Page 1 - Stuart Exposure - 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 including youth for silent auction items focused on the environment,
groups, individuals, businesses, government including an array of nature-themed paintings from local
agencies and nonprofit organizations, were artists and a signed Guy Harvey print.
honored at the 2022 Keep Martin Beautiful Fifteen awards were presented during the event.
Environmental Stewardship Awards ceremony Highlights included the Youth Group Champion award,
on April 28 at the beautiful oceanfront clubhouse which was presented to the River Kidz. Created in 2011 by
at Sailfish Point Country Club. An enthusiastic two 10-year-olds, today this group is made up of more than
and diverse crowd of more than 200 guests 500 students in Martin County. They participate in numerous
attended the event to recognize the nominees’ environmental activities from creating a workbook that’s now
outstanding efforts in community beautification in its fifth edition as part of Martin County School District’s
and revitalization, litter and marine debris Faye Flack and Georgia Fowler curriculum to lobbying at the local and state level against
removal, recycling and other environmental Zoe Glover and Asher Glover representing the Jensen Beach potentially harmful issues that affect our waterways. The
initiatives. Serving as the organization’s key representing River Kidz Garden Club Community Enrichment Award was presented to the Jensen
fundraiser, the event raised more than $40,000 Beach Garden Club for the gardens they create and care for
to support its mission to improve and enhance the quality of Ahal, president of Keep Martin Beautiful. “Their projects and throughout Jensen Beach and Rio.
life in Martin County. initiatives give us great hope for the future of Martin County
“Each year we continue to be impressed by the creative and our planet.” 2022 Award Winners on page 3
and impactful ways our nominees show their commitment Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour and passed hors
to and stewardship of our natural environment,” said Craig d’oeuvres while engaging in a friendly bidding competition
Humane Society’s Mutt March Two Nonprofits

And Bunfest Help Shelter Animals Are Derby

Both the 19th annual Mutt March Festival and Bunfest Winners
– two events organized and hosted by the Humane Society
of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) – returned this spring as live, Nearly 200 people
in-person events after a two-year run as online events due attending a Kentucky
to the coronavirus pandemic. Derby party to benefit two
The Mutt March kicked off with 113 racers participating local nonprofits witnessed
in the 5K and 10K runs. Roger Travis of Fort Pierce and a thrilling come-from-
Cindy Webster from North Carolina placed first for the behind victory for Rich
men’s and women’s divisions in the 5K. Joe Brown and Strike, a horse that had
Kay Trager of Port St. Lucie placed first for the men’s and 80 to 1 odds. While Rich
women’s divisions for the 10K. Strike was far from a sure
bet, the two nonprofits
– Caring Children
A 5K and 10K run kicked off the Mutt March event. Clothing Children (4Cs)
and Equine Rescue and
The Mutt March’s festival portion, emceed by radio Adoption Foundation
personality Jennifer Ross of Sunny 107.9, began with a blessing (ERAF) – were sure
by Rev. Jude Denning of Unity of Stuart. A walk with the dogs winners. ERAF Derby horse
around Memorial Park followed. Attendees also shopped the
flea-“less” market, had their picture taken with their furry
friends in a special photo booth and dogs had their day in the
sun by chasing an obstacle in a lure course.
In the ever-competitive canine costume contest, Nicole
Rathnaw, principal at J.D. Parker Elementary; Amy Lopez,
Martin County Emergency Management coordinator; and
HSTC President and CEO Frank Valente served as judges.
Paula Joyal, Gary Ober, Ahaun Kelly and Robin Thompson The winners were Piper with Susan Hirsch in the Funniest
category, Coco and Tango
with Alli Young in the Cutest
category, Skipper and Sandy
with Marcy Buford in the
Most Original category, and
Loki with Diane Israel in the
Best Overall category. Sherrie Crescnini, Susan Dragojlovich and Ellen Moody

Mutt March And Bunfest Two Nonprofits Are Derby Winners on page 4
on page 3