The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Indian River chapter, hit one out of the ballpark last Wednesday with its baseball-themed National Philanthropy Day Awards celebration. The committee opted for a different approach to their traditional awards presentation, hosting a dinner at the Oak Harbor Club and waiting until that evening to reveal the names of the recipients.
“Philanthropy is the love of humankind and tonight we celebrate this year’s local National Philanthropy Day honorees, representing 14 nonprofits,” said Peggy Gibbs, event co-chair with Judy Lemoncelli. She noted that the honorees have collectively provided more than 50,000 local volunteer hours, adding, “And that is just what is able to be counted. I know it is so much more. Additionally, many of tonight’s honorees have donated and/or raised more than $10 million for the 14 nonprofits that they represent.”
Interspersed among the award presentations were vintage movie reels and even the famed Abbott and Costello “Who’s on first” routine, ably performed by the evening’s award presenters, Stephen Higgins and Neal Watkins. In keeping with the theme, Watkins chatted with Rick Monday, a former Dodger, broadcaster and two-time Major League All-Star, who shared fond memories of the game and Vero’s Historic Dodgertown.
Owen Leyda, nominated by Indian River Habitat for Humanity, was presented with the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy award for his work as a Life Scout in Troop 567, fundraising and inspiring others in a project to replace and put identifiable numbers on mailboxes in Habitat communities. Alicia Maneiro, nominated by the Gifford Youth Achievement Center, was the other Youth honoree.
Marta Schneider, nominated by Children’s Home Society, received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award, recognizing her persuasive fundraising efforts and compassionate advocacy on behalf of children in the foster care system and the young adults who age out of the system. Other nominees were Katy Block Faires and Sam Block, Childcare Resources of IRC; and Louis Schacht, St. Francis Manor.
Don Proust, nominated by Habitat for Humanity, bested a large field of nominees to receive the Unsung Hero award for contributing 15 years of organizational, motivational and leadership skills to Habitat construction crews. Proust is 1,000 hours short of his goal of 10,000 volunteer hours. Other nominees were Cindy Bryant, Alzheimer & Parkinson Assn. IRC; Gail Kinney, Education Foundation IRC; Marvin and Karman Lee, Salvation Army IRC; Fran Mellett, Literacy Services IRC; Lee Olsen, Vero Beach Lifeguard Assn.; Rod Parker, Boys & Girls Clubs IRC; D. Barry Reardon, GYAC; and Sue Tompkins, VNA & Hospice Foundation.
The Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Award was accepted by Hollie Billero Buldo on behalf of the REALTORS Association of Indian River County, another Habitat nominee, for its sponsorship and volunteer service which have enabled home ownership opportunities to 15 Habitat families. The other nominees were Toyota of Vero Beach, Education Foundation IRC; Walmart Distribution Center #7038, Treasure Coast Food Bank; and Windsor, Alzheimer & Parkinson Assn.
Also nominated by Alzheimer & Parkinson Assn. was Joyce (Joy) Steggles, who received the Outstanding Individual Philanthropist Award for a commitment, which has enabled them to provide programs and services to individuals grappling with neurodegenerative diseases and respite care to their caregivers. Other nominees were Sid Banack, Jr., Indian River State College Foundation; and Louis and Joanne Hagopian (posthumously), Habitat for Humanity.
A special President’s Award was presented to Vero’s most treasured resident, Alma Lee Loy, for the numerous and varied contributions she has made to the community. The list of accomplishments, awards, honors, philanthropic and civic endeavors credited to Alma Lee Loy over many decades could virtually span the length of the bridge that bears her name.
“The woman far surpasses the legend,” said Watkins, in presenting the award. “If philanthropy is a team sport, then Alma Lee Loy is our captain.”
In accepting, she said she strongly believes that it takes a team, cooperation and working together to accomplish goals.
“This is my home,” said Loy. “I am truly blessed to live in a community where people care and want to continue the growth and enhancement of a distinctive quality of life for generations to follow.”
