Palmetto
With the world hopefully emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Manatee Community Foundation sought to shine a light on good works in the Bradenton area with its Spirit of Manatee Awards Luncheon.
One of those awards Wednesday went to the late Paul Sharff, CEO of the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, who died at 63 in January.
Sharff, who was appointed as chief executive in 2008 by then-Gov. Charie Crist, grew ELC into one of the largest nonprofits in Manatee County, supporting over 6,000 children annually.
Sharff’s sons, Ian and Evan, accepted the Charles Clapsaddle Community Spotlight Award on their father’s behalf.
“It’s been hard, but seeing all your faces means the world. He was a huge personality,” Ian said.
Evan added that not a day goes by that the family doesn’t think about their father.
John Vita, who emceed the awards presentation, added, “we miss you buddy.”
As Ian and Evan exited the stage, the crowd stood and gave them a long standing ovation, making it an emotional moment during the ceremony.
Wednesday’s celebration was held at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. Susie Bowie, executive director of the Manatee Community Foundation, said the packed house was the largest crowd in the history of the event.
Jeanie Kirkpatrick, board chair for MCF, opened the program with a reflection on the pandemic.
“Susie Bowie and her team rose to the challenge when COVID hit,” Kirkpatrick said. “The past two years — oh, boy. People have taken care of us and our community.”
Kirkpatrick gave a special shout out of appreciation to health-care workers, educators, first responders, caregivers and nonprofits.
“You are seen and celebrated for your dedication,” Kirkpatrick said.
Bowie addressed the seeming onslaught of difficult, challenging issues in the community, nation and world.
Rather than dwelling on them, she said that it is more beneficial to shine the light on improvements made together.
“That’s what today is really all about,” Bowie said.
“All of the honorees have committed much of their lives to advancing opportunity for others. They reflect the quiet, humble and determined way many people give in Manatee County, and they will be celebrated with gratitude,” Bowie said.
Other Spirit of Manatee honors and honorees included:
▪ Lifetime Spirit honorees Joe and Barbara Najmy were nominated by Easterseals Southwest Florida, State College of Florida Foundation, and The Lakewood Ranch Community Fund, Inc. The Najmys were celebrated for decades of leadership in estate planning, charitable giving and inspiring others to support the community. The couple has been active in a multitude of missions, including advancing education, inclusion and access for those with disabilities, and community building.
“Embedded in professional and deep-rooted family commitments, Joe and Barbara are quick to offer their resources to support meaningful charitable missions, inspire inclusion and bring the community together. They are known for sustaining their dedicated support for years,” their nomination said in part.
▪ Leadership Spirit honorees Steve and Carolyn Roskamp were nominated by United Way Suncoast and the School District of Manatee County. The Roskamps have been dedicated to helping children read on grade level by partnering with Manatee School District and United Way Suncoast to co-design and invest in programs supporting learning gains at Title I schools.
“Their encouragement to create the Soar in 4 program has helped hundreds of families to connect in-person with education and human services agencies providing resources and establishing trust in the school journey,” their award recommendation said.
▪ Leadership Spirit honoree Omar Edwards was nominated by Sarasota-Bradenton Kappa Alpha Psi Project Guide Right.
“Omar Edwards is a true community advocate, described as a visionary achiever and professional. His dedicated involvement in the success and well-being of others is extensive and varied, inspiring others to serve, to give, and to lead. Omar is an amazing advocate for youth. As an alumnus of Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County, he has been a connector, passionate speaker, inspiring role model and genuine leader at the organization. In recognition for his many years of service to the Clubs, Omar entered their Alumni Hall of Fame in June 2021, one of only six people to be inducted to date,” his award recommendation said.
▪ Community Spirit honors went to Bank of America.
“With volunteer opportunities limited due to the health crisis, charitable grants and fundraising efforts were especially critical to support the important work of Bank of America’s partners including Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Manatee Education Foundation, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, Turning Points, UnidosNow, and Women’s Resource Center,” the Spirit of Manatee citation said.
“Local support from Bank of America, more than $500,000, has helped to address the basic needs of residents, including food access and affordable housing. Their programs have created meaningful workforce opportunities and increased financial literacy through their “Better Money Habits” classes,” the citation said.
▪ Young Spirit honoree Gabriella Cortes-Alban was nominated by Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County.
In part, her nomination read: “Gabriella Cortes-Alban volunteers as a Teen Health Educator at Healthy Teens Coalition of Manatee County to provide peer education and mentoring services to at-risk youth.
“Gabriella has been described as wise and mature well beyond her years, passionately dedicated to bettering the lives of her fellow youth in our community. She can relate to people from all walks of life and is a powerful spokesperson and advocate for youth who are less fortunate than she is, including minority youth.
“A junior at State College of Florida’s Collegiate School, Gabriella has donated well over 100 hours of volunteer time.”
This story was originally published March 30, 2022 7:19 PM.
James A. Jones Jr. covers business news for the Bradenton Herald. Drafted into the Army in 1966, he served in the Vietnam War as a Signal officer. He is the author of “Oh, Darling!” Choices and Struggle in the Age of Sputnik, the Vietnam War and the New Millennium.” Support my work with a digital subscription
