Ann Storck Center Unveils New Monument Sign at Its Fort Lauderdale Campus

Ann Storck Center – a Fort Lauderdale-based private nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – unveiled its new monument sign during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Fort Lauderdale campus. The new sign began with CEO Patricia (Pat) Murphy's vision and became possible through generous community partners.

For 50 years since the opening of its Fort Lauderdale Campus, Ann Storck Center operated without a prominent sign, making the new monument far more meaningful than a physical improvement. The sign now serves as a prominent marker at the campus entrance and creates a visible sense of place for the children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by the Center, as well as their families, caregivers, staff members, volunteers and visitors. It reflects a welcoming, established community where every individual belongs and has the opportunity to thrive while serving as a lasting symbol of visibility, inclusion and Ann Storck Center’s continued impact throughout South Florida.

The project was made possible through the generosity and collaboration of community partners who collectively donated more than $30,000 in time, talent, materials and resources. Ann Storck Center recognizes Eddie Waters of Custom Homes by Eddie Waters (CHEW) for joining Murphy to bring the monument sign from vision to reality. Eddie made a call to his partners who joined him to help complete the project. Community partners included Sean Frank of Dovetail Landscaping, Austin Fox of Austin Fox Architecture, Paul Pierson of Designer Sign Systems and Tony and Mona Mondazze of Progressive Plastering.

Members of Ann Storck Center’s board and leadership team joined individuals served by the Center, families, community partners and local supporters to celebrate the sign’s unveiling. Board members in attendance included Jon Bandes, Albert Miniaci, Jeffrey Knight, Ira Schimmel, Howard Adkin, Carlos Rivera, Michael Gennett and Kim Slapikas (who is the niece of Ann Storck). Bina Frank from the Office of Commissioner Steve Geller was also in attendance. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests gathered inside the Center’s Adult Day Training Building for a reception featuring breakfast, music and networking.

“We want to deeply thank the businesses, individuals, and partners who donated time, talent, materials, and resources for our new monument sign at our Fort Lauderdale campus,” said Murphy. “Together, these partners donated over $30,000 to make this happen. Witnessing our community come together to support Ann Storck Center and the individuals we serve is a powerful reminder of the strength, compassion and generosity surrounding our mission. This meaningful campus improvement would not have been possible without our dedicated community partners, whose contributions help us continue enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they can discover ability, build independence and live happier, more fulfilling lives.”