ArtServe created its first Impact Awards in 2023 to formally recognize people and organizations making a difference in the South Florida community through arts and culture. With its second annual Impact Awards on Friday, April 19, 2024, ArtServe selected a diverse group of leaders: Award winners were, Artist of Impact: Puppet Network Founder and Civic Leader Jim Hammond, best known for creating the Florida Day of the Dead; Celebration Community Partner of Impact: Leadership Broward Foundation Executive Director Andrew Zullo; Media Advocate of Impact: Riverwalk Trust President and CEO Genia Duncan Ellis and Go Riverwalk Magazine Publisher Mark Budwig; Legacy of Impact: Thaddeus “THAD” Hamilton, Chair of the Tuskegee Airman of South Florida; also United Negro College Fund’ South Florida Leadership Council Chair; Educator of Impact: Jessica Swanson, Master Teacher and Technology Magnet Program Coordinator; Dillard School for the Arts.
City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis and Vice Mayor Steve Glassman presented a public proclamation making April 19 as “ArtServe Day” throughout the City of Fort Lauderdale. Sponsored by OutClique Magazine, Seacoast Bank, Broward Health and FPL, with a custom gourmet feast sponsored by local philanthropist and celebrity event planner Marc Martorana, the Impact Awards included a silent auction featuring items for bid, which included a ride on the Goodyear Blimp, gift certificates from area restaurants such as S3, Cooper’s Hawk, YOLO, Casa Sensei; airline tickets from Silver Airways and Spirit Airlines; and hotel stays from the Plunge Beach Resort, AC Hotels and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Fine art from Todd Dawes and Penny Fraser was also auctioned. The event was held at ArtServe, 1359 East Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.
