Legacy Awards
The Community Foundation, in partnership with the North Central Florida Estate Planning Council, established the Legacy Awards to recognize the crucial interaction between donor, professional advisor, charity, and local corporations necessary in creating an effective and meaningful charitable gift.
2025 Honorees
Donor Award Honoree: Rod and DeeDee Smith
Community Champion Honoree: The Children’s Table and Mrs. Bill and Mrs. Verna Brown
Nonprofit Legacy Award Honoree: Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida
PREVIOUS RECOGNITION AWARD RECIPIENTS
* In 2023, the Community Foundation hosted our 25th Anniversary celebration in lieu of the Legacy Awards. View our 25th Anniversary Video Here.
DONOR AWARD
- Dr. Bernie and Chris Machen (2024)
- Dr. Paul and Ruthie Dell, Hands to Love (2022)
- Ken and Linda McGurn (2021)
- Ron and Dianne Farb (The Climb for Cancer Foundation) (2020)
- Dr. Howard and Laurel Freeman and Carolyne Freeman (STOP! Children’s Cancer) (2019)
- Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Susan Spain (2018)
- Perry C. McGriff, Jr. (2017)
- Mr. & Mrs. Phil and Barbara Emmer (2016)
- Dr. & Mrs. E.T. and Vam York (2015)
- Dr. & Mrs. David and Mary Ann Cofrin (2014)
- Dr. & Mrs Robert and Mary Cade (2013)
- Mrs. Nancy Perry and the late Chuck Perry (2012)
- Mr. & Mrs. Davis and Judi Rembert (2011)
NONPROFIT AWARD
- Caring and Sharing Learning School (2024)
- Peaceful Paths (2022)
- Alachua Conservation Trust (2021)
- Junior League of Gainesville (2020)
- Humane Society of North Central Florida (2018)
- Gainesville Fisher House Foundation (2016)
- Sebastian Ferrero Foundation (2015)
- LifeSouth Community Blood Centers (2014)
- Meridian Behavioral Healthcare (2013)
- Girl Scouts of Gateway Council (2012)
- Haven Hospice (2011)
PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR AWARD
- Mary Walsh (2024)
- Lindy Crews (2024)
- Donna Brown (2022)
- Joe Lowry Jr. (2021)
- Jeffrey Hogue (2020)
- WJ Rossi (2019)
- Kirk Ruth (2018)
- Emily Humphreys-Beher (2017)
- Ellen R. Gershow (2016)
- Bill Olinger (2015)
- Richard White, White & Crouch, P.A (2014)
- Vicki Santello, Merrill Lynch (2013)
- Jack Bovay (2012)
- Joe Richardson, CPA (2011)
NONPROFIT PROFESSIONAL AWARD
CORPORATE AWARD
COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD
YOUNG PHILANTHROPIST
AWARD
- Sayers Grooms (Watch Me Run) (2019)