March 6, 2011 – Brevard Family Partnership CEO, Dr. Patricia Nellius, received the “Children’s Hero” award, one of three presented to community leaders by Eckerd Youth Alternatives at the organization’s “Brevard Walk of Fame” gala on March 5. Dr. Nellius was recognized for her talent in transitioning Brevard County’s child welfare system of care which has helped to dramatically improve the safety of at-risk children. The sold-out, “red carpet” themed event celebrated the dedication and commitment of twenty-six community honorees while helping to raise over $40,000.
The Children’s Hero award recipients, in three categories, included: (talent) Dr. Patricia Nellius, CEO, Brevard Family Partnership; (time) Pam Rogan, founder of Harmony Farms – Horses for the Handicapped; and (treasure) Bryan and Judy Roub, for their charitable giving. Each of the recipients was chosen by a panel of community and business leaders from among several nominees.
The Brevard Walk of Fame honorees, who were introduced via video montage and appeared on stage in apparel provided by Isabella’s and The Men’s Wearhouse, included: Kimberly Agee, owner, Agee Consulting; Florida State Senator, Thad Altman (R-Melbourne); Brian Binggeli, superintendent, Brevard County Schools; Geoff Bodine, NASCAR champion; District 4 Brevard County Commissioner, Mary Bolin; Ginger Burton, women’s health nurse practitioner, MIMA; Florida State Representative, Steve Crisafulli (R-Merritt Island); Rev. Glenn Dames, president, NAACP North Brevard chapter and Pastor of St. James AME Church; Dr. James Drake, president, Brevard Community College; Tracy Duda-Chapman, CEO, The Viera Company; John Genoni, chairman of the Board of Directors, Florida Business Bank; Christine Lance, philanthropist and community volunteer; Ann Luke, area president, Wachovia Bank; Christine Michaels, president/CEO, Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida; Mark Mikolajczyk, president and publisher, FLORIDA TODAY; Lisa Moldovan, radio personality, WAOA 107.1 FM, Melbourne; Dr. Patricia Nellius, CEO, Brevard Family Partnership; District 2 Brevard County Commissioner, Chuck Nelson; Greg Pallone, news anchor and reporter, Central Florida News 13 TV; Rob Rains, president, United Way of Brevard; Martha Sugalski, news anchor, WESH TV 2, Orlando; Al Taylor, president, Space Coast Association of REALTORS®; Timmy Vee, radio personality, WAOA 107.1 FM, Melbourne; Melissa Witek, Miss Florida 2005; Keith Winsten, executive director, Brevard Zoo; and Florida State Representative, Ritch Workman (R-Melbourne).
Primary Event sponsors included Florida Business Bank; Tom & Stacy Biddix; Carrabba’s of Merritt Island; FLORIDA TODAY; Holiday Inn Melbourne-Viera Conference Center; WAOA 107.1 FM; Crisafulli Enterprise; Fight Like A Girl in memory of Linda Sue Rudy; Jim and Jonnie Swann; and W&J Construction Corp.
Additional sponsors included Brevard Family Partnership; Bryan and Judy Roub; Christopher Burton Homes; Florida Bank of Commerce; Jeffrey Thompson, P.A.; Southeastern Honda; The Viera Company; and Wells Fargo. Classic Wood Flooring/Abbey Carpet and Tile Center provided over one hundred feet of red carpet for the event.
For a complete list and biographies of Children’s Heroes award recipients and nominees, as well as Brevard Walk of Fame honorees and event sponsors, visit www.BrevardWalkofFame.com.
