We loved getting to celebrate the impact of Better Together volunteers and supporters in North Central Florida at the 2024 Doing Good Together reception Thursday, May 2 at Church @ The Springs in Ocala.
The annual receptions, held in each region we serve, are a way to thank our volunteers, donors and community partners.
At the reception in Ocala, we shared the story of Angelee and her three boys. Addiction was a daily part of her life since childhood, and only got worse after the passing of her mother. She knew things needed to change. She reached out, and a community surrounded her. Now her future is unstoppable.
Today, Angelee’s world is completely different. She excitedly works toward big goals and exudes hope and energy in all she does. Part of her community includes Danielle and Ben Marciano, who were named Host Family of the Year at the reception. It was an honor to recognize them and many other supporters.
This year, we introduced the DOie awards. That’s “do,” as in the recipients are doing good. In the tradition of prized baseball cards, we commemorated the contributions of several of our North Central Florida community members on DOie cards, each one featuring images from our work together and a personalized quote.
This year’s DOie award honorees in our North Central Florida region are:
Community Partner of the Year
Project Hope
Project Hope helps us make a difference in the lives of families in need. We couldn’t achieve our mission without their generous support.
DCF Partner of the Year
Lynette Sardinas
Lynette goes the extra mile for families in North Central Florida and shares with them the services that Better Together provides.
Church Partner of the Year
Breadbreakers Church
Breadbreakers Church supports Better Together as both a Better Families and a Better Jobs partner. They recently completed their second Nationwide Day of Second Chances job fair, which served more than 100 people, and they’ve surrounded our families in need with biblical hospitality.
Doug Campbell Generosity Award
Mariner Finance
Mariner Finance has been a generous supporter of Better Together in the region, making a difference in the lives of children and their parents.
Champion for Strong Families
Rep. Stan McClain
Rep. McClain has been a steadfast champion of families in our community. We’re thankful for his leadership and support.
Super Volunteer of the Year
Telisha Page
Telisha volunteers at almost every luncheon and Parents’ Night Out event that is held for parents who are working through challenges in North Central Florida. She’s always ready to step in and help with whatever is needed.
Host Family of the Year
Danielle and Ben Marciano
The Marciano family has been a valued supporter of Better Together’s mission and a wonderful host family. Angelee, whose children the Marcianos hosted, says they represent “be the change you want to see.”
Mentor of the Year
Jorge Peraza
Jorge is always willing to help families. He has been instrumental in finding resources for parents and he has served as a great mentor to several dads in the community.
Staff Appreciation Award
Cassidy Vaughn
Cassidy serves as Partnership Manager in North Central Florida. She has been an invaluable asset to the team, going above and beyond with a loving heart.
Special thanks to our generous sponsors:
Our final Doing Good Together reception will be May 7 in Jacksonville.
Coverage of past receptions can be found in our blog.
Posted May 3, 2024
