Home News Habitat for Humanity of Broward Remembers Marti Huizenga

Habitat for Humanity of Broward Remembers Marti Huizenga

Marti Huizenga (far right) poses with her family at the 2013 Spirit of Humanity Awards reception.

Habitat for Humanity of Broward Remembers Marti Huizenga

Like many other charity organizations around South Florida on Wednesday, Habitat for Humanity of Broward was deeply saddened to hear of Marti Huizenga’s passing.

The devoted philanthropist, who was the wife of billionaire businessman Wayne Huizenga, included Habitat Broward among her many charitable connections. In fact, she was the initial supporter of the organization’s first Women Build more than a decade ago.

“When we planned our first Women Build, I immediately thought to call Marti as she believed in the importance of family and providing a stable environment for children to be raised in,” recalled Nancy Daly, a Habitat Broward Board member and Women Build Chair. “Over coffee at my home, I told her all about the Women Build and she said to me, ‘This is so important for women.’ With that, she wrote Habitat a check for a home sponsorship.

“Marti was an amazing woman and one of our strongest supporters throughout the years. She has left a legacy for which we all should strive.”

As a result of her Women Build involvement, Marti Huizenga, along with the women of the Huizenga family, received a Spirit of Humanity Award from Habitat Broward in 2004. Previously, in 2000, Wayne and Marti Huizenga received a Spirit of Humanity Award for their annual donations through AutoNation, a company Wayne Huizenga formed in 1996.

“Marti Huizenga’s heart for her family and her community was extraordinary,” offered Nancy Robin, Habitat Broward’s CEO & Executive Director. “We have such wonderful memories of Marti and the family out in force on multiple builds. Marti led with her heart and we are all a stronger community for her efforts.”

About Habitat for Humanity of Broward

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity of Broward brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Habitat Broward offers a “hand up” not a “hand out” to low to very low-income families who are unable to qualify for conventional financing but are willing to work hard to improve their family’s lives. Key initiatives include empowering partner families through education, resources and support to successfully achieve their personal, academic and professional goals; teaching the youth of future homeowner families the skills and attitudes needed to make better life choices and break the intergenerational cycle of poverty; increasing awareness and educating the community regarding issues related to the affordable housing crisis and what they can do to help; pursuing green building certification for Habitat Broward homes in order to make our design more sustainable and eco-friendly; as well as revitalizing and strengthening the community by building affordable homes throughout Broward County. For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Broward please call (954) 396-3030 or visit our website at www.habitatbroward.org.