Coral Springs Community Chest honors longtime civic leader Maureen Berk while awarding $48,500 to nonprofits serving local residents
Coral Springs, Florida – A wave of applause swept through the Coral Springs Center for the Arts on Thursday morning, rising almost instantly the moment Maureen Berk’s name was announced. For many in the room, the celebration marked more than an award ceremony — it was a chance to recognize a woman whose influence has shaped local giving for decades. And for the first time, the organization’s annual grants will now carry her name, tying her legacy permanently to the work she helped build.
Berk, a steady presence in the early years of Coral Springs Community Chest, seemed both moved and humbled by the tribute. As attendees stood, she remained seated, smiling as friends, colleagues, and longtime partners applauded the impact she has had across the community. When she finally addressed the room, her words were brief but full of emotion. “Thank you for this honor and filling my heart,” she said. “I’m at home again.”
The rest of the annual breakfast unfolded in a way that reflected Berk’s longstanding focus on service. Year after year, the Community Chest has centered its mission on supporting residents facing hardship, and this gathering was no different. During the ceremony, the organization awarded $48,500 in grants to 22 nonprofits that work directly with Coral Springs families. The funding will help groups that provide services for seniors, children, individuals with disabilities, families in crisis, and residents confronting hunger, homelessness, and mental health challenges.
Board Chair Gillian Johnson presented the awards, applauding the organizations for the quiet but essential work they do every day. “They are the heart of our community,” she said, noting that each group plays a role in strengthening the city’s social support network.
This year’s breakfast also brought an unexpected moment of generosity. Members of the Coral Springs Festival of the Arts committee announced a surprise $10,000 donation to Community Chest. The festival, which ended last year after many successful seasons, chose to distribute some of its remaining funds to help Coral Springs nonprofits continue their work. The announcement drew smiles across the room, adding another layer of community spirit to an already emotional morning.
For Community Chest, the mission has remained consistent since the organization was founded in 1988: keep local dollars serving local needs. Unlike many regional or national organizations, Coral Springs Community Chest ensures that the money raised within the city stays within the city. According to the group, 98 percent of all funds go directly to programs supporting residents — a commitment that has helped the organization distribute more than $2 million over the decades.
This year’s grant recipients span a wide range of services across Broward County. They include: 211 Broward, ARC Broward, Areawide Council on Aging of Broward County, Broward Housing Solutions, Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Eagles’ Haven, Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida, Family Promise of Southeast Florida, Feeding South Florida, Gateway Community Outreach, Goodman Jewish Family Services, HANDY, Inc., Light of the World Clinic, Lighthouse of Broward, Mental Health America of Southeast Florida, Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital, Sweet Dream Makers, The Friendship Initiative / The Friendship Journey, Serving With Grace, Tomorrow’s Rainbow, and Voices for Children of Broward County.
Beyond the breakfast, Community Chest is also encouraging residents to take part in its latest fundraiser, “Pizza for a Purpose,” running through Nov. 16. Pepperoni Grill on Wiles Road will donate 20 percent of dine-in, takeout, and delivery orders to the organization when customers mention Coral Springs Community Chest. The simple promotion gives locals another way to support the causes highlighted during the morning’s celebration.
As the event came to a close, the applause for Berk and the nonprofit leaders in attendance seemed to echo the shared belief that community giving is strongest when rooted in compassion. For many, Thursday’s gathering served as a reminder that even as needs change, Coral Springs continues to rise to the challenge — one grant, one volunteer, and one act of generosity at a time.
