The 15th Annual Starfish Luncheon returned on May 12, 2022 with success after a two-year hiatus with the help of sponsors, donors, and over 400 community leaders in attendance. 

Long-time community partners that have championed service for survivors of domestic violence — UKG, Jim Moran Foundation, Suzanne Klimek and Pamela Palumbo on behalf of the memory of their mother, Patti Liebowitz — along with a survivor who now is a small business entrepreneur, were honored at the Women In Distress 15th Annual Starfish Luncheon on May 12th at the Signature Grand in Davie. The event emerged from a two year hiatus of events due to the pandemic.

Presenting Sponsors: JM Family Enterprises, Billie Grieb, Universal Property & Casualty and UKG, and were joined by more than 50 event sponsors and table hosts. Additional event sponsors included: Judith Thiel, The Kelsey Group, Inc., the Thomas Family Foundation, Holy Cross Hospital, The Leo Goodwin Foundation, Memorial Healthcare System, and Nova Southeastern University. The event drew more than 400 community and business leaders to support free and confidential programs for adults and children affected by family violence.

A challenge grant from the Kelsey Group matched donations made at the luncheon up to $20,000, helping Women in Distress (WID) surpass its goal for the event which also included a large silent auction with a lot of fun and unique items up for bid.

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Cecile Leroux, Group Vice President of Research and Innovation for UKG accepted one of the community awards on behalf of UKG. UKG’s commitment stretches far beyond simple financial support as employees are continually volunteering for seasonal engagements, stuffing backpacks every summer, filling grocery bags for Thanksgiving and organizing toys during the holidays. One of the most visible examples of their impact is the Ultimate Training Center, where domestic violence survivors are empowered with financial literacy training and other useful skills relating to career growth and development.

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The memory of Patti Leibowitz was honored by her two daughters, Suzanne Klimek and Pamela Palumbo. Patti Leibowitz was an adored former board member, volunteer, and longtime donor helping WID grow into one of the largest and most multi-faceted domestic violence shelters in the country. She will forever be remembered by her powerful voice, infectious laughter, and her enthusiasm to make a difference in her community. Patti’s spirit of community service lives on in her daughters, Suzanne and Pamela, who remain dedicated supporters of the mission of Women In Distress.

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Melanie Burgess, Executive Director at The Jim Moran Foundation, accepted a community award on behalf of the third and final honoree, The Jim Moran Foundation. The Jim Moran Foundation has been a great supporter of the mission of Women In Distress, and has demonstrated this support in a variety of ways over many, many years. Imprinted within the DNA of The Jim Moran Foundation by founder Jim Moran is the need to have their finger on the pulse of the needs of the community and to support efforts that improve lives.  The Jim Moran Foundation demonstrated its commitment to these values when the pandemic hit. Where most saw crisis, they saw an opportunity to advance their own mission to serve and made a great contribution knowing that Women In Distress, like many other nonprofit agencies, faced a revenue crisis. It was The Jim Moran Foundation who reached out to learn of the needs of Women In Distress and offer assistance, a literal lifeline to domestic violence survivors! Women In Distress is proud to join hands with myriad nonprofit agencies in our community to recognize the true spirit of community leadership displayed by The Jim Moran Foundation in the face of a crisis.

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Annually at the Starfish luncheon, Women In Distress also honors a survivor of domestic violence who was a participant at the agency. This year, Catiana Altidor, addressed the crowd as a powerful example of someone who took advantage of the safety and resources offered by Women In Distress to launch her life in an exciting and fulfilling new trajectory. She explained that she is now using her past trauma to be a voice for the community and empower other people who have also dealt with domestic violence.

Catiana Speaks – Keynote Speaker & Life Coach

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“It takes all of us, working in caring and collaborative ways,to fulfill our mission to stop domestic violence for everyone through intervention, education, and advocacy. Community is key to keeping families safe and breaking the cycle of domestic violence and helping each survivor recognize their own Power. We are so grateful to be back at our 15th Annual Starfish Luncheon, as this gives us an opportunity to come together and make our community stronger.”

— Linda L. Parker, Ph.D., President and CEO of Women In Distress

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The annual Starfish Luncheon event helps Women In Distress provide free and confidential services in multiple languages to families affected by domestic violence, such as: a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling and therapy services, Injunction-for-Protection legal services, prevention and education services for the community and Broward County’s first pet shelter for families affected by domestic violence.

The Women In Distress Jim and Jan Moran Family Center campus is located in Deerfield Beach and includes the Leo Goodwin Foundation Outreach Building. Services also are provided at several site throughout Broward County including the main courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Last year, Women In Distress provided more than 27,000 nights of safe shelter, answered nearly 15,000 calls to its 24-Hour Crisis Hotline and provided 23,000 hours of counseling and therapy.