Strengthening Human Services, Stewards of Environment
By Maria Sonnenberg // November 24, 2013
2013 central florida humanitarians
ABOVE VIDEO: Jim and Jonnie Swann for decades have helped to strengthen the network of human services in Brevard, and will gladly pack food to feed the hungry and give of their treasure to many charities around the nation.
Don’t ask Jim and Jonnie Swann to toot their own horn, because they feel their main philanthropic efforts are the least they can do for the community they so love.
“I don’t think we are any more special than anyone else in the community,” said Jonnie Swann. “In fact, so many others do far more.”
Despite her protestations to the contrary, Jonnie Swann and her husband are indeed special people who for decades have helped to strengthen the network of human services in Brevard. They will gladly pack food to feed the hungry and give of their treasure to many charities around the nation.
GIVING IS A PART OF LIVING
The son of Ruth and Jack Eckerd, Jim Swann grew up in a home where giving was part of living.
The Eckerd family supported everything from arts to education, including Eckerd College, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater and Eckerd Youth Alternatives, an organization that strengthens the lives of more than 13,000 children annually through a series of programs in six states.
Despite her protestations to the contrary, Jonnie Swann and her husband are indeed special people who for decades have helped to strengthen the network of human services in Brevard. They will gladly pack food to feed the hungry and give of their treasure to many charities around the nation.
The Swanns have been active with the United Way of Brevard and the board of directors of Florida Institute of Technology.
For Jonnie, the Melbourne university’s marine studies and its outstanding botanical garden hold special appeal. The Scott Center for Autism Treatment, located in the Florida Tech campus, is another nonprofit the Swanns endorse.
Jim Swann has advocated for the establishment of additional Boys and Girls Clubs in Brevard’s low income neighborhoods.
Through the Eckerd Family Foundation, the couple provided significant operational support to Brevard Neighborhood Development Coalition’s DOCK program, an after-school, faith-based initiative in Melbourne’s poorest community, the Booker T. Washington neighborhood. At the DOCK, at-risk children can count on caring adults who help them academically and provide them with positive role models.
‘WE CAN’T AFFORD NOT TO HELP OTHERS’
The couple also has a deep sense of stewardship for the environment, and thus support the Nature Conservancy.
“Jim is on the Florida board and I’m on the Caribbean board,” said Jonnie Swann, who was also a board member of the Florida Audubon Society. They remain active with the local Audubon chapter and work with the Marine Resources Council to improve the health of the Indian River Lagoon.
The Swanns have been wild about Brevard Zoo from its inception. “We were involved with the idea for the zoo even before it got started,” said Swann.
“The zoo adds so much to the quality of life in Brevard and is so involved in worldwide conservation.”
We can’t afford not to help others,” said Swann. “Everyone needs to pitch in to make our community better.”
The Salvation Army, Project Hunger, Brevard Achievement Center, Brevard Schools Foundation, Brevard Rescue Mission, the Children’s Hunger Project, The Haven and the Women’s Center are just part of the large list of nonprofits that can depend on the Swanns.
“We can’t afford not to help others,” said Swann. “Everyone needs to pitch in to make our community better.”
ABOUT THE 2013 CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN AWARDS
The Central Florida Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that dedicate their Time, Talent or Treasure to help people in need locally – and around the world.
This year, more than 30 deserving humanitarians will be honored during the Gala, which will be held Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, with the festivities beginning at 6 p.m.
“Over the years, our editorial team has had the distinct honor and pleasure of identifying and featuring the many members of our community who give back so much and are dedicated to reaching out and helping others, here and throughout the world, in a multitude of ways,” said Maverick Multimedia Editor-In-Chief Dr. Jim Palermo.
“We remain firmly committed to identifying and telling those stories and providing a timely media platform to recognize Space Coast and Central Florida residents’ altruistic contributions on a regular basis in our magazines, as well as SpaceCoastDaily.com,” said Dr. Palermo.
This inspiring and compelling event is sponsored by Brighthouse Networks, Health First, Brevard Physicians Network, Florida Pain, Forever Florida, MPAC ACO, Brevard Geriatrics, Community Credit Union, Clear Choice Health Care, Knudson Brain & Spine Law Injury Office, First Choice Medical Group, Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine, CentralFloridaMedicine.com and SpaceCoastDaily.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION or to make a reservation to attend the Central Florida Humanitarian Awards Gala call 321-615-8111 or e-mail SpaceCoastMedicine@gmail.com.
