Page 11 - Martin Downs Bulletin - January '21

Martin Downs, Page 11

Honoring

Hibiscus Children’s Center passionate supporters including Dan Braden. Over 35 ensure the job was done correctly, stayed on course and

Honors Outstanding Volunteer years later, Dan is still going strong in the fight against with the highest level of quality. Dan is also a founding
Hibiscus Children’s Center board member and has been
child abuse. Dan has successfully combined his skills
Dan Braden and talents as a renowned architect with his passion for an integral part of the governance and leadership of the
protecting children and making life better for them in operations of the organization.
Hibiscus Children’s Center our community. Since opening its doors, Dan has been Dan shared this message for the Hibiscus staff, “I
had the privilege of nominating essential to the growth and development of Hibiscus’ would like to thank all of you for your wonderful work.
founding board member programs and facilities. He donated his professional My award is really yours. An unsung hero is the person
and longtime supporter Dan services as owner of Braden & Braden AIA, P.A., a local who is up in the middle of the night with a child who
Braden for the 2020 National architectural firm, to the designing and building project of is scared. Helping a child who has no friends or family
Philanthropy Day “Unsung Hero” the Hibiscus Shelter in 1985, opening its doors in 1989. looking to soothe their frazzled nerves. Years ago I helped
Award. Dan received this special In 1999, the need to expand services for abused children paint the shelter with the help of a 4-year-old whose arms
award during the Nov. 20 virtual resulted in the Hibiscus Village opening its doors in had cigarette burns on them. How could I walk away from
awards ceremony, presented by 2004. Dan and his firm were crucial in the designing and helping him? I want you to know you have my undying
the Association of Fundraising completion of eight homes and the campus center. In 2010, support and admiration.”
Professionals. Excitement was in the air as staff and the need to expand the shelter facility was necessary. Once Matt Markley, Hibiscus CEO, said, “Dan is a visionary
volunteers joined together with Dan at the Hibiscus Shelter again, Dan was instrumental in helping to accomplish this who’s been instrumental in Hibiscus Children’s Center’s
to watch the announcement. Senator Gayle Harrell, also and provide more efficient and effective services for our transition from its early beginnings as a safe haven for
a Hibiscus Children’s Center founding board member, children. In 2018, the almost $2 million Brighter Futures twelve abused and neglected children to a leader in child
joined the festivities. In a video message, Senator Harrell Makeover project was launched to renovate the Hibiscus welfare services on the Treasure Coast. Dan combines
shared, “Dan has done so much for Hibiscus. In 1985, Shelter. Once again, Dan was at the forefront of this vital his passion for protecting children with his professional
when LaVaughn Tilton challenged us to help children, Dan project to restore our children’s home. Dan’s knowledge talents and skills to change their lives. For 35 years he
was there and designed the shelter. He put an addition on and connections provided the necessary leadership and has been a vital part of the Hibiscus Family and we are
the shelter in 2010 and he has been a Board of Directors guidance to bring the makeover vision to fruition. A new grateful for his deep commitment to providing thousands
member and president and more. Congratulations Dan, dining/community room addition was built onto the shelter of abused children a safe place to call home.”
we appreciate you so very much.” which provided a fortified area for the children and staff to For more information about our services or how to
In 1985, a group of concerned citizens galvanized to shelter-in-place during a natural disaster. This is essential get involved, please visit HibiscusChildrensCenter.org
form Child Abuse Prevention, Inc. The advocacy group for helping to minimize the children’s trauma that occurs or contact Michelle King, CDO, at (561) 452-5791 or
was led by LaVaughn Tilton, Hibiscus founder, and a few during a crisis. Dan was there every step of the way to via email at mking@hcc4kids.org.

education

EFMC Offers First-Ever educational process, encourages effective instruction, “Laser Putter” Rodriguez, Joe “The Dominator” Diliberto

Nighttime Golf Tournament strengthens student motivation, promotes academic and “Dr.” (of golf) Ken Gorin.
For information about Education Foundation of Martin
achievement, and creates initiatives that support dedicated
Soars! and creative teachers; thus, supporting excellence in County, visit www.educationfoundationmc.org.
education! Photos by Liz McKinley
By Jackie Holfelder The event’s success was driven by lead sponsors
They came, they golfed, they socially distanced and Florida Power & Light Company, Food Shop/Shell/
they helped the Education Foundation of Martin County Subway and AT&T.
(EFMC) score a huge success at its first-ever nighttime Candidates for Teacher of the Year also attended as
golf tournament on Nov. 6 at Hammock Creek Golf Club special guests and honorary team captains while parading
in Palm City. around the course in custom school-themed golf carts.
The Gimme a Great Time “Fore” Education event The “Dreamliners” foursome took home the tournament
kicked off with a cocktail reception sponsored by the title. Members included David “Long Ball” Russotti, Gery
Economic Council of Martin County and Tami Karol
Insurance. Afterward, guests demonstrated their golfing
skills as they took to the course which featured a variety
of food and beverage stations sponsored by Jeanine
Webster and Mel Nobel, State Insurance, and the Briana
Lawson Foundation. Along the way, golfers participated
in several engaging contests including a $10,000 Hole Rachael Sharp and Crystal Brandt
In One prize sponsored by The Arati Hammond Team at
Keller Williams Realty.
The creative planning behind the glow in the dark Palm City Auto
event ensured that everyone had a great time, mingling
and raising money for EFMC, which strives to increase Lube & Services
community involvement and financial support of the
Tami Karol, Lisa Rhodes, Dr. John Millay and Marcia Powers

The DiTerlizzi Family of Companies

Celebrating Our 30th Year

.00
$10 off
our “full Service oil Change”
Enjoy by 1/31/21.

David Russotti, Joe Diliberto, Ken Gorin and Gery Rodriguez Kathy and Dana DeWindt with Stephanie and Cullen Complete Auto Repair
DeWindt
• Brakes • Diagnostics
• Tune-ups • Oil/Lube
• Air • Tires
Conditioning • Tire Repairs

DiTerlizzi family
owned since 1990

772-223-LUBE (5823)

3584 SW Armellini Ave., Palm City
Heather Swindler, Leigh Anne Pike, Arati Hammond and Located in the “Pure” gas station
Jamie Herd-Tesson Ian and Kate Cotner with Patrick McNealy and Jeff Bobo