Applauded by friends, family and an appreciative community, a group of exceptional volunteers and philanthropists graced the stage at Riverside Theatre last Tuesday evening to be recognized for their support of nonprofit organizations. The National Philanthropy Day Awards, hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Indian River Chapter, recognized 20 individuals at this year’s ceremony.
“The best part of the night for me is to be in a room filled with so many passionate individuals who make this community a wonderful place to live and work,” said Katie Kowanic, event co-chair with Shannon Bowman, at a pre-ceremony reception.
Cynthia Falardeau, president of the Indian River Chapter, introduced Master of Ceremonies Bob Carter, President and CEO of Bob Carter Companies and board chairman of the International Association of Fundraising Professionals, the world’s largest professional fundraising association. He congratulated the Indian River Chapter for being named a 10-Star Chapter five years in a row, noting that the honor is reserved exclusively for the most effective chapters worldwide.
“We’re going to celebrate stories tonight,” said Carter. “And we’re going to send out a giant collective thank-you to everyone who is engaged in this enterprise.”
In introducing the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser – William F. Glavin, nominated by Gifford Youth Activity Center – Carter said the award was honoring a gentleman who understands firsthand the joy that comes from helping an organization build the resources it needs to transform the lives of children in this community.
“I think it’s very important that we pass on to the younger generation that success in life should be defined as balancing your home life with your business life and helping those who aren’t as fortunate as you are,” said Glavin.
This year’s Unsung Hero Award recipient was Ross Cotherman, nominated by Boys & Girls Club of Indian River County, for his leadership roles and commitment, from when the doors of the first club opened 14 years ago to today, with three clubs serving 1,500 children.
“When my wife Connie and I moved here about 30 years ago, we knew we had moved into a very special community, and we wanted to make sure we gave back to that community,” said Cotherman. He said when he first asked how he could do that, he was told, “All you have to do is say yes.”
The Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Award was presented to Tim Girard, President and CEO of Girard Equipment, Inc., nominated by Indian River Habitat for Humanity. In addition to the company’s involvement with Habitat, he created the HETY (Helping Equip Today’s Youth) Award, to benefit local youth organizations.
Girard said when he moved here about a decade ago, “I saw the generosity of this community and that’s what inspired me to help others more than I ever did before.”
The Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award was presented to Brian Barnett, a senior at Saint Edward’s School, nominated by Quail Valley Charities. Carter also presented a check on behalf of Bob Carter Companies to Quail Valley Charities in Barnett’s honor.
“I was lucky enough to have the spirit of giving instilled in me at a young age by my parents who are both very active in nonprofits across the state,” said Barnett, adding his first entrée into philanthropy was on his 6th birthday, when he donated all his presents to children at Hibiscus Children’s Center. He said the children’s reaction as they opened the presents is ingrained in his mind and is a major reason he has continued to devote his time to helping others.
The Outstanding Individual Philanthropist Award was presented in absentia to Bob Bowman, who was unable to attend. Bowman, nominated by The Arc (formerly SunUp ARC), has provided philanthropic support to numerous other organizations as well, including VNA, Dogs For Life, Riverside Theatre, Hospice House and John’s Island Foundation. This year, Bowman issued a successful $100,000 challenge grant to The Arc to jumpstart its efforts to build adult care facilities.
The other honorees and the organizations that nominated them were: Pauline Adams of I’ll Never Tell, Military Moms Prayer Group; Melvin Baker, IV, Gifford Youth Activity Center; Jo Ann Becker, Humane Society of VB & IRC; Dr. Gary and Deb Freed, Humane Society of VB & IRC; David and Barbara Hefflebower, Indian River State College Foundation; Sheriff Deryl Loar, Dasie Bridgewater Hope Center; Dr. Robert Rappell, Treasure Coast Community Health; Ken Roberts, Big Brothers Big Sisters of IRC; Bob Schlitt, Jr., SafeSpace; Bob and Carmen Stork, Literacy Services of IRC; and Jack and Carolyn Veeneman, Childcare Resources of IR.
