OUROUR FLORIDAFLORIDA KEYSKEYS UNSUNGUNSUNG CELEBRATING CELEBRATING HEROESHEROES The Community Foundation of the Keys (CFFK) hon- ors our community’s incredible nonprofit volunteers for their tireless efforts to make the better today and for the future. CFFK honors volunteers from 83 nonprofits from throughout the Keys on Friday, February 7th at the Marriott Beachside. The annual Unsung Heroes event, sponsored by the Lower Keys Medical Center, celebrates community service. Monroe County charitable organiza- tions nominated their volunteers to be recognized.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2020 UNSUNG HEROES! CFFK 2 UNSUNG HEROES 2020

CONCH REPUBLIC MARINE TROPIC CINEMA: FLORIDA KEYS SPCA: KEYS TO BE THE CHANGE: THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST: ARMY: RANDY BECK SUE ROBERTS CHARMAINE MAUDE SEAN BRANDENBURG HALEY HERRIOTT A resident of Big Pine Key, Sue is a great example of the Charmaine has been a volunteer Sean has been a mentor in the Haley’s warm smile greets visitors Randy brings his kayak and leads kind of volunteer the organization for over two years and is instru- Kids Win: Pathways to Success at most of the organization’s hundreds of volunteers at events. likes to represent Tropic Cinema. mental to the feline care pro- Mentoring Program for five years. “First Thursdays.” She’s always Randy is willing to get into the She is committed to volunteer- gram. Whether volunteering at He treats his mentees as if they willing to happily lend a hand at muck, the mangroves, the water, ing weekly as a ticket taker and is the shelter for at least three days were his own children. He is al- events and often jumps in when and even dive deep to help clean always going above and beyond each week, raising foster kittens ways there for them. Additionally, asked at the last minute to fill in up the Florida Keys. He is also her required duties. in her own home or training new he is an amazing board member for an ailing volunteer. involved with Save a Turtle and volunteers, she is essential to our for the organization. Protection Alliance. shelter and staff.

$29 million in

COMMUNITY HISTORIC MARKERS: GRANTS KEY WEST PLAYERS/ PATRICIA MADIEDO KEY WEST IMPROMPTU MONROE ASSOCIATION WATERFRONT PLAYHOUSE: Pat is the president and the CLASSICAL CONCERTS: FOR REMARCABLE CITIZENS: JIM MORRIS Board’s leader of Historic Mark- LAWRENCE ANTHONY since BETH SELLERS After retiring from a 30-year ers, Inc. She has fostered the Impromptu is delighted to honor Beth represents what makes career in public accounting, Jim, research and installation of 125 its artistic designer, Lawrence An- the Keys special. She operates and his husband Bob Wood, be- markers at historic sites, overseen thony, who has voluntarily created Dolphin Deli on , gan spending winters in Key West a free phone tour and GPS-guid- the many posters and program 1996 made 75 lunches for MARC and and relocated permanently. Jim ed phone app, and managed covers for Impromptu throughout delivered them at scattered sites volunteers at various nonprofits, the printing and distribution of including Waterfront Playhouse 100,000 walking and biking tour the years. Copies of the work are COMMUNITY FOUNDATION while the organization fixed the in the permanent collection of OF THE FLORIDA KEYS Rainbow Café Day Training Pro- and The Studios of Key West. maps. the Key West Art and Historical gram. Beth continued lunches for Jim specifically thanks Lynda Society. another 8 months. Without her Frechette for giving him some- generosity, MARC could not have thing to do on Tuesday nights in recovered from . the winter.

KIDS COME FIRST: KEYS COMMUNITY CONCERT DARLENE HITCHCOCK HISTORIC FLORIDA BAND: KATHY MILLER Darlene is a golden volunteer, KEYS FOUNDATION: Creative arts in the Upper Keys very good friend, hard worker, KARL REUTLING is defined by Kathy Miller: Board FIRMKEYS: THERESA FABER LAST STAND: great lunch buddy, best date Karl works tirelessly as a Founda- member for the Keys Community Theresa has served on the Board CARON BALKANY for fundraisers, and the ultimate tion volunteer researcher and tour Band (Promotions/PR Director); since 2014 and currently serves as Caron spent hundreds of hours Unsung Hero. Darlene calls the guide at the Historic Key West eloquent emcee/vocalist at Pops Secretary. As a Centennial Bank providing unpaid legal assistance organization three to four days Cemetery. Donations he raises in the Park concerts; talented loan officer, Theresa brings the to Last Stand’s community efforts, a week and asks “Can you use from tours are used for education actor/director/producer with perspective of the homeowner, including the 1300 ROGO (Rate my help today?” The answer is and restoration at the cemetery. Key Players Theater troupe, and whose insurance may cost more of Growth Ordinance) litigation always “Yes.” His careful research provides community events volunteer as than their mortgage, to FIRM’s and the requirement of a deep factual material to incorporate in balloon artist/clown. She is ex- initiatives. Theresa is an unsung injection well at the Cudjoe Re- tours and annual cemetery strolls. tremely humble and remarkably hero for FIRM and for homeown- gional Wastewater Plant. ingenious. ers in Monroe County. UNSUNG HEROES 2020 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS 3 CFFK

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ZONTA CLUB OF KEY WEST: FLORIDA KEYS DROWNING CANCER FOUNDATION GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER: FLORIDA MONROE COUNTY: MECHELLE BURGOHY PREVENTION TASK FORCE: OF THE FLORIDA KEYS: LARRY NOLT LAURIE SKINNER Mechelle does a tremendous CAPTAIN ANDREA THOMPSON BOB BECKER Larry was instrumental in bring- Laurie is Head Swim Coach and amount of fundraising, network- Andrea is recognized for her Bob’s passion for racing led him ing Mennonite volunteers to has also worked to fundraise for ing and record-keeping tasks tireless work, dedication, and to introduce racing to thousands the Florida Keys to repair the athletes and mentor and guide for Zonta – so much so that the passion to serving Florida Keys of athletes in South Florida screened-in porch at The Heron them to success. She has instilled names Zonta and Mechelle are residents as President and Found- through the annual Keys 100 Ul- that was damaged in Hurricane confidence in her swimmers, synonymous. She consistently er of the Task Force. She has tra Marathon, which is held annu- Irma. He facilitated connections, helping them achieve goals they goes above and beyond for oth- spent countless voluntary hours ally from to Key West. organized and found housing never thought were possible. ers in the community. She gives developing the program and Bob’s events raise money for the for the volunteers to assist. His Laurie works tirelessly with each her time, energy, commitment, securing swim survival courses Foundation to combat and edu- advocacy and passion for assist- athlete to reach their personal unwavering support and compas- with life-saving skills at no cost, cate about prostate cancer. ing those with behavioral health goals. sionate service to Zonta with a thereby reducing drowning inci- needs has been a huge asset. smile and constant positivity. dences for infants and children throughout the Keys.

UNITED WAY OF THE FLORIDA THE WAYPOINT FOUNDATION: KEYS: LORETTA GEOTIS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY EVELYN MCGLONE KEY WEST GARDEN CLUB: Through her work as Program Co- OF THE MIDDLE KEYS: An amazing big-picture and SYNDA PATTEN KEY WEST ART & HISTORICAL ordinator for the free tax prepara- CLIFF RYDELL detail fund-raising guru for many Synda has been a true garden an- SOCIETY: CAROLE GARCIA tion program and through all she Cliff at TV88 constantly supports non-profits, Evelyn embraced gel to the Club since she arrived Carole is a dedicated volunteer has done for the Keys community Habitat Middle Keys’ mission and The Waypoint Foundation of Key in the Keys a few years ago. She who immediately took a leader- over the years, Loretta’s com- has generously video document- Largo in its infancy in 2015. She has singlehandedly transformed ship role as a docent and now mitment to serving fellow Keys ed all of the organization’s events delighted guests with a gourmet the garden next to the recep- mentors other volunteers. Her residents is admirable. She since 2011. He is responsible for extravaganza at the annual Party- tion area, The Colonel’s Garden, welcoming smile, willingness to always goes above and beyond “putting a face” to the organiza- with-a-Purpose in 2018 and 2019 replanting and caring for it every step in where needed and posi- her responsibilities, with count- tion’s name by letting everyone at the Garden Club of the Upper week, and making sure it is a tive attitude embody the spirit of less extra hours spent ensuring all “see” what Habitat Middle Keys Keys. beautiful and colorful “Welcome” KWAHS. The organization thanks goes smoothly. is doing vs. just hearing about it. to all visitors. Carole for all she does! $3 million in

ANCHORS AWEIGH CLUB: HISTORY OF DIVING MUSEUM: BETH MOYES KEY WEST ORCHID SOCIETY: FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY AND ROBERT MURRAY disaster Beth enthusiastically organizes KATHY BUCKARD DISCOVERY FOUNDATION: An active volunteer and board and manages one of the big- Kathy has been active in the LISA BRADEEN member for over five years, Bob gest fundraisers of the year. She Society since 2012. As Event Lisa has been an engaged vol- and his initiatives have been heads the Red Hot 5K Walk/ Chairman, she has dealt with the unteer and ambassador for Keys vital in expanding educational RELIEF Run and donates all profits from infinite details of planning and History & Discovery Center since outreach programs like “Museum the run and silent auction, which running orchid shows. She is also its opening in January 2014. She in Motion” and “Dive Into His- funding she also organizes, to Anchors Recording Secretary and still finds served as one of the first volun- tory,” presentations benefiting Aweigh Club. Her fundraising time to cook and run the food teer docents and hasn’t stopped the community. The Museum is being a volunteer and generous extremely grateful for his support and service work are not limited booth at the shows. She is an COMMUNITY FOUNDATION to the Club, but extend to the invaluable member of the team. supporter. You can find her nearly and enthusiasm. OF THE FLORIDA KEYS community. every Thursday afternoon serving as a docent. CFFK 4 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS UNSUNG HEROES 2020

PEACE COVENANT WESLEY HOUSE FAMILY KEYS AHEC HEALTH CENTERS: FRIENDS OF THE KEY WEST ONE HUMAN FAMILY: PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: SERVICES: CHRISTOPHER BRANDON MARTIN LIBRARY: NANCY SEIDEL JIMMY WEEKLY DOUG BROWN ELWELL Dr. Martin, born and raised in Key Nancy is a warm, welcom- One of the most lovable people Doug unselfishly gave his time, Chris has supported Wesley West, is giving back to his com- ing presence in the Reference in town, Jimmy has been ac- resources and talents to com- House and its clients for over munity by volunteering with the Department, assisting regular tive for decades in community pletely renovate the Church 15 years. He generously offers AHEC Children’s Dental Sealants patrons and visitors with their service, including as Key West offices, lead the Property Com- furniture to families and foster program. Through his efforts, computer needs. Nancy is espe- Mayor and City Commissioner. mittee to new horizons, and homes, and much more. When- Keys AHEC has been able to bet- cially vital during times of staff 20 years ago, Mayor Weekly led faithfully assist the resident Key ever called upon, Chris and his ter identify serious dental needs shortages and lunch hours, often the motion to make “One Human West Pre-School Co-op. Doug family are always there to support in our children, provide sealants working on Saturdays. She assists Family” our official philosophy is always there to lend a smile, the organization’s work in any way and get care for children with with many programs, especially and has been a strong champion a helping hand and his heart of they can. urgent care cases. Café con Libros, and is a remark- for unity, equality and diversity gold to make Peace Covenant a able advocate for the Library. ever since. welcoming place.

KEY WEST WOMAN’S CLUB: LIVING SPRINGS COUNSELING: JUDGE RITA EATON SHARON KITTLE-SMITH FRINGE THEATER KEY WEST: A.H. OF MONROE COUNTY: SOUTHERNMOST COCONUT As a 10-year member, Judge Rita Sharon is the volunteer extraor- SUE AND DON LYNCH ALICE ‘MISS BETTY’ RADICS CASTAWAYS: BOBBI MCELROY Eaton exemplifies the spirit of dinaire and has participated on Unequivocally, Sue and Don She’s called ‘Miss Betty,’ but she Bobbi’s talent and knowledge of community caring and teamwork more Boards, more committees, Lynch are the most energetic and is as much known as the A.H. of IT provide the club with award- all should seek. Her sale of res- and more events than any person community-focused couple in the Monroe County angel who will winning-level newsletters and taurant cards, historical research, in the Upper Keys. She does Fringe Family! Don volunteers as drive you to the doctor or gently website. Her enthusiasm and and active participation dem- it all -- organizes events, reads technical director, while his wife volunteer if you’re too shy to cheerful personality are infectious onstrate her depth of character. financials, steers an organization is a volunteer board member. ask. Because service to others is to the members as she inspires She embodies a service standard to a successful five-year plan, sells Whether it is set-up for a fund- why she “gets up every morn- the best in the Castaways. As only few achieve. Leadership is raffle tickets, recruits volunteers, raiser, building a set, deciphering ing,” Miss Betty is A.H. Monroe’s Vice President, she was instru- easily identified in this outstand- and inspires others. She is well- financials, or helping with clean- Unsung Hero. mental in the club’s contribution ing hero. connected and gets things done. up after Hurricane Irma, Don and of $70,000 to local charities and Sue never say ‘No!’ 2,000 volunteer hours in the com- munity. Over

$50 million LEADERSHIP MONROE RURAL HEALTH NETWORK FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL COUNTY: JOHN JOHNSON MONROE COUNTY: OF THE ARTS: SHEILA COOK John is Vice President, serving VALERIE EIKENBERG Sheila is recognized for her con- in future as Board director since 2015, KEY WEST COMMUNITY Valerie is a phenomenal dental tinuing commitment to and pas- co-chairing for Sessions: SAILING CENTER: hygienist who greets every pa- sion for all the arts in all the Keys. COMMUNITY and the Economy, the Environ- MIKE DEBETTENCOURT tient with a smile. She consistent- Her dedication, volunteer and INVESTMENT ment, Emergency Management, Hurricanes and water spouts do ly goes above and beyond to en- philanthropic efforts to support and Arts/Culture. He leads with not keep this volunteer down! sure patients are happy with their and promote local artists and total, unwavering commitment, Mike has been repairing the experience. Valerie volunteers at organizations enhances learn- pledges the basis for action in fulfilling Hobie Wave fleet at the Sailing free dental clinics where she does ing and opens opportunities for our mission, and he builds alli- Center for more than five years. sealants in Monroe County. In her everyone. The Council applauds ances throughout the county to Sheila for her energy, creativity, strengthen the communities and He loves working with other vol- spare time, Valerie volunteers at COMMUNITY FOUNDATION unteers and most weekends you the spay and neuter clinic. talent and time as a member and OF THE FLORIDA KEYS essential organizations. can find him at the club helping advisor. out. UNSUNG HEROES 2020 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS 5 CFFK

LOWER KEYS LEAGUE WOMANKIND: LEA MOELLER THE KEY WEST ART CENTER SAMUEL’S HOUSE: CORNISH MEMORIAL OF WOMEN VOTERS: Lea organized the female-en- AND GALLERY: JANE GRANNIS ALAN BEAUBIEN A.M.E. ZION CHURCH: DONNA WINDLE couraging That’s What She Shot Jane has been an active, contrib- Director of Sales and Market- CHERYL ANN ROBERTSON Don’t change the subject when spearfishing tournament and uting member and served on the ing for the Marriott Beachside A dedicated member of the Donna talks about voters. Her donated the proceeds to Wom- board for many years, both as since 2008, Alan has been on the church for more than five years, passion for the League’s mandate ankind in support of affordable President and Past President. She Samuel’s House Board for eight Cheryl has learned to take her for voter education and registra- health care. The event is now helped run the major fundraiser, years, working diligently on the positions very serious. Cheryl tion, especially among returning in its 9th year and has removed Old Island Days Art Show and fundraising committee. He has looks for ways she can go the citizens, helps ensure fair elec- 700+ lionfish from Keys waters. Craft Show for 10 years. She also been a tireless supporter of the extra mile as she serves as the tions in 2020. A board director Lea joined the board and serves chaired the Associate Member mission of providing housing and church’s secretary, christian edu- and membership chair, Donna as the current secretary. Show for years. essential services to the homeless cation director, choir member and embodies the League’s com- men, women and children of our missionary worker. mitment: empowering voters, community. defending democracy.

Nationally accredited ONE ISLAND FAMILY (UUFKW): HABITAT FOR HUMANITY DAVE ARNOLD OF KEY WEST AND LOWER MARATHON GARDEN CLUB: Board member Dave chairs FLORIDA KEYS: JILL AND SINCE NANCY MILLER MONROE COUNTY the Social Justice program. He GEORGE EDSON Nancy has been a dedicated EDUCATION FOUNDATION: spearheads congregational George and Jill are long-time leader of the Club for 21 years. AMY LACHAT LYNCH involvement in quarterly roadside volunteers. In addition to helping 2005 She has dedicated herself to or- A mentor for over 15 years, Amy cleanups (MM14-16), manages with home repair projects, they ganizing high quality educational has mentored six scholars. With a the Change for Change program, spend several weeks each year programs and workshops in basic creative and consistent approach, keeps members busily circulat- collecting items from local busi- and advanced gardening and Amy has helped her students ing petitions and generally keeps nesses and community partners floral design. She has led Club set and attain goals. She keeps the Congregation aware of and for the annual Island Grass Music participation in civic beautifica- a journal for each student and involved in local outreach and Festival Silent Auction. They have tion, and she has established a Scholarship Endowment Fund for records accomplishments, leaving activism. Dave truly “walks the raised over $25,000 to support COMMUNITY FOUNDATION the journal with the student at walk” of Unitarian Universalism. Habitat’s mission. OF THE FLORIDA KEYS Marathon High School Seniors graduation. who pursue a career in environ- mental sciences.

COLDWELL BANKER SCHMITT JUST OLDER YOUTH: THE BASILICA SCHOOL: CHARITABLE FOUNDATION: TERRY WILLNER-TAINOW SOUTHERNMOST VFW POST JOHN DOLAN-HEITLINGER KAREN HAACK Terry always has a cheerful at- 3911: KEN THOMPSON UNITY OF THE KEYS SPIRITUAL John has served as the parish Karen has been on the Board titude. She volunteers for any job, In an outstanding 33-year Naval CENTER: LORI NEILSON and school’s volunteer finance for over eight years. She spends and is willing to learn new skills to Career, Ken worked his way to Co-owner of Island Tile with director since 2014. He provides countless hours fundraising, from do it right. She brings joy to the the top-enlisted rank before husband Marc and devoted more than financial oversight; Bingo, Ride & Roll to Dancing JOY Center daily and embodies being Commissioned, retiring as mother of teenage girls, Lori he is a strategic thinker who has Thru The Decades, and she is an the qualities of an unsung hero Lieutenant Commander. While gives boundless service to Unity. helped guide the school’s Long amazing contributor at the Lilly with humility and natural goodwill serving as Quartermaster(CFO) Whether teaching classes, lead- Range Plan and multiple capital Pulitzer event. She always puts toward all beings. for Post 3911, Ken far exceeded ing meditations, working in the campaigns. He also volunteers at others ahead of herself, even the scope of his duties by volun- kitchen, designing the Heavenly fundraisers. Without John’s self- while spending the last two years tarily modernizing operational Christmas Float, bookkeeping, or less assistance, the organization rebuilding her home after Hur- procedures, participating in all giving a Sunday Lesson, she gives would not be where it is today. ricane Irma. charitable activities and over- selflessly, quietly and wholeheart- seeing reconstruction following edly and is Unity’s Angelic Hero. Hurricane Irma. CFFK 6 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS UNSUNG HEROES 2020

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY THE KEYS AREA: MARK AND CHURCH: LYNN OBRINGER NANCY FUNT AND JOE PETRICK MONROE COUNTY STARS OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING MARRVELOUS PET RESCUE: Mark and Nancy are fantastic Husband and wife team of Lynn HOPE: LT. TODD SILVERS SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE: BRUCE YANDA volunteers! Mark, Board member and Joe show up almost every Lt. Silvers of MCSO Corrections LAKAY BARNETT Bruce is honored for his extraor- extraordinaire, and Nancy have week to help the “Cooking with almost never misses a Tuesday LaKay is a dediated worker for dinary efforts to help animals in worked diligently and vigorously Love” program by cooking, filling night Bingo at Boondocks (the the Scholarship Committee. need, including fostering, adopt- making many, many improve- grocery bags, delivering food main fundraising event) . He can LaKay enjoys raising funds for ing special needs pets, walking ments in fundraisers, doubling and providing a friendly face to be seen setting up, taking down, young people to attend college boarded pups, transporting, and the amounts that were usually persons in need. Lynn also ac- selling bingo cards and 50/50 by helping organize events and rescue petworking. Each year, the raised. Nancy also volunteers counts for the spending of grant tickets, and assisting the par- selling tickets for the annual fash- rescue is blessed with an original with homework, helping students funds and for filing required re- ticipants. Most often his smiling ion show. Committee members piece of Bruce’s art for fundrais- understand and excel, especially ports. They are two extraordinary friendly face is behind the bingo are praying for at least one more ing at the Gala to help funding in Math. They are a great “two volunteers. machine calling the numbers. worker like LaKay this year. for animals in the rescue’s care. for one” addition to the Clubs’ family.

Manages

KEY WEST TROPICAL FOR- AARP CHAPTER #1351: FLORIDA KEYS OUTREACH SISTER SEASON FUND: EST & BOTANICAL GARDEN: DARLENE BENNETT COALITION: ROBIN WILLIAMS RAY HENNESY 145+ NANCY AND BOB SALVAGE Darlene is a Past Chair and is Robin volunteers at FKOC’s Ray arrived in the Keys in 1990 For more than 10 years, Bob and currently a Board member of the Peacock Housing multiple days and is well known for his culinary CHARITABLE Nancy have volunteered their local chapter. She encourages a week to help adults living with talents, community involvement FUNDS time, muscle, and smiles. Every membership and participation severe mental illness have an and sweet, gentle nature. Ray week you can find them weeding, as she visits various churches, improved quality of life and bet- has volunteered to coordinate trimming and mulching. During events, and other organizations. ter physical and mental health. the food for the Annual Survivors the two-day GardenFest fund- Darlene has traveled to national Robin’s cheerful personality and Party for 28 of the last 42 years raiser, they willingly help with set conventions and participated in desire to help has made the lives – no small feat. The Fund has up, plant sales, break down and seminars and workshops to stay of many much more meaningful received proceeds of the party anything else needed. Their con- on top of the grame. and positive. since 2005. COMMUNITY FOUNDATION tinued support makes them the OF THE FLORIDA KEYS Garden’s heroes every year.

CORAL CITY ELKS TEMPLE LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF BAHAMA VILLAGE MUSIC #400: ALANA THURSTON AMERICA MONROE COUNTY: PROGRAM: MARK BATZEL KEY WEST WRITERS GUILD: Alana is the Daughter of Rule of DIANA KREKEL Mark’s love of music brought him KEY WEST AREA CHIEF PATTY PATTEN TIFFANY Temple #400 where she works Diana is a familiar and much- to BVMP. Whether he’s selling PETTY OFFICER ASSOCIATION: Patty is a long-time member of very hard in all aspects of the appreciated face at Literacy parasols, volunteering at events, LISA AND DAVE PATROCKY the Writers and Poetry Guild. She organization. She would not ask Volunteers with her class, or serving as Treasurer, he always The Chief Petty Officer Asso- is an excellent poet and writer, anyone to do anything she would “English for the Spanish Speaker steps up to help continue the ciation is pleased to recognize and comes to meetings equipped not do herself. Alana enjoys and Everyone.” A one-to-one organization’s mission. BVMP is Retired Chief Lisa Patrocky and with short stories and poetry to fundraising and traveling to Elks and group teacher who is always so grateful to Mark for all of his Navy Veteran David Patrocky read. She is always engaged in conventions with her daughters there, Diana has helped hundreds guidance and assistance and can- as unsung heroes. They are the the critique and discussion of and constantly expresses her de- of students improve English. not thank him enough! prime movers in the Association’s other’s works. She is also the sire for sisterly and brotherly love. Her dedication is amazing. Her annual co-venture with the Mili- hostess of special events, includ- students appreciate her and so tary Affairs Committee to fund, ing the annual holiday party. does LVA. plan and execute the Wounded Warrior Key West Soldier Ride. UNSUNG HEROES 2020 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS 7 CFFK

Trained 500+

nonprofit KEY WEST POLICE ATHLETIC SOUTHERNMOST HOMELESS THE PARROT HEAD CLUB NAVY LEAGUE OF THE LEAGUE: JESSE HAMMERS ASSISTANCE LEAGUE: OF KEY WEST: BRIAN FIELDS KEY WEST Jesse is a dedicated member PATRICE SCHWERMER Brian has donated many hours to COUNCIL: DONNA DYE BOARD of the PAL Board. He almost Patrice was one of the first the Parrot Head Club by play- Donna is a longtime member of single-handedly created PAL’s volunteers to deliver food to ing music at fundraising events. the Navy League serving on vari- LEADERS biggest fundraiser: Mango Fest. the homeless shelter since the He has also organized cleanups, ous committees and performing He put the first one together program started in 2017. Each not only for the Club’s strip of secretarial duties for seven ship and since then, the great idea week she puts the prepared pans highway, but all around Key West. commissionings. She contin- has coalesced into a landmark of food into her car and deliv- He lends his talents to numer- ues to serve, hosting breakfast week-long event. Jesse was also ers them to the shelter. Without ous groups through all ways of receptions for Coast Guard Fast volunteering. Response Cutter special activi- COMMUNITY FOUNDATION a driving force behind the new these dedicated volunteers, the OF THE FLORIDA KEYS PAL Gym. shelter would not be able to get ties, which is greatly appreciated food to its clients. by the captains and crews.

KEYS COMMUNITY OLD ISLAND RESTORATION SCHOOL OF THE ARTS: FLORIDA KEYS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION: JEAN ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH CHRISTOPHER ROUNDS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SHELTER: BRAD COPELAND SHANNON KEY WEST: WILLIAM MALPASS Christopher goes above and OF THE FLORIDA KEYS: Hero to the direct care staff, A member since 2012, Jean coor- Bill has long been a visible and beyond by supporting many BILL BECKER Brad championed his successful dinates the Key West Home Tours involved leader of the church. He charitable organizations. He cre- For over 30 years, Bill has pro- mission to ensure higher wages. and supports all facets of the stepped into the thankless job ated an annual Easter Tea Dance vided a soothing, authoritative He literally goes the distance organization. Jean believes volun- of treasurer, clarifying accounts at LaTeDa to support scholarships presence to listeners of U.S. 1 Ra- for the cause… regularly driving teerism is the foundation of com- and budgets, and for ten years for children who would not oth- dio. As News Director and host of down the Keys to visit kids in the munity, and that the “founders of has overseen that extremely dif- erwise be able to attend Camp the weekday Morning Magazine, shelter…and bicycling 126 miles OIRF who stood for architectural, ficult balancing act. The church Bravo musical theater camp. Bill showcases local issues and annually from Ocean Reef to the historical, and cultural preserva- gratefully applauds his devotion, Generous of heart and intention, events. His continued support of Southernmost Point to raise funds tion will always be unsung heroes his competence, and his great Christopher is a supporter of the CFFK and community nonprofits and awareness. of the Florida Keys.” strength of character. community, its organizations, and is helping build awareness and its one human family. support for programs positively changing lives in the Florida Keys.

23 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FLORIDA KEYS HEALTHY SAVE OUR PINES: STAR OF THE SEA START COALITION: JEAN ARNOLD HERMELIN FOUNDATION: MIKE WERNER ISLAND DOLPHIN CARE: which MAUN (POSTHUMOUS) Arnold has been a vital member The generosity of Mike Werner, of KATHIE MEAD Jean, who passed away last since its inception and has con- Sunbelt Rentals, has been pivotal Kathie is the first person visitors BENEFITS September, worked tirelessly tinuously provided sage advice to SOS’s ability to respond to the to Island Dolphin Care meet. She for many years to help families and significant support to the need for food in Monroe County. has volunteered for the past 12 residents in need to ensure their babies cause. His staunch belief in the From Hurricane Irma response to years. She hosts guided tours and had the basic supplies to get a mission and his untiring efforts Community Kitchen construction is also “a wiz” in the Gift Shop. healthy start in life. She and her to advance the cause have been to every day operations, Mike has Kathie is truly one of a kind and throughout selfless network of quiet sup- clear and unwavering for over a answered every call, donating the organization is honored to porters never sought attention or decade. He is always available for equipment and staff time to help name her their Unsung Hero. the Keys recognition and made a differ- consultation and sound advice. SOS. ence in the lives of countless Keys COMMUNITY FOUNDATION families. OF THE FLORIDA KEYS CFFK 8 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS UNSUNG HEROES 2020 CFFK: IN PARADISE FOR GOOD

For over 23 years, the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys has been a trusted resource for those who love the Keys and want to improve the lives of others. We’re working to preserve the Keys’ unique cultural heritage, protect the beautiful envi- ronment, promote educational op- portunities, provide critical health care services, supply emergency disaster relief, and much more. Together with our generous partners, we’ve helped tens of thousands of our residents from Key West to Key Largo.

The Unsung Heroes event, sponsored by the Lower Keys Medical Center, has honored more than 1,300 commu- nity volunteers since 2001.

David Clay, CEO of the Lower Keys Medical Center, said, “We are pleased to sponsor the Unsung Heroes event again this year to recognize incredible dedication and contributions of time and talent. Thank you to all of the car- ing and committed volunteers who serve our community every day.”

You can learn more about the Com- munity Foundation at cffk.org. You can partner with us by making a gift to CFFK to support community pro- grams, create your own fund, work with your favorite nonprofit to estab- lish an agency fund, or give through your will or estate plan.

WE HOPE YOU’LL JOIN OUR EFFORTS AT CFFK.ORG OR CALL 305.292.1502. WORKING TOGETHER, WE’RE MAKING A DIFFERENCE… IN PARADISE FOR GOOD.

UNSUNG HEROES IS SPONSORED BY

300 SOUTHARD ST., SUITE 201 | KEY WEST, FL 33040 | 305-292-1502 | CFFK.ORG Published by the Keys Weekly Newspapers | 305.743.0844 | keysweekly.com