Giving children a chance to succeed
Bea Osborn, of Fort Lauderdale, has bid at every fundraising luncheon she’s attended the last seven years staged for the nonprofit Children’s Opportunity Group.
“I feel it’s a worthwhile charity. All proceeds go to needy children,” she said. “Additionally, the event brings an awareness to the challenges faced by many of our local youths. This awareness translates to ongoing support beyond just the luncheon.”
Almost 300 people helped raise $70,000 during its 66th annual charity luncheon, which will help improve the health, education and welfare of children in Broward, said COG president Lisa Lawlor.
The event, staged at the Embassy Suites in Fort Lauderdale, also featured a fashion show with items provided by the Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise.
“We first discovered the Children’s Opportunity Group as a guest attending the luncheon [several years ago]. We were so impressed with the dedication of the members and the variety of children’s charities that they support that we wanted to assist,” said Joellyn Fellmeth, the mall’s regional director of marketing.
COG grants funding requests from more than 20 organizations, Lawlor said.
“Our grants fund projects for homeless programs, educational programs, day cares, foster homes and scholarships, to name a few,” she said. “We help medically fragile children, as well as those who are financially or emotionally disadvantaged.”
That has included providing daily bus passes to PACE Center for Girls, medical equipment to the Broward Children’s Center and Ann Storck Center, security equipment to day care centers, scholarships for summer camps and music programs, and money for educational games, school and baby supplies to homeless organizations, Lawlor said.
Tracy White, of Weston, has donated to the group for several years.
“It’s a very fulfilling feeling to be a part of such a special event and important cause,” White said. “There is no limit to the support women and children need while facing difficult situations. COG contributes not only money but support to those facilities that help our local children and families.”
For more information, visit Childrensopportunitygroup.org.