THE GOOD HERO | LOCAL PHILANTHROPIC AWARDS
SRQ Magazine’s Annual Good Hero Philanthropic Awards spotlight the individuals whose compassion, leadership and spirit make a meaningful impact on our region’s nonprofit sector.
Each year, we invite the community to nominate standout individuals who embody what it means to gather for the greater good. From volunteers and board members to nonprofit staff and generous donors, these Good Heroes go above and beyond to serve others. Whether they’re championing critical causes, uplifting underserved communities, or helping local organizations thrive, their efforts are the reason the Sarasota region continues to grow stronger, more connected, and more generous.
At SRQ MEDIA, we believe in honoring those who selflessly give back to our incredible region. The Good Hero Philanthropic Award is our way of expressing gratitude and amplifying the impact of those who are truly making a difference.
Award recipients are celebrated at the Giving Coast Luncheon—an inspiring annual gathering where stories of compassion, leadership and service take center stage. This year’s luncheon will take place on December 10, 2025, at Michael’s On East, where we’ll come together to recognize both the individuals and nonprofit organizations shaping a brighter, more unified future for our community.
RECOGNIZED CATEGORIES
Nonprofit Board Member
Philanthropist
Nonprofit Staff Member
Nonprofit Volunteer
Corporate Good Hero (For Profit)
Youth Hero
Celebrating the Next Generation of Changemakers
This year, SRQ Magazine is proud to introduce the Youth Good Hero Award—a new addition to our Good Hero Philanthropic Awards program that honors extraordinary young individuals who are already making a meaningful impact in our region.
Whether they’re volunteering their time, starting their own initiatives or rallying support for their schools, neighborhoods or local nonprofits, these young leaders are proof that age is no barrier to kindness, service and purpose.
If you know a young person under 18 who is making a positive impact, nominate them today for the Youth Good Hero Award and help us celebrate the next generation of community leaders at this year’s Giving Coast Luncheon.
2023 GOOD HERO AWARD HONOREES
Good Hero Honorees from the 2023 Good Hero Philanthropic Awards include: Corporate Good Heroes Amanda and John Horne of Oyster Rock Hospitality, David Crawford of Catalist Realty and Cina Welch of FCCI Insurance Group, staff members Brena Slater of Safe Children Coalition and Christi Haley of Pace Center for Girls, philanthropists Scott Libertore of The Libertore Fund for Children and Marla and Jim Doss of James M. Doss Charitable Foundation, volunteers Neil Lyons for the Legal Aid Manasota and Chuck Johnston of Resilient Retreat and Board Members Meghan Serrano of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties, Paulina Wamsler of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Brock Leach of Children First.
2022 GOOD HERO AWARD HONOREES
Good Hero Honorees from the 2022 Good Hero Philanthropic Awards include: board members Lisa Moore of Blaze of Hope and Marjan Zaun of Florida Cancer Specialists, staff members Bronwyn Beightol of United Way Suncoast, Jessica Braemer of Better Together and Bill Sadlo of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties, philanthropists W.E. Chip Gaylor for the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Sarasota Yacht Club Cares and Mary Kay Henson for Unidos Now and All Faiths Food Bank, volunteer Elizabeth (Betty) Ferguson for the Sarasota Ballet and Corporate Good Heroes Liberty Savings Bank and Norman Love Confections.
2021 GOOD HERO AWARD HONOREES
Good Hero Honorees from the 2021 Good Hero Philanthropic Awards include: Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties board leader Lee DeLieto, legacy donors and philanthropists Jim Tollerton, David Rubin, Mark Barnebey and Brian Mariash, Karen Valentino for the Child Protection Center, legacy volunteer Mary Tavarozzi for her board leadership at ALSO youth, Bonnie Eskell of Children First, Erin Minor executive director of Harvest House, Nicole Murby for EasterSeals Southwest Florida and executive director of Teen Court of Sarasota Heather Todd and the Diamond Circle donors for The Challenge for Changing Lives campaign at Children First.
2019 GOOD HERO AWARD HONOREES
Good Hero Honorees from the 2019 Good Hero Philanthropic Awards include: Ann Walborn for Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, donor and philanthropist Robert Bernhard, Barbara Van Essen for the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast, legacy volunteer Suzanne King for Selby Gardens, Jonna Keller, board member for The Boys and Girls Club Sarasota, Ann Anderson, board member of Save Our Seabirds, Peter Skokos and Chef Bryan Jacobs for the New Nonprofit Awards and the Corporate Hero Award honoring Rae Dowling.
2018 GOOD HERO AWARD HONOREES
Good Hero Honorees from the 2018 Good Hero Philanthropic Awards include: Melissa Wandall for the Mark Wandall Foundation, the late Arnold Simonsen and Ronda Montminy for their support of the Players Centre for Performing Arts Rosemary studio, Antonia Quiros of Goodwill Manasota, prolific volunteer and philanthropist Phyllis Siskel and, in posthumous recognition, Mark Morin, who served on the board of the State College of Florida Foundation.
Ashley Grant
SVP, Strategic Partnerships and Engagement
ashley.grant@srqme.com
Lauren Sutter
Social Media, Marketing and Events Manager
lauren.sutter@srqme.com
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