We are excited to announce our recent recognition of Renee Herman as the 2017 recipient of The Jim Moran Foundation Award. Since 2003, The Foundation has annually honored those with a history of giving back through active service and personal commitment while inspiring others to make a difference.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Renee founded Harvest Drive to feed hungry families and provide opportunities for local students to get involved in taking care of one another. When my husband, Jim, was growing up during the depression, his family often wondered how to make ends meet. He would have so appreciated Renee for her dedication and understanding of how life's many challenges can cause you to stumble and fall if not for the kindness of a helping hand.
Renee truly embodies the spirit of philanthropy, and we are grateful for everything she has done to nurture unity, compassion and community service in our next generation of leaders.
My very best to you,
As The Jim Moran Foundation Award recipient for 2017, Renee was presented with a bronze sculpture created by South Florida artist George Gadson. The Foundation also provided an unrestricted $50,000 grant in Renee’s honor to Harvest Drive, the nonprofit of her choice.
In the early 1990s, Renee realized there were families in her neighborhood without enough to eat and decided to do something about it. She organized a small food drive along with a local elementary school to provide groceries to 20 struggling families. This effort led to the launch of Harvest Drive.
The all-volunteer organization staffed by students, teachers, school administrators and community members now holds multiple collection efforts, sorts donations and distributes a week’s worth of food each year, including a full Thanksgiving meal, to more than 2,400 families throughout Broward County.
Families in need of gently-used clothing and household items also receive assistance year-round through the nonprofit’s “pop-up” boutique.
With a caring heart and a goal to stamp out hunger, Renee teaches youth from an early age how their contributions can improve the lives of others.
