We hope you will join us for the Black Tie & Blue Jeans Benefit Dinner and Auction in support of Branches.
If you are unable to join us, we encourage you to donate to Branches and their wonderful mission of empowering youth such as Danielle to grow deeper and climb higher.
As always, thank you for taking the time to reflect with us.
Know we cherish your friendship and continued support.
Warmest personal regards,
Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq.