Volunteer Florida Foundation
The Volunteer Florida Foundation raises funds to support Volunteer Florida, the state's lead agency for volunteerism and national service.
The Foundation assists the administration of high-impact national service programs and promotion of volunteerism throughout the state, as well as manages of the Florida Disaster Fund, Florida's private fund established to help communities with disaster recovery.
The Foundation is also responsible for the Governor's special initiatives, including Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, as well as awards to honor Florida's most outstanding volunteers, educators, veterans and health care professionals
Governor's Initiatives
Donations to the Foundation support Volunteer Florida's important work and the following Governor's special initiatives:
of Service
Gubernatorial Fellows
The Volunteer Florida Foundation's activities are guided by a voluntary board of directors.
Maritza Rovira-Forino
Foundation Chair
MBE Director / Client Relations, Foresight Construction Group
Tampa, Hillsborough County
Monesia Brown
Foundation Vice Chair
Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations, Walmart
Tallahassee, Leon County
Tamela Perdue
Foundation Treasurer
Senior Vice President of Legislative & Government Affairs, Sunshine Health
Catherine Aguirre
Executive Director, Aetna Public Segment
Pembroke Pines, Broward County
Tajiana Ancora-Brown
External Affairs Director, Walt Disney World
Orlando, Orange County
Cameron Cooper
Director of State Government Affairs, Duke Energy Florida
Derek Cooper
Vice President of Government Affairs and Community Investment, Comcast
West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County
Brittney Hunt
Vice President of External Affairs, UnitedHealth Group
Debra Kerr
CEO, Debra Kerr LLC
Miami, Miami-Dade County
Holly Miller Moore
Director of State Affairs & Community Investment, Tampa Electric Company and TECO Peoples Gas Service
Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County
Cindy O'Connell
Director, Florida Prepaid College Foundation
Kristin Piccolo
Executive Director, Florida Education Foundation
Casey Reed
Regional Director of External Affairs, AT&T Florida
Joanna Sherry
Vice President of Portfolio Management, Southeast Toyota Finance
Boynton Beach, Palm Beach County
Dwaine Stevens
Corporate Director of Community Relations, Publix Super Markets Inc
Jacksonville, Duval County
Champion of Service
The Champion of Service Award was established in 2013 by Volunteer Florida to honor individuals and groups for their outstanding efforts in volunteerism and community service. Individuals, families, businesses, universities and nonprofit organizations have all been recipients of the Champion of Service Award.
The following are specific examples of recipients:
Albert Manero, a University of Central Florida student who creates free bionic hands and arms for children in need.
Maisha Mitchell, Co-Founder of the Tallahassee Food Network
Rocco Giordano, a 95-year-old mentor and tutor
NOMINATE A CHAMPION OF SERVICE
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich history and vibrant culture of African Americans in Florida, while also recognizing the significant impact that they have had throughout the state.
In February, Florida commemorates Black History Month with a reception at the Governor's Mansion. During this event, the governor and special guests present awards to students and teachers who submitted entries or were nominated for the statewide Black History Month contests. Two students are selected to win the art contest; three students are selected to win the essay contest, receiving a four-year scholarship from the Florida Prepaid Scholarship Foundation; and three teachers are recognized with the Excellence in Education Award.
For more information, please visit www.floridablackhistory.com or email info@volunteerflorida.org.
Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich history and vibrant culture of Florida's Hispanic community, while also recognizing the significant impact that they have had throughout the state.
In the fall, Florida commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) with a reception at the Governor's Mansion. During this event, the Governor and special guests present awards to Hispanic students and educators who submitted entries or were nominated for the statewide Hispanic Heritage Month contests. Two students are selected to win the art contest; three students are selected to win the essay contest, receiving a four-year scholarship from the Florida Prepaid Scholarship Foundation; and three teachers are recognized with the Excellence in Education Award.
For more information, please visit www.floridahispanicheritage.com or email info@volunteerflorida.org.