Palm Coast, FL (3/19/22) Setting a record, the 2022 Flagler Sheriff’s Gala on Saturday night exceeded expectations, thanks in part to a more than generous donation from an Orlando benefactor.
Sharing the surprise donation with a sold out crowd of 300 people at the Hammock Beach Resort, Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly revealed the generosity of attorney Dan Newlin to the Flagler Sheriff’s Employee Assistance Trust. Newlin, who was reportedly on a plane for Poland to help at-risk refugees stay out of the clutches of human traffickers, was represented by a member of his staff to receive recognition from the sheriff.
The $50,000 donation boosted this year’s total beyond anything the previous galas raised and helped edge the fund’s total over the years to more than $455,000, according to FSEAT board member Frank DeAngelo. Early estimates for the night put the evening’s fundraising at $167,000, doubling previous years’ totals.
With a goal of a million dollars, Staly, who modeled the program after one started in Orlando while he served as the undersheriff, said the funds support members of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in their times of need, such as last year’s passing of Deputy First Class Paul Luciano.
Florida Representative and House Speaker-designate Paul Renner, a former prosecutor, expressed the state’s strong support for law enforcement as one of the evening’s speakers, drawing robust applause from guests.
Announcing their ‘retirement’ from the board of directors, Don Madden and Frank DeAngelo emceed their final gala together, showcasing why the event has been so successful over the past several years, and the two bantered with humor. The evening offer the public a chance to meet new board members Sandy S. and retired Florida Highway Patrol Chief Derek Barrs.
During the evening, the 2021 Award Recipients were honored from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office including: 2021 Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year Master Deputy Crista Rainey, 2021 Detention Deputy of the year DFC Paul Luciano (posthumously), 2021 Professional Support Employee of the Year RTCC Supervisor Nichole North an 2021 Volunteer of the Year C.O.P. Chief Michael Muller – who was away enjoying a well-deserved vacation, and 2021 Citizen of the Year, Gina Walters.
Also recognized during the gala were the 2020 recipients – 2020 Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year Detective Corporal Agustin Rodriguez, 2020 Detention Deputy of the Year Detention Deputy Douglas Evans, 2020 Professional Support Employee of the Year Communications Specialist First Class McKenzie Davis and 2020 Volunteer of the Year Evelyn Gomes.
