LARGO — The Central Pinellas Chamber of Commerce celebrated eight exceptional people at its recent 11th Annual Inspire Awards Luncheon. More than 125 people took part in the event at the Marriott St. Petersburg/Clearwater emceed by regional television journalist and news anchor Sarina Fazan.
The Inspire Awards celebrate individuals who have had a positive impact on the lives of others through their leadership in the workplace and/or involvement in the community. They are presented in five distinct categories: business, community service, public service, inspirers of youth and youth who inspire.
Dozens of nominations were submitted for this year’s presentations. The selected honorees and their categories are:
Business: Peri Craven of Garden Sanctuary Funeral Home and Melody Hunter of Charles Rutenberg Realty.
Community Service: Vicki Hano of Temple B’nai Israel, Clearwater and veterinarian Donald Morgan of American Animal Hospital Association and Pinellas Animal Foundation.
Public Service: Vu Tran, Community Outreach Officer, Largo Police Department.
Inspirers of Youth: Debbie Robinson of Grace Christian Fellowship Church of Largo.
Youth Who Inspire: 12-year old Alan Landers of Largo Middle School who’s Superhero Fun Run for Heroes has raised more than $50,000 for Honor Flight of West Central Florida, and 13-year-old Gracie Tubbs who created the non-profit Operation: Military Matters providing care packages to military personnel serving the country abroad.
The 11th Annual Inspire Awards Luncheon was sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care/Be a Santa to a Senior, Largo Medical Center, Bizco Technologies, Master Restoration and Village Inn.