The Vero Beach Museum of Art overflowed with an impressive collective of Indian River County residents devoted to the overall welfare of the community through the nonprofits they support.

Philanthropy came to life at A Night at the Museum, the theme of the 12th annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Ceremony hosted last Wednesday evening by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Indian River Chapter.

A living cast of Indian River Charter High School students played Benjamin Franklin, Mother Teresa and other historical philanthropists, reminders of the lasting effects of good works.

Mistress of Ceremonies Rep. Erin Grall reflected on the ripple effect of philanthropy, saying, “One selfless act of giving either time, talent or treasure creates exponential intended and unintended outcomes for perhaps an infinite number of years. Changes caused by the simple acts of caring and sharing.”

Three young nominees jointly received Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Awards, recognized for “making philanthropy part of their everyday lives and making Indian River County a special place to live,” said Owen Leyda, 2016 award recipient.

Niki Afshar, nominated by Saint Edward’s School, has helped build a Habitat for Humanity house through the school’s Community Service Club. Melanie Coppola, nominated by the Junior League of Indian River County, created the Live Like Cole Foundation in memory of her brother, Cole. Brady Miret, nominated by the Military Moms Prayer Group, founded the Student Soldier Support Group to raise funds and send care packages to deployed U.S. troops.

Barbara Lowry, nominated by United Against Poverty Indian River County, received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award in recognition of her efforts to help raise more than $500,000 for UP clients.

A new Outstanding Group Supporting Philanthropy Award was accepted by Suzanne Carter, Indian River Impact 100 board president, on behalf of that organization. Nominated by the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of IRC, the giving circle of more than 400 women pool their resources and annually disburse transformational grants of $100,000 to local nonprofits.

Dale Sorensen Real Estate, a New Horizons of the Treasure Coast nominee, was honored with the Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist Award for their outpouring of generosity to the community, numerous nonprofits and as a “beacon of hope to those in need.”

Nominated by Camp Haven, Dr. Walter and Lalita Janke received the Outstanding Individual Philanthropist Award for their dedication to helping broken men find their way out of poverty and back into society by providing them with shelter, food, counseling, jobs, guidance and life skills training.

Chris and Dick Picken, nominated by The Arc of Indian River County, were this year’s Unsung Heroes, topping a large and exceptional group. The couple has spent almost 30 years as volunteers, devoting roughly 16,000 hours toward helping those who can’t help themselves.

As they accepted the award, Dick Picken shared a letter he received from Muhammad Ali 35 years ago which read, “Service to others is a rent we pay for our space here on Earth.”

Picken added, “That note remains on our office wall to remind us that our rent is always due.”