Galleria Fort Lauderdale GM Angel Cordero, Mayor Dean Trantalis, Senator Rosalind Osgood, Steven Ronik, Ed.D., Representative Chip LaMarca, and David Cooley at the ribbon at the grand opening of The Poppy Project Pop-Up Living Garden at Galleria Fort Lauderdale

City officials and community leaders welcome the public art installation honoring veterans and supporting mental health services through November 15

October 13, 2026 – The poppies are in bloom at Galleria Fort Lauderdale through November 15! The public is invited to grab a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity at The Poppy Project Pop-Up Living Garden to raise awareness and funds for Henderson Behavioral Health’s work serving veterans, active-duty service members and military families.

To welcome the tribute art installation, Galleria Fort Lauderdale hosted two events including a public ribbon-cutting ceremony and an exclusive cocktail reception presented by Henderson Behavioral Health (HBH) in collaboration with the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) Support Committee. The highlights of these two efforts were Representative Chip LaMarca and Senator Rosalind Osgood presenting HBH with a check for $1.35 million and a special $60,000 check presentation by Disabled American Veterans. Across both events, guests experienced patriotic tributes, live music, community reflections and opportunities to learn more about HBH’s services.

“The Poppy Project Pop-Up Living Garden is a powerful way for our community to come together in remembrance of those who have patriotically served our country and to honor them by supporting vital mental health programs and services,” said Dr. Steven Ronik, CEO of Henderson Behavioral Health. “We value our partnership with Galleria Fort Lauderdale and salute them and our other sponsors for presenting this extension of our program, ensuring that those who have served and continue to protect our country receive the care they deserve.”

Designed by South Florida based Ingham Landscaping and presented by Galleria Fort Lauderdale, the two-month living garden is a lively setting featuring the five-and 6-foot striking handcrafted fiberglass poppy flowers which are a remembrance of those who protect and serve our country. The inside mall garden includes a variety of tropical ornamental plants and shrubs that complement the artistic poppy works of art.

Guests to the mall can take colorful photos to share online and connect with and donate to HBH’s virtual Legacy Wall which encourages friends and families to honor loved ones who have served or are currently serving our country. The campaign will continue throughout the year, aligning with nationally recognized holidays including Veterans Day.

Funds raised through sponsorship of the poppies and donations will directly support Henderson Behavioral Health’s VICTORY (Veterans in Counseling to Obtain Recovery) Program, which provides free mental health services to veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families, including outreach and education across South Florida, workshops addressing mental health challenges impacting military families, and individual and relationship therapy offered both in clinical settings and within the community.

As an extension of the garden, accomplished artist Marilyn Johansen presents an exclusive art series, “Soldier Stories,” in honor of our U.S. military based on her close family ties to serving our country. Her father was a career military Air Force fighter pilot who flew in WWII, Korea, the Cold War and Vietnam and served time as a prisoner of war. Her husband, a former Marine, is now a volunteer with Honor Flight South Florida. Her nephew, and cousins served in Afghanistan and other relatives currently serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Coast Guard.

In addition, visitors are encouraged to select free postcards and add a personal message to current servicemen and women. This special moment is arranged by the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD28) Support Committee.

“Galleria Fort Lauderdale is proud to present this special photo moment and tribute to veterans in support of Henderson Behavioral Health and their efforts to provide vital mental health services,” said Shaneika Haskins, marketing director at Galleria Fort Lauderdale. “We are thankful to our past and present military for their contributions to our country and we invite the community to join us in honoring their legacy.”

Inspired by the poppy’s historical significance as a symbol of sacrifice, rooted in the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields,” and later adopted as a national emblem of remembrance, HBH’s The Poppy Project brings this tradition to life in a local and meaningful way.

Since 2023, Henderson Behavioral Health has served hundreds of veterans, including more than 250 in 2025 alone, reflecting the growing demand for accessible, high-quality mental health care. As a vital safety net within the community, the organization continues to see increasing demand for veteran-focused services, highlighting the need for continued resources to support and expand access to care.

The tribute program is sponsored by key community partners, sponsors, and supporters including The Leo Goodwin Foundation, Arlene Pecora, the Henderson Behavioral Health Board of Directors, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD28) Support Committee, Community Foundation of Broward, Disabled American Veterans-Gold Coast Chapter 133 and Galleria Fort Lauderdale.

To learn more about The Poppy Project Pop-Up Living Garden at Galleria Fort Lauderdale, and for a complete list of retailers, call (954) 564-1015 or visit www.hendersonbh.org.

About Henderson Behavioral Health

Established in 1953, Henderson Behavioral Health (HBH or Henderson) is one of Florida’s oldest and largest nonprofit providers of mental health and substance use disorder services, serving more than 30,000 individuals of all ages each year. Through a comprehensive approach that includes clinical care, housing, supported employment and advocacy, Henderson helps individuals achieve recovery and lead meaningful, independent lives. With programs and facilities throughout South Florida, the organization provides a wide range of accessible, evidence-based services designed to treat the whole person. Henderson is fully accredited at the highest level by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (C.A.R.F.). For more information visit, hendersonbh.org or call (954) 777-1624.

About Galleria Fort Lauderdale

Galleria Fort Lauderdale, recognized as one of South Florida’s premier shopping destinations, features a variety of popular dining and retail options. Macy’s, Dillard’s and H&M anchor the center which also is home to Apple, Banana Republic, Free People and Pandora. The center features an assortment of dining establishments such as Seasons 52, The Capital Grille and P.F. Chang’s. Coming in late 2027, Galleria Fort Lauderdale will welcome Florida’s first Wayfair retail location. Just steps away from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach, it is minutes from the airport, port, downtown, hotels and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center with easy access from Sunrise Boulevard, U.S. Highway 1 (Federal Highway), Interstate 95, Interstate 595, and U.S. Highway A1A (Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard). Located at 2414 East Sunrise Blvd., it is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon. through Sat. and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sun. Restaurants and anchors enjoy varied hours. More information is available by calling (954) 564-1015 or by visiting www.galleriamall-fl.com.