Public photo opportunity to honor veterans and encourage donations in support of life saving mental health services September 10 – November 10

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (July 20, 2026) – Galleria Fort Lauderdale will be the perfect backdrop for the The Poppy Project Pop-Up Living Garden in support of Henderson Behavioral Health (HBH). This public art initiative, designed to honor veterans while raising awareness and funds for critical mental health services, will be a cherished photo opportunity moment from September 10 through November 10 at Galleria Fort Lauderdale (2414 East Sunrise Blvd.)

Designed by South Florida based Ingham Landscaping and presented by Galleria Fort Lauderdale, the two-month living garden will be a colorful and lively setting featuring the five-and 6-foot striking handcrafted fiberglass poppy flowers which are a remembrance of those who protect and serve our country. The garden will include a variety of tropical ornamental plants and shrubs that will complement the artistic poppy works of art sponsored by key community partners, sponsors, and supporters including The Leo Goodwin Foundation, Arlene Pecora, the Henderson Behavioral Health Board of Directors, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD28) Support Committee, Community Foundation of Broward, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and Galleria Fort Lauderdale.

Guests to the mall can take colorful photos to share online and connect with and donate to HBH’s virtual Legacy Wall which encourages friends and families to honor loved ones who have served or are currently serving our country. Special retail offers will coincide with this community project. The campaign will continue throughout the year, aligning with nationally recognized holidays including Veterans Day.

“Galleria Fort Lauderdale has a long history of supporting worthy causes and is proud to support Henderson Behavioral Health’s efforts to help those who dutifully served our country through this impactful and engaging public photo opportunity,” said Shaneika Haskins, marketing director at Galleria Fort Lauderdale. “We invite the community to experience the mall and be part of this vibrant tribute to veterans which supports much needed mental health services.”

The poppies made their debut at an unveiling at Tunnel Top Plaza in Downtown Fort Lauderdale in May. Funds raised through sponsorship of the poppies and donations will directly support Henderson Behavioral Health’s VICTORY (Veterans in Counseling to Obtain Recovery) Program, which provides free mental health services to veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families, including outreach and education across South Florida, workshops addressing mental health challenges impacting military families, and individual and relationship therapy offered both in clinical settings and within the community.

“The Poppy Project is a powerful way for our community to come together in remembrance of those who have patriotically served our country and to honor them by supporting vital mental health programs and services,” said Dr. Steven Ronik, CEO of Henderson Behavioral Health. “We salute Galleria Fort Lauderdale for presenting this extension of our program and thank many other businesses and individuals who are not only honoring service and sacrifice but also ensuring that those who have served and continue to protect our country receive the care they deserve.”

Inspired by the poppy’s historical significance as a symbol of sacrifice, rooted in the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields,” and later adopted as a national emblem of remembrance, HBH’s The Poppy Project brings this tradition to life in a local and meaningful way. The effort will continue throughout the year, aligning with nationally recognized holidays including Veterans Day.

Since 2023, Henderson Behavioral Health has served hundreds of veterans, including more than 250 in 2025 alone, reflecting the growing demand for accessible, high-quality mental health care. As a vital safety net within the community, the organization continues to see increasing demand for veteran-focused services, highlighting the need for continued resources to support and expand access to care.

To learn more about The Poppy Project Pop-Up Living Garden at Galleria Fort Lauderdale, and for a complete list of retailers, call (954) 564-1015 or visit www.galleriamall-fl.com.

About Henderson Behavioral Health

Established in 1953, Henderson Behavioral Health (HBH or Henderson) is one of Florida’s oldest and largest nonprofit providers of mental health and substance use disorder services, serving more than 30,000 individuals of all ages each year. Through a comprehensive approach that includes clinical care, housing, supported employment and advocacy, Henderson helps individuals achieve recovery and lead meaningful, independent lives. With programs and facilities throughout South Florida, the organization provides a wide range of accessible, evidence-based services designed to treat the whole person. Henderson is fully accredited at the highest level by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (C.A.R.F.). For more information visit, hendersonbh.org or call (954) 777-1624.

About Galleria Fort Lauderdale

Galleria Fort Lauderdale, recognized as one of South Florida’s premier shopping destinations, features a variety of popular dining and retail options. Macy’s, Dillard’s and H&M anchor the center which also is home to Apple, Banana Republic, Free People and Pandora. The center features an assortment of dining establishments such as Seasons 52, The Capital Grille and P.F. Chang’s. Coming in late 2027, Galleria Fort Lauderdale will welcome Florida’s first Wayfair retail location. Just steps away from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach, it is minutes from the airport, port, downtown, hotels and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center with easy access from Sunrise Boulevard, U.S. Highway 1 (Federal Highway), Interstate 95, Interstate 595, and U.S. Highway A1A (Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard). Located at 2414 East Sunrise Blvd., it is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mon. through Sat. and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sun. Restaurants and anchors enjoy varied hours. More information is available by calling (954) 564-1015 or by visiting www.galleriamall-fl.com.

Photo courtesy of Galleria Fort Lauderdale

Photo credit: Michael Murphy Photography

Galleria Fort Lauderdale will present the first official pop-up garden for The Poppy Project, Henderson Behavioral Health’s (HBH) public art initiative designed to honor veterans while raising awareness and funds for critical mental health services, from September 10 through November 10.