Volunteers are vital to many organizations on the Suncoast. Their hard work and tireless dedication help make our community a much better place.
That’s why, in 2012, ABC 7 created “7 Who Care,” a public service program that shines a spotlight on these unsung heroes and celebrates their wonderful work. You can nominate an outstanding volunteer right here on MySuncoast.com by our extended deadline, May 7th. Winners will be selected in May and recognized at a luncheon in July. Our 7 Honorees will also be profiled on ABC 7 News and featured on MySuncoast.com. Stay tuned to ABC 7 for details.
To nominate an outstanding volunteer, just fill out this form online. Or CLICK HERE to download the form, fill out the form, and send it to 7WhoCare@MySuncoast.com.
You can also mail nominations to:
ABC 7
7 Who Care Awards
1477 Tenth Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
The deadline for nominations is May 7.
On July 9, 2012, ABC 7 held its first 7 Who Care awards luncheon, recognizing 7 outstanding Suncoast volunteers who work selflessly to make our community a better place. ABC 7 received heart-warming nominations for many worthy volunteers and was proud to announce our first honorees:
Eleanor Ball of Sarasota
Carol Poteat Buchanan of Sarasota
Tom Dignam of Englewood
Caitlyn Lovelace of Englewood
Ruthie Maass of Longboat Key
Lee Martin III of Bradenton
Christine Riceman of North Port
In making the announcement, former Vice President & General Manager Steven Soldinger said, “Our seven honorees embody the spirit of volunteerism and contribute so much to the Suncoast community, each in his or her own extraordinary way. It is our privilege to shine a spotlight on these special individuals and champion their good works.” Soldinger added, “Their collective leadership and exceptional community service are an example and inspiration to us all.”
7 Who Care honorees were profiled on ABC 7 News at 5:00PM July 9-13th and July 16-17th, 2012. In addition, these tributes are posted here in the 7 Who Care section of MySuncoast.com.
ABC 7’s sponsor for year one of 7 Who Care was the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and its initiative, You’d Be Perfect For This.org., a program to match volunteers with appropriate volunteer opportunities. In addition, the United Way of Sarasota, South Sarasota and Manatee Counties have generously lent their resources and expertise on volunteerism to this endeavor.
Of the involvement of these highly respected organizations, Soldinger said, “These organizations have been very important in helping us get our program off the ground this first year, and we are very appreciative of their support.”
ABC 7 thanks everyone who took the time and effort to nominate a volunteer.
We're told that our next honoree is one of the busiest “retired" people that you will ever meet. Carol Poteat Buchanan has spent much of her l…
For many, retirement is a period of life to focus on one's self. For the next ABC 7 Who Care honoree Lee Martin, he committed his retirement t…
You can't walk too far through Englewood before meeting someone who knows Tom Dignam and appreciates his far reaching impact on the community.
Changing the world is a big idea for a 12-year-old girl with a big heart. That's exactly what our next 7 Who Care honoree, Caitlyn Lovelace, h…
There are few things more gratifying as hearing a child read, and thanks to the efforts of Ruthie Maass and her army of volunteers every kinde…
SARASOTA - Eleanor Ball grew up in Sarasota, graduated from Riverview High School, then returned after college to work more than three decades…
ABC 7 would like to introduce you to our first 7 Who Care honoree, Chris Riceman.