Inspire Gala honors local philanthropists

Hundreds of people gathered for the second annual Inspire Gala, held at Hilton Ocala on March 1, to celebrate philanthropy and community service in Marion County. The event was hosted by the Community Foundation Ocala/Marion County.

Stan Hanson, on behalf of the Adam Hanson Foundation, presented awards for the Male Youth Philanthropist and Female Youth Philanthropist. Aubryn Barnes, a student at Shady Hill Elementary, was honored for starting an annual holiday cheer event that invited first responders to her family’s house while they were working holiday shifts. Sean Martin, a student at Dunnellon High School, was recognized for his leadership in athletics.

Hanson said Martin’s leadership “goes beyond the game, leading his team in devotion and prayer, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual growth among his peers. He ensures that his fellow teammates feel uplifted and empowered, embodying the values of teamwork and camaraderie.”

R.J. Jenkins, the director of the Marion County Literacy Council, was presented the Unsung Hero award. Jenkins told the crowd that he found his community after moving to Marion County with his husband by getting to know the other generous community members who work in the nonprofit sector.

Rusty Branson, who presented the award, said of Jenkins, “He’s not just brilliant, he is kind. His compassion embodies the spirit of a hero. He may not seek the limelight or receive the praise, but his actions speak volumes.”

Lisa Irwin, founder of Arts in Health Ocala Metro, accepted the Emerging Nonprofit of The Year honor. The organization connects art and healing through music, dance, performing and visual arts, led by local artists. Some activities include distributing free art kits, sponsoring music classes for veterans at the Ocala Symphony Community Music Conservatory and traveling to underserved communities to create art.

Danielle Marciano was recognized as Board Member of the Year for her work with Better Together. The nonprofit organization helps parents going through a hard time keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive.

Marciano, the wife of Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, received the award as she acknowledged the many nonprofit board members in the room who had gone above and beyond to serve.

“I’ve always struggled with the desire to do grandiose things to solve social issues in our community, however I’ve taken solace in living it the way that St. Therese of Lisieux recommended. I don’t have extra letters that follow my name to denote any sort of special education or possess any superhuman strength. I don’t claim any superpowers or have any outstanding talents above anybody else. But I can love so like St. Therese. I can try to do little things with great love,” she said.

Curt Brummond, CEO of the Marion County Hospital District, accepted the award for Corporate Partner of the Year. The district’s trustees manage hundreds of millions of dollars to be used for the public’s health.

Ron “Rondo” Fernandez, president of The Rock, accepted the Non-Profit of the Year honor. The program, which is organized by Fernandez and his wife, Toby, has converted classrooms into The Rock rooms as part of Empowered of Central Florida. The rooms at local schools offer students in need school supplies, food, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, clothing and even washers and dryers to do their laundry. The Rock program helps about 250 students each day.

Brandon and Diannah Perry were honored with the Philanthropist of the Year award after distributing millions at the bequest of his mother, Cathy Perry. She was a devoted animal advocate and three years after her passing on Feb. 1, 2020, many nonprofit organizations in the community received donations totaling more than $5 million through the Cathy D. Perry Trust. Brandon and Dinnah visited many of the local nonprofits to deliver checks in various amounts, including Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, Hospice of Marion County, Humane Society of Marion County, Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc., Voices for Change Animal League (VOCAL), Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, Final Furlong, Horse Farms Forever, Interfaith Emergency Services, Sheltering Hands and Junior League of Ocala. Donations also went to the Duke University Brain Tumor Cancer Center, Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Thoroughbred Charities of America and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Foundation, among others.

Frank Hennessy, chairman of the community foundation board of directors, presented his legacy award to Frank DeLuca.

DeLuca, the owner of DeLuca Toyota, has given more than $14 million to the community through the years and lent his wisdom to countless nonprofit boards. One example of his philanthropy is the Frank DeLuca YMCA Family Center in southeast Ocala.

To learn more about the foundation, which offers philanthropic guidance for donors, tax and financial advisors, nonprofits and the public sector, go to ocalafoundation.org