7 Who Care awards luncheon, July 9th, 2012

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.