Captured Event

November, 25 2009 - Covenant House 16th Annual Cranberry Jam

What: Young Professionals for Covenant House annual fundraiser the night before Thanksgiving

Where: Exit 66 night club

When: November 25, 2009

Beneficiary: Covenant House

Committee Members: Michelle Zimmer (City of Tamarac, Parks & Recreation), David Laidacker (Aetna), Natalie Cardenas (Covenant House Florida), Suzanne Higgins (Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center), John Haley (Haley Engineering, Inc.), Chuck Malkus (Malkus Communications Group), Melissa Milroy (Galleria Mall), Frank Gernert (Coconuts), Lisa Scott-Founds (Winterfest), Tim Schiavone (The World Famous Parrot Lounge), and Carolyn Michaels (Greater Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce).

President(s): Michelle Zimmer

Entertainment: Gypsy Lane & Hep Cat Boo Daddies

Sponsors: Bud Light Golden Wheat, Exit 66, The World Famous Parrot Lounge, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Panera Bread, Quarterdeck Las Olas, and Cold Stone Creamery 17th Street.

Board of Directors: Young Professionals for Covenant House – Michelle Zimmer, David Laidacker, Jessica Osman, Jennifer Harrison, May Mokdad, Camila Daza, Raquel Moya, Jennifer Steelman, and Ernie Varela.

Blacktie Photos by: Ginny Fujino, Blacktie-Southflorida

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16th Annual Cranberry Jam Raises $5,000, Attracts 300

In spite of the torrential rain, Thanksgiving Eve’s 16^th Annual Cranberry Jam raised $5,000 for Covenant House Florida and attracted more than 300 guests.  The heavy downpour prompted a last-minute venue change for the event, hosted by the Young Professionals for Covenant House (YPFCH) and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Beach Council, from Fort Lauderdale beach to Exit 66 night club.

Despite the rain, we had a successful event with plenty of food and drink and great entertainment.  Plus, we were able to raise important funds to help the kids at Covenant House Florida,” said Michelle Zimmer, YPFCH president.

Highlights of the included music by Gypsy Lane and Hep Cat Boo Daddies and a Taste of the Beach competition decided by celebrity judges. Taste of the Beach winners were Quarterdeck Las Olas (Best Taste), Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (Best Presentation) and Panera Bread (Best Overall).

Celebrity Judges included Dan Lindblade, president/CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Paula DaSilva, Hell's Kitchen season 5 finalist & chef de cuisine at 3030 Ocean and Ron Duprat, Top Chef current season 6 contestant and executive chef at Latitudes Restaurant.  In addition to major sponsors Bud Light Golden Wheat and Exit 66, sponsors included the World Famous Parrot Lounge, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Cold Stone Creamery 17th Street Causeway, Panera Bread, and Quarterdeck Las Olas.

In addition, former University of Miami and Detroit Lions player Bennie Blades and former Miami Dolphins and New York Jets player Kerry Glenn signed autographs for fans.  Guests won raffle prizes from the Courtyard by MarriottFort LauderdaleBeach, W Fort Lauderdale, The Exchange Lofts, The Florida Marlins, and many other wonderful raffle sponsors.

Cranberry Jam is the largest signature event that the Young Professionals for Covenant House host every year the night before Thanksgiving.  This year’s Cranberry Jam is a partnered event with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Beach Council and is also a Winterfest-sanctioned event.

The Young Professionals for Covenant House is a dedicated group of adults between the ages of 21-45 helping to raise money and increase awareness for Covenant House Florida by hosting social, networking, and sporting events in the South Florida area.  Covenant House Florida serves runaway, homeless and at-risk youths under 21 including teen parents and their babies.  The Beach Council’s mission is to champion the Beach through collaborative relationships to encourage responsible growth and to actively pursue achievable common goals.  For more information, call (954) 568-7916 or visit the YPFCH web-site at www.youngpros.net.