Manatee Community Foundation Celebrates Local Leaders at 20th Annual Spirit of Manatee Awards Luncheon
The Manatee Community Foundation marked a milestone year with its 20th Annual Spirit of Manatee Awards Luncheon, recognizing individuals whose leadership, generosity, and service continue to shape and strengthen the community. The annual event highlights outstanding contributions across multiple areas of philanthropy, civic engagement, and youth leadership throughout Manatee County.
The luncheon featured several award categories, each honoring a unique form of community impact.
The Young Spirit Award was presented to Zoe Lander, an 11th-grade student at Lakewood Ranch High School. The award recognizes a young person under 21 who demonstrates exceptional commitment to charitable causes. Lander was honored for her leadership through Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida and her hands-on community projects, including creating a Little Free Library and developing a sustainable beach toy borrow bin on Holmes Beach. Her efforts, which she personally funded, focus on increasing access to resources and reducing environmental impact. She is also active in numerous volunteer organizations across Manatee County and serves in leadership roles at her school.
The Community Spirit Award was awarded to Ron Allen, Chairman and Owner of NDC Construction Company. This award recognizes a business or service leader demonstrating outstanding commitment to philanthropy. Allen has contributed more than $1 million over the past three years to over 50 local nonprofits. His support has advanced youth programs, education initiatives, arts and culture, and essential community services. Known for his hands-on approach, Allen also mentors nonprofit leaders and encourages a culture of service among his employees.
Ashley Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Resource Center, received the Charles Clapsaddle Community Spotlight Award. This honor recognizes a nonprofit professional who exemplifies philanthropy and community leadership. Brown was recognized for transforming the Women’s Resource Center into a regional leader through strategic growth, expanded services, and innovative program delivery. Her work has strengthened access to counseling, workforce development, and career services, while also advocating for issues such as affordable housing and childcare accessibility.
The Leadership Award was presented to Mary Glass, Immediate Past President of the Manatee Education Foundation. This award honors individuals whose ongoing charitable investment inspires others and creates lasting impact. During her 18-year tenure, Glass helped secure more than $12 million for education initiatives, awarded over 4,000 teacher grants, and positively impacted nearly 500,000 students. Her leadership also helped secure a $1.4 million grant to expand internet access for underserved families, helping bridge the digital divide in the community.
Barbara Jennings was honored with the Mary E. Parker Lifetime Spirit Award, recognizing a lifetime of exceptional generosity and civic responsibility. A dedicated community philanthropist, Jennings has played a key role in supporting numerous organizations, including Pace Center for Girls, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, and the Manatee Community Foundation. Her leadership, financial contributions, and long-standing commitment to youth development and community initiatives have left a lasting legacy across the region.
The event also featured keynote speaker Walt Piatt, Chief Executive Officer of the Wounded Warrior Project and a retired U.S. Army officer. Piatt brings more than four decades of military leadership experience, including service from infantry officer to three-star general. As CEO, he oversees programs that support wounded veterans, their families, and caregivers, ensuring access to critical services focused on mental health, career transition, and long-term well-being.
Before his current role, Piatt served as Director of the Army Staff and held numerous high-level command positions, including leadership roles in Germany and Iraq. His military honors include multiple Distinguished Service Medals and Bronze Stars. Beyond his service, Piatt has also contributed to advancing mindfulness practices within the military to help service members manage stress and improve resilience.
The Spirit of Manatee Awards Luncheon continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the individuals and organizations working every day to improve lives throughout Manatee County, highlighting the collective impact of philanthropy, leadership, and community dedication.