VERO BEACH — Bob Schlitt, Jr., President, Schlitt Insurance Services, was presented the Ralph T. King Award for long-term commitment and outstanding achievement by a United Way volunteer at the Seacoast National Bank sponsored Community Leaders Breakfast at Oak Harbor Country Club in Vero Beach.
The event was attended by over 200 community leaders. Cyn DeLee Dalton, Seacoast National Bank, welcomed guests to the event, which has been sponsored by Seacoast for 20 years.
Michael Kint, CEO, United Way of Indian River County, identified the challenge of meeting increasing human service needs in spite of community strengths.
Indian River County has been named one of the 100 richest counties in the nation, but in 5 local elementary schools over 80% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch, and 20% of children in this community live in poverty.
Kint highlighted effective collaborations among service providers and encouraged attendees to “get involved.”
Florida Power & Light Company President Eric Silagy was guest speaker. He articulated the company’s commitment to customers, the environment, and the United Way. Silagy presented Kint with a $25,000 contribution to the United Way Foundation on behalf of FPL.
Awards were presented by United Way Board Chair Gerry Thistle and Col. Marty Zickert, President, Veterans Council of Indian River County and President, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1038.
The Spirit of Indian River County Awards recognize both big and small companies that demonstrate excellence in the categories of volunteerism, community contributions, and employee workplace campaign.
Northern Trust Bank took the award for a company of 50 employees or less and Publix Supermarkets was the winner for companies of 51 or more employees.
Richardson Awards, named for one of the founders of this United Way, Danforth K. Richardson, were presented for excellence in contributions to the community, for excellence in a United Way workplace campaign, and excellence in employee community volunteerism and were accepted by Brown & Brown Insurance Agency, Indian River County Supervisor of Elections, and Marine Bank and Trust, respectively.
A special recognition award was presented to Tony Donadio, of Donadio and Associates Architects, PA, for excellence in multiple categories and stepping up to be the sole sponsor of United Way’s Casino Royale in 2011.
CASTLE – The Parenting Professionals received the Agency Excellence Award for outstanding partnership, the ability to measure and report results of their work, and the overall impact of this agency on our community.
The Boulevard Village and Tennis Club received the Silent Angel Award. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Indian River County nominated The Boulevard for the “priceless” value they have provided to youth programs over the years.
Two awards were presented by the United Way Foundation to Susan Chenault and Alan Polackwich for dedication to the formation and growth of the Foundation.
The 2012-2013 Campaign Co-Chairs for United Way, Bob Brunjes, President and Publisher of Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers, and his wife, Amy Brunjes, External Affairs Manager at FPL, were introduced, and encouraged participation in the campaign and special events.
“We have a great team enthused about this fundraising campaign,” Bob explained.
United Way works to build a strong, healthy, and caring community, bringing government, business, nonprofits, and individuals together to focus on the most important needs by building partnerships, forging consensus, and leveraging resources to make a measurable difference in Indian River County.
United Way of Indian River County is encouraging people in the community to live united by giving to the annual campaign, helping spread the word about programs and services that help people in need, and volunteering their time and talent to a local cause.
For more information on how you can live united and help create a brighter future for those in need in our community, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website www.UnitedWayIRC.org.