FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (June 4, 2026) – Rita Case, president, CEO and owner of Rick Case Automotive Group, has received the 2026 Broward County Police Benevolent Association’s (BCPBA) Humanitarian of the Year Award. She is the first woman to receive this award.

An ardent supporter of education initiatives, Case also announced during the ceremony a $28,000 donation to The HOPE Fund, which was established in 1998 to assist members and families facing hardships during times of crisis and personal tragedy. The HOPE Fund awards the Sergeant Christopher Reyka Scholarship Award annually to a child of a Broward County PBA member. Case will fund a $1,000 scholarship moving forward.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for our law enforcement officers. They keep our roads and community safe. I tip my hat in gratitude and admiration for their bravery,” said Case. “It is such an honor to be named Humanitarian of the Year by the esteemed Broward County Police Benevolent Association. These men and women in uniform show up when we need them, patrol our neighborhoods, protect our businesses, attend community events and provide assistance to members and their families when they need it most. They truly exemplify what it means to be a humanitarian.”

The Humanitarian of the Year Award recognizes individuals whose actions embody the spirit of compassion, leadership and dedication to serving others that the BCPBA strives to uphold. Honorees have created a lasting and meaningful impact in the community. Recipients exemplify selfless service, generosity and a commitment to improving the lives of those in need while strengthening the rela­tionship between the community and public safety professionals.

“Rita Case represents the very best of what it means to serve a community. Her compassion, generosity and unwavering commitment to helping others has touched countless lives throughout South Florida,” said Rod Skirvin, president of the BCPBA. “Whether supporting charitable causes, standing beside first responders or giving back to those in need, Rita has consistently led with heart and purpose. On behalf of the BCPBA, it is my honor to present Rita Case with our Humanitarian of the Year Award in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to making a difference.”

Case was selected because she’s made a significant and measurable difference in the lives of individuals, families and the community through char­itable work, advocacy, outreach and public service. She demonstrates an ongoing dedication to helping others through volunteerism, philanthropy, mentorship and humani­tarian efforts and serves as a positive role model who inspires others to give back, become involved and improve the com­munity. Case exhibits honesty, compassion, professionalism and a genuine concern for the wellbeing of others and her valiant efforts have resulted in long-term positive change. She’s established programs, strategic partnerships and initiatives that will continue to benefit the community for generations to come.

Philanthropy and community involvement are part of Rick Case Automotive Group’s core values. Case is consistently named to South Florida Business Journal’s list of Power Leaders in Corporate Philanthropy. Rita and Rick created, developed and led fundraising initiatives that raised more than $125 million for organizations in South Florida, a legacy that she continues today. Her philanthropic efforts have been life-changing for residents who need a hand up.

Case’s family and their dealerships support non-profit organizations including Alonzo Mourning’s Overtown Youth Center, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Baptist Health, Boys & Girls Clubs, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Broward Health, Cleveland Clinic, Community Foundation of Broward, Feeding South Florida, Habitat for Humanity, Holy Cross Health, Huizenga Park, Humane Society, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Junior Achievement of South Florida, Nova Southeastern University, Panthers on the Prowl, Rick Case Bikes for Kids, Rick Case Cares, Soles4Souls’ 4EveryKid, United Way, Women In Distress, college and vocational scholarship funds for deserving students, and many more worthy causes.

Case was named the 2026 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year presented by Cox Automotive. She received the 2022 Horatio Alger Award; TIME Dealer of the Year Award; National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers’ Lifetime Achievement Award; AutoSuccess Women at the Wheel Award; and Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida’s Emerald Lifetime Achievement Award.

Previous winners of the BCPBA Humanitarian Award were Ron Book and Ron Bergeron.