FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- Voices for Children of Broward County, a non-profit 501(c) (3) held its second annual fundraising event "Soaring for Children" on May 2, 2013 at Ferrari Maserati of Fort Lauderdale.

"Voices for Children" supports the Guardian ad Litem Program in its efforts to advocate for abused, neglected, and abandoned children in Broward County.

In Florida, there are more than 32,000 children now in the dependency system that have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.

At any given time, there are approximately 2100 children taken from their homes and placed in the custody of the court in Broward County. Through no fault of their own, these children are cast into a complex, chaotic and uncertain environment of courtrooms and foster care. They are alone and frightened. The Guardians ad Litem are specially trained volunteers from the community who are appointed by the court to work one-on-one with these children to provide a voice for them during the most difficult time in their lives. They advise the judge on the child's progress, advocating for the child through the child's time in the dependency court system. They fight for and protect a child's right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect and to learn to grow in the security of a loving family. The Guardian ad Litem is often the only voice and person, advocating for the child throughout their time in the dependency system.

The inspiring fundraising event highlighted two well-respected community leaders that stand out in their professional careers, personal ethics and that have been essential "Voices of Distinction" for "Voices for Children's of Broward's" growth. Honorees were Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, highlighted for his tremendous and consistent support of Voices for Children since its formation in 2011, and Louis Berlin, CEO of Berlin Consulting Group, a founding board member, business leader and one of the organization's most active volunteers.

Gia-Tutalo-Mote, an Emmy award-winning television producer/reporter and Founder/ CEO of Forever Family and a champion for children in America's foster care served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.

Over 400 guests attended including; the Tri County's top corporate, financial, legal and community leaders. All enjoyed live jazz music performed by Urban Gypsy, raffles, a silent auction, fine food, wines and cocktails amongst the beautiful vehicles on display at Ferrari Maserati of Fort Lauderdale. A live auction led by Michael Yavner, Senior VP, Safra National Bank of NY, Aventura featured a fabulous getaway and a Maserati Weekend, courtesy of Ferrari-Maserati of Fort Lauderdale and the Fontainebleau Hotel, jewelry from Ron's Diamonds, Sports Packages from the Dolphins, Panthers, Heat, Marlins and Fantastic Mounted Memories, and guests also had an opportunity to bid on packages to become a BSO Sheriff and BSO Firefighter for a Day, courtesy of Sheriff Scott Israel.

Event Co-Chairs were Donna Inglis, Matthew Tannenbaum and Pam Tindall and Arielle Capuano, the Women's Voices Committee Chairperson. The Exclusive Presenting Sponsor and Founding Voice is Eaton/Hydraulic Supply Companies and Mr. and Mrs. James H. Inglis. Gold Sponsors: HunterDouglas and Royal Caribbean. Silver Sponsors: AutoNation, Pam Tindall, Colodny, Fass, Talenfeld, Karlinsky, Abate, Webb, Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation. Bronze Sponsors: David Schulman & Rik Karchefsky, DBS Financial Group, Community Bank, CHRYSALIS, Wheelabrator Technologies, Unwin Moore Children's voice Fund of the Community Foundation of Broward. Event sponsors: Ferrari Maserati of Fort Lauderdale, James Ross Advertising Agency, Jeff Winters photography, O'Connell & Goldberg, Slainte Wines, Inc., Toto's Handmade Vodka, Urban Gypsy and Vizcaya Valet. Many generous donations of goods and services made the event successful by numerous community supporters.

Voices for Children, Broward Board Members are Judge John Frusciante Honorary Board member, Amy Goldin, President, Robert Kopf, Vice President, Louis Berlin, Secretary, Arielle Capuano, Donna Inglis, Matt Levinson, Margarita Orta, Rich Pruitt, Justin Serian, and Sam Zeskind. The Voices for Children Host and Event Planning Committees did an outstanding job to make this year's fundraiser an exceptional success.

The Voices for Children, Broward staff, administration and over 600 volunteers work together with the 17th Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program devoting their time and advocating for the best interests of children in Broward County in the care of the state. Voices for Children of Broward County is actively seeking more committed and dedicated volunteers and donations from the community.

For More information on Voices for Children, Broward: Call 954-915-6949, Email: info@voicesbroward.org or visit the web site at www.voicesbroward.org