CHI Celebrates with Golden Anniversary Gala

The audience erupted in applause after Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava designated September 25th, 2021 as Community Health of South Florida, Inc. Golden Legacy Anniversary Day. It was one of several awards and proclamations celebrated at CHI’s 50th anniversary gala. 

Nearly 400 people attended the premiere fundraising gala at the Double Tree by Hilton, Miami Airport and Convention Center.  It raised nearly $150,000 for the Children’s Crisis Center, a 24-hour in-patient facility for kids with severe behavioral health issues. 

“My heart swells with pride as I watch what this healthcare team has accomplished over 50 years,” said Brodes H. Hartley Jr., CEO. “The excellence of our staff, doctors, nurses and other professionals is astounding. This is a special evening where we can reflect and celebrate.”

Staff and local leaders also honored Hartley as he announced his retirement at the gala. After 37 years at the helm of the organization, CHI has grown from two to 12 health centers with continued expansion in the pipeline, thanks to his leadership. 

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee and former Miami Dade County Commissioner Dennis C. Moss presented a proclamation, designating September 25th, 2021, as Colonel Brodes H. Hartley Jr. Day.

“The Colonel has served as a war hero, as a teacher, as a segregation door buster during his days at FAMU,” said Commissioner McGhee. “I call upon the people of Miami-Dade to join me in applauding this distinguished gentleman, thanking him for putting our community at the forefront of his life’s work.”

CHI also honored former Commissioner Dennis Moss with the prestigious Dewey Knight Jr. award for public service linked to his tireless dedication to CHI.

The evening took a look back at the five decades of service for the organization. From special videos to multiple speakers, the audience learned about the milestones in the rich history of CHI. The new history book titled Standing in the Gap, by Kitty Dumas, was also unveiled and gifted to all attendees. 

“This book chronicles the compelling story of how healthcare intersects with the struggle for access and civil rights,” said Blake Hall, CHI President. “It helps memorialize the hard work of 50 years of service from our staff, our board and the countless community leaders who banded together to make the high quality, comprehensive healthcare organization.”

If you missed the celebration, you can watch the video of it at chisouthfl.org/gala.