Page 1 - Hobe Sound Reflections - June '22

VOL. 23 NO. 6 www.seabreezepublications.com JUNE 2022

2022 Award Winners Announced During Celebration

Of Environmental Stewardship In Martin County

More than 40 nominees including youth groups, individuals, “Each year we continue to be impressed by the creative
businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations, and impactful ways our nominees show their commitment
were honored at the 2022 Keep Martin Beautiful Environmental to and stewardship of our natural environment,” said Craig
Stewardship Awards ceremony on April 28 at the beautiful Ahal, president of Keep Martin Beautiful. “Their projects and
oceanfront clubhouse at Sailfish Point Country Club. An initiatives give us great hope for the future of Martin County
enthusiastic and diverse crowd of more than 200 guests and our planet.”
attended the event to recognize the nominees’ outstanding Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour and passed hors
efforts in community beautification and revitalization, litter d’oeuvres while engaging in a friendly bidding competition
and marine debris removal, recycling and other environmental for silent auction items focused on the environment, including
initiatives. Serving as the organization’s key fundraiser, the an array of nature-themed paintings from local artists and a
event raised more than $40,000 to support its mission to Zoe Glover and Asher Glover signed Guy Harvey print. Faye Flack and Georgia Fowler
improve and enhance the quality of life in Martin County. representing River Kidz included the Youth Group Champion award, which was representing the Jensen Beach
Fifteen awards were presented during the event. Highlights
Garden Club
Humane Society’s presented to the River Kidz. Created in 2011 by two 10-year-
olds, today this group is made up of more than 500 students in Martin County. They participate
Mutt March And Bunfest in numerous environmental activities from creating a workbook that’s now in its fifth edition as
part of Martin County School District’s curriculum to lobbying at the local and state level against
potentially harmful issues that affect our waterways. The Community Enrichment Award was
Help Shelter Animals presented to the Jensen Beach Garden Club for the gardens they create and care for throughout
Jensen Beach and Rio.

Two dozen sponsors provided financial and in-kind support, for which the organization
is grateful: Presenting Sponsor, Sailfish Point Country Club; Champion Sponsors, Sunrise
Both the 19th annual Mutt Grove Commerce Center and Three Lakes; Steward Sponsors, Martin County Board of County
March Festival and Bunfest Commissioners District Five Edward V. Ciampi and Waste Management; Sustainer Sponsors,
– two events organized and AHS Residential, FPL, Meritage Homes, and van Vonno Consulting; and Supporter Sponsors,
hosted by the Humane Society Bonnie Landry & Associates, Camo Farms, Captec Engineering, Circular Recycling, City of
of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) Stuart, ColorLength, Ecological Associates, Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Goldasich Environmental,
– returned this spring as live, in-
person events after a two-year 2022 Award Winners on page 3
run as online events due to the
coronavirus pandemic.
The Mutt March kicked off Two Nonprofits Are Derby
with 113 racers participating in
the 5K and 10K runs. Roger Matthew Spangler with
Travis of Fort Pierce and Cindy Ham & Cheese and Reyna Winners
Webster from North Carolina Ava with her bunny, Cadillac, Spangler with Peanut Butter
placed first for the men’s and and Jaime Longmaid & Jelly
women’s divisions in the 5K. Nearly 200 people attending a Kentucky Derby party to benefit two local nonprofits
Joe Brown and Kay Trager of witnessed a thrilling come-from-behind victory for Rich Strike, a horse that had 80 to 1 odds.
Port St. Lucie placed first for the While Rich Strike was far from a sure bet, the two nonprofits – Caring Children Clothing
men’s and women’s divisions Children (4Cs) and Equine Rescue and Adoption Foundation (ERAF) – were sure winners.
for the 10K.
The Mutt March’s festival
portion, emceed by radio
personality Jennifer Ross of
Sunny 107.9, began with a
blessing by Rev. Jude Denning
of Unity of Stuart. A walk with
the dogs around Memorial
Park followed. Attendees also A 5K and 10K run kicked off the Mutt March event.

Mutt March And Bunfest on page 3 Carol Kucharski and Tom Wendy Dewitt and Cathleen
Koelher Owen ERAF Derby horse

“It was such a fun event,” said Gigi Suntum, executive director of 4Cs. “We were raising
money to support our programs and having a great time doing it.” Held at the Rockin H Ranch
in Palm City, guests attending the party were outfitted in traditional Derby attire, with many
women sporting fancy flowered hats. A Derby hat contest added to the proceeds of the event,
as did raffles and a silent auction.

Two Nonprofits Are Derby Winners on page 4