Meet our 2016 VRA winners

Adrian Laffitte, a citizen who supports causes ranging from a mobile library to science and engineering education.

Audrey Joiner, a volunteer who brings medical care to those who can’t afford it.

Publix, a business that battles hunger and homelessness.

And 2-1-1 Brevard, an organization that connects the dots, pointing those in need to the agencies best equipped to help them.

These, and the spirit of volunteerism and giving back, were honored Thursday night during FLORIDA TODAY’s 25th annual Volunteer Recognition Awards.

“The VRA Award Ceremony is a highlight of the year for me,” said Jeff Kiel, president of FLORIDA TODAY and regional president for the Gannett Company. “Telling the story of 12 deserving finalists that bubble up from nominations from the community make this extra special. The true winner, in my mind, is our community.”

Laffitte was named Citizen of the Year. Joiner took home Volunteer of the Year honors. Publix received the Business of the Year award. And 2-1-1 Brevard is this year’s Organization of the Year winner.

“We don’t do volunteer work to be recognized,” Laffitte said. But he said it’s gratifying to be recognized for his work.

Under Laffitte’s leadership, the United Way of Brevard brought in $6.5 million during its 2014-15 campaign.

Having spent more than three decades working in the aerospace industry, Laffitte also has a keen interest in promoting science education.

Citizen of the Year nominee: Adrian Laffitte

As Space Week chair for the National Space Club Florida Committee, he helped introduce students to space exploration and found underwriting to fund the program’s experiential study trip to Kennedy Space Center. His volunteerism continues with the DaVinci Engineering Academy at Merritt Island High School, where he helps promote STEM curricula.

Laffitte was instrumental in directing the efforts of the Aerospace Workforce Transition program with Brevard Workforce. His advocacy for state funding for workforce activities resulted in more than $6 million to help aerospace employees transition into the post-shuttle era.

He has this advice for others wanting to get involved in making their home a better place: “I think you’ve got to find something you like doing, something you’re passionate about,” he said.

Then find an organization that supports that interest and dive in.

Other finalists for Citizen of the Year were Leasha Flammio-Watson and Martha Sinclair.

When the Brevard County Health Department was forced to close its primary care clinic, Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine, under the leadership of Joiner, stepped in to help 1,000 low-income patients who were left without healthcare.

Volunteer of the Year nominee: Audrey Joiner

As a nurse practitioner and executive director of SCVIM, Joiner spent the past year guiding SCVIM volunteer practitioners who handled 4,700 patient visits using donated professional services valued at $3 million.

Joiner hopes her Volunteer of the Year award will raise awareness for SCVIM and possibly encourage other medical professionals to get involved.

“I think there are a lot more people out there who have a lot to give,” she said.

Other finalists for Volunteer of the Year were Joseph Downs and Lexi Wright.

Publix has proven itself as a giving corporate citizen, and its leadership encourages the same attitude of giving among employees.

Business of the Year nominee: Publix

Publix gives food and money to local kitchens and food pantries, as well as supporting other organizations such as local schools and Habitat for Humanity.

Employees have helped refurbish and landscape housing for homeless veterans, and they have made Publix one of only two businesses to have reached United Way of Brevard’s Million Dollar Circle, donating more than $1 million to community programs through our United Way for the past two years.

“I’m representing our 3,500 associates who enjoy being involved and giving back to the community,” said Del Cragin, Publix district manager. “Our employees love what they do.”

Other Business of the Year finalists were Florida Power & Light and the Viera Company.

For almost 50 years, 2-1-1 has operated a 24-hour, telephone-based helpline offering crisis intervention and information and referral services. In the past year, specialists have logged more than 42,000 calls regarding mental health, substance abuse, and basic needs of food, shelter and utilities.

Organization of the Year nominee: 2-1-1 Brevard

And while 2-1-1 Brevard has been helping the community for more than four decades, executive director Libby Donoghue said there are still many people out there who don’t know about the services her organization offers.

Being named Organization of the Year offers 2-1-1 Brevard a great forum.

“People who need help might see this and know they can come to us to get help any time of day,” she said.

2-1-1’s reach was felt recently during and after Hurricane Matthew. Agency call specialists fielded more than 4,000 storm-related calls from people who had encountered damage.

Other Organization of the Year finalists were Bridges and the North Brevard Charities Sharing Center.

FLORIDA TODAY has honored individuals, organizations and businesses for their selfless service to the community since 1992.

Email Leonard at sleonard@floridatoday.com.

You can help

When former FLORIDA TODAY publisher Mike Coleman started the Volunteer Recognition Awards in 1992, he also began the Reaching Out Holiday Fund. Money donated to the fund is used to purchase toys and books for children who might otherwise go without. A few years ago, the program was expanded to include senior citizens. For more information about the Reaching Out Holiday Fund, or to make a donation, visit floridatoday.com/holidayfund.