STUART, FL — On Friday, October 31, more than 150 business, civic, and community leaders gathered at Willoughby Golf Club to kick off United Way of Martin County’s campaign season and celebrate the spirit of generosity that fuels lasting change across our region.
Kherri Anderson, Chief Deputy for the Martin County Supervisor of Elections and former United Way board member, served as event emcee, bringing energy and inspiration to every moment of the celebration.
The annual Community Leaders’ Celebration is more than a luncheon – it’s a heartfelt tribute to the people and organizations who make Martin County stronger, kinder, and more united. From powerhouse workplaces to philanthropic communities, the event spotlighted those who lead by example and inspire others to give back.
During the luncheon, United Way announced Martin County’s Top 10 Most Generous Workplaces and Communities that make our community investment possible:
Top 10 Most Generous Workplaces
- Publix
- Seacoast Bank
- Florida Power & Light
- Martin County Board of County Commissioners
- Cleveland Clinic
- Pratt & Whitney
- Raymond James
- City of Stuart
- Wilmington Trust
- Martin County Property Appraiser
Top 10 Most Generous Communities
- Sailfish Point
- Harbour Ridge
- Willoughby
- Sewall’s Point
- Piper’s Landing
- Mariner Sands
- Jupiter Hills
- Loblolly
- Sandhill Cove
- Jupiter Island
Since United Way’s inception of honoring its Top 10 Most Generous Workplaces and Communities, Publix Supermarkets and Sailfish Point continue to reign as the most generous in Martin County.
Last October, we saw the devastating effects of Hurricane Milton and the accompanying tornados. Over the past year, several organizations stepped up to help our community recover and rebuild—but there were a handful of partners that went above and beyond. Their extraordinary efforts during times of crisis were honored through this year’s Special Recognition Awards, which spotlight individuals and organizations whose leadership, compassion, and collaboration made a lasting impact:
- The Game Changer Award was presented to Jenn Salas and Mo Curley with the Martin County Board of County Commissioners for doing something “out of the box” to improve their campaign.
- The Collaborator of the Year Award was presented to The Community Foundation Martin–St. Lucie for partnering strategically with United Way on specific, critical initiatives.
- The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Andy and Judy Barbrick who you can always count on to lend a helping hand.
- The Live United Award was presented to Habitat for Humanity, House of Hope, and The Salvation Army for being exceptional community partners year-round, but this year especially through disaster relief efforts.
- The Corporate Partner Award was presented to Seacoast Bank for their continued support and significant behind-the-scenes impact on our community.
“This event reminds us that generosity isn’t just about dollars – it’s about leadership, collaboration, and heart,” said Carol G. Houwaart-Diez, United Way President & CEO. “Every honoree plays a vital role in building a brighter future for Martin County.”
Guests enjoyed an afternoon of connection, inspiration, and gratitude, surrounded by the scenic beauty of Willoughby Golf Club. The celebration also marked the official launch of United Way’s 2025-2026 campaign season, rallying support for programs that improve education, financial stability, and health for all.
Special thanks to Champion-level sponsors: Publix, Florida Power & Light, Betsy Herold, and Seacoast Bank, and our Supporter-level sponsors including Pratt & Whitney, C&W Technologies, HBK/HBKS, Sandhill Cove, SouthState, and STS Aviation Group for making this event and our work possible.
United Way of Martin County invests about $2 million each year in local programs that help families gain financial stability, support student success, and provide vital transportation for seniors and veterans. The organization’s goal remains clear: to increase self-sufficiency for every person in Martin County through programs that promote health, education, and financial security.