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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

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

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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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© 2025 Fort Lauderdale Diaper Bank

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