ABOVE VIDEO: Rita Pritchett is caring for others through her work with New Life, as member of the Titusville City Council, she works to better the lives of the underserved.
Bright and early every Wednesday morning, Rita Pritchett takes to the air to help the community. From 6:30 to 9 a.m. each Wednesday, the Titusville resident switches her hat as administrator of New Life Christian Fellowship and becomes the radio host of “The Morning Drive” at WPIO 89.3 FM, a Christian station in Titusville.
The show is syndicated around the country.
“It’s been a real blessing to be able to do the show,” said Pritchett, who pastors the community via radio, working to get the resources needed for specific individuals who call in for help.
When not on the air, Pritchett is caring for others through her work with New Life, the church Larry Linkous started in her parent’s living room 27 years ago.
“We began with 15 members and we now have 2,000,” said Pritchett.
As part of New Life, Pritchett is involved in the church’s Christmas outreach, which provides a holiday dinner and presents to more than 150 Central Florida single-parent families.
As a member of the Titusville City Council, Pritchett works to better the lives of the underserved. For example, the Council is currently looking at creative ways to help homeless families, who are often difficult to reach out to because they fear losing their children if they seek help.
“Homelessness is a very real issue in Central Florida, particularly with families,” said Pritchett, who announced she will leave her post with City Council to seek election as County Commissioner.
BUDDY BREAK
Pritchett also assists with New Life’s shoe drive, which provides 200 pairs of new sneakers to children in need.
During the holidays, Pritchett and other church members visit nursing home residents to cheer individuals who have no family in the area.
“We’ll bring them presents and visit with them so they know someone cares about them,” she said.
As part of Buddy Break, New Life’s initiative to help families of children with special needs, Pritchett cares for children with disabilities, whether they are infants or in their 20s.
The program provides respite support so caregivers can catch up on errands or just rest.
In addition to her efforts with New Life, Pritchett also teaches accounting courses at both the Titusville and Cocoa campuses of Eastern Florida State College and is on the board of the Brevard Nature Alliance, which organizes the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival, among the top three events of its kind in the nation.
Raising six children while working full time was no easy feat, but Pritchett said it provided invaluable lessons in planning she now uses in all her community efforts.
“It teaches you to keep everything rolling,” said Pritchett.
ABOUT THE 2015 CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN AWARDS
The 2015 Central Florida Humanitarians have been announced and include outstanding individuals and organizations from the medical, business, education and governmental communities. Also announced today was the honoree for the Lifetime Achievement.
Recognizing Outstanding Individuals & Organizations Who Dedicate Their Time, Talent and Treasure
The 2015 Central Florida Humanitarians include outstanding individuals and organizations from the medical, business, education and governmental communities.
The Central Florida Humanitarian honorees will be recognized during a Gala event on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place in Melbourne, Florida.
The Central Florida Humanitarian Awards were created six years ago by Maverick Multimedia, publisher of Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine and Space Coast Daily, to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations that dedicate their time, talent or treasure to help people in need locally – and around the world.
The 2015 Central Florida Humanitarians have been announced and include outstanding individuals and organizations from the medical, business, education and governmental communities. All Humanitarian alumni are presented a specially commissioned medallion.
TIME: In this category consider candidates who have selflessly and consistently devoted their time as volunteers at hospitals and nursing homes, in activities for the less fortunate and as organizers, administrators or operatives in the many other altruistic endeavors in our community. TALENT: In this category give consideration to those who have volunteered their special talents and expertise to address specific circumstances in which the lives of those in need are improved. TREASURE: The humanitarians in this category will include those who have generously shared their monetary good fortune and/or volunteered their time and efforts in fund raising for the advancement of a philanthropic cause.
All 2015 honorees will be featured in the Oct/Nov 2015 edition of Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine and SpaceCoastDaily.com.
2015 Central Florida Humanitarian Sponsors
The first Gala was held in 2010 and is produced by Brevard Productions.
ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS SELECTED TO BE HONORED INCLUDE:
• Brevard Family Partnership
• Brevard Neighborhood Coalition
• Brevard Special Olympics – Debbie Spence
• Lila Buescher
• Canine Companions for Independence
• Childrens Hunger Project
• Circles of Care
• Ginger Davis
• Cove Merchants Association
• Dr. Brian Dowdell
• Early Learning Coalition of Brevard
• Betsy Farmer
• Darcia Jones-Francey
• Harris Corp. Foundation
• Malak Hammad
• John & Cynthia Handley
• John Harper
• Mike & Stephanie Haridopolos
• Sheriff Wayne Ivey
• Robert Jordan
• Dr. John Lovejoy Jr. & Dr. John Lovejoy III
• Victor Luebker
• Rita Pritchett
• David Schmitt
• Oscar & Turney Sieveking
• The 2015 Central Florida Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement honoree is Dr. Anthony Catanese.
HONORING SELFLESS VOLUNTEERISM
As always, the Central Florida Humanitarian committee will also honor hospital and hospice volunteers from Health First Hospice, the Dr. Jey Pillai Center for Hospice Care at Wasdin Woods, VITAS, Hospice of St. Francis, Health First Cape Canaveral Hospital, Health First Viera Hospital, Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center, Health FirstPalm Bay Hospital, Wuesthoff Medical Center – Melbourne, Wuesthoff Medical Center – Rockledge, the VA Clinic in Viera, and Sebastian River Medical Center.
Dr. Jim Palermo
“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.
“For the sixth consecutive year, we will once again produce the Central Florida Humanitarian Awards Gala on the first Thursday of November. This year, more than 42 deserving humanitarians will be honored during the Gala.”
The Central Florida Humanitarian Awards will be part of Space Coast Medicine Week, a comprehensive series of health and educational events produced by Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine and Space Coast Daily.
JOIN US FOR AN INSPIRATIONAL EVENING
This inspiring and compelling event is sponsored by M.H. Williams Construction, Parrish Medical Center, SOAR, Suntree Pharmacy, Brighthouse Networks, Wuesthoff Health System, First Choice Medical Group, Clear Choice Health Care, Florida Pain Institute, Brevard Geriatrics, Knudson Brain & Spine Law Injury Office, Dr. Mark Pinsky, Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine and SpaceCoastDaily.com. Each honoree or organization will be presented the Central Florida Humanitarian Crystal Globe.
Giles Malone
“We would like to thank our long list of sponsors who support the Central Florida Humanitarian Awards and who make this wonderful event possible,” said Giles Malone, a partner with Maverick Multimedia and Brevard Productions, who annually produce all the events of Space Coast Medicine Week.
COMPELLING MULTIMEDIA TRIBUTE VIDEOS & STORIES
Stay tuned to SpaceCoastDaily.com and Space Coast Medicine & Active Living magazine for exclusive and comprehensive multimedia coverage of each honoree as we present their compelling stories.
Tom Palermo
“Please join us on Thursday, Nov. 5 to celebrate and be inspired by these incredible individuals and groups,” said Maverick Multimedia President & Publisher Tom Palermo.
“In the meantime, please click the link below that showcases the distinguished Central Florida Humanitarian Alumni.”
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN ALUMNI
FOR MORE INFORMATION or to make a reservation to attend the Central Florida Humanitarian Awards Gala call 321-323-4460 or 321-615-8111 or e-mailMaverickMultiMedia@gmail.com
ABOVE MAP:The 2015 Central Florida Humanitarian Awards will take place Thursday, Nov. 5 at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, located at 200 Rialto Place in Melbourne, Florida.
The show is syndicated around the country.
