The Sumter Sunshine Community Foundation held their annual “Celebration of Giving” to recognize the most extraordinary individuals, corporations and non-profit organizations in philanthropy this past weekend. Several Villagers and organizations in The Villages were recognized during this year’s event.
Among them, Villager David van de Velde the award for “Innovation in Philanthropy,”  having advanced philanthropy in the area by empowering Leesburg High School students in Culinary, Band and Athletics in fundraising and enriching their departments.  During the event, van de Velde announced that Leesburg High School students Cierra Locke and Tamara Fluitt would be receiving full scholarships to college to pursue degrees in nursing and the culinary arts.
Villager Bob Ziarko, who has helped raise $174,000 for St. Jude’s Children hospital in 2016, was recognized for his fundraising efforts with the “Volunteer in Fundraising” award.
Ann Tallman of Community Bank and Trust in The Villages received the “Professional Advisors Philanthropic Award.”  Knowledge gained through 30 plus years of experience has allowed her to guide other professional advisors in the best practices servicing their clients’ interests and guiding clients in ways to make the most of giving whether to family or the community. Pastor Gary accepted the “Ministerial Award” for New Covenant United Methodist Church. They serve the three county region with 32 outreach programs.
Other awards given out during the evening included:
“Volunteer of the Year in Philanthropy” won by Melony Hayes
“Philanthropist of the Year” won by George Nahas
“Philanthropic Corporation of the Year” won by Bedrock Resources/Dixie Lime
“Community Builder” won by Ben Mosely
“Nonprofit Excellence” awards won by The Refuge of Jumpers Creek, Habitat for Humanity, and New Visitors for Independence
“Youth in Philanthropy” won by siseters Corina Angel and Emily Repollet
“Medical Group in Philanthropy” won by Clark Clinic
All of the awards were created by local artists Margaret Everson and Bobbie Cooper.
