Inspired Giving
When it comes to philanthropy, the earliest memory of giving back that Sheldon T. Anderson recalls was as a very young child during Lent, when he and his siblings were encouraged by their parents to donate a portion of their allowance to less fortunate families. Today, the Miami native and Chairman of Grove Bank & Trust is an avid supporter of The Miami Foundation, where he serves on the Board of Trustees. He is also involved with Baptist Health South Florida, New World Symphony, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Orange Bowl Committee, PAMM, Miami-Dade Beacon Council, Miami Dade College Foundation and United Way. “South Florida is a community of vast wealth and people with significant need for subsistence, and is therefore a great breeding ground for engagement,” he says. “Start with a passion for an organization that you believe serves the needs of the community and volunteer your time and talent.”; MiamiFoundation.org.
Unconditional Love
As Founder & President of Friends of Miami Animals Foundation (FoMA), Yolanda Berkowitz runs the day-to-day operations of the organization which aims to save and improve the lives of homeless pets in Miami-Dade County. The focus is on the root causes of pet homelessness, including lack of access to vet care, pet-friendly housing restrictions and ineffective shelter policies. The main goal and desired outcome is to create systemic change that reduces intake and improves outcomes for animals in municipal shelters, while keeping pet families together whenever possible. Forever a peacemaker, accommodator and all-around empath, giving back to others is in her DNA. “The people I’ve met through my philanthropic efforts are some of the most inspiring and selfless individuals I’ve ever known,” she says. “There are so many great things happening in Miami, and there is something for everyone to get involved.”; FoMAPets.org.
Positive Impact
As a lifelong educator, The Children’s Trust President & CEO James Haj has witnessed how collective action leads to meaningful change. Through his role with The Children’s Trust, the Miami native is proud to support children in Miami-Dade through early childcare, afterschool care, summer programs and school health clinics. “Those who share my commitment to service understand that it is a pursuit that provides rewards that are not readily available elsewhere,” he says. “If you want to get involved in the community but don’t know how, start by seeking out resources and support from organizations that are already making an impact — whether through volunteering, advocacy, or supporting local initiatives, every contribution helps,” he says. “The gratification and fulfillment of serving others provides only grows with every additional success and accomplishment. The more you give, the more you want and need to give.”; TheChildrensTrust.org.
United Strength
With an entire career dedicated to community work underpinned by philanthropy, Kerry-Ann Royes is a bright light in Miami’s giving scene. From making sure kids whose parents do not speak English can thrive in school, to life-saving breast and cervical cancer screenings, to removing obstacles for women to survive domestic abuse and build a better future, she has touched countless lives through her work. “It’s been my greatest blessing that people have allowed me in their lives to give and help others find their path to doing the same,” she says. Today, she is the President & CEO of YWCA South Florida, an organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. “There were times in my life when I needed help, and those who helped me saw it as their responsibility and never diminished my dignity,” she says. “I thrive to live up to what I have received.”; YWCASouthFlorida.org.
Mentorship Matters
Originally from New Jersey, Casey Crist, TD Bank’s Regional VP for Miami-Dade County, moved to Miami in 2008 to attend the University of Miami, where she earned a Bachelor’s and MBA, and competed on the Cross Country and Track & Field teams. Shortly after graduation, she applied to be a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami, and continued with the program for a couple of years before competing priorities took over. Today, she is back in full force as a Board Member and champion of the School-To-Work program, where TD Bank has 30 employees paying it forward by meeting with their “Littles” once a month to teach them about banking during their mentorship sessions. “When you are volunteering your time, it is the passion behind the cause that keeps you going,” she says. “To really make the most impact, find what you are most passionate about. This often leads to volunteers taking on larger roles within the non-profit, which expands the impact they are able to make in the community.”; BBBSMiami.org.
