COVER STORY 26 MAY 2026 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition They will celebrate 28 years at Church by the Glades in November. “Most people might be winding down, but David is preaching more than ever, and this is probably the most fun season we’ve had. We’re very blessed.” What is God’s calling for you? I believe my calling is the same as everyone’s: the Great Commission. Go and make disciples. In my life, I feel especially called to David and whatever he needs from me. Some people say, “My husband is called to ministry,” but I believe every Christian is called. It’s not just David’s calling; it’s a calling on both of us. I’m called to David, to my family, to Church by the Glades and First Baptist Fort Lauderdale. What charities do you support? We primarily give to Church by the Glades and First Baptist Fort Lauderdale. However, one of my best friends is Christine Caine, so we're big A21 supporters. A21 is the world's largest anti-sex trafficking campaign. They don't only rescue girls from sex trafficking, but they prosecute and put the bad guys behind bars. We also support Convoy of Hope. What Bible verse has encouraged you? Our family verse is Matthew 28: 19-20, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” What has been your most challenging time? Leadership can be challenging, and so can people. We’ve faced some criticism over the years, usually from Christians, sadly, not the world, but I don’t focus on that. My kids have never really given me a difficult season, and my marriage hasn’t either. I’m very fortunate to have strong friendships in ministry, so when things get tough, in leadership or personally, I have a lot of support. What has been your most rewarding time? As a mom, I’m in a really sweet season. Zane is in high school, and my other two are young adults, and I feel so fortunate to watch all three of them love the Lord and the Church. My daughter even has a church in Nashville she loves and serves. It’s a very sweet season for me as a mom. What do you do in your spare time? Do you have a hobby? We like to travel together. We love the Florida Keys and Disney. We like to walk around Epcot, but my hobbies would be working out and reading. What advice would you offer other women? Things I think are important are authenticity, honesty and working at being comfortable in who God has called you to be. Eileen LaMarca Vice President of The LaMarca Group A strong community advocate, Eileen LaMarca has been married to Florida Representative Chip LaMarca for more than 30 years. They live in Fort Lauderdale with their French bulldog, Rocco, and attend St. Coleman’s Church. Born to Cuban immigrant parents, she credits her father for modeling her strong work ethic and values, and she has a deep affinity for healthcare and nonprofit fundraising. As vice president of The LaMarca Group, she consults with nonprofits, often serving on boards and assisting with development. She has been a consultant for the Broward Health Foundation for five years. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed her to the Broward College District Board of Trustees nearly two years ago, and she also serves on the Broward College Foundation board and the Board of Pilot Commissioners, overseeing harbor pilot licensing, training, and discipline in Florida. In addition, LaMarca also serves on the board of the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens and previously served more than three years on the board of Henderson Behavioral Health, as well as with the Tower Forum and the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce. After earning an associate’s degree from Palm Beach State College, she worked as a dental hygienist before moving into the nonprofit world. She served more than four years as executive director of the Crockett Foundation, focusing on after-school programs for middle school students, before joining The LaMarca Group. With a heart for healthcare, LaMarca said, “What I do right now for Broward Health is really what I love. One of my biggest donors last year gave $5.2 million. We now speak almost every day, and her gift is going to go for cardiac care. We’re going to have the most advanced cardiac care in South Florida, and her willingness to give and believe in us is going to change lives. To me, it's so rewarding.” What is God’s calling for you? My dream job would be to give money away, so philanthropy would be my number one focus. There are so many causes, animals, children, Alzheimer’s, mental health, substance abuse, and never enough time or resources to help everyone. It’s better to give than to receive, so if you can do it, you should. What charities do you support? Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center does great work, and that’s something Chip and I support. Habitat for Humanity is a soft spot for him. He’s actually worked on roofs for them. I think it’s a great cause, but I don’t get my nails dirty there. We also support the Museum of Discovery and Science and the Humane Society. What Bible verse has encouraged you? I always love John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." What has been a challenging time? Campaigns have definitely been the hardest part. There's a lot of negativity and opponents say things that aren't true about your spouse. You see it in mailers and hear it in phone calls. When he started in 2005, it was nothing like this, but it’s gotten progressively worse and it affects everyone because it's your loved one: his parents, his mom. my nephew. Campaigns are challenging to everything, even marriages, but winning is rewarding! What has been a rewarding time? It can be rewarding to close with a donor, even if it’s not a big gift, just one you’ve worked hard for and they finally believe in the mission. Donors have to believe in what you’re doing to give, and it’s rewarding to know what that funding is going to support as well. Do you have a hobby? I like to run on the treadmill. I love to walk outside. I go boating with my husband, my sister, my nephew, our family and I love to travel. What advice would you offer other women? My encouragement is, if you want to do something, even if it’s challenging, just do it, and always support other women because we’re trying to fight similar issues and causes. We all have bad days but tomorrow is a better day. Stay positive, look on the bright side. Negativity doesn’t help. And you never know how strong you are until you have to be stronger. (Continued from Pg. 25) Eileen LaMarca and Chip LaMarca
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