Working with organizations, businesses and people throughout the year to tell their stories offers an opportunity to see firsthand who is making an impact in the community, how, and why.
Flagler News Weekly is pleased to announce the 2023-24 Community Champions of the Year.
Gentleman of the Year: John Subers. In a community of givers and doers, few people work harder to elevate a cause than AdventHealth Foundation Palm Coast Director John Subers. Helming the Foundation for more than a decade, John’s sole purpose is to make the community’s health and well-being better by cheerleading the initiatives of the Foundation and AdventHealth.
Modest to a fault, John credits others for the successes of the Foundation as any good director would do and puts the team in the forefront of any accolades.
Today, we would like to recognize John for his selfless efforts to ensure community issues such as breast cancer, diabetes and cancer remain in the spotlight and that those who can give to make the lives of others better have the opportunity.
Thank you for showing what it truly means to be a ‘servant-leader’.
Ladies of the Year: Yes, we said Ladies. This year was tough to decide with so many women doing incredible things to help the community. Two stood out and for that reason, Flagler News Weekly would like to recognize Heather Thompson and Alina Perry-Smith as our 2023-24 Ladies of the Year.
Living in Flagler County for a decade, Heather Thompson is known for her consistent willingness to help others whether it’s with a ribbon cutting, an event, a personal issue, or just an ‘I’ve got your back’, Heather is the person known for putting her needs aside to help another.
As owner/operator of HT Production Company, she has gone out of her way countless times to help businesses in our community, and earned the respect of those who know her and the admiration of those who have yet to meet her.
By the same token, Alina Perry-Smith a Flagler County resident for about 3 years, exudes the same selfless, giving spirit. From her photography work as Images by Alina, generously donated to charities, to the relentlessly hardworking person she is with quality of her work, she goes above and beyond to give. Her work with the Bold Ladies charity component is thoughtful and genuine. There’s nothing fake about her.
Authenticity is quality that both Ladies of the Year share.
There’s a modesty that may not be apparent on the surface but is below, in their hearts. Both of these women have no problem being behind the scenes, letting someone else shine, even when they do the work. Sensitive, kind, and loyal, they epitomize the true meaning of women helping women in business. There is no catty backstabbing or competition, just a genuine desire to help others succeed that is magnetic in the most positive way.
Thank you to Heather and Alina for being true to your values as ladies in the community, and leaders in the business community.
This year Flagler News Weekly would also like to recognize the following inaugural categories:
Arts In Education Advocate of the Year: Amelia Fulmer – No one advocates more strongly for arts education than Amelia Fulmer. As a former educator and current Director of the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, Amelia has seen firsthand the positive impacts of arts education on students’ lives. Championing the Arts Education fund managed by the Flagler Auditorium Governing Board throughout the year, her work on behalf of the students is 365 days a year.
Small Business Philanthropist of the Year: Kathy Austrino – Through the TAG V. BEAR Foundation, Kathy and her team at TAG Ventures Real Estate consistently works to support women and children facing adversity and includes a component to support men/fathers struggling with mental health and addiction as well. It’s a comprehensive approach to advocating for whole family wellness, addressing mental health, addiction and at-risk children.
Most Innovative Civic Organization of the Year: Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis Club – Their continued work with the students of Flagler Schools to reward excellence in education and behavior has translated into innovative programs such as the Athlete of the Week with mentorship for younger students, that will have lasting positive impacts on at-risk and students facing behavioral issues, in addition to supporting youth clubs in nine schools.
Under the Radar Organization of the Year: Seniors vs. Crime – This has been the most interesting organization to learn about this year. Literal seniors, fighting crime for other seniors and winning, is the success story of the year. Too often we hear about seniors being scammed, whether it’s from builder/contractors, telephone scams, or internet scams, these dedicated individuals are serving as case managers to help victims recover their losses and prosecute the bad guys. We hope their operations will get beefed up in the coming years to help additional members of the community.
Young Entrepreneurs of the Year: The To-Do Dudes – We’ve been following their story for years now in Flagler County and are incredibly proud of the work and effort The To-Do Dudes Founder Erik Libby has put into creating a successful business. Providing gainful employment to his peers, Erik has branched out into serving a second community in Ormond. Erik’s leadership skills and LinkedIn video segments provide inspiration to other young entrepreneurs about what is possible.
Thank you to all of our Community Champions for continuing to make a difference in our community!
