ABOVE VIDEO: As with everything they do, Dr. Stephanie and Mike Haridopolos believe in giving 100 percent of their energies to the many worthy causes they support.
As with everything they do, Dr. Stephanie and Mike Haridopolos believe in giving 100 percent of their energies to the many worthy causes they support.
Possibly Brevard’s top “power couple,” Dr. Stephanie and Mike lead busy, busy lives, but they still carve out considerable time to help both organizations and individuals.
For example, in May of this year, the couple hosted “Hope for a Single Mom” at their Lake Washington home to raise funds for Brevard single mothers with breast cancer. The event raised approximately $50,000.
As former president of the Florida Senate, Mike Haridopolos promoted programs aimed at helping the most vulnerable.
Through his efforts, Brevard Achievement Center received a $1 million grant for services for adults with disabilities so they can achieve personal success.
Mike also helped secure a $1 million grant from the state for the National Veterans’ Homeless Support, a grassroots group that provides basic necessities and housing services to the more than 4,500 homeless veterans in Central Florida.
This year, Dr. Stephanie is involved with Dream Big to enrich the lives of children and adults with disabilities.
Haridopolos not only raised money for the group’s fundraiser talent show, “Central Florida’s Got Talent,” but she also served as celebrity judge at the event.
As chairman of the 2012 “Making Strides against Breast Cancer” walk, Dr. Stephanie helped to raise $350,000 as 10,000 walkers united to help the American Cancer Society.
In 2010, she took dancing lessons to enter Dancing with Brevard. Her dancing feet raised more than $100,000 for KLD Foundation.
Serving the Children’s Hunger Project, Dr. Stephanie raised money for this community organization that provides food for children at risk of malnourishment.
CHAMPION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION
With Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine, she not only raised money for this free clinic for the uninsured, but also devoted her professional time and talent to the organization.
Reversing the tide of domestic violence is very important for Mike and Stephanie, because Stephanie herself was a victim of abuse during her first marriage.
Mike and Stephanie with their children: 8-year-old Reagan and 13-year-old Hayden, who are students at the school Wade Christian Academy, and 17-year-old Alexis who is a junior at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy. (Baldino image)
Going public took considerable courage and the full support of Mike, but she eventually found herself a champion for services for domestic abuse victims.
She serves on the board of trustees of the Florida Coalition against Domestic Violence Foundation, a group that raises money for domestic violence centers in Florida.
Stephanie and Mike were also instrumental in the passage of the “Walk in her Shoes Act” to help victims of sexual abuse.
“We would be remiss if we didn’t give back,” she said.
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, 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.
Possibly Brevard’s top “power couple,” Dr. Stephanie and Mike lead busy, busy lives, but they still carve out considerable time to help both organizations and individuals.
