Page 1 - Palm City Spotlight - June '22

VOL. 24 NO. 6 www.seabreezepublications.com JUNE 2022

2022 Award Winners Announced During Celebration

Of Environmental Stewardship In Martin County

More than 40 nominees environmental initiatives. Serving as the organization’s key presented to the River
including youth groups, fundraiser, the event raised more than $40,000 to support Kidz. Created in 2011 by
individuals, businesses, its mission to improve and enhance the quality of life in two 10-year-olds, today
government agencies and Martin County. this group is made up of
nonprofit organizations, “Each year we continue to be impressed by the creative more than 500 students
were honored at the and impactful ways our nominees show their commitment in Martin County. They
2022 Keep Martin to and stewardship of our natural environment,” said Craig participate in numerous
Beautiful Environmental Ahal, president of Keep Martin Beautiful. “Their projects environmental activities
Stewardship Awards and initiatives give us great hope for the future of Martin from creating a workbook
ceremony on April 28 at County and our planet.” that’s now in its fifth
the beautiful oceanfront Zoe Glover and Asher Glover Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour and passed hors edition as part of Martin Faye Flack and Georgia Fowler
clubhouse at Sailfish representing River Kidz d’oeuvres while engaging in a friendly bidding competition County School District’s representing the Jensen Beach
Point Country Club. An for silent auction items focused on the environment, curriculum to lobbying at Garden Club
enthusiastic and diverse crowd of more than 200 guests including an array of nature-themed paintings from local the local and state level
attended the event to recognize the nominees’ outstanding artists and a signed Guy Harvey print. against potentially harmful issues that affect our waterways.
efforts in community beautification and revitalization, Fifteen awards were presented during the event. Highlights
litter and marine debris removal, recycling and other included the Youth Group Champion award, which was 2022 Award Winners on page 3
Humane Society’s Mutt March Two Nonprofits

And Bunfest Help Shelter Animals Are Derby

Both the 19th annual Mutt March Festival and Bunfest
– two events organized and hosted by the Humane Society Winners
of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) – returned this spring as live,
in-person events after a two-year run as online events due
to the coronavirus pandemic. Nearly 200 people
The Mutt March kicked off with 113 racers participating in attending a Kentucky
the 5K and 10K runs. Roger Travis of Fort Pierce and Cindy Derby party to benefit two
Webster from North Carolina placed first for the men’s and local nonprofits witnessed
women’s divisions in the 5K. Joe Brown and Kay Trager a thrilling come-from-
of Port St. Lucie placed first for the men’s and women’s behind victory for Rich
divisions for the 10K. A 5K and 10K run kicked off the Mutt March event. Strike, a horse that had
80 to 1 odds. While Rich
The Mutt March’s festival portion, emceed by radio Strike was far from a sure
personality Jennifer Ross of Sunny 107.9, began with a blessing bet, the two nonprofits
by Rev. Jude Denning of Unity of Stuart. A walk with the dogs – Caring Children
around Memorial Park followed. Attendees also shopped the Clothing Children (4Cs)
flea-“less” market, had their picture taken with their furry friends and Equine Rescue and
in a special photo booth and dogs had their day in the sun by Adoption Foundation
chasing an obstacle in a lure course. (ERAF) – were sure
In the ever-competitive canine costume contest, Nicole winners. ERAF Derby horse
Rathnaw, principal at J.D. Parker Elementary; Amy Lopez,
Martin County Emergency Management coordinator; and HSTC
President and CEO Frank Valente served as judges. The winners
Matthew Spangler with were Piper with Susan Hirsch in the Funniest category, Coco
Ham & Cheese and Reyna and Tango with Alli Young in the Cutest category, Skipper and
Ava with her bunny, Cadillac, Spangler with Peanut Butter Sandy with Marcy Buford in the Most Original category, and
and Jaime Longmaid & Jelly Loki with Diane Israel in the Best Overall category.
The top two fundraising
teams were Misty’s Pals, which
brought in $3,500, and a “pack”
of HSTC volunteers who raised
$1,250. All in all, the event
raised nearly $22,000 for the Carol Kucharski and Tom Wendy Dewitt and Cathleen
HSTC’s shelter pets. Koelher Owen

Mutt March And Bunfest Two Nonprofits Are Derby Winners on page 4
on page 4