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.

Laurans Mendelson was a visionary leader and generous philanthropist whose legacy will endure for generations. With unshakable determination and an entrepreneurial spirit, he transformed challenges into opportunity, most notably guiding HEICO Corporation from a small company into a global aerospace and defense powerhouse. However, his proudest achievement was the close-knit, multigenerational family he and his beloved wife Arlene built together. He instilled his spirit of giving in his family, who have collectively made a monumental impact on the South Florida community by supporting a wide range of causes close to their hearts, including art, education, music, healthcare and many more.

Through his deep compassion, boundless affection and commitment to service, Laurans not only reshaped skylines and industries but touched countless lives, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of purpose, generosity and love.

The Mendelson family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to United Way Miami to honor Laurans’ legacy.

United Way Miami has released the 2025 ALICE Report, revealing a rise of households in financial hardship across Miami-Dade County.

The biannual report, developed in partnership with United For ALICE, found that more than half a million households—527,469 —are either in poverty or unable to afford basic necessities. This marks an increase of 40,000 households since the previous report in 2023, signaling that more families are slipping through the cracks.

A key finding of the 2025 report is the growing gap between household income and cost of living. The median income in Miami-Dade is now $72,311, which falls significantly short of the $89,844 Household Survival Budget needed for a family of four to live and work in the area.

ALICE households struggle to cover the cost of essentials like housing, childcare, food, healthcare, transportation and technology. 60% of these families are spending more than 50% of their income on housing and transportation alone.

There are several factors making economic stability an increasingly distant goal for so many, including stagnant wages, inflation, unaffordable housing and limited access to healthcare. More than half of the Miami-Dade County workforce is employed by small businesses, with a significant portion of workers paid hourly, so they are more likely to have fluctuations in income and less likely to receive benefits. Younger, lower-income residents are moving to more affordable housing markets while higher-income residents are moving here, driving the cost of living higher.

With the ALICE report findings, United Way Miami aims to deepen its impact through targeted programs and strategies that lift families out of financial hardship, like:

• UpSkill Miami, our workforce training program that links hardworking people directly to higher-paying stable jobs.
• Our Center for Financial Stability, offering budget coaching, tax preparation and benefits access.
• Our Center for Excellence in Early Education, a national model for high quality childcare and learning.
• Significant community investment to face challenges like affordable housing head on.

Programs like these are a direct lifeline to more than 242,000 hardworking people each year. The ALICE report is a critical tool for United Way Miami, presenting the data we need to step up, take action and guide families toward a stable, sustainable future.

View some of our recent media detailing the plight of ALICE households:
The Miami Herald
WSVN 7
WLRN The South Florida Round Up podcast

View the full 2025 ALICE Report here.

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!

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 

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. 

VIEW PHOTOS

View the local media coverage from WSVN 7 News here. 

As United Way Miami continues celebrating 100 years of service to the community, nearly 200 guests gathered at Casadonna Miami for the annual 2025 Tocqueville Society Grand Reception, an evening dedicated to honoring those whose generosity continues to strengthen Miami.

Chaired by Jayne Abess and Andy Ansin, the event carried forward the legacy of the late Sue Miller and the late Ed Ansin, who, alongside Jayne, founded the Miami Tocqueville Society in 1991. They introduced the Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy to recognize individuals whose extraordinary generosity, leadership, and commitment to the community have made a lasting impact.

Alongside this prestigious honor, the event also celebrated the Next-Gen Philanthropist Award and marked the first time United Way Miami presented the Legacy of Philanthropy – Posthumous Award. 

This year’s event recognized:

United Way Miami Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy: Jo and John Sumberg

Jo and John Sumberg have been dedicated supporters of United Way Miami since 1997, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to its mission. John has served as a Board member and Trustee since 2010 and currently sits on the Executive Committee. In recognition of their generosity, United Way honored them as Donors Next Door at the 20th Annual Donor Next Door Luncheon in 2017. That same year, they became members of United Way’s Million Dollar Roundtable.

As funding partners of the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education (CFE), Jo and John played a pivotal role in advancing high-quality early learning opportunities for children in Miami. Jo traveled to Washington, D.C., three times and to Tallahassee once with fellow Women Leaders on behalf of United Way to lobby for early education policies and investments at the state and federal levels. In 2016, Jo and John co-chaired the VeritageMiami Spring Edition alongside Lisa and Victor Mendelson and Lea and Craig Rasile. With their guidance, they helped raise more than $300,000 to benefit the CFE. They also made a planned gift to the United Way’s Endowment, ensuring their impact continued for generations to come.

John has strengthened United Way Miami through leadership roles, including serving on the Finance and Administration Committee, Investment Committee, Campaign Legal Division Co-Chair, Campaign Cabinet Alexis de Tocqueville Society Co-Chair and Endowment Fund Committee. He was a member of the 2017 CEO Search Committee and helped establish the United Way Associate Legal Mingle, an event that brought together 300 associates, in-house counsel and judges. Under his leadership, Bilzin Sumberg has championed the annual United Way Community Campaign, fostering a culture of philanthropy within the firm.

Beyond United Way, John has built a distinguished career in commercial real estate as Chairman and founding member of Bilzin Sumberg. His civic engagement extends to serving on many local non-profit boards including Lotus House Women’s Shelter, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and the University of Miami’s School of Architecture. Jo, a licensed Broker-Agent since 1987, worked full-time as a Residential Realtor for 25 years before retiring in 2012. A Miami native, John and his family remain deeply committed to strengthening the future of the community he has always called home. To learn more about Jo and John Sumberg, watch their story here courtesy of our partner WSVN 7 News.

United Way Miami Next-Gen Philanthropist Award: Michael Gold

This award recognizes an emerging leader who inspires the next generation through active engagement and leadership. Michael Gold has been a supporter of United Way Miami for 12 years and has been actively involved in Young Leaders since 2014, playing a key role in engaging and empowering others to support United Way’s mission. He previously served on the Young Leaders Executive Committee, and since 2023, he has led Raymond James’ United Way Community Campaign as the firm’s Employee Campaign Manager, rallying colleagues to contribute to the organization’s impact.

Michael’s commitment to service is a family affair—his wife, Susana, is also actively involved with United Way as a member of Women United. As Managing Director & Private Wealth Advisor at Bermont Gold Wealth Advisory of Raymond James, he applies his strategic expertise to both his professional endeavors and community involvement. A South Florida native, his service on boards such as United Way Miami, the History Miami Museum, the Coral Gables Pension Advisory Board and the Health Foundation of South Florida underscores his deep dedication to civic engagement and strengthening the community. To learn more about Michael Gold, watch his story here courtesy of our partner WSVN 7 News.

United Way Miami Legacy of Philanthropy – Posthumous Award: Jack Lowell
A devoted leader and supporter of United Way Miami for 36 years, Jack Lowell is the inaugural recipient of the Legacy of Philanthropy – Posthumous Award, which honors a lifetime of generosity that continues to shape our community. A former Board Member and Trustee of United Way, he and his wife, Natasha, were also funding partners of the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, underscoring their commitment to early childhood education and community investment.

Jack was a visionary in Miami’s commercial real estate sector, having held key roles at prominent firms such as Colliers and Codina Bush Klein Realty. His civic involvement extended far beyond his profession—he served on the boards of the Coral Gables Community Foundation, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the Beacon Council and many others. A believer in the power of community, Jack dedicated himself to making a lasting impact through hands-on involvement, instilling this belief in his family and all those around him. His legacy of love, leadership and dedication to family and community will continue to inspire future generations. To learn more about Jack Lowell, watch his story here courtesy of our partner WSVN 7 News.

Sponsored by Van Cleef & Arpels and City National Bank, the event celebrated Miami’s philanthropic leaders, highlighting their profound contributions and enduring impact.

Learn more about the Tocqueville Society and its transformative impact here.