The United Way of Martin County Foundation recently held the Frances Langford Humanitarian Award Reception to honor the visionaries of our community who have received the Frances Langford Award over the years for their continuous philanthropic endeavors in support of United Way of Martin County and the nonprofit community. The reception was held on Wednesday, March 8, at Harbor Ridge Yacht and Country Club.
During the reception, the United Way Foundation also announced that it had made significant progress towards its goal of building the organization's endowment fund to $13 million. Once this goal is reached, the interest earned on the invested principal will generate an additional $500,000 annually that United Way can infuse back into our community every year.
"I've been part of United Way of Martin County for more than 25 years, and I've come to understand that this United Way is a blessing to our community," said Bob Weissman, a previous recipient of the Frances Langford Humanitarian Award. "Unfortunately, the increasing needs of our community outpace the funds that are raised through the annual campaign. With that in mind, the Foundation was established to form an endowment that would compensate for any shortfalls in funding in perpetuity."
The Frances Langford Humanitarian Award was named in honor of the famed singer and actress and long-time resident of Martin County. She trusted the United Way of Martin County to not only make a difference in people’s lives but also to make our community stronger and lead the charge by serving as the very first chair of United Way of Martin County’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society. Her passion and commitment to this community helped position this organization and its mission to be the agent of change it is today.
The United Way of Martin County Foundation has honored her memory and legendary generosity with the Frances Langford Humanitarian Award, which has recognized community leaders who, like Frances, demonstrate care and compassion for humanity in their lives and in their deeds.
Previous humanitarian award recipients include:
2011 – Robert & Carol Weissman
2013 – Barbara Briggs Trimble
2014 – Prestley & Helen Blake
2015 – Douglass & Patricia Stewart
2016 – John & Susan Sullivan
2017 – H. William Lichtenberger
2018 – Bob & Jan Crandall & Bill & Audrey Crandall
2019 – Joe & Margaret Richebourg Temple
2020 - John & Linda Loewenberg
2021 – Fred & Betty Kopf
2022 – Bob & Karen Croce
The Frances Langford Humanitarian Award sculpture is a signature piece by Geoffrey C. Smith created especially for the United Way of Martin County Foundation.
Top reception sponsors included Bob Crandall, Bill and Audrey Crandall, Elizabeth Herold, Bob Weissman, and the Saelzer/Atlas Group of Raymond James and Associations.
The Frances Langford Humanitarian Award reception is the signature event of the United Way of Martin County Foundation. The Foundation is an independent public charity uniquely positioned to accept legacy gifts and build an endowment fund to meet the current and future unmet needs of Martin County.
United Way of Martin County's mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Since 1972, the United Way has been working to create long-term social change and provide support to Martin County residents by investing in programs that strive to enhance healthy living, improve education, and support financial stability.
For more information about United Way of Martin County Foundation, visit www.UnitedWayMartin.org/Foundation or call 772-283-4800, ext. 2212.