CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN: Ashley Nolan ‘Survivor’ Contestant Dedicated to Assisting Children

By  //  November 25, 2018

a natural for working with autistic children

“Things don’t matter, it’s all about people. If you can find time to be completely selfless, and dedicate your time to people that can use it, that’s the best feeling in the world,” said “Survivor” Ashley Nolan.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – What do you do if you have just been on “Survivor,” which is arguably the most successful reality TV show of all time? If you are Ashley Nolan, you decide to give back to the community.

Thousands apply every year to be on Survivor, but few are accepted and Nolan was one of those selected for the 2017 show.

What’s most important about her appearance on Survivor is not the fact that she was on TV, but it’s what she learned during her experience on the show.

She came to understand that, “things don’t matter, it’s all about people. If you can find time to be completely selfless, and dedicate your time to people that can use it, that’s the best feeling in the world.”

Nolan also learned that it’s not all about her, and that was never more evident than when she decided to get involved with the Parker Foundation for Autism and Child Development.

“After receiving a phone call from Director Julia Barney and finding out about the Parker Foundation, I was all in,” said Nolan.

What do you do if you have just been on “Survivor,” which is arguably the most successful reality TV show of all time? If you are Ashley Nolan, you decide to give back to the community.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS COACH

Her love of the water, coupled with her lifeguard background, made her a natural for working with autistic children, conducting water safety.

“Any form of water therapy for kids with autism seems to bring out an entirely different side of them,” said Nolan.

As the swimming program with the Parker Foundation was coming to an end, Ashley set out to volunteer even more of her time with the Special Olympics, which was in need of a head surf coach. Her business, Ashley Nolan Surf School, and her love for children made it a natural fit.

Nolan worked with the Special Olympians weekly in preparation for the County Games, Area Games and State Games.

Sixteen of her 20 students scored well enough in the Area games to qualify for State, the most of any county in the state of Florida.

“The interaction with the kids and the joy they get out of it is very rewarding,” said Nolan. “I leave every practice with the biggest smile on my face.”

CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN SPOTLIGHT: Mark Pieloch – ‘When People Need Help, You Help’Related Story:
CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN SPOTLIGHT: Mark Pieloch – ‘When People Need Help, You Help’

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN ALUMNI

For more information or to make a reservation to attend the 2018 Central Florida Humanitarian Awards Gala, call 321-323-4460 or 321-615-8111 or e-mail Contact@SpaceCoastDaily.com

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

2018 CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN AWARDS SET NOV. 8

The 2018 Central Florida Humanitarians have been announced and 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. 8, at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place in Melbourne, Florida.

Recognizing Outstanding Individuals & Organizations Who Dedicate Their Time, Talent and Treasure

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The 2018 Central Florida Humanitarians have been announced and 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. 8, at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place in Melbourne, Florida.

The Central Florida Humanitarian Awards were created nine years ago by 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.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

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.

The 2018 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.

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 fundraising for the advancement of a philanthropic cause.

All 2018 honorees will be featured in the Oct/Nov 2018 edition of Space Coast Daily magazine and on SpaceCoastDaily.com.  The magazine will be available the first week of October in both print and digital editions, which will also be available on SpaceCoastDaily.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN: Jessica André Hits Mark in Her Many Volunteer, Philanthropic ActivitiesRelated Story:
CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN: Jessica André Hits Mark in Her Many Volunteer, Philanthropic Activities

ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS TO BE HONORED INCLUDE:

• Jessica Andre
• Leonard Beam
• Harry Brandon, in Memoriam
• Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Pet Posse
• Brevard Veterans Memorial Center Volunteers
• Bridges Foundation
• Michael Bross, A Step Up
• Keri Anne Demott Foundation
• Lori Duester and Liz Mikitarian, Youth Mental Health Task Force
• Florida Wildlife Hospital & Sanctuary
• Christine Lance
• Rev. Lorenzo Laws
• Larry McNamara, Giant Recreation World
• Dr. David Neely
• Neighbors of Suntree
• Ashley Nolan
• Mark Pieloch, Founder of the Muscle Car Museum
• Dr. Mark Pinsky
• Joe Rodriguez, McDonald’s Restaurants of Brevard County
• Susan Slaton
• Stephen Thaggard, Embrace Home Loans
• The Avenue Viera
• Barbie Thrower, Community Treatment Center
• Valiant Air Command Volunteers
• Mac McLouth, 2018 Central Florida Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement honoree

Each honoree or organization will be presented the Central Florida Humanitarian Crystal Globe. Stay tuned to Space Coast Daily for exclusive and comprehensive multimedia coverage of each honoree as we present their compelling stories.

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 First Palm Bay Hospital, Melbourne Regional Medical Center, Rockledge Regional Medical Center, 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 Space Coast Daily Editor-In-Chief Dr. Jim Palermo.

JOIN US FOR AN INSPIRATIONAL EVENING

This inspiring and compelling event is sponsored by First Choice Medical Group, Clear Choice Health Care, Total Home Roofing, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Rock Paper Simple, Embrace Home Loans, Adventure HQ, Florida Pain Institute, CFP Care Team, Dr. Mark Pinsky, Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place, Friday Night Locker Room, Safari Mail House and SpaceCoastDaily.com.

Each honoree or organization will be presented the Central Florida Humanitarian Crystal Globe. Stay tuned to Space Coast Daily for exclusive and comprehensive multimedia coverage of each honoree as we present their compelling stories.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

For more information or to make a reservation to attend the 2018 Central Florida Humanitarian Awards Gala, call 321-323-4460 or 321-615-8111 or e-mail Contact@SpaceCoastDaily.com

CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN: Joe Rodriguez Family Support Law Enforcement Community Outreach EventsRelated Story:
CENTRAL FLORIDA HUMANITARIAN: Joe Rodriguez Family Support Law Enforcement Community Outreach Events

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS