August 22, 2019 – FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Seafarers’ House is pleased to announce that Dodie Keith-Lazowick, President and Managing Principal of KEITH, a Pompano Beach-based civil engineering firm, has been selected as our 2019 South Florida Business Leader of the Year.
Keith-Lazowick will be honored at the 24th Annual South Florida Business Leaders’ Luncheon hosted by Holland America Line to benefit Seafarers’ House. The luncheon will take place Dec. 11 aboard the ms Eurodam docked at Port Everglades.
Honorees for the South Florida Business Leaders Award are selected by their peers. Acknowledged leadership, entrepreneurial background, philanthropic contributions to the communities where they live and work, as well as long-term contributions to the success, diversity and breadth of the South Florida business community, are all considerations for this award.
Keith-Lazowick has a close connection to the sea. Her son Nicholas attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and is a Chief Engineer for Seadrill. It was Nicholas who first brought Seafarers’ House to her attention, noting that some accommodations for mariners abroad were nicer than those in the U.S.
“When Dodie heard that we were planning to construct a new Place of Welcome to accommodate the more than 150,000 mariners who visit us each year, she graciously offered to donate her services and time,” said Seafarers’ House Executive Director Lesley Warrick.
The 15,000-square-foot building, which is expected to break ground early next year will include a meditation garden, expanded recreation areas, an improved shopping experience for personal items and other essentials, space for training, meetings and professional development and an indoor/outdoor café so visitors can enjoy a hot meal.
“Everything they do makes a difference in the life of a mariner as they pass through our home port. It is an incredible organization, helping to provide tangible resources for men and women from around the world. I am just so glad I am able to be a part of this exciting new chapter at Seafarers’ House,” said Keith-Lazowick.
Keith-Lazowick joins the ranks of distinguished previous honorees including recipients such as Peggy Nordeen, CEO of Starmark International, Inc. Bob Swindell, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance: Bob Moss, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Moss & Associates; and J. David Armstrong Jr., former President, Broward College.
The annual luncheon is a fundraiser for the mission of Seafarers’ House. Tickets are available for $100. Various levels of event sponsorship, individual seating and congratulatory ads are available by visiting www.seafarershouse.org or by calling 954-734-1580.
###
ABOUT SEAFARERS’ HOUSE
Seafarers’ House at Port Everglades is an award-winning non-profit organization supported by the faith-based community as well as by labor, business and civic leaders with a mission “to offer refuge, resources, renewal and respect to the maritime community through multi-faith service.” Open throughout the year, Seafarers’ House is a safe, friendly place where mariners can connect with their families, relax, or get emergency assistance if needed. With the help of its supporters and volunteers, Seafarers’ House offers many services including free transportation, Internet access, counseling services, and liaison with authorities as well as recreational facilities. Seafarers’ House was honored as the 2015 Seafarer Advocate of the Year by Lloyd’s List North America and received the 2014 Salute to Business award from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. In 2012, Seafarers’ House was honored with the Seafarers’ Center of the Year award from the International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare – the first American agency to receive this international honor. Seafarers’ House annually hosts more than 150,000 visits by cruise and cargo ship crewmembers. For additional information visit www.seafarershouse.org.