Doing Good in Sarasota and Manatee counties

Amber Nolan summed it up best.

When asked if Katherine and Tyler Petersen were host family to her twin daughters, she instantly replied: “It’s not host family, it’s just family now.”

Amber and her 2-year-olds, Alora and Zhuri, attended our Doing Good Together reception Tuesday, September 9, to cheer on the Petersens, who won a DOie for their volunteering with Better Together. As the couple accepted the award, one of the girls ran up to the podium and embraced them.

Every year, Better Together hosts a Doing Good Together reception in each region we serve to thank our partners, volunteers, and supporters. On Tuesday, in the dining room at Marina Jack, we turned the spotlight on Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The DOie Awards — that’s “do” as in the recipients are doing good — commemorate the contributions of just a few of our supporters. Styled like a prized baseball card, each award recognizes the recipient’s impact with Better Together.

Better Together builds communities, which often become like family. These connections have helped the families of 980 children this year alone in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Families like Greg Davenport and his children. Greg shared his story at the event.

Watch Greg’s story:

“Tonight isn’t just about my story,” Greg said. “It’s really about the power of community and the power of people who refuse to give up on you.”

He credits the encouragement he received through Better Together with helping him realize his calling to help other fathers rise up for their children.

This stepping in the gap for families is why The Bill & Ann Templeton Foundation supports the nonprofit, said Lenny Lehman, Grants Manager with the foundation.

“It’s near and dear to my heart,” she said, “because I think anybody that can keep children out of the foster system are angels. They’re absolute angels.”

The event was sponsored by PDS Architecture and Aqua Plumbing.

The DOies

This year’s winners of the Sarasota/Manatee DOies are:

Super Volunteer of the Year

Pastor Kyle Geymann

Where there’s a need, Pastor Kyle has a “yes” — and a team of youth to help. A volunteer mentor with Better Together, Pastor Kyle also has equipped young people in his church to serve. Together they’ve delivered appliances to families in need and helped with numerous other outreach projects.

Host Family of the Year

Katherine & Tyler Petersen

The Petersens opened their hearts and home to 10 children through Better Together. Two of the children, and their mom, Amber, attended the reception with them. The Petersens’ company PDS Architecture also sponsored the event.

Community Partner of the Year

Sunrise Rotary — Sarasota

From making Christmas brighter to giving children the dignity of choosing their own back-to-school essentials, they show up with joy, generosity, and love.

Mentor of the Year

Elodie Prudence

Despite a busy dental practice, Elodie Prudence makes time for families, going above and beyond to help parents navigate challenges as a volunteer mentor.

Department of Children and Families Partner of the Year

Deadre Jones

DCF Supervisor Deadre Jones not only refers families to Better Together, but she also welcomes us alongside her team and gives her own time to serve with us in the field.

Church Partner of the Year

City Life Church

Led by Pastors Dion & Angela Daniels, City Life Church served more than 100 families at their first job fair this year.

Staff Appreciation Award

Jennifer Kaplon

Partnership Manager Jennifer Kaplon embodies the culture of Better Together, putting love and dignity first. We are so blessed to have Jennifer on the team.