Better Together donors, volunteers, partners and supporters help families to overcome devastating crises and to rise up stronger than ever. On Thursday, we honored those in Lee County who have helped us lend a hand up to more than 3,400 children over the years.
While all our supporters have a vital role in our success, we recognized the following with our annual special awards for going above and beyond:
- Host Family of the Year: James and Kelly Roedding
- Family Advocate of the Year: Angela Grows
- Doug Campbell Generosity Award: Bryan Blackwell
- Community Partner of the Year: Lee County Sheriff’s Office Re-entry Team
- Church of the Year: Rise Christian Church
- Department of Children and Families Partner of the Year: Rhea Gilbert
- Better Together Staff Appreciation: Brittnie Steinmetz
Thank you to our sponsors: Gaea Landscaping Inc., Chick-fil-A — Addie’s Corner, and LadyCakes Bakery in Cape Coral. Photos by Kinfay of hopeful images.
Photos from the event
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Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront. Vincent and Ashley Simonelli are long-time supporters.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront. From left, Florida House Rep. Spencer Roach, Chris Seluk and Ed Newman.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Re-entry Team was named Community Partner of the Year. From left: Chris Seluk, Megan Rose, Lt. Ladonna Brady, Adina Isherwood and Kimberly Hart.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront. Rhea Gilbert, right, was named Department of Children and Families Partner of the Year.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront. Rise Christian Church was named Church Partner of the Year. From left: Megan Rose, Pastor Nick Yantorn and Casey Yantorn.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront. Bryan Blackwell, right, received the Doug Campbell Generosity Award.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront. Megan Rose, left, awards James and Kelly Roedding the Host Family of the Year.
Better Together honored volunteers, donors and other supporters at a reception Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Oxbow Bar & Grill on the Fort Myers riverfront. From left, James and Kelly Roedding, Lt. Ladonna Brady, Megan Rose, Rhea Gilbert, Bryan Blackwell and Brittnie Steinmetz.
