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2025 Community Hero Awards Gala

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Join us for an inspiring and elegant evening at the Community Hero Awards & Gala Dinner, where we will celebrate the champions making a difference in the lives of families and in their community. Hosted by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank, this signature fundraising event honors individuals, community partners, and organizations that have gone above and beyond to fight poverty in our community.

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The evening will feature:
✨ Recognition of our 2025 Diaper Hero Award Honorees
✨ A five star dinner by Chef  Nikol Zarbalas and Open bar with signature cocktails
✨ Live entertainment, music and guest speakers
✨ A silent auction and exciting raffles
✨ Heartwarming stories from families and partners impacted by our work

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All proceeds from the event will support our year-round efforts to provide diapers, period products, and essential resources to children, seniors, and families in crisis.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a new friend of the Diaper Bank, this is your chance to come together, give back, and be inspired.


Let’s celebrate compassion, community, and the power of giving

Event Schedule

 

5:30 PM – Guest Check-In (Nominees will receive their certificates at check in)

 

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Cocktails & Networking  - Guests are welcomed with light hors d’oeuvres and drinks while mingling with fellow supporters, nominees, and community leaders. 

 

6:45 PM – 7:00 PM – Nominee Recognition

 

All Diaper Hero nominees will be acknowledged and celebrated for their outstanding service and impact.

 

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Special Guest Comedian Performance

 

Enjoy laughter and lighthearted moments with a featured performance by a special guest comedian.

 

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM – Dinner Service & Silent Auction

 

Guests will enjoy a seated dinner by Chef Nikol Zarbalas. The silent auction will remain open during this time with unique prizes and experiences supporting our mission.

 

8:30 PM – 9:30 PM – Award Ceremony

 

Presentation of the Community Hero Awards, including special honors such as the Cherie Mosher Woman of the Year Award and the Brid Lugar Impact Award.

 

9:30 PM – 10:00 PM – Closing Remarks & Final Auction Announcements.

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10:00PM - 11:00PM - After Party! Dance and let loose! 

Sponsors

Table Sponsors 

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 The Mosely Firm 

2025 Community Hero Awards

​Nominations for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank’s Diaper Hero Awards are open to anyone in the community—not just those directly involved with the Diaper Bank. If you know someone who goes above and beyond to support families, promote dignity, or uplift others through service, advocacy, or generosity, we encourage you to nominate them. Let’s shine a spotlight on all the unsung heroes making a difference in South Florida and around the world! 

 

Award Categories 

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1. Diaper Hero of the Year Award 
Honoring an individual who goes above and beyond to support the Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank’s mission. This person actively advocates for diaper need awareness and contributes their time, voice, or resources to help babies, families, and individuals in need.

2. Community Hero of the Year 
Recognizing a dedicated community member who makes a meaningful impact through their selfless acts, kindness, and efforts to improve the lives of others in Broward County.

3. Volunteer of the Year
Celebrating a standout volunteer who consistently shows up, gives their time generously, and plays a key role in helping the community. 

4. Community Partner of the Year
Awarded to a nonprofit organization that receives diapers and essentials from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank and works tirelessly to get them into the hands of families who need them most.

5. Business of the Year
Recognizing a socially responsible business that gives back to the community through donations, volunteerism, or other impactful partnerships.

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6.  Cherie Mosher Women of the Year Award 
This special award honors the legacy of Cherie Mosher — a devoted volunteer, generous donor, trusted mentor, passionate community advocate, loyal friend, and dedicated social worker. It is presented to a woman who embodies Cherie's spirit of service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others and making a lasting impact in the community.  

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7. Bird Luger Award 

 

The Bird Luger Award is presented in honor of the late Kevin Barnett — a brilliant comedian, writer, and friend who used his voice to bring laughter, light, and awareness to serious issues, including poverty and inequality. Kevin believed in using humor to build bridges, lift spirits, and challenge injustice. This award recognizes an individual who, like Kevin, brings joy to others while using their platform, talents, or personality to inspire positive change and uplift their community.

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8. First Responder Award

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The First Responder of the Year Award honors a dedicated individual serving on the front lines—such as a firefighter, police officer, EMT, or paramedic—who goes above and beyond the call of duty to protect, serve, and uplift our community. This award recognizes not only acts of bravery and quick response in times of crisis but also the compassion, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those they serve. The honoree exemplifies courage, integrity, and an unwavering dedication to public safety and community well-being.

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9. Social Services Award 

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This award honors a dedicated professional in social work, mental health, healthcare, or human services who goes beyond their role to meet the social needs of clients. Whether through advocacy, care coordination, or direct support, their compassion and commitment help families access critical resources and thrive.


Deadline to submit: September 21, 2025

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Let’s celebrate those who are changing lives!

Nominees

These individuals and organizations consistently go the extra mile to create meaningful change in our community. Through their service, advocacy, and compassion, they provide vital support to families, uplift those who are underserved, and help make essentials like diapers, hygiene items, and food more accessible. Their commitment, kindness, and leadership embody the heart of what it means to serve others and strengthen the community.

Diaper Hero of the Year Award 

Naomi Richards

Shirley Ramos

Shantai Young MSW

Marketa Knight

Cynthia Tello

Margi Pattin

Broward County Library

Grace Pinzon

Ally Petti 

Volunteer of the Year

Shellion Rickman

Dr.Pastor Latoya Pinnock-Wilson

Riley Troy

Tammy Wisell

Ketty Andre

Lyndon Eichar

Richard Gangi

Chyanne VanWinkle

Logan Howe 

Rita Panchoo

Janee Boyd

Racquel Hernandez 

Vanessa  Perez

Kimberly Sands

Tinisha Robinson

Community Hero of the Year 

Sharon Hughes

Samantha Ramnarine

Peyton Gilmore

Margi Pattin

Nalene Baker

Eduardo Biones

Christopher Eddy

Kimotta Johnson

Vanessa Delgado

Jeanne Lewis Albaugh

Gissy Pena

Monique Dalien

Richard Walzer

Brooke Walzer

Laura Floria

Heather Phillips

Amber-Harris

Nadine Mccrea

Tai Johnson

Omarr C. Nickerson

Ray Rapaglia

Anthony lastella

Rodnika Curtis

Alea Hodge 

Jay Weintraub

Monique Young

Michael Sugarman

Evangeline Clarke

Shekinah Awofadeju Major

Renee Gary 

Patricia McPhoy

Estela Aleman

Adara Adams

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Community Partner of the Year

Miami Diaper Bank

Serving With Grace 

Sirena's Grotto

Miracle Angels Foundation

The Legacy Closet

Hands on South Florida

Beauty Initiative 

L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center

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 Business of the Year

Bob Roth'S New River Groves

Taste of the City

The Iten Agency

Nikki Hanna Group

Palermo, Landisman and Ross Accounting 

Harleen Hutchinson - The Journey Institute

Attunergy (business)

Dr. Gena Chiropractic 

Henderson Behavioral Health 

Care Patrol 

Hellenic

Hotspots

 

Cherie Mosher Women of the Year Award 

Roni Sterin

Dr.Tal Raizer

Christina Sanchez

Kimberly White

Natalie Aresu

Earline Burley

Stacy Lippel

Joni Mosely

Lori Parish 

Dr. Violina Bhattacharyya

Margi Pattin

Lina Benfield 

Amy Pont

Cindy Mason

Ashley Eubanks

Bird Luger Award

Bear Webb

Angelica Zadak

Alexandrea Zadak

Alexis C. Falance

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​First Responder of The Year Award Presented by MDS Survivor Stacey Lippel

Aaron Moore 

Kenneth Ramnarine 

Juan Velez

Greg May

Danielle Meyer

Social Services of the Year Presented by NASW

Shekinah Awofadeju Major

Janee Boyd

Carolina Pineda

Veronica latchman

Atensia Earp-Bowen

Fiorella Bianchi

Melissa Ayala

Tasha Joseph Petit-Frere

© 2025 Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank

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