12/28/2023
As 2023 comes to an end, life gives us a chance to reflect on the past year and how we made and will continue to make a difference in the lives of special needs children and their families. Here is DDF's YEAR IN REVIEW 2023 for your reading enjoyment!!!
DDF’S YEAR IN REVIEW 2023
Greetings DDF Donors, Volunteers and Friends,
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! We would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for supporting our efforts, share with you DDF's past year and wish you and your loved ones a Beautiful and Blessed 2024!!
Through your generosity, time and support, 2023 got off to a great start and DDF was able to provide valuable resources, finances and programs for affected children and the families we serve!!
With your support, this past spring, Opening Day was another great event as DDF was proud to sponsor the Coral Springs Challenger Baseball League for the twelfth year! Two hundred children made up five teams of special needs kids and their families enjoyed the game of baseball for the season!! Such an amazing program and so honored to be a part of it all! DDF participated for the twelfth year at “Special Day For Special Kids” at Opalocka Airport. This fun filled day for special needs children and their families enabled them to participate in a number of activities set up for the children as the entire family gets an opportunity to experience a private plane ride over Miami Beach!! Another awesome event we are honored to be a part of!! With over 200 families in attendance, the smiles were priceless!! DDF was also excited to help organize and participate in an educational floating classroom with Miami Waterkeepers. An amazing hands on experience for a group of special needs students to learn about marine life and water studies on Biscayne Bay!!!
Continuing into the summer months, DDF hosted a number of social events for the families, including Two Christmas in July events with visits from Santa and gifts for all the children, DDF’s Annual Miami Dolphins Family Game Day, and Eleven DDF Miami Marlins Family Game Days including Military Appreciation Day and games for our Veterans at Loan Depot Ballpark! ALL great turnouts totaling 1200+ attendees!!
Throughout the year DDF attended a number of support group meetings for affected individuals and children with growth related disorders and disabilities here in South Florida. We were also invited and honored to be a part of Autism Awareness Family Fun Day sponsored by the Dan Marino Foundation. Wonderful resources for children to develop friendships as parents share with others who understand.
In the fall, DDF participated in the Joe DiMaggio Annual Special Needs Family Resource Fair for the sixteenth year at Signature Grand in Davie. DDF was able to reach out to new families and provide educational information and resources for their children as well as include them in DDF's programs and social events with our existing families.
DDF took part in the Broward County Parks and Recreation Special Populations 2023 Bowling Banquet!! This amazing end of their bowling season celebration was filled with great fun, live DJ, dancing, live action characters, food and prizes for many of our families and others throughout our community!!!
For another year with great excitement, DDF was able to distribute Thanksgiving Baskets overflowing with ALL the fixings for a bountiful and blessed holiday meal to our families and others in need!!!
As the Holiday Season quickly approached, DDF nominated three families for the Miami Herald Holiday Wish Book for the eleventh year!! Our year wrapped up with ALL wishes granted for our three amazing nominees and their families!!! In addition to numerous Holiday Gift Cards to ensure a joyful holiday, granted wishes included two new lap tops for two autistic high school students, financial assistance for a special needs family and a deep sea fishing charter!!!
It has been a great and busy year!! DDF’s families experienced a number of treasured moments and fun filled events in 2023!!! Our web site will be updated and continue to post events and activities as well as a link to all the photos on Face Book. DDF's Face Book page and social media has enabled us to reach out to others we may not have had the opportunity to meet or connect with. Our photo galleries of all our events are in full swing and the families absolutely love being a part of it!!
We invite you to please visit our web site at www.DanielleDeMarzoFoundation.org and like our page on Face Book at https://www.facebook.com/DanielleDeMarzoFoundation/ see the smiles and see all the great stuff made possible through your contribution!!
DDF is still going strong and will continue to host social activities and events as well as all of our programs through 2024!!!
We've said it before and the truth remains…with many of life's challenges for many of our families we are so fortunate to have such loyal donors and dedicated volunteers!! We can't say it enough...Thank you for your continued support!!!
Great stuff, treasured times and priceless moments all made possible through individuals like yourself who give of yourself for others!! Again, the smiles speak volumes!! Thank you with all our hearts for touching the hearts of so many of our kids!!! Thank you for being a part of making a difference and creating great family memories. Thank you for choosing us as your charity for the year!!!
Whether it was your time, talent or financial contribution, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! We couldn’t have done it without you!!! Please pass on “Our Story” to family, friends and colleagues that may be interested in our efforts. https://www.danielledemarzofoundation.org/our-story Also, let us know if there is a family you know that we can be of assistance.
Holiday, Year-End donations and financial support throughout the year can be received on our web site at www.DanielleDeMarzoFoundation.org ,via pay pal at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=XBVOEPLEWA8pfIsUEjR5cxNPSMKc_lfJ7Ad3RfeXS0GYYTGKdpw_aqu30u1O8a4FAn0n6m&country.x=US&locale.x=US or by mail payable to Danielle DeMarzo Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 771675, Coral Springs, FL 33077.
Should you have any questions or want to speak with us regarding our organization or speak with me personally, please contact us at 866-295-KIDS or on my mobile 954-822-4329.
In closing, as DDF’s Donors, Volunteers and Friends, we value your input and welcome your suggestions. If you would like to be more involved, be on a committee or have a fundraising idea please contact us. Some of these are already posted on our web site calendar.
On behalf of ALL of us at DDF and the Families, Thank you again!! Enjoy your time with family, friends and loved ones and Wishing You ALL The Best For A Joyous, Healthy And Prosperous New Year!!!
Sincerely,
Jeannie DeMarzo
