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
Sold Out
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. Live music by Guitarist Eddy Balzola. Complementary Shoe shine by Buffettes Shoe Shine.
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 – Comedian Performance by Chelsea Moxon, Dao Nguyen and Big Pedro.
Enjoy laughter and lighthearted moments with a featured performance by three special guest comedians!
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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Sponsors




Table Sponsors
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The Mosely Firm
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BNI - Producers
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Buffettes Shoe Shine
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Women in Distress
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Palermo, Landsman & Ross, PA
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Care Resource
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The Legacy Closet
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Heroes Hub
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Sunflower Supporters
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Mosher - Paduano - Trachtenberg Family
Chef Nikol Zarbalas

Menu
Appetizers (Served during Cocktail hour)
Mini chicken kabobs
Feta-stuffed phyllo parcels
Main Course
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Garden salad with house vinaigrette
Hummus with fresh veggies and pita
Charbroiled chicken breast with lemon herb caper sauce
Rice Pilaf & fresh Spinach.
Dessert
Vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream ganache and fresh berries
Entertainment
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​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 12, 2025
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Let’s celebrate those who are changing lives!
2025 Community Hero Awards


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
Dr. Harleen Hutchinson
Alima Harley
The Diaper Bank, Covering South Florida
Carmen Guanipa
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
Jeremy Schilling
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
Ellie Schrot
Anthony lastella
Rodnika Curtis
Alea Hodge
Jay Weintraub
Monique Young
Michael Sugarman
Evangeline Clarke
Shekinah Awofadeju Major
Renee Gary
Patricia McPhoy
Salome Lofty
Estela Aleman
Adara Adams
Angine Moss
Dr. Fabiola Constant
Nereida Castillo
ARC Broward
A Voice for the Voiceless
​Dr. Joanette Brookes-George
Steven Stepniewski
Jessica Abou
Alexandra Davis
Michael Ross
Circle of Brotherhood
Craigs Pantry
Melissa P. Dunn
Judy Paul
Sandra Lozano Barry
Denyse Baboolal
​Simone Morris
Germaine Smith-Baugh
Pete Kennedy
Ale Arnold
Make a wish South fL
South Fl Shomrim
Good Karma Pet Rescue
A place in time Ministries
Broward County Humane Society
Childrens Harbor
SunServe
Fort Lauderdale Womens Club
Aaron Silvers
Nancy Prokop
Shannon Dipalmo
Dr. Yog Nepal​
Arkene Levy Johnston
Sweet Dream Makers
Morning day community solutions
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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
The Beauty Initiative
L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center
Catholic Charities
ICNA Relief
David Posnack Jewish Community Center
American Heart Association
Ann Stork Center
WestCare The Village South
Care Resource
SHINE- ADRC Broward
The Urban League of Broward County
Early Learning Cohilition
Community Action Agency
Children's Service Council
Flite Center
The Hands and Feet
Women In Distress
Pantry of Broward
LifeNet4Families
Career Source
Expecting Relief
Kids In Distress
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies
Goodman Jewish Family Services
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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, Landsman & Ross, PA
Dr. Harleen Hutchinson - The Journey Institute
Attunergy (business)
Dr. Gena Chiropractic
Kunes Plumbing
CarePatrol of Broward & Miami-Dade
Blooming Pages
Young At Art
Dirty Dog's Car wash
Hellenic
Hotspots Happening Out
Safespace
Coast to Coast Legal Aid
South Florida Caribbean Conference
Lottenberg Law
Walker Chiropractic and Wellness Center
Karma Seven Day Spa
Fabiola Constant - Lous Foundation
First Citizens Bank
Schilling and Silvers, PLLC - The Bald Injury Lawyers
Car Accident Referral Services C.A.R.S.
Cherie Mosher Women of the Year Award
Roni Sterin
Dr.Tal Raizer
Christina Sanchez
Kimberly White
Natalie Aresu
Earline Burley
Stacey Lippel
Joni Mosely
Lori Parish
Dr. Violina Bhattacharyya
Margi Pattin
Lina Benfield
Amy Pont
Cindy Mason
Dr. Gabriella Dauer
Ashley Eubanks
Patty Accorto
Tracy Milgram
Monica Arroyo
Karina Cristancho
Monique Smith
Ieesha Crawford
Jamara Brooks-Parmer
Somy Ali​​
Ifat Kent
Susan Penrod
Tiffani Dhooge
Marie Lim
DonnaLee Minott
Bird Luger Award
Bear Webb
Angelica Zadak
Alexandrea Zadak
Alexis C. Falance
Zach Bartholomew
Mark Leitz
Adrian Crutchfield
Cindy Ann Boisson
Brandon Stephenson
Brandon Robertson
​Chelsea Moxon
​First Responder of The Year Award Presented by MDS Survivor Stacey Lippel
Deputy Aaron S. Moore
Kenneth Ramnarine
Juan Velez
Greg May
Danielle Meyer
Alix Jean-Baptiste
Xavier Robinson
Sheriff Gregory Tony
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Social Services of the Year Presented by NASW
Shekinah Awofadeju Major
Janee Boyd
Veronica Latchman, LCSW
Carolina Pineda
Atensia Earp-Bowen
Fiorella Bianchi
Melissa Ayala
Tasha Joseph Petit-Frere
Jeffrey Joseph
Guiseline Jean-Baptiste
Angine Moss
Anne Meoli
Jacob Torner
Community Based Connections
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