As employers across South Florida continue to navigate workforce challenges tied to affordable childcare access, business and civic leaders are stepping forward with solutions—supporting organizations like Fuller Center that help families remain stable, employed, and on a path to long-term success.
That commitment was on display April 23 at the sold-out 3rd Annual Think Outside the Blocks Corporate Breakfast, held at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC), where Fuller Center raised $55,000 to support its Summer Camp program. The morning also featured a $100,000 general operating gift from the Morgan Stanley and The Directors Philanthropy Trust – MSWM Field Program, reinforcing the role of community investment in strengthening both families and the workforce.
“This event reflects a critical reality for our community—when families have access to reliable, high-quality childcare, it creates stability not just for children, but for the workforce as a whole,” said Fuller Center CEO Eric Roby. “Think Outside the Blocks brings business leaders into direct connection with that impact. We are incredibly grateful to our partners who recognize that supporting families is also an investment in a stronger, more resilient economy.”
The event brought together corporate teams for a high-energy, LEGO-inspired building challenge designed to foster collaboration, leadership, and creative problem-solving. Teams constructed sailboats and raced them in front of a live audience, with Florida Atlantic University earning the top prize and a custom LEGO trophy created by Fuller Center students.
A defining moment of the morning came from guest speaker Diane Irving, First Vice President and Service Manager at Morgan Stanley, who shared her family’s personal experience with Fuller Center as a former parent. Her story underscored the direct connection between childcare access and workforce participation.
“When I say the Fuller Center changes lives, I don’t mean it as a slogan,” Irving said. “I mean it as our family’s story—one that started in a moment of need and turned into a lifetime of community.”
Irving explained how access to safe, affordable childcare allowed her family to navigate job loss and rebuild financial stability. “Because our children were safe and thriving, my husband and I were able to grow in our careers and build a stable home,” she said. “The Fuller Center didn’t just care for our children—they walked with our family every step of the way.”
Fuller Academy students also played an active role in the event, serving as judges and awarding the Best Team Spirit Award to Friends of Fuller Center and the Most Creative Award to the 55th Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.
The event also celebrated Fuller Center’s 55-year legacy of supporting working families through education, childcare, and comprehensive support services that strengthen children, caregivers, and the broader community. The organization extends its appreciation to event committee chair, Lauren Kimber, and committee members, Clara Acero, Joe Scondotto and Mandy Forrester, for their strong leadership and support.
Additional support was provided by their community champion, Morgan Stanley; their strategic partner, ADT; their table sponsors, the 55th Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, CPG Cares, JM Family Enterprises, Kingdom Charitable Trust, and The GEO Group; and their community partners, Comerica Fifth Third Bank, FASTSIGNS of Boca Raton, FirstBank, Florida Blue, Galleros Robinson, Mandy Forrester & Boca Regional Chamber’s Golden Bell Education Foundation, Plastridge, Storm Watch, and The Mayotte Foundation.
Fuller Center extends sincere thanks to its sponsors, partners, and community supporters whose generosity made the event possible, as well as to the Boca Raton Innovation Campus for hosting the event.
About the Fuller Center
For 55 years, the Fuller Center has embraced, educated, and empowered hardworking, under-resourced families across South Florida. Serving more than 1,000 children annually—from infants through teens—and reaching over 700 families across 40+ zip codes in Palm Beach and Broward counties, the organization provides affordable, high-quality early education, out-of-school programs, private elementary education, teen leadership development, and family support services. Each year, Fuller Center delivers more than 430,000 meals and snacks to support children’s health and well-being across its two campuses.
For more information, visit www.fullercenterfl.org
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