VERO BEACH – Make your reservations now and plan to attend the Dan K. Richardson Humanitarian Awards Banquet to benefit the Gifford Youth Activity Center (GYAC), 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 14 at The Richardson Center at the Indian River State College Mueller Campus in Vero Beach. Continuing the tradition of recognizing local individuals for their humanitarian efforts, this year’s honorees are Dr. A. Ronald Hudson, a GYAC founder, and Carter Hopkins, founder of the Gifford Youth Activity Center Foundation. A social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30pm catered by Culinary Capers. Entertainment will be provided by the Gifford Youth Orchestra String Quartet.
The Gifford Youth Activity Center is pleased to recognize Carter Hopkins for his leadership and community service. From education, to the arts and health and human service, he has volunteered with numerous organizations and in Indian River and Dade County. Hopkins has been active with Gifford Youth Activity Center for nine years as a board member. His leadership with GYAC includes Executive Board, Finance Committee, Fundraising Chair, and Vice Chairman. Hopkins’ professional career has been in banking, real estate and investments and business development. He has lectured on real estate as well as served on many committees as a member of the Board of Realtors of Coral Gables and the Florida Association of Realtors.
Dr. A. Ronald Hudson is being recognized by the Gifford Youth Activity Center for his many contributions to the Indian River County Community. He is a Gifford High School Graduate and has Degrees from Bethune Cookman College, Tuskegee University, Stetson University and Walden University. His career the Indian River County Schools includes his being honored as Teacher of the Year, and he was a Principal and Assistant Superintendent. He is a published author, has conducted workshops for school districts around the country and worked in education at the Community College and University Level. Dr. Hudson participated in many Gifford community organizations and served on the Board of Directors for Gifford Youth Activity Center including as Board Chairman, and on various committees.
The banquet is the primary annual fundraiser for the Gifford Youth Activity Center, located at 4875 43rd Avenue in Vero Beach. Proceeds enable the Center to continue its numerous programs for at-risk youth, seniors, and the community.
The annual award was designed to honor Mr. Dan K. Richardson, a founder of GYAC, and other worthy citizens who have contributed to the Indian River County community in business, education and philanthropic leadership.
2006 Recipient: Dan K. Richardson, 2007 Recipient: Alma Lee Loy, 2008 Recipient: Robert and Eleonora McCabe, 2009 Recipient: Father Richard Murphy on behalf of Holy Cross Catholic Church, and 2010 Recipients: Dr. Hugh and Ann Marie McCrystal.
Tickets are $125.00 per person and seating is limited.
The Center welcomes local individuals and businesses to participate in this event with a variety of sponsorship opportunities.
For additional information please call Freddie L. Woolfork at 772-794-1005 x34.