2025 Community Hero Awards Gala

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