The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Indian River chapter hosted its 18th annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Ceremony at the Community Church of Vero Beach.
At this year’s event, 12 honored leaders were showered with praise and appreciation for their shared generosity; their efforts highlighting the creative and thoughtful ways philanthropy enriches the lives of those in need.
“Today’s honorees have hearts full of grace and souls generated by love. While philanthropy comes from the Greek root of loving people, grace can mean gratitude, forgiveness, goodwill, honor, and much more. We demonstrate grace by lifting others up, giving back, and showing our appreciation for others. It is well suited for today’s event, Grace: The Art of Giving,” said Jessica Schmitt, AFP president.
“Indian River County has a wonderful network of nonprofits who do amazing work,” said Marty Mercado, NPD co-chair with Jane McNulty Snead. “And that work would not be possible without the support of those like our honored leaders.”
Demonstrating what is possible with the support of philanthropic leaders, Ballet Vero Beach dancers entertained with a captivating performance, much to the audience’s delight.
Calling it more than just a financial transaction, Snead said, “Philanthropy is the love of humanity, and it’s often expressed as giving with time, talent and treasure to help make life better for other people.”
No stranger to philanthropy, Bill Penney, Marine Bank & Trust president and CEO, served as emcee, adding personal notes about each recipient as he introduced them.
Bernard Egan Foundation: Nominated by the American Cancer Society for its investment in ACS patient programs and services.
Tim and Sue Dean: Nominated by the Buggy Bunch for leaving an indelible mark on the nonprofit through the dedication of their time and resources.
The late Elizabeth Van Dyke: Nominated by the Senior Resource Association for her commitment to improve the quality of life for local seniors.
Ford Fegert: Nominated by the VNA and Hospice Foundation for his many years of service as a board member, trusted advisor and ardent supporter.
Lt. Phil Huddy: Nominated by the Substance Awareness Center of Indian River County for his leadership in spreading the SAC’s prevention messages as a volunteer and youth mentor.
Tommye and Rody Johnson: Nominated by the Indian River Land Trust for their longtime conservation efforts, from giving tours to collecting field samples.
Chef Leanne Kelleher: Nominated by the Hibiscus Children’s Center for partnering with the Hibiscus Culinary program to provide teens with experiences and hope for a better future.
Dr. Audrey Richards: Nominated by Indian River Healthy Start Coalition for her commitment to the betterment of families in the community.
Michael and Linda Rusciano: Nominated by United Against Poverty for their dedicated efforts to lift ‘UP’ the lives of neighbors in need.
Dave and Betsy Sams: Nominated by the United Way of Indian River County for their legacy of dedication and generosity.
Bill Schmitt: Nominated by the Hope for Families Center for making a profound impact in shaping the direction and success of the HFC.
The late Col. Martin Zickert: Nominated by the Veterans Council of Indian River County for his commitment to helping others, resulting in the growth of direct services to local veterans.
“Each year for National Philanthropy Day, we choose a story of impact to share the power of philanthropy in changing lives forever,” said Snead, introducing this year’s guest speaker, Tatiana Wallace.
Wallace spoke of the impact the Gifford Youth Orchestra has had on her life. From the moment she saw her first GYO concert at age 7, the now 18-year-old said she was enamored.
Among other things, the GYO taught her to speak publicly, said Wallace. A freshman in college, she is pursuing a degree in human services with plans to work as a victim’s advocate for the FBI.
“GYO has affected me and had a positive impact on my life and kept me safe. The motto is ‘less violence and more violins,’” said Wallace.
For more, visit community.afpglobal.org/afpindianriver.
Photos by Joshua Kodis and Stephanie LaBaff
