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FFTP’s 25th Annual Celebration of Hope Gala: Building Dreams and Homes for Families in Haiti

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COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (Oct. 3, 2024) – For 25 years, Food For The Poor’s Celebration of Hope Gala has been a beacon of hope for Haiti’s most vulnerable families, providing them not just with homes, but with new beginnings. This year, the virtual gala aims to build homes for 25 families in Patasson, Haiti, bringing the dream of a safe and secure future for those who need it most.

The livestreamed gala will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. ET. Jamaican singer-songwriter and humanitarian Glacia Robinson will perform songs from her album “Hands of Mercy.”

Dr. Lynne Nasrallah, who has chaired the gala for a quarter of a century, reflected on her countless mission trips to Haiti and the contrast between the poverty she’s witnessed and the unwavering hope that exists among the people.

“Through my travels with Food For The Poor, I have seen unimaginable destitution in Haiti, but I have also seen remarkable hope,” Nasrallah said. “It is our donors and partners who continue to unite us in this work, giving life-changing support to those in need. Together, we bring light where there is darkness.”

Nasrallah recalls being given an assignment in the 6th grade at Sacred Heart School in Auburn, Maine: Go to the library and choose a book on the life of a saint. Nasrallah chose “The Story of a Soul” by St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the patron saint of the missions.

Later in life, when Nasrallah encountered impoverished families in her travels with FFTP, she was reminded of a valuable lesson taught by St. Thérèse, Mother Teresa and the Mahfood founders of FFTP.

“If I looked carefully, I would see Jesus in the poor,” Nasrallah said. “And then discover Jesus in the poor who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, unemployed, the outcast with leprosy. All I had to do was open my heart and my hands to embrace the hopeless, the unwanted and actually experience the embrace of Jesus himself.”

In Patasson, a remote community in Haiti’s northeast region, residents live in fragile structures that offer little protection from storms. The new homes will include two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and a rainwater collection system connected to a 500-gallon water reservoir – transformational blessings for these families. A community center will provide families a place to gather.

“What we are building in Patasson is more than just shelter,” FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine said. “We are building a foundation for hope, dignity, and self-sufficiency. The homes we provide change lives in ways that go far beyond walls and roofs. They create opportunities for families to thrive.”

Last year’s Celebration of Hope Gala raised funds to build more than 40 homes for families in Trouchouchou, Haiti, and 20 of those homes have already been completed.

“Thanks to our generous donors, these families’ prayers are being answered,” Raine said. “Their dreams of safety and stability are becoming reality, and we are humbled to be a part of that transformation.”

For more information on how to support the 25th Annual Celebration of Hope Gala or to RSVP, please visit foodforthepoor.org/celebration.

Committee members include: Dr. Lynne Nasrallah, chair, Linda Bonnewitz, Bruny and Paula Compas, George and Kim del Campo, Mike and Dr. Desirae Friend, Cynthia Hawkins, Nicole Nasrallah, George and Joanne Olson, Lisa Padilla Ortiz, Nancy Padilla, Dwight and Lisa Saathoff, Tom and Jean Wilkes, Jean and Donna Wilson, and Holly Wilson.

Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation, does much more than feed millions of hungry children and families living in poverty primarily in 15 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. This interdenominational Christian ministry provides emergency relief assistance, water, medicine, educational materials, homes, support for vulnerable children, care for the aged, skills training, and micro-enterprise development assistance. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.

 

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Business

Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker

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Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute, Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center Welcome Dr. Anna Walker

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute (FEMI) and Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center (MRSE) have announced the addition of optometrist Dr. Anna Walker to their medical teams, expanding comprehensive eye care services for patients across Palm Beach County.

Walker provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages, specializing in primary eye care, ocular disease management, specialty contact lenses and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Her practice focuses on preventive eye health through comprehensive examinations, advanced diagnostic technology and individualized treatment plans.

“Dr. Walker brings excellent clinical training and a compassionate approach to patient care,” said Omayra Alvarado, practice administrator for FEMI. “We are confident she will help further our mission of delivering exceptional eye care across South Florida.”

Walker earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in biology from Stonehill College. She completed her residency at the Malcolm Randall VA Medical Center, where she specialized in comprehensive optometric care with an emphasis on ocular disease management and specialty contact lenses.

Her clinical training also includes refractive surgery co-management, IPL therapy and advanced diagnostic techniques. Walker is certified in laser procedures and injections through the New England College of Optometry.

According to the practices, Walker combines advanced clinical expertise with a personalized approach to patient care, focusing on preserving long-term eye health and improving patients’ quality of life.

Walker will see patients at Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute’s East Boynton Beach office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and at Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center in Boca Raton on Mondays and Fridays.

Patients interested in scheduling routine eye examinations or establishing ongoing eye care with Dr. Walker can learn more by visiting Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute or Mitchell Refractive Surgery & Eye Center.

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South Florida News

Uruguay, Saudi Arabia Play to 1-1 Tie as World Cup Atmosphere Electrifies Miami Gardens

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FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Hard Rock Stadium felt more like Montevideo than South Florida on Monday as tens of thousands of Uruguayan supporters packed the venue for Uruguay’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

A crowd of 62,764 fans created a vibrant international atmosphere, with Uruguay supporters draped in giant blue-and-white flags and chanting “U-ru-guay! U-ru-guay!” throughout the match. Despite the passionate backing, Uruguay was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.

The stadium was awash in light blue as Uruguayan fans filled much of the venue, transforming Miami Gardens into a home-away-from-home for La Celeste. Meanwhile, a spirited contingent of Saudi supporters occupied sections of the south stands, waving green flags and providing energetic support for their national team.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

WORLD CUP ATMOSPHERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

The match showcased South Florida’s growing reputation as an international soccer destination, drawing fans from across the globe and creating a World Cup-like environment inside Hard Rock Stadium.

Both teams battled evenly throughout the contest, with neither side able to find a decisive breakthrough. The result leaves Uruguay and Saudi Arabia with a point apiece as they continue their tournament campaigns.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

FANS DELIVER MEMORABLE SCENE

While the match ended in a draw, the atmosphere was among the day’s biggest highlights. The sea of blue-and-white and the nonstop chants from Uruguay supporters were matched by the enthusiasm of Saudi fans, producing a memorable international soccer showcase in Miami Gardens.

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Florida

Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones Will Not Seek Re-Election, Fuels Speculation About Congressional Run

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MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic State Sen. Shevrin Jones announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to Florida Senate District 34, ending a 13-year tenure in the Florida Legislature and fueling speculation about a possible run for Congress.

Jones, who has represented Senate District 34 since 2020, shared the decision in a video posted on social media.

“After a lot of prayer, reflection, and honest conversations with the people closest to me, I’ve decided that I will not seek re-election to the Florida Senate,” Jones said.

13 Years in the Florida Legislature

Jones was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012, where he served until his election to the Florida Senate in 2020. During his legislative career, he emerged as one of South Florida’s most prominent Democratic lawmakers, advocating on issues including education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and civil rights.

His decision not to seek another term marks the end of more than a decade of service in Tallahassee.

Speculation Grows About Congressional Bid

Jones’ announcement comes as political observers speculate that he may be preparing a campaign for Florida’s 24th Congressional District.

The seat is expected to become open following Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s decision not to seek re-election in 2026. Wilson has represented the district since 2011 and remains one of South Florida’s most influential Democratic leaders.

Although Jones did not formally announce plans for another office, he acknowledged public interest regarding his political future.

“I know there’s been a lot of conversation about what’s next for me,” Jones said. “And there will be time to talk about that at a later date.”

Open Congressional Seat Draws Attention

Wilson’s departure is expected to trigger a competitive race to succeed her in Congress, with several current and former elected officials reportedly considering bids for the seat.

Jones’ decision to leave the Florida Senate immediately places him among the names being discussed as a potential contender for the congressional district, which includes portions of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

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