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Academy Prep, St. Anthony's honor generosity of those who care

 
Winners of the 2016 St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation Legacy Awards are, from left, Steve and Nancy Westphal, Mike Mikurak, Ashley Mackendrick and Dr. Michael Reilly.
Winners of the 2016 St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation Legacy Awards are, from left, Steve and Nancy Westphal, Mike Mikurak, Ashley Mackendrick and Dr. Michael Reilly.
Published March 16, 2016

3.12.16

ST. PETE BEACH — Hardworking students as well as hardworking volunteers were heaped with well-deserved praise at Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg's Evening of Dreams at the TradeWinds Island Resorts on St. Pete Beach.

Fran and Bud Risser received the Jeffrey L. Fortune Dream Maker Award for their years of supporting the school for low-income students as well as work elsewhere in the community. Fran Risser has held important roles supporting the Arts Center, the Museum of Fine Arts and Ronald McDonald House. Bud Risser worked to establish a scholarship so every Eckerd College student can study abroad and started Ready for Life, which works to prepare foster children for living on their own when they turn 18.

Linda Marcelli, a former recipient of the award, donned a fake beard when she took to the lectern to read a message from Academy Prep co-founder Jeffrey Fortune, who was in Spain. The beard that enables one to "channel" the reclusive Fortune has become a tradition at Academy Prep galas. Fortune, who is known for his great generosity and vision, also is known for his aversion to crowds and galas.

"Thank you for leaving your indelible footprints in the sands of our community," Marcelli said as she read Fortune's remarks. "Thank you for knowing it's always been about our kids. It's about helping our kids through the destructive cycles of poverty. … Academy Prep is about developing kids into dreamers, doers and leaders like you."

The Rissers received a sculpture designed by local glass artist Duncan McClellan.

"We're just a little cog in the wheel, and we appreciate the opportunity to be here," Bud Risser said.

The crowd, dressed in cocktail attire, watched a video featuring Academy Prep middle school students sharing what they like about the school they attend for 11 hours a day, six days a week, eleven months a year. It also included interviews with past students about their aspirations and goals then showed where they ended up going to high school, college and working.

Lynn Stamey was chair of the event's organizing committee. Guests included Bob and Sally Willis, Breck and Michael Moorefield, Tim and Ange Bogott, Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin and Terri Jelks, and Whitney and Alex Shouppe. Committee members included: Helen Barrott, Lindsey Bettendorf, Anje Bogott, Chris Duerson, Lynda Jollay and Whitney Shouppe.

2.25.16

ST. PETERSBURG — The St. Anthony's Hospital Foundation honored community leaders at its annual Legacy Dinner and Awards Ceremony. Those honored were:

Steve and Nancy Westphal, owners of numerous restaurants in town, who were given the Helen D. Roberts Philanthropy Award, which recognizes an individual's generosity in giving time, talent or monetary contributions to nonprofit organizations devoted to educational, cultural and social or public health concerns.

Mike Mikurak, current member of the BayCare Health System Board of Trustees, who received the Roy G. Harrell Jr. Leadership Award, which recognizes someone who demonstrates vision, initiative, motivation and commitment through outstanding community service and leadership.

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Dr. Michael Reilly, a physician who is board certified in family, geriatric, sports and adolescent medicine, who was given the Hippocrates Award, which recognizes a physician or medical practice that demonstrates dedication to the community. The recipient also strives to improve patient care and to make care more available to underserved communities.

Ashley Mackendrick, a certified public accountant with BayCare Health System, who received the Future Leader in Philanthropy Award, which recognizes service by an individual eager to lead peers, advocate and raise funds for St. Anthony's.

The dinner and awards ceremony drew about 220 people. Also in attendance were Bill and Ann Ulbricht, Dr. James McClintic, Dr. Donald and Suzanne Lanza, Drs. Claudia and Richard Bundschu, Dr. Paul and Cathy Collins Sr., Mary McNally and Elaine Mikurak. St. Anthony's Hospital Auxiliary members who attended included Mary Ellen Conte, Mary Hilton Cross, Roseanna Costa, Pat Howells, June Wedding and auxiliary president Susanna Bellafante.