Don Taft's Legacy

Don was known for his intelligence, wit, and infectious sense of humor. His 50-year business career included the management and representation of actors, writers, and directors, but Don was most proud of his personal involvement in the non-profit organizations he supported. In addition to contributing financially to many worthwhile causes, he also generously gave his personal time and skills to these organizations.

During his lifetime Don served as Honorary Chairman of Gilda’s Club South Florida, a Board Member of Special Olympics Broward County, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University. A generous contribution from Don also enabled Nova Southeastern University to build The Don Taft Center; this 366,000 square-foot center continues to be a thriving hub for students, faculty, and staff, as well as the South Florida community.

Don received numerous honors in recognition of his dedication to improving the lives of others. In 2009, he received the Spirit of Healing Award from the Memorial Foundation and the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation. In recognition of Don’s support of Special Olympics, the Don Taft Athlete of the Year Award was established in 2009. In 2011, Don was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Emerald Society of Fort Lauderdale, Inc.

Don passed away in Fort Lauderdale on February 20, 2011 at the age of 90. The Taft Foundation carries on his legacy and has already directed more than $100M to causes Don cared about.