Community leader Cathy Cerniglia from Over Easy Cafe has initiated help for acclaimed photographer Michael Murphy, a community icon who has been a South Florida game changer in every way that has supported our community for nearly 35 years.
Murphy has raised countless thousands of dollars for those in need and supported hundreds of businesses with his photography. He needs our support. Two and a half months ago, Murphy had spinal surgery that failed. The surgeons want to go in and take out the spacer and do a spinal fusion called laminectomy. Aetna insurance company promptly turned down the claim. He will not be able to work for a minimum of three months in addition to the expenses associated with his much-needed surgery now. Let’s show Murphy the support he deserves.
Murphy is a native Miamian who grew up raising cows and horses on five acres way out west in Sunshine Ranches. He sold real estate for 14 years and at 32 he decided to quit real estate and walked into Tiffany Photographic and applied for an assistant’s job without even owning a camera. Murphy started with nothing more than his passion to learn. Now, 34 years later he has traveled the entire world shooting events, weddings, and headshots. Photography has given him the superpower to walk into any room, no matter the location or audience and create indelible images. His success is attributed to being present in the moment and connecting with people are his best attributes and the reason for his success.
Murphy supports many local charities and community service organizations. One close to his heart is the “Heart Gallery.” A nonprofit organization that showcases traveling photo exhibits of adoptable children seeking Forever Families. He is also a lifetime member at Leadership Broward which keeps him at the forefront of pressing issues in the community.
In 2023 Murphy received the Business Icon of the Year Award by the Oakland Park Business Association. In the same year he was recognized by The Heart Gallery of Broward for his 14 years of service to the children with no voices. Leadership Broward honored Murphy in 2019 along with five other community leaders. He received the Jesse Monteagudo Community Service Award from PRIDE South Florida, a service recognition award from Broward Days, and a community service distinction award from Latinos Salud for his $10,000 fundraising campaign.
On Dec. 5 Cerniglia will be hosting a fundraiser at her Over Easy Cafe. Hours of the fundraiser will be 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. There will be raffle items, incredible silent auction items and a $20 cash only meal that will feature various “Smash Burgers” & Lasagna. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to Murphy. You can also donate at an established GoFundMe page.
Bobby Blair is a LGBTQ media pioneer and leader known for his philanthropic work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. A Florida native, he lives in Fort Lauderdale with his longtime partner, Brian Neal. Blair was inducted into the GLBT Hall of Fame in 2015.
