VERO BEACH — A capacity crowd of business, government, non-profit and community leaders gathered en mass at the Oak Harbor Clubhouse for the Community Leader’s Breakfast and Spirit of Indian River County Awards Program to recognize contributions made on behalf of the community. As it has done since the first Community Leaders Breakfast in 1993, the event was underwritten and sponsored by Seacoast National Bank.
In his welcoming remarks, Michael Kint, United Way chief executive officer, related that the Family Financial Stability initiative, established just three years ago, has brought $1.4 million back into the hands of area residents through free tax preparation and discount prescription cards. Now at the completion of its 50th anniversary year, Kint commented that the United Way was looking forward to a continued legacy of community volunteerism and philanthropy.
The special keynote speaker was Fay Vincent, retired from top level positions including Commissioner of Major League Baseball, senior executive at the SEC, president and CEO of Columbia Pictures and executive vice president of Coca-Cola Company. Vincent was introduced by Dr. David Becker, who noted, “Clearly, Fay is a player rather than a spectator.”
Chuckling at Becker’s accolades, Vincent said, “My mother would be thrilled with that introduction. She would believe it; my father would not.”
Vincent went on to entertain the crowd with humorous anecdotes and several parables of which he said, “I’m leaving it to the audience to draw their own lessons from the stories. “
He also remembered some very good people who he said had dealt with great failure adding, “It’s the failures that motivate the successes.”
Current United Way board chairman Chad Morrison of Florida Floor Fashions, and chair-elect Gerry Thistle of Willis Insurance joined in distributing the 2011 Richardson and Spirit awards to the honored recipients.
The Richardson Awards are named after founding President Dan K Richardson, and highlight the creative and energetic ways businesses embrace the UW mission.
Richardson “Espirit de Vie” Award, for excellence in volunteerism – Indian River County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Richardson Essence Award, for excellence in community contributions – Disney’s Vero Beach Resort.
Richardson Enterprise Award, for excellence in a companywide United Way employee campaign – Seacoast National Bank of Indian River County.
2011 Spirit of Indian River County Awards:
Spirit of Indian River County Special Recognition Award honoring a new company with an outstanding first-time contribution of time, talent and treasure – Centerstate Bank of Florida.
Spirit of Indian River County Excellence Award, honoring a small company with demonstrated leadership and vision in their corporate philanthropy – Marine Bank and Trust.
Spirit of Indian River County Excellence Award, honoring a large company that has set the mark high for corporate citizenship – CVS Distribution Center.
Silent Angel Award, recognising outstanding generosity of time, talent and resources on behalf of a United Way partner agency – Marta Schnieder nominated by Children’s Home Society.
Agency Excellence Special Recognition Award and a check for $1,000, presented to an agency that demonstrates significant improvement and impact on the health and vitality of the community – Verna Wright of the Dasie Bridgewater Hope Center.
Agency Excellence Award, and a check for $2,500 presented to an agency that demonstrates excellence in achieving measured results and an overall positive impact on our community – Safespace.
In closing, 2011-12 Campaign co-chairs Chris and Don Loftus told the audience to be on the lookout for new People Meters, which aim to shift the attention to the number of lives helped by United Way agencies through dollars raised.