Making A Lasting Impact On Community Health - Fundraiser Supports Programs That Improve The Lives Of Those In Underserved Communities

“Improving community health truly takes a village. Community Based Connections, Inc., is thrilled to celebrate four extraordinary individuals whose passion, leadership, and service are creating real change,” said Mikelange Olbel, CEO of Community Based Connections, Inc. “Their advocacy and commitment ensure that more of our neighbors are seen, heard, and connected to quality healthcare and life-changing services.”

The four honorees are each outstanding.

Tim Curtin has been working with “at risk” communities for the past 40 years. He started out in the field of prevention working as a Park Service Worker in Harlem and in 1987 developed what was called in the “Inner City Olympics” to keep kids busy and off the drug riddled New York City streets. He has been serving Broward County, Florida communities since 1989 as a provider of community-based substance abuse and mental health services. As the Vice President of community services for Memorial Healthcare System, Tim designs, implements and directs programs for maternal-child health, maternal depression, hurricane disaster, homelessness, adolescent substance abuse, juvenile diversion, crime prevention, kinship and foster care, after school programs, summer camps as well as senior programming throughout Broward County. Under Tim, Memorial’s community-based programs have been honored by the National Association of Public Hospitals, America’s Essential Hospitals, American Hospital Association, Florida Hospital Association, Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association, Florida Department of Children and Families, Broward County Public Schools and more.

Rosalyn Crawford Frazier is the CEO of Broward Community & Family Health Centers, Inc. (BCOM) operating four clinical practice sites and one dental site located in Broward County, Florida. For 22 years, she has been overseeing the successful operations of the oldest federally qualified health center in the County providing comprehensive medical, behavioral and oral health services. As a senior executive, she has over 35 years of experience in health care management, grant writing, financial management, physician recruitment, and managed care contracting for non-profit/for-profit health organizations. Frazier is heavily involved in health policy advocacy from grassroots levels through the highest levels of government. She has been integral in policy development having testified before legislative committees, lobbying and serving on various policy planning councils. Currently, she serves on the Health Policy Committee, Legislative Committee and the Health Center Financing Subcommittee with the National Association of Community Health Centers. She currently serves as the Board Chair for Health Choice Network, Inc.

Kathy Salerno is the Director of Community Relations for Broward Health. She is actively involved in the community making a difference in such organizations as 211 Broward, Arc Broward, Broward Education Foundation, Healthy Start Coalition of Broward County, Leadership Broward, Pace Center for Girls, Parkland Chamber of Commerce, and Tower Forum to name a few. To her credit, she is a graduate of Leadership Florida Connect Class 12, Leadership Broward Class XXXVIII, Leadership Fort Lauderdale Class XXV. She was recognized as one of the top 30 under 30 in politics by the News Service of Florida, Forty under 40 by South Florida Business Journal, and an Advocate in Health by South Florida Business and Wealth. Salerno enjoys serving the community on local boards plus loves music, concerts, Broadway shows and spending time with her family.

Ken Walters leads Community Care Plan’s daily operations with a strategic focus on efficiency, compliance and excellence. He ensures the health plan not only meets contractual requirements, but surpasses expectations in operational effectiveness, fostering an environment where members and providers experience outstanding service and become passionate advocates. With more than 27 years of expertise in government programs, Walters is dedicated to facilitating high-quality healthcare delivery for Medicare, Medicaid and underserved communities. His leadership drives initiatives that enhance accessibility and improve patient outcomes.

“The Cordish Companies is proud to support the important work that Community-Based Connections does as part of our longstanding commitment to the South Florida community and beyond,” said Zed Smith, Chief Operating Officer of The Cordish Companies. “As a company that has remained true to the family’s core values, we are pleased to support this annual event which has a direct impact on advancing social services programs that help local children and families.”

The evening of celebration will include a cocktail reception, a seated three-course dinner with a continuous open bar, live musical entertainment, dancing and the impactful awards ceremony, which includes the presentation of the branded green blazers, hosted by special guest Local 10 News Anchor/Reporter Michaila Hightower.

Last year’s honorees were Anna Fusco, Broward Teachers Union; Kenneth Jones, HCA Florida Northwest Hospital; Sandy Michael McDonald, Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development; Jasmin D. Shirley, Broward Health Regional Planning Council; Dion Smith, Children’s Services Council of Broward and Khalil Zeinieh, community advocate.

Sponsors of this year’s awards event are The Cordish Companies as the title sponsor, Florida Blue as the presenting sponsor plus FP&L, Handy, HCA Hospital and Brenda D. Forman, clerk of courts.

Tickets are $125 per person; a table is $2,500. To attend, please reserve seats at: https://communitybasedconnections.com/green-blazer-awards/.

About Community-Based Connections, Inc.

Community-Based Connections, Inc. (CBCI) is a NonProfit human services organization with more than 16 years of expertise in delivering youth development advocacy and family resilience strengthening programs, plus health and community empowerment initiatives to underserved populations in Broward County. CBCI was founded upon the belief that service providers who have natural ties to the community are in the best position to help improve the odds of youth and family success. The CBCI mission is to expand the options available to children – from cradle to college - that promote their social and academic growth, equipping them with the skills they need to overcome challenges and thrive in adulthood. CBCI programs services that engage, encourage and motivate include the Young Believers Program, Family Strengthening Program, S.M.A.R.T. Team, New Day Diversion, and the Early Achievers Program. For more information, visit: https://communitybasedconnections.com