CELEBRATING OUR 2022 FLORIDA KEYS UNSUNG HEROES
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CELEBRATING OUR 2022 FLORIDA KEYS UNSUNG HEROES
CFFK 2 UNSUNG HEROES 2022
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 22nd 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, “The not-for-profit organizations and their
LIZ BONNESS
volunteers being recognized are so vital to the health and well-being of our communities, HISTORY OF DIVING MUSEUM
providing food, shelter, financial assistance and health and human services to our residents in An active volunteer, member and
need. The Unsung Heroes event is our chance to celebrate the giving nature of the Keys and the ANNE BARNETT supporter of the History of Diving
people who work tirelessly to help their neighbors.” LOWER KEYS LEAGUE Museum for eight years, Liz Bon-
OF WOMEN VOTERS ness brings spirited enthusiasm
Charitable organizations based in and serving the Florida Keys nominated their Volunteers of Anne Barnett is a vital member to projects and events. Using her
the Year to be recognized. Congratulations to our 2022 Unsung Heroes. of the Lower Keys League of creative energy, Liz customizes
Women Voters board of directors clever products to donate to the
Your smiling face could be on these pages where she serves as Communica- Museum Store and sponsors sev-
next year. To learn about our local charities tions Chair. Anne led the devel- eral programs. We are extremely
and find one or more that interest you, visit opment of the League’s Women’s grateful for all she does.
cffk.org/nonprofits Voters Centennial webpage that
celebrates exemplary women
past, present and future.
DANIELLE ALBURY SHAYNE BRINDISI
DOLPHINS TO STOP SAMUEL’S HOUSE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (LIVING MS. JERILYN BARACK ERIKA BIDDLE Shayne Brindisi is a gifted
SPRINGS COUNSELING) ZONTA CLUB OF KEY WEST THE STUDIOS OF KEY WEST elementary school teacher and
Danielle is so enthusiastic and Jerilyn has enthusiastically led our During the pandemic, we would recently launched her own orga-
energetic. Her warm personal- MRS. NANCY AMLING, organization with dedication and not have been able to keep on nization business SOS (Shayne’s
ity draws people to get to know KEY WEST IMPROMPTU heart. She has kept our spirits top of everything without Erika’s Organization Solutions). This
her and things like Living Springs CLASSICAL CONCERTS high in the face of obstacles hard work and dedication. She incredible board member has
Counseling that she truly cares Nancy has been a continuing brought on by the continued was always willing to show up given countless hours donating
about. Not only is she an ambas- supporter of our concert series threat of COVID, that have sig- at a moment’s notice and jump her time and skills to support our
sador for our nonprofit, she has and has given generous financial nificantly reduced our ability to in. She is such a treasure to The mission. Shayne is always willing
joined our Board and helps with support over many years. Always fundraise and gather together in Studios of Key West. to help, no matter how daunting
every activity from grunt work modest, her participation comes fellowship. The best part about the task. She goes above and
to helping to plan a memorial from the heart with no thought Jerilyn’s leadership is that she is beyond to make our community a
service. of recognition. Nancy has been a always the first to thank you for better place.
true friend to Impromptu and we your efforts and give you a warm
thank her with this honor. big hug of affection.
SALLY BINARD
ROBERTO ALONZO BAHAMA VILLAGE BRUCE BUSH
GOOD HEALTH CLINIC MUSIC PROGRAM KEY WEST ART &
Roberto has served as a tire- Sally is a true treasure to BVMP! HISTORICAL SOCIETY
less board member for Good She is always ready and willing to Bruce donates his time as a
Health Clinic for 3 years, 2 years help and contribute in any way docent at the Key West Museum
as Chairman. He gives of his she can with no questions asked. of Art & History, Custom House
knowledge, time, and praise end- PHIL & NANCY AMSTERDAM She has been a tremendous force every Monday and Friday like
lessly. He inspires a productive WESLEY HOUSE FAMILY SERVICES on our board and keeps a fresh clockwork! His love of Florida
and cohesive board and encour- Nancy has been a long-time Board member for Wesley House. Both pair of eyes to all situations. We Keys history enhances our visitor
ages all the organization’s staff at she and Phil have worked tirelessly for Wesley House. They have are blessed to have someone like experience exponentially and his
every interaction. He is a positive hosted the Valentine’s Gala for 40 years and continue to volunteer their her working with us and for the weekly time spent at the museum
force for Good Health Clinic and time, sponsor, and donate various items throughout each year. “No” is children of the Bahama Village is a great asset to the Key West
causes he puts effort into. not in their vocabulary and we appreciate them so much! Music Program! Art & Historical Society.
UNSUNG HEROES 2022 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS 3 CFFK
KENDALL CAMERON
FRINGE THEATER KEY WEST
Kendall Cameron took up the
mantel of Light Designer for
Fringe Theater with no experi-
ence but lots of enthusiasm. JOHN JOHNSON AND TAMMY COLLINS
In the last two years, she has HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF THE MIDDLE KEYS
learned the principles of design, John Johnson and Tammy Collins have been instrumental in our suc-
the mechanics of a light plot, cesses and leading us as Board President and Board Secretary, respec-
and the programming of a very tively, throughout the pandemic years. Their leadership and dedication
complicated light board. Fringe to our mission have been such a Blessing as we embark on our largest
would literally be in the dark build to date. As they come to the end of their tenure as a Board
were not for this unsung and very Directors, we want to thank them for a wonderful 7 years.
talented Hero!
DENISE DOWNING
JUST OLDER YOUTH
Denise is one of the founders
of Just Older Youth. Denise first
connected Keys To Peace with
the founders of JOY, and has
since served as the Vice President
of JOY, and a board member at
ROBERTA DEPIERO large. She is gifted at seeing the
JAMES CORDELL MARYLOU DESMARAIS SISTER SEASON FUND threads that bind and strengthen
ROBERT H. CARDENAS KEYS AHEC HEALTH CENTER KEY WEST TROPICAL FOREST Roberta DePiero is a photogra- the people of the Keys, and she is
REEF RELIEF James Cordell from Baptist & BOTANICAL GARDEN pher at heart and during the pan- a master at weaving us together
Bob Cardenas has served Reef Health has served as the Keys Marylou Desmarais came to the demic shut down she was seen to support the things that make
Relief for 10 years as a Board AHEC Board Chair for the past Garden as part of its Docent about town taking shots of Key us great as a community.
Member and past President. Due 3 years. During this time, he has Training program in 2015. In the West. She teamed up with other
to his 43 years in the real estate encouraged staff in their work to last 6 years she has led visitors on photographers in town to create
business, and his formal educa- expand medical services, open guided tours sharing her knowl- a coffee table photography book
tion as a Marine Biologist, he is new sites and supported efforts edge of the Garden’s native en- entitled: Isolated Island: The Key
well qualified to see and under- to build a brand new children’s dangered plants and ecosystem. West Covid-19 Spring of 2020.
stand all of the factors, economic dental program. His leadership As a volunteer Garden Guardian, The profits were donated to
and environmental, that are af- with the Board and staff has she works to help trim, weed and Sister Season Fund to assist their
fecting our Coral Reef system. guided AHEC to better serve care for the many plants. mission here in Key West during
medically needy children in the this hardship time.
Florida Keys.
RED BARN ACTORS STUDIO
Roberta DePiero is a highly
motivated person that has used DONALD DOTZAUER
her powers for good! Since she A.H. OF MONROE COUNTY
knows this island’s businesses Donald is a man who never took
like the back of her hand, she no for an answer as the 2021
has pulled together our program team leader of the Key West Mile
sales and has matched sales from Markers for The SMART Ride,
years ago before the pandemic. which benefits HIV/AIDS Agen-
She goes above and beyond by cies in Florida. Without a single
securing sponsorships and trades, public fundraiser, his passion and
TOM CLEMENTS DR. GERALDINE DIETHELM because she cares about the Barn compassion inspired his team-
FRIENDS OF THE MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM MARATHON WILD BIRD and everyone else she works for. mates and community to rally
KEY WEST LIBRARY GUIDANCE/CARE CENTER CENTER and gather over $240,000.
Up until his retirement last year, Michael Cunningham has been a Since the day she landed in the
Tom Clements volunteered on volunteer for years on our Com- Florida Keys in 1997, Dr. Geral- FRIENDS OF THE
the Friends of the Key West munity Action Council. This past dine Diethelm has been a board JOIN US IN BUILDING AIDS MEMORIAL
Library board, serving as treasurer year has been exceptional as he member and the veterinarian for A BRIGHTER FUTURE Donald served as a board mem-
for 27 years. He was responsible has provided COVID testing to the Marathon Wild Bird Center. FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS… ber and treasurer for FOAM for 3
for initially computerizing the our clients & employees which Dr. Diethelm has provided medi- IN PARADISE FOR GOOD. years. In that short period of time
organization’s financial and mem- included test kits and staff to cal advice for thousands of wild FIND OUT HOW AT Donald worked tirelessly to man-
bership records. Tom established administer on site. He facilitated birds, from bald eagles to baby CFFK.ORG OR CALL age the finances of the board,
and shepherded an investment connections to organizations with birds. Having recently retired, Dr. 305.292.1502. and to seek out and acquire
account which allows the Friends the goal to increase access to Diethelm now shares her love of grants to enable the Key West
to make a generous annual dona- and funding for behavioral health gardening and painting with the AIDS Memorial to function and
tion to support the library. care. bird center. make improvements.
CFFK 4 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS UNSUNG HEROES 2022
JOIN US IN BUILDING
A BRIGHTER FUTURE
FOR THE FLORIDA KEYS…
IN PARADISE FOR GOOD.
FIND OUT HOW AT
CFFK.ORG OR CALL
305.292.1502.
PETER DSWONYK
SOUTHERNMOST HOMELESS LINDA FALK ERIKA GOODMAN AND KRISTINA HELMS
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE FLORIDA KEYS CHILDREN’S PRESENTS IN PARADISE
Peter Dswonyk, a formerly SHELTER Together they manage to enter over 500 children onto Santa’s list.,
homeless Marine Corps veteran Linda has provided continuous helping to provide educational toys, musical instruments, sports
and passionate voice for the support and advocacy as one equipment, clothing and shoes to families in need during the holidays.
rights of unhoused people in our of our most involved Board of They provide tireless hours making sure each individual wish list is met.
community, was instrumental in Directors for the Florida Keys
facilitating the transfer of shelter Children’s Shelter over the last
management responsibilities to several years. Linda Falk is such
Key West’s new operator, and a tireless worker on our behalf,
contributes to SHAL’s evolving whether it is resourcing for a
mission of advocacy for improved current need, or just being there
quality of life for all members of to hold a hand, Linda is our most
our community. treasured resource! NAJA GIRARD AND
ARNAUD D’ALBISSIN
LAST STAND
Thank you to Naja Girard and
Arnaud d’Albissin for their con-
tinued support and advocacy to
protect the fragile Keys environ-
ment and the quality of life for
all of our residents. Their tireless STEPHANIE HELLSTROM
advocacy to promote, preserve KRIS GRIFFIN ANNE MCKEE ARTISTS FUND
and protect the Florida Keys is KEY WEST GARDEN CLUB OF THE FLORIDA KEYS
the embodiment of Last Stand’s Kris Griffin is truly the Energizer Stephanie Hellstrom is a past
mission statement and consonant Bunny with a fun personality President, perennial auction vol-
with the day-to-day goals of our that keeps everyone happy and unteer and loyal Fund supporter.
ELLEN EISCH CHRISTOPHER & RYAN (NOT board of directors. a work ethic that just keeps on In addition to her duties as Presi-
FLORIDA KEYS HISTORY PICTURED) ELWELL going. In the propagation area dent, she was responsible for the
& DISCOVERY CENTER FLORIDA KEYS COUNCIL of Key West Garden Club, her publicity and press releases for
Ellen Eisch has been a volunteer OF THE ARTS energy is focused on making new the call to artists, auction and the
since 2014 at Keys History & Christopher & Ryan Elwell con- plants and keeping them weed grant submissions and awards.
Discovery Center, serving as a tinue to promote the Arts com- free and beautiful for the public. She has been a loyal volunteer
docent and greeter. A part-time munity throughout the Florida She is one of the gems of Key at the annual auction for many,
resident of Islamorada, she makes Keys with both their time and West Garden Club. many years - always with a smile
volunteering at the museum a generous financial support. We and positive attitude.
top priority whenever in town. honor and celebrate the Elwell
She serves with great enthusiasm Family for 10 years of ongoing
and happily helps educate visitors sponsorship of the Arts Council’s
about the vast and unique history Connections Project: A Mosaic of
and ecology of the Keys. the Keys.
DR. WILLIAM AND MATTHEW HELMERICH
DR. BEVERLY GOLDNER PERFORMING ARTS CENTERS
MONROE COUNTY EVAN HASKELL OF KEY WEST TENNESSEE
EDUCATION FOUNDATION MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S WILLIAMS THEATRE
Dr. Bill and Beverly have men- SCHOOL OF KEY WEST Matthew Helmerich epitomizes
tored collectively five Take Stock Evan Haskell has served on the phrase “unsung hero”. As a
in Children scholars since 2007. our board of directors for 8 long time supporter of the arts
JILL FRIEARY AND MELINDA SAMPLE Dr. Goldner also devotes his time years. During this time he has and Tennessee Williams Theatre,
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF KEY WEST AND THE LOWER KEYS to serving on the Monroe County worked tirelessly as President Matthew and his family steadfast-
Jill Frieary and Melinda Sample came to us one day intending to Education Foundation board of and Treasurer. Evan’s leadership ly stood ready to help us grow, to
donate items and stayed to donate their time in so many ways. From directors, further contributing his and involvement have carried help us to sustain, and to help us
fund raising events like the Habitat Photo Safari and Trivia Trek to the support and passion of education us through hurricanes, program reimagine our important role in
organizing and set up of the Habitat Warehouse Store, their efforts and scholarship opportunities for growth, COVID constraints, prop- the arts and culture world of Key
have been dedicated to extending Habitat’s outreach into the local under-represented youth in our erty expansion, SBA loans and all West. His caring, generosity, and
community. community. things big and small. commitment are without equal.
UNSUNG HEROES 2022 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS 5 CFFK
JANETT HERNANDEZ
KIDS COME FIRST IN THE ROBIN JARVIE
FLORIDA KEYS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SUSAN MITCHELL
Since 2007 Janett has volun- THE UPPER KEYS CORNERSTONE RESOURCE
teered, organized, worked Robin is our dedicated ReStore ALLIANCE
fundraisers, was chair secretary volunteer - and she’s been with us Susan Mitchell was one of the
for 3 years, and Christmas cannot for over a year now. She’s at the original volunteers to run food
be completed without her. She store twice a week, and always LOUIE LARSON AND PETER O’CONNELL to the homeless shelter back in
keeps track of who receives what brings a smile and a laugh. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH 2014! Since then, she has faithfully
gifts and where to deliver. My Her dedication to the ReStore, (COOKING WITH LOVE PROGRAM) and cheerfully delivered meals to
best volunteer, my sister, my best Habitat for Humanity of the Up- When Pete and Louie not only cook most every week but they find ex- the Key West Homeless Shelter.
friend & the best boss of any job per Keys organization and the tra volunteers every week to help with various kitchen jobs. They show Susan also coordinates and trains
ever. team is outstanding and deserves up to work in a hot kitchen during a hot Key West day armed with their other volunteers to do the food
recognition. own cooking equipment and a whole repertoire of jokes! delivery. Everyone is happy when
they see Susan pull up!
GINETTE HUGHES
LEADERSHIP MONROE MARY ANN MATTER
COUNTY HISTORIC FLORIDA KEYS
Ginette is CEO of Marine GIDGET JOHNS FOUNDATION SHELLEY MCINNIS NICOLE NAVARRO
Resources Development Foun- NAVY LEAGUE KEY WEST Mary Ann Matter has initiated LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF PAWSITIVE BEGINNINGS
dation/MarineLab and LMC COUNCIL the Save A Grave program at the AMERICA MONROE COUNTY Nicole founded this organiza-
Class XIII graduate. Since 2006, Gidget organizes and operates all Historic Key West Cemetery. This When LVA asks Shelley to help, tion in March 2020, which has no
MarineLab has been integral for information technology and au- program was met with generous she never says no! Shelley can employees, after volunteering at
the LMC Environment Session dio and video for Navy League, public support and resulted in the be seen every day supporting lit- the MCSO Sheriff’s Animal Farm
as participants gain exposure to including meetings, zoom and restoration and stewardship of eracy in our community. Whether in Key West for years and being
our Keys’ coastal ecology and guest speakers. She also sets up numerous abandoned gravesites. organizing the silent auction for introduced to two foxes that
the MRDF staff interacts and and maintains the Navy League In addition, she is instrumental in our annual Benihana celebrity reside there. After doing much
educates community leaders. web page and Facebook ac- the Cemetery Strolls, which raise chef cook-off, or helping build research, she realized the need
The generosity and leadership count, organizes and maintains funds for restoration and publica- little conch house libraries for our for experienced sanctuaries to be
she exemplifies inspires the next the League e-mail account, and tion of a self-guided tour brochure. CFFK Project Synergy program, able to take in foxes being saved
generation of scientists. maintains the volunteer program. Shelley is dedicated, depend- from the fur trade.
able, and always has a smile on
her face.
KIMBERLY MATTHEWS
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION MARIONICA NOEL
OF THE FLORIDA KEYS WOMANKIND
ADRIAN HUNT JORDAN LOMBARD Kimberly Matthews has vol- A current Biological Sciences
KEYS TO BE THE CHANGE SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA unteered with the Community student at FAU, Marionica volun-
Adrian has been a mentor with MONROE COUNTY Foundation for over two years. teers at Womankind as a medi-
the Kids Win program sponsored Jordan has worked tirelessly She facilitated our board retreat SHAYNE MESSINA cal assistant and interpreter for
by Keys to Be the Change for for the past 7 years to grow our and helped create and monitor AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY Haitian Creole speaking patients,
over 5 years. Since his retirement programs in all the schools in success of our amazing 2021- During COVID-19 the American gently guiding them through their
from the US Coast Guard in 2020, the Upper Keys. Jordan is also a 2025 Strategic Plan. Kimberly Cancer Society had to let go its intake and examinations. With
Adrian has recruited 18 JIATF Unified Flag Football and Soccer also teaches nonprofit strategic only employee in the Florida goals of earning an MD and be-
personnel to volunteer their time Coach for Key Largo School, planning at the Community Keys and Shayne started doing coming an OB-GYN, Womankind
to mentor high-risk youth at both taking his team to state games at Foundation’s Leadership Success most of the responsibilities as a hopes volunteering is just the first
HOB Middle School and Key ESPN Wide World of Sports for Academy, receiving the highest volunteer including managing a step of a long relationship with
West High School. the past 5 years. rating of all 2021 instructors. major event. Marionica.
CFFK 6 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS UNSUNG HEROES 2022
KERI O’BRIEN ARIEL POHOLEK KENIE RODRIGUEZ
ONE ISLAND FAMILY SOUTH- BOYS SCOUTS OF AMERICA MARRVELOUS PET RESCUE CHARLES AND DENISE JUDY SHAW
ERNMOST UNITARIAN UNIVER- Ariel Poholek was a Boy Scout AND ADOPTIONS ROSENBALM MARATHON GARDEN CLUB
SALIST CONGREGATION growing up and has since been Kenie Rodriguez has been work- FLORIDA KEYS HEALTHY Judy Shaw coordinates com-
Keri O’Brien has served as a unit leader in the Keys for the ing tirelessly on many different START COALITION munity plant clinics every 3rd
Vice President of our board last nine years. During this time MPR projects. She is the Chair Pastor Charles Rosenbalm and his Saturday of the month. She also
for 2 years, always preparing he has continued to help youth for our signature fundraising wife Denise Rosenbalm at First chairs the White Heron Award,
in advance and contributing build character and empower event, the Spayghetti & No Balls Baptist Church of Key Largo have and co-chairs the Grounds
thoughtful proposals at our meet- each individual with lifelong skills Gala which was more successful been huge supporters and help- Committee that maintains the
ings. She also initiated a special through the Scouting program. than ever this year! She has also ers to the Florida Keys Healthy Marathon Garden Club. Judy also
collection when our Director of Ariel actively engages youth in been the point person for our Start Coalition over the years. This led the effort to clean up and
Religious Education moved out of local food bank efforts, coastal new Rescue House. Kenie sits on past year they hosted a diaper restore gardens after Hurricane
the area and our members could clean ups, and other various our Volunteer Rescue Board as donation box and helped contrib- Irma, bringing them back to their
not meet in person due to the environmental conservation Vice President, and she puts her ute to us exceeding our goal of previous splendor!
pandemic. programs. whole heart into the Rescue and 10,000 diapers! We are incredibly
helping the pets. grateful for their support.
JAMIE PEARSON SUE ANN PUSKEDRA
MAY SANDS MONTESSORI THE SALVATION ARMY PABLO RODRIGUEZ PAT RUSSO
SCHOOL Sue is on the Advisory Board Of KEY WEST POLICE ATHLETIC UPPER KEYS HUMANE JANET SMITH
Jamie Pearson is the parent The Salvation Army and volun- LEAGUE SOCIETY UNITY OF THE KEYS
volunteer every school hopes teers hundreds of hours each Sergeant Rodriguez is always one For the last seven years Pat Russo SPIRITUAL CENTER
for. Her dedication to our school year sorting, pricing and display- phone call away when something has been coming three times a Janet Smith is a tireless, creative,
goes above and beyond. Jamie ing merchandise at the Key West is needed for the PAL organiza- week to the Upper Keys Humane imaginative, and brave behind-
always finds the time to create Thrift store. She also donates the tion. He has dedicated endless Society to walk our dogs. She has the-scenes volunteer in our be-
and support a sense of com- balance of her estate sales each hours to making sure the new also fostered dogs for us. Pat is loved community. She is always
munity at the school. Her honest week to the Salvation Army Thrift PAL gym behind City Hall is taken a huge asset to our organization, the first to volunteer of her time
enthusiasm and authentic energy Stores throughout the Florida care of and has devoted his time she gives our animals socializa- and her talents to any event, pro-
make her the perfect ambassador Keys. to making sure the youth pro- tion and leash skills that they gram, ceremony, or service. Janet
for our tuition-free Montessori grams with the Key West Police wouldn’t normally get. loves to learn and even when
school. Athletic League succeed. faced with tasks that intimidate
the best of us, she perseveres.
ANNETTE ROBERTSON-CURRY WAYNE RUSSANO
THE FLORIDA KEYS SOUTHERNMOST
EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION VFW POST 3911
DESIREE PEREZ (THE COLLEGE OF THE Wayne Russano, a retired 37yr.
LOWER KEYS ROTARY FLORIDA KEYS) KIM AND BOB RONEY Air Force veteran, is now serving
Desiree (Desi) Perez has served Annette began her association MOTE MARINE LABORATORY his 3rd year as Quartermaster for
on the board for the Lower Keys with The College of the Florida Kim & Bob Roney are champions VFW Post 3911. Wayne consis- JEAN SHANNON
Rotary for years and is the current Keys more than 11 years ago. Her of our local ecosystem. They tently rises above and beyond OLD ISLAND RESTORATION
Public Information officer. Desi fundraising expertise has guided take pride in their stewardship his Officer duties by continuously FOUNDATION
is there at every event, pitching numerous fundraising events of our local reef ecosystem by and enthusiastically volunteer- Jean has volunteered for over a
in and helping where needed. from Shark Expo to the Founda- providing free or low-cost options ing to contribute his time, and decade in various positions as-
She is literally our boots on the tion’s annual Seaside Soiree. Each for local divers and non-profit or- effective business and organiza- sociated with Old Island. Most re-
ground in the community to find effort has generated substantial ganizations to do invaluable work tional skills to all Post endeavors cently she has served multi terms
out where our Rotary club can support for CFK students and underwater to protect, conserve in helping veterans and causes in on their Board and Co-chairs
best serve others in our area. programs. and rebuild our reef. our Key West community. OIRF’s Annual Home Tour Event.
UNSUNG HEROES 2022 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS 7 CFFK
RUSS VICKERS
RICHARD TAMBORRINO ROCKY (NORMAN) TINGLE KEY WEST COMMUNITY
LOIS SONGER UNITED WAY OF COLLIER ANCHORS AWEIGH CLUB SAILING CENTER
KEY WEST ART CENTER AND THE KEYS Dr. Rocky has been a long time Russ Vickers has volunteered
Lois Songer has been an invalu- Richard has been a hard-working supporter of Anchors Aweigh thousands of hours of his time, ROSI WARE
able member of the Key West asset to our local United Way Club offering care, kindness, and resulting in a new level of partici- AMERICAN RED CROSS
Art Center for many years. She since joining the board seven concern to individuals in recovery pation (surpassing 200 members). The spirited volunteer and philan-
served as Gallery Director and years ago. He helped immensely and to the community at large. Under Russ’s leadership, the thropist Rosi Ware might well be
has also held multiple positions during the merger creating Unit- For that we are very grateful. Center’s administration and board the Unsung Hero for any one of
on the Board of Directors, includ- ed Way of Collier and the Keys, of directors have been strength- a dozen Keys not-for-profits. Rosi
ing President, Secretary, and Trea- and was tireless in his efforts as ened, full-time professional staff was the Florence Spottswood
surer. Lois organized and ran the UWCK served the Keys commu- has been hired, the organization Humanitarian of the Year for the
Craft and Old Island Days street nity through Hurricane Irma and is financially sound, the facility is Red Cross in 2013. Her continued
shows for more than ten years. the COVID-19 pandemic. improved, and the fleet of boats work for arts and human welfare
is growing. organizations in the Keys personi-
fies the values of the Red Cross.
RYAN STIMERS PETRENA TAYLOR
KEY WEST CULTURAL FLORIDA KEYS SPCA JAY VILLAVICENCIO MAGGIE WHITCOMB
PRESERVATION SOCIETY Since joining the Florida Keys MIKE AND JERRY TINNELL CONCH REPUBLIC MARINE FLORIDA KEYS COMMUNITY
We are proud to honor Ryan SPCA in March of 2019, Petrena FRIENDS OF THE LOWER KEYS ARMY LAND TRUST
Stimers for his unfaltering dedica- has been an invaluable asset This husband and wife team or- Jay has been an integral part of In addition to $2 million of
tion and devoted support. A to our volunteer team. Petrena ganizes their community to stop the community after Hurricane start-up funding, she founded
full-time wire sculptor, Ryan still shows up twice every week to shallow sewage wells at Cudjoe Irma decimated the area. Jay the Community Land Trust after
finds the time to do a lot of the clean and disinfect the cat rooms, Key and elsewhere around the and his Winn Dixie staff have fed Hurricane Irma and spent count-
work behind the scenes that is do laundry, scrape litter boxes, Keys to help improve and protect over 1,000 of the Conch Republic less hours with her organization,
rarely glamorous nor creative. and feed and care for all of our water quality. Marine Army volunteers over the Conch Republic Housing Alliance,
But as any true artist Ryan keeps adoptable cats. Through Petre- past few years helping the CRMA to purchase land for additional
coming up with innovative ideas na’s tireless efforts, all of our cats’ remove 188 tons of marine debris workforce housing.
to make Sunset Celebration the lives are improved as they await from shorelines. Jay plays a major
best event it can be. their furever homes. role in the future of the CRMA
and our community.
MICHELE WHITE
DORTHE THURE BRUCE WARD FIRMKEYS
SAVE OUR PINES MARY TURNER MONROE ASSOCIATION FOR Michele has served on the FIRM-
Dorthe was instrumental in keep- RURAL HEALTH NETWORK REMARCABLE CITIZENS Keys Board since 2014, serving
JOHN SWANN ing Save Our Pines organized for OF MONROE Bruce Ward is a Special Educa- as Treasurer since 2020. She was
OLD ISLAND RESTORATION a number of years. An excellent Rural Health Network is proud tion teacher with 20 years experi- instrumental in transitioning the
FOUNDATION graphic and web designer, she to have Ms. Turner as one of our ence and the creator of Grow organization’s donation collect-
John Swann is one of the most lent her considerable skills to Medical Providers for the past Brains Games. He volunteered in ing and technology to a more
humble, dedicated and selfless enhance the representation of the three years as she goes above MARC’s Special Needs classroom streamlined system. Michele
people we have on the Board of Australian Pines at Fort Zachary and beyond to ensure patients several days a week for two years shepherded FIRMKeys through
OIRF. He currently serves as our Taylor State Park. Dorthe went get the care that they need. She during the Covid-19 crisis. He the First Horizon Foundation
Treasurer and bookkeeper among above and beyond to keep our is such an asset to the health care worked with each client encour- grant program, resulting in three
other things. He is the first to organization running and her community with her stellar leader- aging them to play games, learn years of successful grant funding
raise his hand to volunteer for managerial mindset was a huge ship and commitment to serve new skills as well as socializing for our work with the flood map
whatever task needs to get done. asset to our team. the community. with each other. appeal and Risk Rating 2.0.
CFFK 8 COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE FLORIDA KEYS UNSUNG HEROES 2022
CFFK:
IN PARADISE
FOR GOOD
The Community Foundation of the Florida
Keys is celebrating a milestone – 25 years
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 Irma;
$32 million 156
Manages $3.5
• supporting health care services for
those in need;
in community grants
and program services charitable funds million+
in disaster relief
• protecting the environment; since 1996 funding
• preserving the unique cultural heritage;
• promoting educational opportunities Nationally accredited
Trained500+ nonprofit
through scholarships and programs,
and so much more. since 2006 leaders through Leadership
Want to help provide food for the hungry? Success Academy board training
Interested in preserving our coral reefs? 25 years
Whatever your interest, you can join our
efforts! We have funds that serve the Upper, of experience Recognized
Middle and Lower Keys exclusively. Your trusted resource for
1,400 volunteers
This way your charitable donations serve
the communities in your neighborhood. philanthropy through Unsung Heroes
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.
All donations to CFFK are tax deductible
as allowed by law.
KEYS
Check the Keys Weekly every Thursday
to see which Unsung Hero is featured as our
Volunteer of the Week.
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.
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
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