Philanthropy is a way of life for many local residents, including the 15 individuals, pairs and groups who were honored at this year’s National Philanthropy Day ceremony at the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
“We are thrilled to be here with you today as we recognize our amazing National Philanthropy Day honorees past and present,” said Stephanie Nelson, co-chair with Allison Cloughley of the ‘Precious Gems: Celebrating 20 Years of National Philanthropy Day’ event.
“Today, let us be mindful of the incredible ways that philanthropy unites us, especially now when the world is telling us we are divided. And let us open our hearts so that we may be moved to continue striving for good,” said Nelson.
“National Philanthropy Day is a time when people around the world join together to celebrate the profound impact that love expressed through generosity and service has on our communities.
Volunteering and charitable engagement highlights the accomplishments, large and small, that philanthropists make to our society and to our world,” said Cloughley.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this evening, and it’s a special privilege because this is the emerald anniversary of Philanthropy Day. The emerald is a stone of harmony, abundance, growth, wisdom and patience. That’s what it takes to be a philanthropist,” said Wanda Lincoln, mistress of ceremonies.
Outstanding Volunteers:
Kag Cagnoni, Capt. SEAL, USN (Ret.) – National Navy SEAL Museum.
A 12-year board member, Cagnoni, with his K-9 service dog Finn, is an ambassador for the museum’s K-9 Project, which provides highly trained service dogs to veterans.
Cathy Curley – American Cancer Society
Curley is the creative force behind the Flamingo Fundraiser, an impactful community campaign that engages neighbors, businesses, and friends with a shared mission to fight cancer.
Lee Robinson Moore and John Moore – Gifford Youth Achievement Center and Gifford Legal Services Clinic
Lee Moore designed the GYAC Wear Your Heart on Your Wrist bracelets which fund educational programs, and attorney John Moore is president of the GLSC, expanding legal access to underserved populations.
Theo Perry – Thrive IRC
Perry has used his financial expertise and strategic vision to help Thrive move into a larger facility and expand its prevention and recovery services. He also played a key role in the St. Francis Manor past and current expansion plans.
Meg Steiner – Indian River Land Trust
Currently board chair, Steiner leads by example, from volunteering for land stewardship cleanups to multiple terms chairing the annual benefit. With husband Don, she launched a successful matching gift challenge to expand the donor base.
Maggie Stewart – Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast
A certified therapeutic riding instructor, Stewart provides equine therapy to individuals with physical, emotional and cognitive challenges. She helped develop their Horse Powered Reading and dementia support programs.
Elizabeth Sorensen and Angela Waldrop – Saint Edward’s School.
The STEDs graduates have deep familial roots in the school and, in addition to working together on previous fundraisers, spent hundreds of hours as co-chairs of this year’s 60th Anniversary Pirate Ball, which raised a record-breaking $265,000.
Outstanding Community Involvement and Corporate Citizenship:
Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival – United Way of Indian River County
County Commissioner Susan Adams accepted on behalf of the volunteer-led festival, co-founded by her mother, former County Commissioner Fran Adams. Funds raised by the festival, which holds two Guinness World Records, have enriched numerous youth development and recreation facilities.
Little Birthday Angels – Hibiscus Village in Vero Beach
Angel and Brian Pietsch and their sons began hosting special parties for the teens at Hibiscus in 2014 and their nonprofit eventually grew to encompass full-on birthday celebrations for all identified homeless children in Treasure Coast public schools.
Kathleen Lundquist – Treasure Coast Food Bank
The founder of APTMetrics, Lundquist is a TCFB board member and supporter and launched a pro bono partnership to help it strategically prepare for an expansion, providing a long-term impact in the goal of breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty.
Wheels and Keels Foundation – Youth Sailing Foundation
Founded by CEO Gavin Ruotolo, the first W&K fundraiser helped launch YSF. The weekend Car and Boat show has since grown exponentially, raising and distributing roughly $1 million to multiple nonprofits focused on improving the lives of children, families and veterans.
Outstanding Philanthropists:
Chuck Cunningham – Hope for Families Center
As HFC board president, Cunningham has guided the organization with wisdom, compassion, and generosity throughout an expansion project, which will enable the nonprofit to serve the ever-increasing number of families needing their services.
Paul Hanson – Boys and Girls Clubs of IRC
Hanson’s commitment and support of B&GC major programs and capital campaigns have been central to the success of the organization. As board co-chair during the pandemic, his calm resolve ensured they could quickly adapt to provide essential services.
Michael Pierce – VNA and Hospice Foundation
Pierce turned personal gratitude and a desire to honor his late wife Kathie into transformational giving with significant contributions to the Hospice House endowment through his family foundation, and leading the campaign to secure the land beneath the VNA Hospice House.
Kim Prado – Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy
In addition to financial and volunteer support, as board president in 2010, Prado launched the innovative Mentoring Academy and started Pathfinders, their first program dedicated to teenagers. Earlier this year, her work with other nonprofits earned her the 2025 National Exchange Club Member of the Year and the 2025 Diamond Award from Camp Haven.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
