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September 11, 2024 | Fort Lauderdale, FL

40-Foot Public Art Mural Unveiled at Ft. Lauderdale Fire Station #49 on 9/11 as Part of the Key to Service Initiative

Article Credits / Published by

Chief Stephen Gollan, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Department; Stephen Moss, Advisory Council Member, Mission United; Dean Davis, Mural Artist; Steve Glassman Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor/Commissioner; Lee Hediger, Chairman, The Veterans Trust; Fred Roger, Executive Director, The Veterans Trust; Florida Representative Chip LaMarca

The Veterans Trust, United Way of Broward County’s MISSION UNITED, and the BBX Capital Foundation unveiled the Second Functional Public Art Mural designed to Support Veterans, First Responders & Healthcare Professionals.

The Veterans Trust, United Way of Broward County’s MISSION UNITED, and the BBX Capital Foundation unveiled the second mural as part of the Key to Service initiative on Wednesday, September 11, at Fort Lauderdale Fire Station #49. This public art project, created by renowned artist and veteran Dean Davis, celebrates the vital contributions of veterans, first responders, and healthcare professionals.

The Key to Service project transforms public spaces by merging public art with technology. A key feature of the 40’ x 15’ mixed media mural is a QR code that links to essential resources for veterans, first responders, medical professionals, and their families. These murals aim to beautify local spaces while connecting individuals to opportunities to serve, seek assistance, and donate to the community.

Fred Roger, Executive Director of The Veterans Trust; Dean Davis, the Mural Artist; Stephen Gollan, Fort Lauderdale Fire Chief; and Lee Hediger, Chairman of The Veterans Trust; all spoke during the event. Among those in attendance were Florida Representative Chip LaMarca; Steve Glassman, City of Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor; Kathleen Cannon, President/CEO of United Way of Broward County; and James Heaton, Vice President, United Way of Broward County’s MISSION UNITED.

“This is a mural with a purpose — a true community effort and a project that brings us together. Especially on a day like 9/11, we must remember to take care of our first responder heroes who have always taken care of us,” said Kathleen Cannon, President/CEO of United Way of Broward County. “This artwork not only honors their service but also connects them and their families to the vital resources they deserve.”

Fred Roger, Executive Director of The Veterans Trust, added, “These murals will serve as a beacon, connecting individuals with opportunities to serve, be served, and contribute to the community’s well-being.”

The first mural in this initiative, unveiled in July 2024, is currently displayed at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Visitors can scan the QR codes embedded in the murals to access resources, donation opportunities, and volunteer information through www.keytoservice.org.

Chief William (Bill) Schultz, Chief of Police, Fort Lauderdale; Chief Stephen Gollan, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Department; Kathleen Cannon, President/CEO, United way of Broward County; Rhoda Moss; Stephen Moss, Advisory Council Member, Mission United

Key to Service Mural Ribbon Cutting |

Fred Roger, Executive Director, The Veterans Trust; and Florida Representative Chip LaMarca

Lois Marino, Executive Director of the BBX Capital Foundation and Director of Community Engagement for BBX Capital; Dean Davis, Mural Artist; Robyn Vegas, Executive Director, Business for the Arts of Broward

About

United Way of Broward County

United Way of Broward County is a volunteer driven, community-based, non-profit organization serving Broward County for more than 85 years. United Way of Broward County fights for the Health, Education and Financial Prosperity of EVERY person in our community. United Way of Broward County is the catalyst for change and convener of partnerships that unite the hearts, minds, and resources within the Broward community. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayBroward.org.

United Way of Broward County’s MISSION UNITED

MISSION UNITED is a critical program supporting US military service members, Veterans and their families in Broward County by helping them acclimate to civilian life. Key focus areas include employment services, education, health, legal assistance, financial stability and housing support. Through MISSION UNITED, United Way of Broward County is aligning existing services and creating solutions where there are gaps in support. For more information about MISSION UNITED, please call 954–4-UNITED or visit www.MISSIONUNITEDbroward.org,  Facebook or Twitter.

The Veterans Trust

The Veterans Trust (TVT) is a private foundation committed to empowering the warrior community by providing tools and experiences that enable willing veterans to continue their service, impact their communities, and realize their full potential. The belief is that service to others, coupled with self-mastery, can lead to profound personal growth and community impact. TVT offers unique and exhilarating motorsport experiences designed to inspire and energize veterans. These experiences include off-road adventures, track days, and other high energy activities that provide a sense of thrill and accomplishment. More than a foundation; it’s a movement dedicated to empowering veterans to thrive in their post-service lives. By combining motorsport experiences, self-mastery tools, and continued service opportunities, it strives to create a legacy of empowered veterans making a lasting impact on their communities.

Artist Dean Davis

A creative force enriching community, Dean Davis is not your typical artist. Operating from his home studio, he channels his passion for art into impactful community projects, leaving an indelible mark on the world. A Navy veteran with a diverse range of artistic talents cultivated since 1996, Dean’s journey is one of dedication, altruism, and an unwavering commitment to community improvement through art. Following 16 years of service with the Navy and subsequent work with the railroads, Dean transitioned into a full-time mural artist. His journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, culminating in a feature on a segment of CBS Sunday Morning, showcasing his unique talent and the impact of his work. Dean is the driving force behind “Art Farm,” a for-profit LLC that reflects his dedication to cultivating creativity within the community.

BBX Capital Foundation

The BBX Capital Foundation was created in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) corporate foundation. Since then, the Foundation has awarded more than $20 million in contributions and in-kind services to charitable organizations throughout Florida. The BBX Capital Foundation focuses on three key areas: the arts, education and human services. It considers requests for specific projects, as well as for general programs.