Don Soffer’s ingenious plan to transform a swamp in North Dade County, Florida into an upscale, planned community began more than 50 years ago when he and his father, Harry, purchased a 785-acre tract of marshland and Don sketched his vision on a cocktail napkin. Today, that parcel of land stands in the heart of the City of Aventura, one of Florida’s most prestigious addresses.

Don was born and raised in the small town of Duquesne, Pennsylvania. As a young man, he strived to develop the “street smarts” he inherited from his father, combined with a college education. In 1951, he left home to study and play football at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. After graduating with a degree in Economics, an interesting opportunity arose for Don when he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. However, his passion was real estate development and he declined a career in professional football.

In 1955, Don developed a two-story shopping center in Pittsburgh and, 10 years later, built the city’s first major indoor shopping mall. He also developed five major shopping centers in the Midwest, as well as the Greater Pittsburgh Merchandise Mart & Expo Center, the largest convention center between New York and Chicago.

In 1967, having the foresight that Florida had great potential for development, Don purchased 785 acres of submerged and undeveloped swamp and marshland facing the Intracoastal Waterway in North Dade County. During the next 40+ years, Don transformed that land into the world-famous Turnberry Isle Miami, the Aventura Mall, thousands of residential units and numerous office buildings.

Today, Aventura is a self-contained city, revolving around golf courses, lakes, bike and exercise paths, exclusive condominiums, shopping centers, banks and more, developed by Turnberry Associates. The unique vision of this planned community bears a striking resemblance to the napkin sketch he originally created in a bar in 1967.

Don combined his success in the business world with a lasting commitment to support many causes that benefit humanity.  He co-owned Longeveron, a research and development company focused on stem cell research. Over the years, Don was a steadfast supporter of United Way Miami, with his family helping to advance the organization’s vital work through its Center for Excellence in Early Education.

Additionally, he  was a contributor to Brandeis University, The Simon Wiesenthal Center, Mount Sinai Medical Center Foundation, The Aventura/Turnberry Jewish Center and The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He was also a big supporter of Best Buddies, the IDF, Don Soffer Aventura High School and the Overtown Youth Center. Along with his wife, Michele, he supported The New Hope 4 Haiti Orphanage.

A devoted family man, Don has seven children, 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Melly and Robert E. Sanchez have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to leadership, service and philanthropy in Miami and beyond. Their professional achievements and civic engagement reflect a shared dedication to strengthening organizations, expanding opportunity and supporting families and communities in need.

Robert is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ryder System, Inc., a global leader in supply chain, dedicated transportation and commercial fleet management solutions. He was named CEO in January 2013 and Chairman of the Board in May 2013, following more than three decades of progressive leadership roles at Ryder. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s operational strategy, improving cost management and executing a balanced growth strategy focused on delivering long-term shareholder value. Robert serves on the board of directors of Texas Instruments, where he is a member of the audit committee, and is a trustee of the University of Miami, serving on its executive committee. He also serves on several nonprofit boards dedicated to civic, educational and human rights causes.

Melly dedicated 15 years to serving as a social worker with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami and volunteered for seven years as a Big Sister, reflecting her deep commitment to mentoring and youth development. After leaving the organization, she focused on raising their three sons and remained actively involved in their schools through extensive volunteerism. Melly has worked closely with the Archdiocese of Miami to support programs assisting individuals and families in need and served on the board of Barry University until 2023.

Together, Melly and Robert Sanchez exemplify a life of service, leadership and generosity dedicated to the betterment of their community.

MIAMI (September 9, 2025)— United Way Miami, one the longest standing non-profits in Miami-Dade County, has launched its 2025-2026 Annual Community Campaign in conjunction with the release of the 2025 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report. The biannual report, a collaboration between United Way Miami and its research partner, United For ALICE, shows the number of financially unstable households in Miami-Dade County is on the rise. More than half a million (527,469) households are either in poverty or unable to make ends meet and afford the basic necessities – an increase of almost 40,000 households from the last report in 2023.

ALICE refers to the hardworking members of the community who are employed yet can’t keep up with the rising cost of living. They earn above the federal poverty level but often don’t qualify for assistance as they struggle to cover basic needs, including housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare and technology.

The report also shows how much the wage gap has widened in the last two years due to factors like inflation. The current median income for a household in Miami-Dade County, $72,311, falls far below the $89,844 Household Survival Budget that a family of four needs to live and work in the area.

“The latest data underscores the urgent reality of just how many families in our community are facing financial instability,” said Symeria Hudson, President and CEO of United Way Miami. “We are stepping up and taking action. Our Annual Community Campaign is a lifeline to immediate support with food assistance, housing, childcare, healthcare and financial guidance. Through advocacy and long-term solutions, we’re giving ALICE families the tools and hope they need to thrive and providing a path to a more secure, sustainable future.”

Demand for United Way Miami’s transformative programs continues growing, with an emphasis on access to high-quality early education and training for in-demand jobs that open the doors to economic mobility. The Annual Community Campaign encourages corporate partners and their employees, as well as the public, to contribute to United Way Miami’s mission of improving the quality of life for all, by bringing together people and resources committed to building a better community.

Funds raised from the campaign make an immediate impact. Over the last year, United Way Miami has strengthened the foundation of our region by supporting more than 1,000 early education professionals and more than 6,000 school-age children. Its transformative workforce initiative, UpSkill Miami, has expanded into Aviation, Education and soon, Cybersecurity, enrolling over 1,000 individuals, with more than half already gainfully employed.

Strategic partnerships have also proven to be a powerful tool to tackle the issues affecting ALICE families. By investing in sector leaders like Miami Homes For All, who work to address the affordable housing crisis, United Way Miami is steering the course toward long-term economic sustainability.

Felipe Basulto, South Florida Market president at TD Bank, returns for the third year as Annual Community Campaign Chair. His leadership and expertise, as well as support from a volunteer cabinet of local business and community leaders, will help guide the campaign in direct support of ALICE families.

The campaign cabinet includes United Way Miami’s Giving Communities chairs and co-chairs:
• Cathy Alexander, TD Wealth, Tocqueville Society Co-Chair
• Matt Grosack, Holland & Knight, Tocqueville Society Co-Chair
• Jess Elias, JHE Consulting, Young Leaders Chair
• Dain De Souza, Bast Amron, Young Leaders Co-Chair
• Adriana Oliva, The ao insight group, Small Business United Co-Chair
• Genir Ruiz, Mission HCM, Small Business United Co-Chair
• Danette Alfonso-Parks, Lennar Corporation, Women United Chair
• Kim Gerber, Unified Law Group, PB LLC, Women United Vice Chair
• Emma Pacetti, Grove Bank & Trust, Women United Vice Chair
• David Benson, PNC Bank, LINC Co-Chair
• Raul Lopez, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, LINC Co-Chair

To see why the success of this year’s community campaign is critical, look no further than our United Way Miami 2025-2026 Community Campaign Video: Provide Lasting Help, Right Here, which so clearly illustrates the challenges faced by our community and our commitment to delivering the solutions that uplift these families and build a stronger, more resilient Miami.

To read the 2025 ALICE report and view interactive dashboards with data on financial hardship at the state, county and local level, visit unitedwaymiami.org/alice/.

To learn more about the 2025-2026 Annual Community Campaign and how you can help make an impact, visit unitedwaymiami.org.

September is National Preparedness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of being ready for disasters and emergencies before they strike. United We Prepare – Powered by Verizon highlights how communities can work together to build resilience and ensure everyone’s safety.

United Way is proud to partner with Verizon to lead efforts that help individuals, families and entire communities prepare, respond and recover when disaster hits. Emergencies can happen at any time, but being prepared can make all the difference.

Disaster Preparedness Tips

‍ 1. Build Your Support Network 

• Identify key emergency contacts and add them to your phone.
• Talk with family, friends and neighbors about how you’ll support each other in an emergency.
• Make a plan for those with special needs (mobility, medical devices, pets, etc.).

 2. Get Connected 

• Enable emergency alerts in your phone settings.
• Download free apps like the FEMA App and sign up for Miami-Dade County Alerts.
• Follow local emergency management and news agencies on social media.

3. Prepare an Emergency Essentials Kit 

• Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
• Non-perishable food, can opener
• Flashlight, extra batteries, phone chargers
• First aid kit, medications, hygiene items
• Copies of important documents
• Change of clothes, rain poncho, shoes
• Items for children and pets, if applicable

4. Protect Important Documents 

• Take photos of key documents (ID, insurance, medical information).
• Save them securely to the cloud, a password-protected flash drive or a waterproof/fireproof container.

5. Check In & Share Your Plan

• Talk to your network about your emergency plan.
• Make sure someone has a spare key, knows your medical needs and where your emergency kit is located.
• Participate in community preparedness events or workshops.

United We Prepare strengthens communities before, during and after disasters by providing resources—like emergency kits, planning tools and community events—to ensure everyone is ready, especially our most vulnerable neighbors. United Way Miami also connects people with food, shelter and emotional support through the 211 helpline, emergency funds and local networks.

Visit United Way Miami’s preparedness page here for information on workshops, volunteer opportunities, preparedness resources and more. Stay safe and be prepared!

At United Way Miami, one of the longest standing nonprofits in South Florida, we believe a safe and affordable home is the foundation of a stronger and more resilient community. A key partner in this mission is Miami Homes For All, an organization dedicated to advancing affordable housing production and preservation across our region. United Way Miami has proudly supported their work over the years and we are proud to formalize our relationship even further.

As more families across our community face rising housing costs and limited options, the need for action has never been more urgent. This partnership reflects our continued commitment to connect people who need help with people who can help. In response, United Way Miami has committed $100,000 to help Miami Homes For All accelerate efforts that move families from crisis to stability.

Each year, United Way Miami supports more than 187,000 individuals through over 100 programs and more than 60 impact partner agencies. This partnership is one more way we are delivering real help, right here supporting families, strengthening neighborhoods, and building a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

View Photos

On Monday, June 23, United Way Miami welcomed partners, supporters and civic leaders to the 2025 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove. This annual celebration honored a year of progress—and the individuals and organizations helping to build a stronger, more connected Miami-Dade. 

President and CEO Symeria Hudson reflected on the power of partnerships and the progress made across United Way Miami’s four core pillars: Health and Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility. From expanding access to job training through UpSkill Miami to strengthening early learning through the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, she shared how the organization continues to meet community needs with compassion, innovation and action. 

That impact is made possible by the strength of our relationships, including the generosity of workplace campaigns that fuel this work year after year. Miami-Dade County Public Schools, United Way’s largest annual campaign, once again led one of the top campaigns in the county.  Seven top-performing schools were honored for their outstanding leadership and participation. 

The program also celebrated five extraordinary individuals whose service continues to move our mission forward. Each Volunteer Award honoree has made a lasting difference through their leadership, commitment and heart for community: 

Public Service Leadership Award 
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava 

Monsignor Walsh Outstanding Human Services Professional Award 
Annie Lord 

Outstanding Youth Award presented by American Airlines 
Maurits Acosta 

Essie Silva Community Builder Award (posthumously)
Mark A. Trowbridge 

Dorothy Shula Award for Outstanding Volunteerism 
Susan Potter Norton 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the event sponsors who made this celebration possible. Special thanks to City National Bank, Greenberg Traurig and American Airlines. 

VIEW INTERACTIVE DINNER PHOTOS

VIEW WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCE PHOTOS

VeritageMiami has become one of United Way Miami’s premier annual fundraisers, helping serve more than 187,000 individuals annually by providing critical resources across our Core Four pillars: Health & Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility. Through this work, United Way Miami invests in more than 100 programs at over 60 impact partner agencies and leads 17 initiatives that address local challenges and support families across Miami-Dade.  

The festivities began on April 25 with the Interactive Dinner at the InterContinental Miami Hotel in downtown Miami, where nearly 400 guests enjoyed a one-of-a-kind culinary experience led by celebrated Chef Diego Oka, Executive Chef of La Mar by Gastón Acurio. Guests cooked alongside Chef Oka in a live master class, then sat down to enjoy a gourmet dinner with expertly paired wines. The evening also featured an exclusive auction filled with fine wines, rare spirits and unique experiences. 

On May 7, the Wine and Food Experience brought guests to The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Coconut Grove. Wineries from across the globe poured their finest bottles, while top Miami restaurants served signature bites. Guests explored interactive tasting stations, cast their votes for their favorite winery and culinary purveyor and enjoyed an evening filled with flavor, connection and impact. 

More than 500 wine and food enthusiasts gathered for the 2025 edition of VeritageMiami, presented by City National Bank. Chaired by Patricia and José Mas, the two-part event series marked its 29th year by bringing the community together to eat, drink and unite for a good cause. 

Sponsors of the event series included Presenting Sponsor City National Bank; Magnum Sponsors Bilzin Sumberg, Greenberg Traurig, Ryder System, Inc; Sommelier Sponsors Colleen and Richard Fain, Delta Airlines, FPL and Socorro Partners 

Support from the TD Charitable Foundation will help United Way expand financial coaching services throughout Miami-Dade County 

Miami, Fl April 16, 2025 –United Way Miami, one of the leading and longest standing non-profits in South Florida, was recently awarded a $200,000 Housing for Everyone grant from the TD Charitable Foundation, the giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®. United Way Miami is one of 36 nonprofit organizations selected from more than 270 applicants to receive a Housing for Everyone grant as part of the TD Charitable Foundation’s annual, signature program, which has helped support organizations providing affordable housing and affordable housing services since 2005. 

Access to housing remains a major issue for individuals and families across the country. But sustaining homeownership amid the increasing costs of maintenance and other economic pressures is just as prevalent of a challenge. This growing burden has put significant financial strain on many households, particularly those with lower incomes, underscoring the need for the TD Charitable Foundation’s 2025 Housing for Everyone grant program. This year’s focus was on supporting organizations that provide solutions through post-purchase support to help those struggling to maintain homeownership due to rising property taxes, increasing home insurance premiums and expensive repairs, for example.  

To address some of these challenges, United Way Miami will use the Housing for Everyone grant to support homeowners by providing coaching services at our Center for Financial Stability and workforce guidance to promote homeownership stability for low- to middle-income individuals and families.  

“At United Way Miami, we know firsthand the positive impact that comes from elevating the hardworking people in our community. With nearly half a million Miami-Dade families either in poverty or just one emergency away from it, demand for programs that provide financial relief is at an all-time high,” said Symeria Hudson, President and CEO of United Way Miami. “Home ownership is a key indicator of economic mobility and long-term success and grants like Housing for Everyone are crucial to helping families remain in and maintain their homes. We are proud to support an initiative that so perfectly aligns with United Way Miami’s mission of connecting people who need help with people who can help.”   

“Access to support for homeowners who are struggling with a sudden increase in expenses, like repairs or rising property taxes, can make or break a family’s ability to remain in their home,” said Paige Carlson-Heim, Director of the TD Charitable Foundation. “Through the Housing for Everyone grant program, TD is proud to support United Way Miami, which is helping families sustain and maintain long-term homeownership by providing financial coaching and wrap around services. The work they are doing not only helps families stay in their homes, but, hopefully, also helps them to ensure a stable financial position for a long time to come.” 

Through the TD Charitable Foundation’s 19th annual Housing for Everyone grant program, a total of $7.2 million was awarded across the bank’s footprint to help support programming for low- to moderate-income homeowners. Organizations were selected for their programs focused on post-purchase homeownership support, such as foreclosure counseling, agency-owned and/or managed financial assistance funds, legal assistance and/or property tax relief programs, and energy efficiency improvements. Since 2005, more than $63 million has been granted to support more than 620 affordable housing projects and initiatives through the Housing for Everyone program. Learn more about the Housing for Everyone grant program here.  

ABOUT UNITED WAY MIAMI 
United Way Miami has been a leader in Miami-Dade’s nonprofit community for 100 years. Founded in 1924, we work with our network of donors, volunteers and partners to transform the lives of our most vulnerable residents. We leverage our unique position to convene the community and build awareness of Miami-Dade’s needs and potential. Through our Core Four pillars – Health & Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility – we invest in more than 100 programs at over 60 impact partner agencies and lead 17 initiatives to address local issues and support families and individuals throughout the county. Entering our next century, we’re building on our legacy of future-focused, innovative, collaborative work to continue making a lasting impact today and for generations to come. For more information, visit unitedwaymiami.org. 

About the TD Charitable Foundation 

The TD Charitable Foundation is the giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S., providing more than 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation has distributed over $361 million through donations to local nonprofits across the bank’s footprint. Learn more about the TD Charitable Foundation here.  

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Media Contact: 

Sharee Gilbert  

AVP Marketing & Communications, Direct Services Strategy  

United Way Miami 

gilberts@unitedwaymiami.org 

954-305-5444 

Natasha Brown 

Corporate Communications Manager
TD Bank 

Natasha.Brown@td.com 

HCA HEALTHCARE’S EAST FLORIDA DIVISION ANNOUNCES $1.84 MILLION HCA HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION GRANT TO LAUNCH UNITED FOR HEALTHY STARTS

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 3, 2025 – HCA Healthcare’s East Florida Division recently announced that the HCA Healthcare Foundation, through its Healthier Tomorrow Fund, will give $1.84 million to United Way to launch United for Healthy Starts, a national collaboration between four United Ways to help increase access to social, economic and education support services for families. The effort is led by Mile High United Way in Denver and includes United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, United Way Miami and United Way of Greater Nashville.

“At HCA Healthcare, we are deeply committed to the care and improvement of human life, and our partnership with the United Way allows us to extend that mission beyond our hospital walls,” said Charles Gressle, HCA Healthcare East Florida Division president. “We are proud to stand alongside them in making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and families in our community.”

United for Healthy Starts aims to increase access to services to improve social, economic and overall health outcomes for families. Through this new grant, the initiative is designed to help families have strong, healthy starts through home visitation and wrap-around services tailored to the needs of each family supported. By establishing a national, collaborative learning community, United for Healthy Starts will also work to help create new nonprofit partnerships, with the intention of strengthening service delivery and innovation and achieving a scalable impact beyond the grant.

“At United Way Miami, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed—and that begins with early education,” said Symeria Hudson, president and CEO of United Way Miami. “For the families we serve struggling with rising costs, access to quality early education and wraparound services is critical. Thanks to the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s support, we will continue expanding our services at The Center for Excellence in Early Education, the Demonstration School and our Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership sites—helping more families build a stronger future. Each year, we impact more than 7,000 children, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive.”

HCA Healthcare and the HCA Healthcare Foundation have a long history of working with and supporting United Way. In 1981, HCA Healthcare co-founder Dr. Thomas Frist Jr. co-founded the first chapter of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society in Nashville, Tennessee and later received its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. Over the last 30 years, HCA Healthcare and the HCA Healthcare Foundation have given more than $17 million in support of United Way’s work to help improve communities nationwide.

The HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund supports evidence-informed programs that address high-priority needs and advance community health by supporting efforts to pilot, replicate and scale meaningful, measurable initiatives in communities where HCA Healthcare has a presence. Since its inception, the fund has committed more than $17 million in grants to nonprofits across the country.

At United Way Miami, we know that real opportunity starts with access—the chance to learn, grow, and take control of your future. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Verizon’s Skill Forward Program, offering free, accessible training to help individuals advance their careers in today’s ever-evolving job market. 

Through Skill Forward, participants receive one year of free access to more than 250 online courses and 84 professional certificate programs in high-demand fields like artificial intelligence, IT, business, and finance. Whether you’re exploring a new career or sharpening your current skillset, these self-paced courses are designed to fit into your schedule—making it easy to learn whenever and wherever it’s most convenient. 

Courses are hosted on edX and taught by instructors from more than 260 world-class universities and companies, including Harvard, Columbia University, IBM, and more. No degree or prior experience is required—just the motivation to take the next step. Open to U.S. residents ages 17 and up, the program also offers many courses in Spanish, expanding access across our community. 

Whether it’s strengthening technical abilities or enhancing essential soft skills, these programs offer valuable resources to help individuals grow professionally and build a more secure future. 

Enrollment is open now through September 30, 2025. 

Ready to explore what’s next? Visit edx.org/verizon to learn more and enroll today.