MANATEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES SPIRIT OF MANATEE 2025 HONOREES
MANATEE COUNTY, FLORIDA – On March 13, 2025, Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) will host its annual Spirit of Manatee event, a celebration of philanthropy and community impact. Traditionally recognizing individuals and organizations dedicated to giving back, this year’s luncheon will spotlight those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience during a challenging year for Manatee County.
Spirit of Manatee 2025 honorees include:
- Kenneth T. Davis, PhD – BIED Society
- Melinda Zarzycki-Harris – Bring on the Ministry
- Chris Culhane – The Center of Anna Maria Island
- Henry Detwiler Sr. – Detwiler’s Farm Market
- Darcie Duncan – Duncan Real Estate
- Justin Halas – Hand Up To Victory
- Stephanie Rauda – Healthy Teens
- Jennifer Hamey – Jennifer Hamey, PA
- Michael Garey – Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key
- Tarnisha Cliatt – Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce
- Sarah Brown – Manatee County Government
- Mary Glass – Manatee Education Foundation
- Vernon DeSear – Manatee Memorial Foundation
- Janene Amick – Manatee Performing Arts Center
- Maribeth Phillips – Meals on Wheels PLUS
- Jackie Barron – Mosaic Florida Operations
- Bruce Kurtz – Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium
- Bethany Willats Carter – O’bricks Irish Pub and Martini Bar
- Mike Carter – O’bricks Irish Pub and Martini Bar
- Rick Willats – O’bricks Irish Pub and Martini Bar
- Amanda Reedy – Oysters Rock Hospitality
- Eleni Sokos – Oysters Rock Hospitality
- Louis Goff – The Rubonia Community Center
- Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School Community (Accepted by Peter Kraft) – Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School
- Keenan Wooten – Sarasota Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
- Karen Bell – Star Fish Company
- Josh Dunn – United Way Suncoast
- David Kraft – Vision Consulting Group
“True leadership is revealed in times of adversity, and this year’s Spirit of Manatee honorees have demonstrated unwavering commitment to our community when it was needed most,” said Veronica Thames, CEO of MCF. “These individuals and organizations embody resilience, generosity, and leadership, and we are honored to shine a light on their impact.”
The community is invited to take part in this special luncheon of gratitude and recognition, held at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa (600 US Highway 41, Palmetto, FL 34221) on March 13 at 11:30 a.m. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available untilFriday, March 7 here: www.manateecf.org/nonprofits/spirit-of-manatee/.
Members of the media can reserve a complimentary seat at the media table by contacting Jennifer Evans at [email protected]
For information on ways to invest in our community, visit www.manateecf.org.