DOREEN SCOTT

Doreen Scott is a 46 year-old community activist in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Scott was aware of her calling to help others at an early age. She initiated her volunteer service as a candy striper in the children’s ward at her local hospital and then pursued a nursing degree after high school so she could continue serving others. In 1979, Scott moved to Ft. Lauderdale for the climate and continued her nursing service. She became an ICU nurse at Cypress Community Hospital in Pompano Beach and was on the lookout for more service opportunities.

Scott became involved in her community so she could continue to use her talents to help others. She was one of the first members of the newly formed Kids in Distress Auxiliary (KID), which was founded in 1987 with the express purpose of promoting volunteer support for KID. KID seeks to provide community education in the area of abused and neglected children, positive public relations for KID, volunteer services in support of KID and fundraising initiatives to provide financial support to solely benefit KID. Scott has coordinated the fundraising of $100,000, and she visits the crisis center regularly to spend time with the children.

Another children’s cause that has benefited from Scott’s service is the Children’s Home Society. She uses her talents of involving others and inspiring more to give of their time and talents also to benefit abused or neglected children. Her goal is to acquaint as many as she can with the condition and plight of our abused and neglected children. She feels blessed to serve as an instrument in alerting others and preventing child abuse. She was elected their president in 1986 as a result of her dedication to children, past work on the behalf of children and her compassionate attitude about her work.

Scott is dedicated to the court’s Guardian Ad Litem program, which is a hands-on volunteer opportunity to monitor families and intervene in the children’s crisis moments. She represents the children in court for the state and has been appointed the court liaison for children in her county.

In addition, Scott is the co-chairman of Ft. Lauderdale’s Winterfest Ball which is an annual fundraiser highlighting their national boat parade. She also has been an avid supported of Pine Crest Preparatory School where she started out as a room mom, became president of the Lower School Mother’s Club, served on the Board of Advisors and is a member of the Founder’s Council and co-chairs the Pine Crest Silent Auction. Scott has also chaired two additional charity events: the American Heart Association’s Heart to Hear Ball and the Junior Welfare Society’s Toyland Ball. Funds rose at both events work to raise awareness of heart disease and aid local families in need of immediate assistance respectively. Scott volunteers with SPARK, PAWS, HANSY, Cystic Fibrosis, Junior League and the BCMA Alliance.

She is also a student at Florida International University. She is studying criminology so she can apply additional knowledge to abused children in crisis situations. Scott was awarded the American Cancer Society’s Woman of the Year Award. The Diabetes Association also recognized her as the Women of Valor.