VERO BEACH — Exceptional volunteers and philanthropists were honored Tuesday evening at the annual National Philanthropy Day Awards celebration. Presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Indian River Chapter, the event recognizes the generosity of local individuals and businesses.
Nominees had each been chosen by an area non-profit organization, and in her welcoming remarks Robyn Orzel, AFP-IRC president, noted they epitomized the mission of giving for the common good.
“The spirit of giving is alive and well,” said Orzel.
“Nonprofit fundraising is a bullish industry, requiring a can-do attitude,” said Carter Hopkins, serving as master of ceremonies. “Philanthropy is a tradition in our community. The honorees quietly but persuasively work for the greater good of others; they are representative of what philanthropy is all about.”
Karl Steene was honored with the award for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser. Steene was nominated by Sun-Up Center for his work developing and promoting the organization’s signature fundraiser, Vero Road Rally Magnifique (VRRM), which has raised more than $100,000 since its inception two years ago.
Considered by AFP as an example of “philanthropy in action,” he served as a past United Way campaign co-chair, is an active Rotarian, and has served on numerous non-profit boards.
Steene got a laugh from the audience, saying he was taking a cue from Mary Chase’s character Elwood P. Dowd, famed for having the invisible rabbit Harvey as a friend. Dowd said his mother had told him, “”In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.” Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me.”
This year’s Unsung Hero award was presented to David Taylor, for his work with Habitat for Humanity. Taylor, whose mantra is “A hand up, not a hand out,” has chaired the successful Habitat Hoedown fundraiser for three years, and also serves on numerous other Habitat fundraising committees.
“My wife will tell you I’m not very handy, so working on houses wasn’t for me,” said Taylor. “My message to you is simple. Get involved, stay involved.”
Michael McGee represented U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management as the recipient of the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist, nominated by the Indian River Medical Center Foundation. The bank’s generosity has helped to transform a local hospital into an outstanding regional medical center.
McGee noted the bank’s pledge of a community based focus, and added, “Providing opportunities helps build stability. This night is about the community and the opportunities we all have to create a better community.”
Barney and Hariot Greene, who this month will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary, were honored as Outstanding Individual Philanthropist, nominated by the Indian River State College Foundation for their contributions to education and local students. They helped to create the Indian River State College Agricultural Endowment Fund and have been major contributors to the growth of the college.
“It is truly an honor to be singled out,” said Hariot Greene. Quoting Deuteronomy 16:17 she added, “Every man shall give as he is able. It is our desire to share our gifts.”
Robyn Orzel presented the President’s Award posthumously to Ronnie Hewett, recognizing his 41 years of dedicate service to the Boy & Girls Clubs. Orzel quoted Hewett as saying, “Children make up 25 percent of the population, but 100 percent of our future.”
Hewett’s wife Pamela accepted the award on his behalf and noted, “He would say our children today will become our leaders tomorrow.”
Hewett was hired to direct the Indian River County clubs in 2005, and led the expansion of three new clubs in Vero Beach, Sebastian and Fellsmere.
“I think of the clubs as synonymous with Ronnie Hewett,” said long-time Boys & Girls Clubs supporter Dick Burgoon.
The other honorees were each given a descriptive title which evoked the motivation behind their nominations.
The Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser honoree was Donna Peters, “The Visionary,” nominated by Jesse’s Journey of Hope.
Unsung Hero honorees were Mary Graves, “The Educator,” nominated by Indian River State College Foundation; Kip Jacoby, “The Champion,” nominated by United Way; Dawn Michael, “The Advocate,” nominated by Senior Resource Association; and Sue Tompkins, “The Technician,” nominated by the Education Foundation.
Corporate Philanthropist honorees were Piper Aircraft, “The Planners,” nominated by the Education Foundation; Vero US1 Nissan & Route 60 Hyundai owners Tommy and Annmarie Chiarenza, “The Partners,” nominated by Homeless Family Center; and Indian River Wal-Mart stores #931 and #1068 and Sam’s Club #6520, “The Providers,” nominated by Treasure Coast Food Bank.
The AFPIR Chapter, formed in 2006, consists of non-profit fund development professionals, advisors and volunteers. The National Philanthropy Day Award celebration was presented by sponsor George E. Warren Corporation and co-chaired by Jennifer Jones and Monique Walker.
