2023 Unsung Heroes

CELEBRATING OUR 2023 FLORIDA KEYS

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UNSUNG HEROES 2023

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys is shining the spotlight on our community’s tireless volunteers who are the stars of our nonprofit organizations. Volunteers help supply food to children and families in need, perform in and staff theatrical productions, act as tour guides and docents, foster animals, mentor students, assist at homeless shelters, and so much more throughout the Keys.

This year’s 23rd Annual Unsung Heroes celebration is sponsored by the Lower Keys Medical Center and promotes community service.

David Clay, CEO of Lower Keys Medical Center, said, “On behalf of the board, medical staff and employees of Lower Keys Medical Center, we are so proud to support the Unsung Heroes celebration again. It is certainly our pleasure to honor the individuals and organizations who work tirelessly to help those in need and to improve our beautiful and unique Keys communities.”

PAUL BONATZ MARRVELOUS PET RESCUES Paul has been an outstanding volunteer, especially since the rescue moved into its new facility in 2022. He performs physical labor around the house and property and can always be counted on for any “heavy lifting.” Paul also assists at events, transports animals, and does whatever is asked. The MarrVelous team loves his sense of humor and say it’s a joy to have him around.

DANA CHILD MARATHON WILD BIRD CENTER Dana began volunteering with the Marathon Wild Bird Center 17 years ago and has rescued hundreds of birds from pelicans to bald eagles in the Middle Keys. In addition to many miscellaneous projects, Dana often assists with surgeries, x-rays, and hosting educational booths. The organization is grateful for his many skills and unwavering dedication to wildlife.

NICOLE BELLES ZONTA FOUNDATION OF KEY WEST Nicole has spent countless hours volunteering for the club. She chaired the ABC 5K and 10K Run for several years. Serving as treasurer until June 2022, she tirelessly worked on details of the budgets and spending. Nicole is a dedicated advocate for the advancement of women and their status in Key West and the Lower Florida Keys.

GINNY BOWES STAR OF THE SEA FOUNDATION Ginny was one of the founding organizers for the food bank at St Justin’s Church and continues today to serve as a volunteer, for Star of the Sea’s Key Largo Food Bank. She funds the flower arrangements weekly for the altar at St. Justin’s. Ginny also established a yoga class at the Civic Club to assist in movement for mature adults.

TOM CLEMENTS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS Tom worked behind the scenes even before the Foundation’s inception, as one of its founders.

He actively served on the board for 12 years and brilliantly led the Investment Committee for a quarter century, serving as committee chair. His guidance and strong policy designed for long-term returns helped grow the Foundation’s assets substantially.

KOLEEN BETHEL KIDS COME FIRST Koleen has served as a volunteer for 15 years, helping with fundraising and its holiday program which provides for over 1,200 students and families annually.

She served two years as board vice president and three years as board secretary. Our local Florida Keys students have been the beneficiary of Nicole’s abundant kindness, support, patience, time, and love.

KAROLINA CALDERWOOD A POSITIVE STEP At the annual Rudolph Red Nose 5K, Karolina is at the race site in the morning to set up and stays to the end to help clean up. She manages the silent auction from start to finish, helping collect items and managing the tables at the event. She led the transition from clipboard and paper to paperless online bidding.

Karolina has given cheerfully and unselfishly to raise money for the mission.

ELISA COTTOM MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S SCHOOL OF KEY WEST When COVID shutdown made it impossible for Elisa to continue working at school, she started coming to campus each weekend to help with leaf blowing and yard work. She continued to volunteer every weekend since.

Without fail we know on Monday morning the grounds are going to be beautiful. Elisa is like a guardian angel watching over the campus.

Charitable organizations based in and serving the Florida Keys nominated their Volunteers of the Year to be recognized. Congratulations to our 2023 Unsung Heroes.

Your smiling face could be on these pages next year. To learn about our local charities and find one or more that interest you, visit cffk.org/nonprofits

BISHOP DEREK ANDERSON, SR., BAHAMA VILLAGE MUSIC PROGRAM Derrick has been a tremendously supportive board member and his dedication to the program is unmatched. He attends all events and participates in every way he can. Derrick is well-respected in the Bahama Village community and a champion for the people.

It’s because of people like him that our community continues to operate under the “One Human Family” motto.

KENDALL BAGGE ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH Serving as volunteer sexton since 2020, Kendall has donated thousands of hours to the congregation, Key West and to the wider Lower Keys community.

He has selflessly repaired and improved our building interiors and exteriors ranging from lights to furnishings, freeing up financial resources to be used in other ways on behalf of the entire community.

KERRY BAKER ROTARY CLUB OF KEY WEST Kerry has stepped up as a leader supporting our philanthropic work for the Rotary Club of Key West by helping our organization achieve its goals. She takes a leadership role in our most significant fundraising efforts.

Her dedication to our club and community is admirable, and she is most deserving of the Unsung Heroes recognition.

KAREN BEAUPRIE KEY WEST ART CENTER Karen is a long-time exhibiting member of the Key West Art Center and has served as board president. She paints the beautiful landscapes of Key West in watercolor and teaches classes to her many loyal students and fans of her work. Karen always steps up to design and create the beautiful, colorful window displays at the Art Center.

UNSUNG HEROES 2023

TERRI CRAIG NAVY LEAGUE KEY WEST COUNCIL Terri organizes and leads all parade events including the Veteran’s Day and holiday parades.

She manages all silent auctions conducted by the Navy League in consonance with constituent events including gathering donated items, setting up the events, and conducting the auctions.

In 2022, she helped raise over $40,000 for important causes.

NIKKI DUNN CULLEN UNITED WAY OF COLLIER AND THE KEYS Nikki served as a board member and is now on the Emeritus Council. With her expertise as a marketing consultant, she has helped bring awareness to the “Stuff the Bus” back to school program for years. In 2022, she led the graphic design, social media, and communications for the “Be Like Mike” campaign. Nikki is always willing to lend a hand with any project.

LINDA CUNNINGHAM FIRM KEYS Linda has served on the board since 2018. She authored the guidance documents for understanding the proposed FEMA flood maps, built the web page dedicated to those documents, and provides editorial expertise for correspondence, reports, grants, news releases, and more.

Linda has elevated FIRM’s on-line presence and advanced the staff’s knowledge and ability.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

BETTY DARST KEY WEST LITERARY SEMINAR Betty has been a long-time volunteer who is dedicated, hardworking and available to tackle any task. She sets herself apart with her commitment and attitude.

Betty maintains a permanent smile and is kind and gracious to everyone she encounters, notably volunteering all day long at the multi-day 2022 Seminar, held outside at the Amphitheater.

MONICA DEGNAN SOUTHERNMOST VFW POST 3911 Monica capped off an impressive 25-year career with the U.S. Air Force as a Chief Master Sgt. serving as the Health Systems Specialist for the 102nd Intelligence Wing. While volunteering as the Post 3911 Adjutant, she revitalized the efficiency of our social media. Monica is now a PADI Scuba Diving Instructor volunteering with the Coral Restoration Foundation.

WESLEY HOUSE FAMILY SERVICES Betty graciously researched Key West’s mayors for the past 200 years for Wesley House’s fundraiser, the 2022 Mayor’s Ball. The extensive research and images were displayed at the event and then again for a month-long exhibit at The Key West Library, tying in Wesley House’s mission with Key West’s Bicentennial celebration.

SALLY DODD UNITY OF THE KEYS SPIRITUAL CENTER Every week, rain or shine, Sally tends to the Peace Garden at Unity of the Keys. She is the Garden Angel who has helped create a respite of beauty. Sally’s service comes from her heart, which is evident by the beautiful smile she gives each person. The organization and its constituents are blessed by Sally, with her gentle ways and her tremendous love.

MICHAEL DEBETTENCOURT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE KEYS “Mr. Mike” has freely given his time and talent to help local youth with their homework every week during the school year for the past 10 years. He never misses a session. His patience, positive attitude, gentle demeanor, and knowledge make the kids comfortable, and they look forward to getting their homework done during “Power Hour” with Mr. Mike!

SHARON DOUGLAS KEY WEST ORCHID SOCIETY Sharon has been a member of the KW Orchid Society for 15 years, and a board member for 5. Sharon plans and oversees our annual Orchid Fair, our Society’s annual fundraiser. She has been collecting and growing orchids for over 30 years with a current collection of about 170 orchids.

LISA FELICIANO MONROE COUNTY EDUCATION FOUNDATION Lisa ranks among the most devoted and passionate Take Stock in Children mentors, serving for seven years and currently mentoring her fourth Take Stock scholar, a sophomore attending Coral Shores High School. Lisa believes that to make a difference one must give back to the community in which you live, support education and, as a result, change lives.

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JOHN HERNANDEZ COOKING WITH LOVE Johnny has been a quiet but steadfast volunteer for over 20 years, helping get freshly prepared meals out to the community every Saturday. He does yard work to keep the outside of the Metropolitan Community Church attractive, decorates the sanctuary, and is in the front row pew every Sunday managing the broadcast of the service through Facebook Live.

MARIA GONZALEZ WOMANKIND Maria is committed to making healthcare accessible to locals, especially her colleagues in the restaurant and hospitality industries. She coordinated volunteers to model at the BraZaar event, and she helped raise $100,000 by planning and executing a fundraiser that supports breast health outreach in Bahama Village and is helping subsidize Womankind patients in 2023.

ROBIN HOLLEMANN OLD ISLAND RESTORATION FOUNDATION Robin’s enthusiasm and positive support helps energize “Team Oldest House Museum” towards excellence on all fronts. Robin’s style is an inspiration to everyone around her whether she is greeting visitors, offering tours or selling store merchandise. Thanks to Robin, The Oldest House Museum implemented a 21st century collections database with the latest technology.

JODY GROSS LEADERSHIP MONROE COUNTY Jody (Class XX alumna) served on the board for 10 years. She cochaired and led the vital Health Care session during her tenure, bringing her professional medical experience and dedication to well-being and care throughout Monroe County, with commitment to positive development, community education and resilient futures.

MEGAN HUGHES FORGOTTEN FELINES Megan has been volunteering for over seven years, taking in kittens to foster and see them through to adoption. She has even turned her personal home into a rescue location. After Hurricane Irma, she has been the main volunteer in Marathon to TNR (trap, fix, release) homeless cats. The cats of the Middle Keys have their chance for a better life thanks in part to Megan.

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UNSUNG HEROES 2023

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

WAYNE HULTING KEYS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA For the past 14 years, Wayne has volunteered as the conductor for the Keys Chamber Orchestra and the Lower Keys Community Choir.

He organizes and leads a suite of Christmas and Easter concerts annually for the public to celebrate the holiday seasons. Wayne is the heart of both orchestra and choir, always giving his all to lead and inspire local musicians.

ARAMIS IKATU FRINGE THEATER KEY WEST Aramis is a videographer, photographer, light and sound board operator, facility coordinator, lighting assistant, stage manager, actor, and more. He has dedicated his personal and professional time to ensuring that Fringe grows and expands its development of new audiences, new actors, and new works. A natural leader, Aramis is the “Swiss army knife” of Fringe Theater.

ISABEL AND BOB IRVINE AH OF MONROE COUNTY When Bob and Isabel volunteer, they honor his brother, diagnosed with AIDS in 1980. They deliver meals on wheels, provide rides to the local food pantry, volunteered at a Taste of Key West, and dropped off bags of food to clients at the height of COVID. Bob and Isabel often contact AH just to ask how they can help.

That’s what a hero does: quietly be of service.

MARIE JACOBS FLORIDA KEYS CHILDREN’S SHELTER Marie has served on the board for five years and is a tremendous supporter of our children and young adults. She takes the shelter’s mission to heart daily, lending her expertise in funding and meeting needs. Marie was instrumental in furnishing 14 individual bedroom suites for the newly opened Transitional Living Program for young adults.

BETTY KLIMOCK FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL OF THE ARTS Dr. Klimock’s passion for the arts and dedication to our community is remarkable. She served on the Cultural Umbrella Committee, and as an advisor serving on several committees. Betty is always the first one to arrive at events, the best cheerleader for arts education, and provides ongoing support of our Keys’ talented visual and performing artists.

JUDY LAKIN MICHELLE’S FOUNDATION Judy is the volunteer director and comptroller. She has given thousands of hours to make sure hungry at-risk students received food, tutors received educational assistance, and locals with cancer received help. Judy has supervised the awards of hundreds of scholarships to ensure those in need had an opportunity to attend college.

JUDY LAYNE FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY & DISCOVERY FOUNDATION Judy has been involved since 2015. As a volunteer docent, she greeted guests, informed visitors about the exhibits, and assisted staff with special projects. Since joining the board, Judy has taken on a variety of roles in the organization, most notably dedicating many hours as committee chair for the successful “Night at the Museum” fundraiser.

MS. ALEXSA LETO VOICES FOR FLORIDA KEYS CHILDREN Alexsa is a dedicated advocate for abandoned, abused, and neglected children in the Florida Keys. Serving on the executive board, she works extremely hard on all planning and fundraising.

Alexsa helps ensure that local youth receive clothing and other personal needs, medical and mental health care, counseling, tutoring, therapeutic experiences, and scholarships.

NICK MALONOVSKY MONROE ASSOCIATION FOR REMARCABLE CITIZENS Captain Nick is a founder of the MARC House Grunt Tournament, a rare opportunity for the MARC clients to fish with professional guides and compete against their peers. For 25 years, Nick has helped organize the tournament by recruiting captains and mates to donate their time and boats.

MARTY MARA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF KEY WEST AND THE LOWER FLORIDA KEYS Marty goes above and beyond in his devotion to helping the community, volunteering multiple times a week in the Warehouse Store. He is ready to tackle whatever is asked of him because, in his words, he is just “happy to help.” His positive attitude and friendly disposition always brighten the customers’ day.

MARY ANN MATTER HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS FOUNDATION Mary Ann works tirelessly as a volunteer with “Save-A-Grave” at the Historic Key West Cemetery.

She has raised the public’s interest, along with funds that have resulted in the restoration of numerous abandoned gravesites. In addition to her careful research, Mary Ann is instrumental in organizing the much-loved annual Cemetery Strolls.

CRAIG AND CHERYL MCBAY MOTE MARINE LABORATORY From the moment they learned of Mote’s work on Florida’s coral reef, Craig and Cheryl immediately asked how they could help.

Every ask, every time; they are reliable and consistent supporters, volunteers, and believers of the mission. They are focused visionaries who have made a big difference in Mote’s community engagement and outreach in the Florida Keys and beyond.

PHYLLIS MICHAELIS KAIR (KEYS AREA INTERDENOMINATIONAL RESOURCES) Phyllis frequently volunteers 60 to 80 hours per week. She ensures those in need get food from the pantry and helps with a vast array of needs, including medical and dental, rent and utilities, transportation, legal documentation and so much more. Phyllis is a driving force behind KAIR fundraisers, including the Sombrero Beach Run.

YURIANNA MIKOLAY KEYS AHEC HEALTH CENTERS There are angels in our community that look out for us, come to our rescue, and guide us in times of need. Yuri was the first person to reach out to Keys AHEC after hearing of an adverse decision with its state legislative support.

Her advocacy of AHEC’s medical and dental care for Florida Keys children resulted in donations from multiple organizations and individuals.

SHAWN MONTGOMERY RED BARN THEATRE Shawn has been a huge asset in volunteering with Red Barn’s yearly fundraisers. He is known to string lights all over the best party venues. At one point while visiting the theater, he wondered why there were no fans on our porch, so he found a way to get fans and installed them! Shawn is fun, easy to work with, creative and very appreciated.

UNSUNG HEROES 2023

NICOLE NAVARRO PAWSITIVE BEGINNINGS As volunteer executive director, Nicole works around the clock, dedicating her life to rescuing animals and educating the community locally and around the world with her advocacy for fox rescue. Her nominee calls her “the most selfless, hard-working person I know.”

KASIA O’NEILL FLORIDA KEYS SPCA Since Kasia began volunteering in September 2021, she has grown to be a key member of the SPCA team. Her dedication to the cats and small animals is inspirational and reassuring. When Kasia is at the facility, the team knows that she will make sure every need of the animals is met. She has become family to them, and they say they can’t imagine their days without her.

BARBARA OVERTON HISTORY OF DIVING MUSEUM Barbara spearheaded a multiyear research project to answer modern questions about shipwrecks using the library’s collection of Skin Diver magazines as a historical reference. Barbara expanded the impact by turning the research into a lecture, weaving her own scuba history into a larger historical narrative. Her presentation has been viewed by hundreds of people.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

TIM PETERSON KEY WEST IMPROMPTU CLASSICAL CONCERTS Tim has been a behind-thescenes supporter of Impromptu’s series since 2016. He provides hands-on logistics support at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to ensure the facility is ready to host Impromptu’s classical music performers. He is also a vocal supporter of its mission. Always modest, Tim’s participation comes from the heart with no thought of recognition.

NINA PILAR SAVE OUR PINES As a fifth-generation Conch, Nina appreciates the significant value and cultural history of the Australian Pines, along with the natural sun protection and feeling of space they provide. For the last two years, as volunteer administrator of Save Our Pines, she has taken the mission “to ensure the pines for future generations” seriously and is always willing to help, while offering sound advice.

EILEEN QUINN LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA Eileen is the organization’s longest volunteer, having served for over 30 years as volunteer tutor, board member, treasurer, president, vice president and helper at every fund raiser. A true servant leader, Eileen is always saying, “How can I help you?” Literacy Volunteers wouldn’t be what it is without Eileen.

RAYMOND ESSER FLORIDA KEYS OUTREACH COALITION Raymond has been operating the FL Keys Outreach Coalition’s Loaves and Fishes food pantry for the last several months.

Raymond’s enthusiasm for this work is evident in his dedication to making sure the pantry is open and ready each day of operation, and in the way he makes sure that each person using the pantry receives the items most suitable for their needs.

CAROL AND DICK REZBA KEY WEST BOTANICAL GARDEN SOCIETY Carol and Dick have contributed their time and expertise to help install over 150 plant identification and informational signs; to weed and trim the grounds; to obtain all but one of the 12 native Florida palms to add to the Garden’s collection; to initiate and expand member docent tours followed by Carol’s creative luncheons; and to assist with many special events.

PAT RUSSO UPPER KEYS HUMANE SOCIETY Pat has been coming to the Humane Society for over eight years to walk and socialize with the dogs. The dogs get so excited when they see Pat pull in, knowing that they are going to be played with, walked, and loved!

Pat is extraordinary, her dedication to the dogs and shelter is so appreciated.

DIANA SCHILLING THE BASILICA SCHOOL Diana has volunteered for the past six years reading with every kindergarten student, leading gifted pull-out groups, helping students who struggle with reading, and hosting an after school art club. Diana is also very active in the church, frequently distributing communion to those at the Lower Keys Medical Center.

MICHAEL SCHUSTER I CARE Michael is on every outplant trip volunteering his time. He donates tools in mass: 24 shears, dozens of scrubbers, countless snips, and his insights on best practices with these tools given his lifelong work in construction. He is also the first to help other recreational divers during outplant trips. Michael makes the collective jobs for everyone at I CARE so much easier.

JEANNE SELANDER RIVER’S WISH Jeanne is the founder and volunteer executive director of a new senior dog sanctuary. She is well-known in the community for being Farmer Jeanne, curator at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Animal Farm. Jeanne has dedicated her life to caring for the farm and now has started a new passion in creating River’s Wish.

BRAND NEW FLORIDA KEYS VOLUNTEER CENTER MATCHES RESIDENTS AND VISITORS WITH SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

SCOTT RICKERT RURAL HEALTH NETWORK OF MONROE COUNTY Dr. Rickert has served on the board since 2017 and is currently board chair. He leads with compassion and dedication, ensuring that all Monroe County residents have the opportunity to be provided quality and affordable medical and dental healthcare.

In 2022, he oversaw the team’s launch of the Mobile Healthcare Coach, a medical and dental office on wheels.

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The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys has launched the Florida Keys Volunteer Center. The web site, VolunteerKeys. com, is available for nonprofits countywide to post volunteer opportunities and for visitors and residents to browse and register for volunteer shifts.

The online platform is equipped for an unlimited number of volunteer postings that will range from one-time commitments of an hour or two such as a beach clean-up or museum docent shift to multi-year opportunities like serving on a nonprofit organization’s board of directors. Volunteers may register as individuals or create teams such as families, service clubs or groups from local businesses.

Sign up for free today at VolunteerKeys.com

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UNSUNG HEROES 2023

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

SHIRLEY SINGLETON MARATHON GARDEN CLUB Shirley serves as vice president and in her leadership role, guided the club to understand the plight of the monarch butterfly. Her enthusiasm led to a certification program for home and community gardens as Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries. The club has now certified so many gardens in Marathon that it now has the honor of being a National Monarch Butterfly City.

MARILYN SMITH ONE ISLAND FAMILY Marilyn is an inspiring leader who has provided a sense of loving continuity to multiple programs of its fellowship. She has served as ministerial search committee chair, religious education teacher, program planning team member, and is a past congregational president. Marilyn embodies the unifying spirit of the congregation, looking to unite others.

NELL SMETS KEY WEST GARDEN CLUB Since walking into the Garden Club to purchase plants just a short year ago, Nell has been an integral part of the club’s success. She joined that same day, tackling everything, from weeding, pruning, planting, and more.

She is an architect by trade, and immediately volunteered to design its new gazebo, replacing a worn-out green gazebo. Nell is an inspiration to others daily.

ELENA SPOTTSWOOD GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER Elena has been a volunteer on our Community Action Council for many years. She shares the passion for behavioral health and serving the Florida Keys.

She has been a strong advocate for increasing access to mental health services. In 2022, Elena was instrumental in having federal funds allocated to our capital project to rebuild The Heron assisted living facility for those with mental illness.

JOHN SMITH THE FREDRICK DOUGLASS SCHOOL BLACK EDUCATORS MEMORIAL PROJECT As a volunteer, John maintains tireless efforts to retain the rich history of Key West dating from the mid-1880s, relating to the Indigenous population of Black, Bahamian, Chinese and Cuban families. John works hard to bring unity to Bahama Village, helping to ensure its residents are included in the Key West narrative and not excluded.

CHRIS STONE ANCHORS AWEIGH CLUB Chris has been an integral part of the organization for 38 years, serving on its board of directors many times. She also gets her hands dirty digging and planting in the outdoor meeting space, spearheading fundraisers, and approaching people to volunteer time, goods or services. Chris has most likely done more for Anchors Aweigh than any other single person.

CHARLOTTE STRICKLAND FRIENDS OF THE KEY WEST LIBRARY For more than 15 years, Charlotte has given unfaltering dedication. She oversaw the successful monthly book sales for seven years, ushered at the speaker series events, scanned photos in the Florida History Room, helped with the Cafe Con Libros programs, and shelved books. Charlotte has served on the Friends of the Key West Library Board for seven years.

RAY TORRES SAMUEL’S HOUSE Ray knew how difficult it can be to “go without” as a child, especially during the holidays.

So now each Christmas, he transforms into a real-life Santa Claus in order to give back to the children of the community he loves. He collects donations, receives letters from the children, makes a list and even checks it twice before the big delivery on Christmas Eve. Wishes come true!

USCGC INGHAM MEMORIAL MUSEUM Bruce has been volunteering for over three years. He possesses the ultimate “can do” attitude while taking on all tasks with a positive energy. He takes the initiative to go beyond the expected parameters of his job.

Bruce has always displayed a high degree of integrity, responsibility, and ambition.

JOHN STRONG ANNE MCKEE ARTISTS FUND OF THE FLORIDA KEYS John simplified processes to make the art auction a more professional and efficient annual event. He organized the art storage as it is transported from one floor to another and made art pick-up easier for patrons and volunteers. He donates his time and materials and individually wraps each precious art piece so the buyers can take their art home safely.

JOY BROWN TAYLOR KEYS TO BE THE CHANGE Joy reads with reluctant readers in elementary schools with the MORE Literacy Program. She meets weekly with multiple students and has a way of engaging them without them even realizing they are enjoying reading! In 2022, Joy made the final donation that empowered the organization to create a Community Foundation endowment.

Joy is an angel among us!

BRUCE TROUTMAN SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA MONROE COUNTY Bruce has volunteered for over five years. He serves as a one-onone mentor for athlete leaders, a coach, and a volunteer at special events. Bruce has been an important part of the organization’s athlete leader program, from its inception to today’s growth, assisting athletes to achieve their personal goals as leaders.

CHRIS TRENTINE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE UPPER KEYS Chris has served on the board for nine years and is an integral part of the construction process of each and every home built since then. His company, CBT Construction, provides general contracting and project management services to the affiliate at cost. This allows Habitat to build affordable housing to code and hurricane rated at a reasonable expense.

WENDY AND DAVE VANDERWEGEN KEY WEST WOMAN’S CLUB Their untiring commitment to making our house beautiful is amazing. From leading the charge for both holiday decorating and tear down, to converting hundreds of light bulbs to LED, Wendy and Dave are always looking to make our mansion/Hellings Curry Museum more spectacular.

UNSUNG HEROES 2023

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

DISASTER AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

MENDY WALDEN FLORIDA KEYS HEALTHY START COALITION The team has been fortunate to share an office building with Mendy for the past several years and could not be more grateful for everything she has done. She notarizes documents, helps keep things running smoothly behind the scenes, and collects donations of diapers to be redistributed to families in need. Mendy always has a great smile and attitude.

LYNEA WILSON MORADA WAY ARTS & CULTURAL DISTRICT Lynea is a vital and tireless volunteer. She ensures that the monthly art walks commence without a hitch by collaborating with local businesses, coordinating artists, and documenting the event for social media. With a beaming smile on her face, Lynea is a stalwart beacon of why the arts matter and how best to reach the community.

ROXANNE WOOD AND BRAD KURPJWEIT TROPIC CINEMA When floor managers are on vacation, and no one is available to run the cinema, Roxanne jumps in and works the entire shift.

Anytime the Tropic needs help with facilities issues, Brad jumps right in. These two volunteers work as a team and are the kinds of volunteers that keep the Tropic running.

ENVIRONMENT HEALTH

MARY WOODS GOOD HEALTH CLINIC Dr. Woods volunteers her time and expertise to provide health care for clinic patients. She is an actively contributing member of the board of directors and facilitates partnerships and connections that add value to the clinic’s services. Mary is a deeply compassionate and caring human who truly connects with patients and brings out the best of the staff who work with her.

LGBTQ+

YOUTH

$34 million TAMI WIRES AND KATIE FOSTER PRESENTS IN PARADISE This mother/daughter team is responsible for shopping for clothing, shoes, and bedding.

They are incredibly skillful in streeeeetchhing a dollar so that the organization can reach the needs of over 500 Florida Keys children. As the holidays approach, Tami and Katie spend 13-14 hours per day, making sure that each child’s wishes are met.

They are tireless and committed to our youth!

in community grants and program services since 1996 MARY YARDLEY THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST With over 25 exhibitions each year in four separate galleries not to mention hundreds of other classes and events - it’s a big job to keep the programs at The Studios on track. Mary brings her artist’s eye, careful hands, and bottomless patience to help The Studios pack, unpack, and install its exhibitions all year long. They couldn’t do it without her!

182 charitable funds

Nationally accredited

since 2006 26 years of experience Your trusted resource for

philanthropy

Manages

$3.5 million+ in disaster relief funding

600+ nonprofit leaders through Leadership

Trained

Success Academy board training

Recognized 1,500 volunteers through Unsung Heroes

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UNSUNG HEROES 2023

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS

UNSUNG HEROES is sponsored by

18 Providers 6 Specialties 1 Source: Keys Medical Group With 18 primary care and specialty providers located full time in Big Pine Key and Key West, Keys Medical Group offers convenient, quality care for your family. From sore throats and fever to annual wellness visits and more specialized care, we’ve got you covered close to home.

Schedule your same-day or next-day primary care appointment online at KeysMedGroup.com.

Quick appointments available with specialists.

Telehealth visits available.

YOUR COMMUNITY FOUNDATION The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys is celebrating a milestone – more than a quarter century of connecting people, resources, and needs through philanthropy.

Working together with generous donors, we’re meeting community needs, including: • providing food and housing assistance; • assisting in times of disaster, including relief from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery following disasters like Hurricane Ian; • supporting health care services for those in need; • protecting the environment; • preserving the unique cultural heritage; • promoting educational opportunities through scholarships and programs, and so much more.

Want to help provide food for the hungry?

Interested in preserving our coral reefs?

Whatever your interest, you can join our efforts! We have funds that serve the Upper, Middle and Lower Keys exclusively.

This way your charitable donations serve the communities in your neighborhood.

Learn more at cffk.org/donate You can also create your own personalized fund and start making grants to your favorite nonprofits. If you don’t want to write a check now, name your fund in your will or make a gift from your IRA or life insurance.

Learn more by contacting us at cffk@cffk.org

*Most calls for primary care will result in a same-day appointment; patients may be seen by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant who may not be your regular provider.

Primary Care • Orthopedics • OBGYN • Cardiology • Gastroenterology • Psychiatry DONATIONS TO THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS, A 501(C)(3) CHARITY, ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE AS ALLOWED BY LAW. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

KEYS

Check the Keys Weekly every Thursday to see which Unsung Hero is featured as our Volunteer of the Week.

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