Phil Barnes, Karen and Larry Mulder with Elizabeth Thomason [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

Volunteers and donors were showered with praise at the 2019 National Philanthropy Day Awards Celebration, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Indian River chapter at the Vero Beach Museum of Art.

Jacob Craig, First Presbyterian Church director of music, led the audience in a customized version of “Heart and Soul” to honor the outstanding achievements of local individuals and groups and to celebrate ‘Philanthropy – the heart and soul of our community.’

“Our community is full of great individuals with hearts full of grace who give of their time, talent and treasure,” said Jessica Schmitt, event co-chair with Kerry Bartlett. “Their good deeds and the lives they impact are the soul of this community. From the vital services and resources to the world-class cultural experiences, there is not a facet of this community that is not touched by philanthropy.”

Throughout the program, some of those touched by acts of kindness and generosity shared their personal stories before the winners in each category were announced. To ensure impartiality, winners had been selected by the AFP Jacksonville chapter.

The Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award was presented to Ryan Baudo and Marcus Fini, both nominated by Crossover Mission for their work with the sports-based tutoring and mentoring program.

Baudo said his favorite moments are as students finally understand, and their eyes light up. “You realize that you get to share your understanding with them. That’s a beautiful thing to me and that’s what makes it all worth it.”

“Philanthropy is about fostering relationships and actively helping to improve the lives of people in your community,” said Fini. “My work with Crossover Mission these last two years has really taught me the value of this work and the difference you can make in people’s lives.”

The Unsung Hero Award was presented to Bruce McEvoy, nominated by the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association, for his dedication toward helping others grappling with memory or movement disorders. McEvoy, current board president, is credited with raising awareness and revenue for its vital programs, helping it to become the strong, thriving nonprofit it is today.

“Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I got depressed about it and then started to meet people like those in this room. They encouraged me and I couldn’t stop,” said McEvoy.

Sassy and Mike Smith, recipients of the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award, were nominated by the Senior Resource Association. Dubbed “Champions for Charity,” the couple founded the SRA’s annual Charity Golf Pro-Am and Golf Croquet Tournament, which has enabled more than 39,000 hot, nutritious meals to be served to homebound seniors.

“No one in this room is wondering where or when their next meal is coming from. Within two miles of this museum, there are folks who depend on Meals on Wheels for their one hot meal of the day,” said Mike Smith. “This award is very nice and deeply appreciated, but we can’t stop until everyone who needs a meal gets one and has it delivered to their door.”

The Outstanding Group Supporting Philanthropy Award was presented to Henriette Churney, current Hibiscus Indian River Guild president. The group was nominated by the Hibiscus Children’s Center for their outstanding commitment and generosity, raising more than $8 million since its inception 22 years ago.

“What a benevolent little town. What a difference you people make,” said Churney, of the support Vero Beach residents give to help abused, neglected and abandoned children live better lives.

Karen and Larry Mulder were honored with the Outstanding Individual Philanthropists Award, nominated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian River County for their extensive philanthropy.

“We live in a polarized world. It’s really good to be in this room tonight because all of us here, for a little while, are pretty much traveling in the same direction,” said Larry Mulder, noting that staff members at the nonprofits are the ones doing the real work every day.

“Congratulations to all the honorees tonight. Your acts of kindness and generosity are the heartbeat of this community,” said Schmitt in closing.