PARC Presents 2021-2022 Awards

ST PETERSBURG, Fla – PARC held its Annual Impact Breakfast on April 14 where seven distinguished awards were presented, including a Lifetime Humanitarian Award.

The event at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art brought together staff, volunteers, and supporters to honor recipients for serving the organization in 2021. Recipients included volunteers, community members, a local business, and a nonprofit organization.

Following is a list of this year’s winners and descriptions of their awards:

Community Volunteer of the Year: Tonya Corder
The Community Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to a volunteer who has made a significant contribution of time and effort for PARC through community outreach, support, coordination of special events, and advocacy of PARC’s population. Tonya Corder is a leader among PARC volunteers. She chaired PARC’s Annual Black Tie Gala five times and participated in several other events including Art in the PARC, Wish Upon a Star Holiday Giving Program, and the Annual Golf Tournament.

Edith B. Smith Award: Ben Crayton and Jesse Bernhardt
The Edith B. Smith Award is presented to a volunteer(s) who has gone above and beyond the “call of duty” in their volunteer service and dedicated effort and time to making PARC the best it can be. As co-chairs of PARC’s Golf Tournament Committee for three consecutive years, Ben Crayton and Jesse Bernhardt helped to sustain this long-time event by keeping it new and exciting year after year. They are responsible for bringing in new donors from across the country, securing sponsorships for the tournament, and advocating for PARC in the community.

Lifetime Humanitarian Award: Dr. Elias Hasbun
The Lifetime Humanitarian Award is a one-time honor presented to an individual in recognition of his lifetime commitment and support of PARC. Dr. Elias Hasbun served as the volunteer Medical Director for the Bert Muller Home, PARC’s largest residential home, for 25 years and still serves as a consultant for medical issues. He has dedicated over two decades to the health and welfare of PARC’s 48 residents who live or have lived at the Bert Muller Home.

Philanthropists of the Year: Robert and Deborah Mitro
The Philanthropists of the Year award is presented to individuals who have been exceptional at both financially supporting PARC and advocating for PARC in the community. Robert and Deborah Mitro have spent countless hours volunteering and helping PARC develop solutions to some of its biggest challenges. Robert continues to be an amazing ambassador for PARC in the community and within his circle of friends both locally and nationally. He has personally invited friends and strangers to tour PARC and has challenged the organization to think outside the box.

PARC’s Visionary of the Year Award: Mark Myers
The Visionary of the Year Award is presented to an individual or organization in recognition of their support to help secure PARC’s future through funding of new and innovative programs serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Mark Myers joined PARC’s Board of Directors six years ago and had a vision to impact individuals with developmental disabilities. His leadership and experience in business drove PARC’s strategic initiatives to rise above the notion of the norm, elevating all programs and services.

Community Service Award: Raymond James
The Community Service Award is presented to a group, business, or corporation who has dedicated a significant contribution of time and effort for PARC and has instilled the rewards of volunteering within their culture. Raymond James has supported PARC for over 40 years and continues to support PARC year after year, in every way possible.

Community Partner of the Year: LARC “The Heart of PARC”
The Community Partner of the Year is presented to group, business, or corporation for its significant involvement at PARC and support for the growth of PARC’s programs. LARC “The Heart of PARC” was formed in 1964 by a group of dedicated parents and friends of PARC. The organization continues to raise funds for in-demand items that directly benefit PARC clients and programs like accessible furniture, toys and more.