Sweet Dream Makers promotes and improves the health and well-being of children and families by providing beds, bedding, and essential furniture.
OUR STORY
Making a difference, one family and one bed at a time
Sweet Dream Makers is a growing nonprofit organization, founded in 2017 in response to an overwhelming community need to get children into a bed of their own in Palm Beach County, Florida. Sweet Dream Makers delivers new beds, at no cost, to children and families sleeping on the floor, sharing beds, or sleeping in unsafe, unsanitary conditions.
From humble beginnings as a grassroots, social action program at Temple Beth El in Boca Raton in 2012, Sweet Dream Makers has expanded to become a highly sought-after and trusted organization serving families throughout all of South Florida. Founder Suzanne Broad has built an innovative and efficient program, working alongside 250+ local social service agencies, and has proudly provided thousands of beds to hundreds of families.
Since starting as a way to meet the need in Palm Beach County, we have quickly scaled up our program to serve the greater South Florida region. Sweet Dream Makers is dedicated to ensuring the basic comfort and security necessary for each child to reach their full potential. Together with our partners and supporters, we are working toward the simple, yet ambitious, goal to improve the lives of our community’s children, one bed at a time.
FUNDING PARTNERS
100 Women Who Care
Addison Reserve Foundation
Admirals Cove Foundation
Al & Jane Nahmad Family Foundation
Albert E. and Birdie W. Einstein Fund
Alexander Brady Foundation
Amaturo Family Foundation
The Anda Foundation, Inc.
Asofsky Family Foundation Inc.
Baer’s Furniture
Baldwin Family Foundation Trust
BallenIsles Charities Foundation
The Batchelor Foundation, Inc.
The Beck Family Charitable Foundation
Beverly & Joel Altman Family Foundation
The Billi Marcus Foundation Inc
Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation
The Boca Rio Foundation, Inc.
Boca West Community Charitable Foundation
The Broken Sound Charitable Foundation
Broward Sheriff’s Office
Carl Angus DeSantis Foundation
The Children’s Trust
The Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea
City Mattress
City of Coconut Creek
City of Hollywood
Community Foundation of Broward County
Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
Coral Springs Community Chest
Delray Beach Police Dept.
The Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation
Exclusive Flooring Collection
Extraordinary Charities
Florida Blue
Florida Panthers Foundation
Fortin Family Foundation
Fritch Foundation
Gillman Family Foundation Inc.
Goldman Sachs
Great Charity Challenge
Michelle Hagerty
Hands on Tzedakah
Harcourt M. & Virginia W. Sylvester Foundation
Harry T. Mangurian Foundation
Heidi Schaeffer, M.D. Charitable Trust
Hilda and Leonard Kaplan Foundation
Ibis Charities Foundation
Impact 100 Men
Irvin Stern Foundation
Isabel Smith Nutrition and Lifestyle
Janower Family Private Foundation
The Jim Moran Foundation
John E & Nellie J Bastien Memorial Foundation
Josephine S. Leiser Foundation, Inc.
Kaufman Rossin
Key Biscayne Community Foundation
Emily & Neil Kishter
Lara Greenwood Photography
Lattner Family Foundation
Leslie L. Alexander Foundation
Lou Bachrodt Auto Group
M.B. & Edna Zale Foundation
McNally Family Foundation
Memorial Healthcare System
Men Giving Back
Mirasol Foundation
Myron & Elaine Adler Private Foundation Inc.
Nordstrom Cares
The Norman and Henny Obermaier Charitable Trust
Osborne & Francis
Pat Moran Family Foundation
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
Pulte Family Foundation
Raymond Lee Jewelers
Ronald McDonald House Charities, South Florida
Rosenzweig Charitable Fund
Rotary Club of Downtown Boca Raton
Royal Palm Properties
St. Mary Magdalene & St. Martin Episcopal Church
Saks Fifth Avenue
Sid Pashelinsky Family Foundation
Silver Sac Catering
Soroptimist Int’l of Boca Raton
Spanish River Church
Stampar Jewelers
Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation
Steve E. Bernstein Family Foundation
Temple Beth El of Boca Raton
Total Rental Solutions
Ulin & Co. Wealth Management
The Venable Foundation
Villa Rosano Restaurant
The Walter & Adi Blum Foundation
Wietsma Lippolis Construction
William and Helen Thomas Foundation
OUR BOARD
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Attorney/Owner of the law firm: Brian W. Broad, P.A., Boca Raton, Florida
Brian Broad is a respected Boca Raton based real estate attorney for over 30 years. Originally from Long Island, New York, Brian practiced labor relations and family law. He has served on the board of The Haven (a group home for foster youth) and has been active in community service for over 40 years. Brian is an avid sailor and bread baker when he is not helping families in need with furniture deliveries or brainstorming with his wife and SDM founder, Suzy, on how to grow the program to meet the staggering need. Brian and Suzy have two children following in their footsteps and have been happily married since 1991.
Brian Broad is a respected Boca Raton based real estate attorney for over 30 years. Originally from Long Island, New York, Brian practiced labor relations and family law. He has served on the board of The Haven (a group home for foster youth) and has been active in community service for over 40 years. Brian is an avid sailor and bread baker when he is not helping families in need with furniture deliveries or brainstorming with his wife and SDM founder, Suzy, on how to grow the program to meet the staggering need. Brian and Suzy have two children following in their footsteps and have been happily married since 1991.
Brian Broad
President of the Board 2016
Present: Organizational Systems Consultant/Coach
Former: Chief Operating Officer, Mindful Management, LLC.
Leslie Steinberg moved to Florida in 2005 from Brookline, Massachusetts. She worked closely with Suzy transitioning Sweet Dream Makers from a social action project into a successful and financially transparent non-profit. Leslie has served on numerous foundation boards empowering women and children in both Florida and Massachusetts. She works closely with the Board on all aspects of budgeting and financial reporting.
Former: Chief Operating Officer, Mindful Management, LLC.
Leslie Steinberg moved to Florida in 2005 from Brookline, Massachusetts. She worked closely with Suzy transitioning Sweet Dream Makers from a social action project into a successful and financially transparent non-profit. Leslie has served on numerous foundation boards empowering women and children in both Florida and Massachusetts. She works closely with the Board on all aspects of budgeting and financial reporting.
Leslie Steinberg
Treasurer & Board Member 2016
Founder/Administrator, Gotta Guy℠ in SoFla on Facebook
Former: Attorney, Jones Foster/Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley
Debbie Block is the technological backbone of Sweet Dream Makers. After retiring from a 25-year legal career and founding the very successful social media platform Gotta Guy, she used her knowledge to build SDM into an efficient non-profit organization by programing databases, streamlining processes, and managing the website, email, and social media communications.
Former: Attorney, Jones Foster/Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley
Debbie Block is the technological backbone of Sweet Dream Makers. After retiring from a 25-year legal career and founding the very successful social media platform Gotta Guy, she used her knowledge to build SDM into an efficient non-profit organization by programing databases, streamlining processes, and managing the website, email, and social media communications.
Debbie Block
Secretary & Board Member 2016
President of Gillman Family Foundation
Former President/CEO of Accessories by Doris DBA Fine Things
Doris Gillman was immediately inspired to support SDM by the simplicity of the mission and the staggering amount of local children without a bed of their own. As a former business owner of a successful retail operation, Doris understands the business of running SDM. As a philanthropist, Doris clearly understands the business of giving. Doris and her husband Neil sponsor the annual “Be a Sweet Dream Maker” Celebration and Auction.
Former President/CEO of Accessories by Doris DBA Fine Things
Doris Gillman was immediately inspired to support SDM by the simplicity of the mission and the staggering amount of local children without a bed of their own. As a former business owner of a successful retail operation, Doris understands the business of running SDM. As a philanthropist, Doris clearly understands the business of giving. Doris and her husband Neil sponsor the annual “Be a Sweet Dream Maker” Celebration and Auction.
Doris Gillman
Executive Board 2018
Entrepreneur / Investor
Marc Malaga brings his experience as a visionary to SDM. As an innovative entrepreneur he took a brick and mortar store and built a multi-million dollar enterprise long before e-commerce was mainstream business. Marc has a true understanding of the families we serve, having been on the board of The Haven and served as a Big Brother and foster parent.
Marc Malaga brings his experience as a visionary to SDM. As an innovative entrepreneur he took a brick and mortar store and built a multi-million dollar enterprise long before e-commerce was mainstream business. Marc has a true understanding of the families we serve, having been on the board of The Haven and served as a Big Brother and foster parent.
Marc Malaga
Executive Board 2016
CEO, City Mattress.
Marc Schiller first became involved with Sweet Dream Makers when his neighbor mentioned the program while out to dinner. Marc initially donated a few beds but quickly transitioned into a devoted partner, believing whole-heartedly in our mission and strategically supporting our growth and operations. Marc and his long time partner Gloria are tri-athletes and clearly understand the value of a good night’s sleep.
Marc Schiller first became involved with Sweet Dream Makers when his neighbor mentioned the program while out to dinner. Marc initially donated a few beds but quickly transitioned into a devoted partner, believing whole-heartedly in our mission and strategically supporting our growth and operations. Marc and his long time partner Gloria are tri-athletes and clearly understand the value of a good night’s sleep.
Marc Schiller
Executive Board 2019
Ophthalmic Associates and Lewis Rental Properties - Recruiter/Human Resources Specialist
Cristina Lewis graduated from FAU and soon founded Ophthalmic Associates, where she works as Owner, Recruiter, and Human Resources Specialist. Cristina is also the administrator of human resources and recruitment for her family’s real estate business, Lewis Rental Properties. She serves on the executive board of the Parents’ Association of Pine Crest School in Boca Raton and has served on several committees, including Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation’s Annual Ball and Go Pink Challenge. Cristina shares her passion for helping others with her husband, Tim Lewis, Jr., and their three young daughters.
Cristina Lewis graduated from FAU and soon founded Ophthalmic Associates, where she works as Owner, Recruiter, and Human Resources Specialist. Cristina is also the administrator of human resources and recruitment for her family’s real estate business, Lewis Rental Properties. She serves on the executive board of the Parents’ Association of Pine Crest School in Boca Raton and has served on several committees, including Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation’s Annual Ball and Go Pink Challenge. Cristina shares her passion for helping others with her husband, Tim Lewis, Jr., and their three young daughters.
Cristina Lewis
Executive Board 2024
Founding Board Member (2016-19)
Jim Gordon, founding Board member and inspiration for Sweet Dream Makers, passed away in December 2019. Jim helped give life to Sweet Dream Makers by encouraging its founder, Suzanne Broad, to incorporate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and build a sustainable organization to fill the critical and unmet need of providing beds and bedding to local families in need. “He was so very proud of all that Sweet Dream Makers has accomplished in such a short time and was my biggest cheerleader. He will be sorely missed but will forever live on in our hearts.” - Suzy Broad.
Jim Gordon, founding Board member and inspiration for Sweet Dream Makers, passed away in December 2019. Jim helped give life to Sweet Dream Makers by encouraging its founder, Suzanne Broad, to incorporate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and build a sustainable organization to fill the critical and unmet need of providing beds and bedding to local families in need. “He was so very proud of all that Sweet Dream Makers has accomplished in such a short time and was my biggest cheerleader. He will be sorely missed but will forever live on in our hearts.” - Suzy Broad.
In Memoriam - Jim Gordon
ADVISORY BOARD
Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Involved with HomeSafe, The Bernstein Family Foundation, The Gillman Family Foundation, GoPink, and other local charities.
Abby Bernstein-Henderson
Advisory Board 2024
Former Principal of Mindful Management, LLC (real estate investment and management)
Stephen Block
Advisory Board 2016
Director, Gillman Family Foundation
Neil Gillman
Advisory Board 2018
Retired Broward County School Teacher
Judy Gordon
Advisory Board 2016
Owner, Lewis Rental Properties, Boca Raton, Florida
Tim Lewis
Advisory Board 2016
Private Wealth Advisor, Goldman, Sachs & Co.
Matthew MacFarland
Advisory Board 2020
Masters of Social Work / Owner Maxwell’s Chophouse, NYC
Guardian ad Litem
Guardian ad Litem
Melissa Malaga
Advisory Board 2016
Chuck moved to Florida from Virginia Beach, Va., with his wife, Nancy, in 2015. He has been involved with and served on many Community boards throughout his adult life, including as President of the Jewish Community Center of Tidewater, VA. His involvement with SDM began with our first Celebration in 2017. Prior to retirement, he was in the Construction, Land development, and Property Management fields.
Chuck Rosenblatt
Advisory Board 2025
Assistant Professor, Lynn University
Joanna F. Sackel, Esq., M.S.W.
Advisory Board 2022
Director of Finance, Quantachrome, Boynton Beach, Florida
Rick Steinberg
Advisory Board 2016
SWEET DREAM MAKERS AMBASSADORS
Leaders within the Community who Advocate for our mission, Inspire others to see our vision,
and Engage with others on behalf of the families we serve.
Emily Kishter
Cheryl McBride
Debby Rales
STAFF
Suzy began her career in New York City as an art director at an advertising agency. In 1992, she moved to South Florida with her husband and continued to work in advertising while raising her family in Boca Raton. She volunteered at a local group home for foster children, a soup kitchen, the PTA, and became deeply involved with social action at her place of worship. As the Co-Chair of The Giving Tree of Temple Beth El, Suzy saw first-hand the overwhelming need for beds in our community. She spearheaded a new program called Sweet Dreams with the mission to get kids off the floor and into a bed. Suzy founded Sweet Dream Makers in December 2016 with encouragement from the Board of Directors and the community, and today, together with her friends and supporters, she has changed thousands of lives throughout South Florida.
Click here to contact Suzy
Suzanne Broad
Executive Director
Hailing from Jupiter, Florida, Chloe is an alumni of the University of Central Florida. Since graduating in 2014, she has spent the last seven years advocating for kids, teens, and young adults through her professional work with nonprofits and her personal commitment to mission work, mentoring and volunteering.
Click here to contact Chloe
Chloe Evans
Director of Events and Communications
Kelsey Johnson is a Florida native and alumna of New College of Florida. She lives in Boca Raton with her husband, daughter, and several pets. For nearly a decade, she worked as a fundraising consultant and supported dozens of nonprofit organizations across Florida, including Sweet Dream Makers. In 2022, she earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, reflecting her deep commitment to best practices, accountability, and strong ethical standards in fundraising and nonprofit management. In 2025, she was elected to the Board of Directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Broward Chapter and currently serves as chapter secretary. She is excited to join Sweet Dream Makers' team and contribute her experience and passion to ensure that every child has a bed of their own.
Click here to contact Kelsey
Kelsey Johnson
Director of Grants and Development
Susan has lived most of her life in the South Florida area. Before joining Sweet Dream Makers, Susan worked for a foot and ankle surgeon and, prior to that, she spent many rewarding years as a Broward County elementary and middle school teacher. When not working, Susan enjoys spending time with her three children and her three rescue dogs. Her attention to detail, her organizational skills, and her love for helping children and families makes her a perfect fit as Program Manager at Sweet Dream Makers.
Click here to contact Susan
.Susan Tucker
Program Manager
Debbie is the technological backbone of Sweet Dream Makers. After retiring from a 25-year legal career and founding the very successful social media platform Gotta Guy, she used her knowledge to build SDM into an efficient non-profit organization by programing databases, streamlining processes, and managing the website, email, and social media communications.
Click here to contact Debbie
Debbie Block
(Volunteer) Technology & Social Media Director
With almost a decade in public service, Helen has dedicated her career to helping others. Previously, she has worked for the New York City Mayor's Office and non-profits both in the US and UK. Her professional background is in policy, public affairs and programming. She feels so lucky to make an impact in people's lives every day by helping them have a good night's sleep.
Click here to contact Helen
.Helen Broad
Assistant Program Manager
Liat Kletz is honored to be part of Sweet Dream Makers, where she helps behind the scenes with bookkeeping, programming, and event support. Whether keeping records organized, helping keep track of beds, or pitching in at events, Liat enjoys contributing to the important work Sweet Dream Makers does for children and families. A 2002 graduate of the University of Miami, Liat lived in New York City before moving to Florida in 2020. She and her husband, Kevin, are the proud parents of two boys. Liat feels fortunate to support a mission that brings comfort, hope, and joy to families in need.
Liat Kletz
Bookkeeper
Rhonda comes to SDM as a volunteer with an extensive background working for the Internal Revenue Service. She served as Treasurer for the Leave a Legacy Foundation, where SDM was a grantee. Rhonda has served as Secretary on the First Choice Credit Union Board of Directors since 2015, and today, she works hand-in-hand with the SDM Treasurer to balancing the books. Rhonda’s attention to detail and tenacity to account for every dollar falls directly in line with our pledge of complete transparency.
Rhonda Diffenbach
(Volunteer) Bookkeeper
Jodi, a graduate of the University of Florida, worked at Fair Oaks Hospital in Delray Beach for five years in the Activities Therapy Department using her training in Occupational and Recreational Therapies. This experience gave her extensive knowledge and compassion for working with all types of people and understanding their needs and different situations. She is an accomplished artist, having trained under the highly acclaimed and accoladed Jim Houser and the great Edith Ritkin. Her artwork has been featured in several galleries across the coast. Jodi also co-created Luvbirds with her sister, a project with a mission to spread love and do random acts of kindness on a daily basis. This all provides Jodi with a background filled with love, empathy, and vast understanding of the human condition. She enjoys meeting and helping all the families.
Jodi Ijac
Warehouse Coordinator
Keith Jones
Warehouse PickUp Supervisor
James was a huge part of Sweet Dream Makers from Day 1 until he passed away in December 2023. After a career in the Armed Forces, James became an investigator for the Department of Children and Family Services. During that time, James spearheaded a local program called "Brothers Helping Brothers," an all-volunteer group of men and woman in his local community who gave back to their neighbors in need. James worked part-time at Sweet Dream Makers driving our truck and picking up gently-used furniture. He also helped manage our Warehouse, teaching local youth the joy of giving back.
In Memoriam - James Bulger
Founding Warehouse Program Manager