The Starting Place Hosted 40th Birthday
Breakfast Presented by Eli Lilly

The Starting Place Inc. celebrated 40 years of helping children, adolescents and their families with substance abuse, mental health issues and co-occurring disorders, by hosting a birthday breakfast presented by Eli Lilly, complete with gourmet birthday cakes, colorful balloons and party favors. The breakfast was held on Friday, October 23, at Signature Grand in Davie.

The breakfast also celebrated the tens of thousands of clients who have been helped by the organization since its opening in 1969. “We honor the families who have struggled through these issues,” said Neal McGarry, Starting Place Board Chair. “These are the heroes of The Starting Place who illustrate the mission of our organization in a very real, tangible way. Simply, they are the face of The Starting Place.”

The breakfast program also included inspiring words by Board Chair McGarry, Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary George Sheldon and Broward County Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin. WSVN Channel 7 investigative reporter Carmel Cafiero served as mistress of ceremonies.

“We appreciate the support of these key leaders in our community,” said McGarry. “Their participation illustrates the importance of the work we do. We’re thankful for all of our supporters, especially those who have stepped up to provide funding and in-kind services for this event.”

In addition to presenting sponsor Eli Lilly and Company, the following companies have stepped up as event sponsors: Health Business Solutions, Cindy Schutt PR, AutoNation, BankAtlantic, Rocky Rodriguez, Leslie J. Backus Public Relations, Memorial Healthcare System, Broward Health, Florida Substance Abuse Awareness – PAC, Angelo & Banta, Downtown Photo, Details Catering and Events, Express Catering, Gordon Food Services and Signature Grand.

Community leaders who volunteered their time to create this event are Aurelia Abreu-Moruzzi, Bank of Florida; Leslie Backus, Leslie Backus Public Relations; Marcia Barry-Smith, BankAtlantic; Chester & Suzanne Bishop, SuRealty Title, Inc.; Sandy Brittain, Prudential Florida 1st Realty; Gale Butler, AutoNation, Inc.; David Hawthorne, Akerman Senterfitt; Marta Prado; Rocky Rodriguez, Prudential Florida 1st Realty; and Cindy Schutt, Cindy Schutt PR.

The Starting Place improves lives through education, treatment and support services related to substance abuse, mental health and co-occurring disorders. The nonprofit provides therapeutic prevention, intervention programs, and rehabilitative and educational counseling for children, adolescents and their families in Broward County.

Jay Ehrlich and his proud Dad!