Daytona Beach, Fla. – On October 24th 2023 the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties awarded Dr. Pamela Carbiener of Halifax OBGYN the Herbert M Davidson Award for Community Service at the Annual Celebration of Philanthropy. Presented by Brown and Brown Insurance the event was filled with music, laughter, tears, and of course sharing philanthropic goals to help the community. The event honored Dr. Carbiener’s extensive community service and legacy of caring for at-risk maternal patients.
The Herbert M Davidson Award for Community Service was first awarded in 1990 and has since honored philanthropists, change agents, and civic leaders representing both Volusia and Flagler counties. Dr. Carbiener has served in multiple community roles throughout her career including becoming the first medical director of the Rape Crisis Center and a founder of COPE. She has served as the Chief of Staff at Halifax and eventually serving on the Halifax Board of Commissioners as a delegate for the Florida Medical Association. Her community-based engagement includes many notable local organizations such as: Healthy Start, Healthy Communities, The Daytona State College Center for Women and Men, the Halifax Health Foundation, and the SMA Healthcare Foundation. Dr. Carbiener and her family developed the Daytona Blues Festival to draw attention to the issues of substance use disorder in pregnancy. “I believe that all pregnant women should receive early and compassionate prenatal care, regardless of their socio-economic status or ability to pay,” Dr. Carbiener said.
“There is no person more deserving of this award than Dr. Carbiener,” said event chair Dr. Roosevelt Harris. “Her heart for individuals and their specific stories is inspiring and her person-centered approach to care has left a lasting impact on many mothers in this community.”
Also recognized at the event was Priscilla Chanfrau of Adams Cameron with the Community Champion Award. Chanfrau is a seventh-generation Floridian and local to Volusia County. She is involved on many community boards including the Daytona Beach Police Foundation, Rotary of Daytona Beach, Checkered Flag Committee, Junior League, Daytona Regional Chamber Young Professionals Group, the Adams Cameron Foundation, and the Civic League. “Priscilla has made a significant impact on this community throughout her career. She continually gives of herself to make Volusia County a better place to live, work and play,” said Brittani Preschel, Community Foundation and United Way board member.
“It is our honor to recognize both Dr. Carbiener and Priscilla for their incredible work in our community. The Annual Celebration of Philanthropy is just that, an opportunity to celebrate the selfless actions of our community’s most generous citizens,” said Courtney Edgcomb, President/CEO of the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties.
All proceeds for the event supported the EDGE Fund (Every Dollar Gets Empowered), an endowment for the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties. The endowment allows the United Way to invest more dollars in the local community from their annual campaign by offsetting overhead expenses. At the event, the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties announced in 2022-23 they invested $2.5 million into the local community. Those interested in learning more about the Community Foundation or United Way and how to get involved can visit the website at www.unitedwayvfc.org.
