Manatee Community Foundation Announces Spirit Of Manatee 2025 Honorees
MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA – On March 13, 2025, Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) will host its annual Spirit of Manatee event, a celebration of philanthropy and community impact. Traditionally recognizing individuals and organizations dedicated to giving back, this year’s luncheon will spotlight those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience during a challenging year for Manatee County.
Spirit of Manatee 2025 honorees include:
Kenneth T. Davis, PhD – BIED Society
Melinda Zarzycki-Harris – Bring on the Ministry
Chris Culhane – The Center of Anna Maria Island
Henry Detwiler Sr. – Detwiler’s Farm Market
Darcie Duncan – Duncan Real Estate
Justin Halas – Hand Up To Victory
Stephanie Rauda – Healthy Teens
Jennifer Hamey – Jennifer Hamey, PA
Michael Garey – Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key
Tarnisha Cliatt – Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce
Sarah Brown – Manatee County Government
Mary Glass – Manatee Education Foundation
Vernon DeSear – Manatee Memorial Foundation
Janene Amick – Manatee Performing Arts Center
Maribeth Phillips – Meals on Wheels PLUS
Jackie Barron – Mosaic Florida Operations
Bruce Kurtz – Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
Bethany Willats Carter – O’bricks Irish Pub and Martini Bar
Mike Carter – O’bricks Irish Pub and Martini Bar
Rick Willats – O’bricks Irish Pub and Martini Bar
Amanda Reedy – Oysters Rock Hospitality
Eleni Sokos – Oysters Rock Hospitality
Louis Goff – The Rubonia Community Center
Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School Community (Accepted by Peter Kraft) – Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School
Keenan Wooten – Sarasota Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Karen Bell – Star Fish Company
Josh Dunn – United Way Suncoast
David Kraft – Vision Consulting Group
“True leadership is revealed in times of adversity, and this year’s Spirit of Manatee honorees have demonstrated unwavering commitment to our community when it was needed most,” said Veronica Thames, CEO of MCF. “These individuals and organizations embody resilience, generosity, and leadership, and we are honored to shine a light on their impact.”
The community is invited to take part in this special luncheon of gratitude and recognition, held at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa (600 US Highway 41, Palmetto, FL 34221) on March 13 at 11:30 a.m. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available until Friday, March 7 here: www.manateecf.org/nonprofits/spirit-of-manatee/.
Members of the media can reserve a complimentary seat at the media table by contacting Jennifer Evans at j.evans@merakistrategicgroup.com
For information on ways to invest in our community, visit www.manateecf.org.
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About Manatee Community Foundation (MCF): Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) is a charitable organization founded in 1998. MCF partners with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service – now and forever. MCF is the bridge between generous donors, business leaders, our government, and nonprofit partners, who work together so that everyone can thrive because together, we can do greater things. MCF has invested over $65 million dollars in the areas of health and human services, education, arts and culture, the environment, and animal welfare and is committed to its diversity, equity, inclusion and access work. As the only community foundation in Manatee serving the entire county and beyond, MCF is your partner in philanthropy, a trusted steward of charitable legacies and the guide for current giving through donor advised funds and beyond. See more information about Manatee Community Foundation at www.manateecf.org.