Front row: Yohandra Fuentes, Director, Broward Health International; Eileen Lamarca; Michele Thoman, MBA, RN, chief operating officer of Broward Health Medical Center; Back row: Donald B. Jaffee, chief financial officer of Broward Health Medical Center; Broward Health Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Jose Martinez, MD, FACC, FACP; Broward Health Medical Center CEO Manny Linares; Broward Health Vice President, Corporate Communications & Marketing Jennifer Smith; Stacy Angier, member of the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners; Broward Health Foundation President Don Eachus; Bernardo B. Fernandez, Jr., M.D., corporate physician executive
December 30, 2024 – Broward Health and Business for the Arts Broward (BFA) celebrated the completion of the vibrant, iconic mural at Broward Health Medical Center with a ceremonial ribbon cutting attended by donors, artists and the leadership of Broward Health and Business for the Arts.
The mural, a key part of the ongoing beautification project for the Broward Health downtown medical campus, visually captures the spirit of Broward Health’s mission and vision, as well as the inspiration behind the brand, and showcases the beauty and creativity Fort Lauderdale offers. At the center of the mural, bold, bright letters proudly display a direct takeaway of the mission to offer “exceptional care, extraordinary compassion, everyday excellence.” Interlaced throughout the mural are organic elements that are present through the community and reflect Broward Health’s new brand, including hibiscus, blue skies, palms, water elements and much more.
“At 247 feet wide, we are thrilled that this stunning artwork has made history as the largest mural ever completed by Business for the Arts Broward,” said Shane Strum, President & CEO of Broward Health. “This mural truly embodies the spirit of community that exists in Broward County, and I couldn’t be more grateful to all those involved in this project. Thank you for giving our employees, patients, visitors and neighbors the gift of this beautiful art.”
Ribbon Cutting Photo (L to R): Artists Patricia Kluwe Derderian, Sara Marcano, Ashlee Sanford, Stephanie Leyden and Colin Breslin; Artist Lori Pratico; Wayne and Lucretia Weiner; Stacy Angier, member of the North Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners; Broward Health Medical Center CEO Manny Linares; Eileen LaMarca; Cathy Donnelly; Business for the Arts Executive Director Robyn Vegas; and Broward Health Foundation President Don Eachus
In addition to Broward Health and Business for the Arts, sponsors of the mural included Cathy & James Donnelly Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, Wayne and Lucretia Weiner and Crown Residential.
The mural, part of the “BFA Art Walls: Let’s Make Broward Beautiful” initiative, is the first project in Business for the Arts’ mural mentorship program. Lead artist Lori Pratico mentored five South Florida artists, who helped bring the mural to life. Pratico mentored participating artists Colin Breslin, Patricia Kluwe Derderian, Stephanie Leyden, Sara Marcano and Ashlee Sanford.
“These talented artists, who worked relentlessly through both rain and shine, have truly captured the essence of our community,” said Manny Linares, CEO of Broward Health Medical Center. “This remarkable artwork will leave a lasting legacy, enhancing the beauty and spirit of our city for years to come.”
Pratico designed the mural to brighten and uplift both staff and patients and to serve as a constant reminder of the hospital’s mission, helping to instill a sense of hope and positivity for everyone who walks or drives by. “The inspiration stems from the hospital’s core values,” Pratico said. “By intertwining these words in the mural, I created a visual representation of how each value supports and enhances the others.”
Originally purchased at a fundraiser by Cathy Donnelly, the mural was donated to Broward Health for its medical district beautification. Additional support came from donors including the Weiners and the Broward Health Foundation.
About Broward Health
Broward Health, founded in 1938 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, ranks among the 10 largest public healthcare systems in the United States. Nationally recognized for its focus on high-quality care for the residents of Broward County and beyond, Broward Health boasts five hospitals, two trauma centers, a dynamic academic partnership with Florida Atlantic University, was the county’s first statutory teaching hospital and has an ever-growing graduate medical education program. It includes more than 50 health centers and physician practices covering virtually every healthcare specialty.
Broward Health never stops working toward its mission of Exceptional Care, Extraordinary Compassion and Everyday Excellence. Driven by more than 11,000 talented employees and physicians who deliver care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, Broward Health is one of the largest employers in Broward County with an operating budget of $1.6 billion, and annually provides more than $470 million of charity and uncompensated care.
For more information about Broward Health, visit BrowardHealth.org.
About Business for the Arts Broward
Business for the Arts Broward is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) engaging businesses and business leaders to advocate and educate about the importance of the County’s art and cultural community as well as to recognize the connection between cultural vitality, creative success, and economic development. To learn more visit www.Facebook.com/BFABroward or www.bfabroward.org.
