Those Who Work for the Cause, not for Applause, Honored at House of Hope’s 2022 Hope Awards

House of Hope supporters truly “work for the cause, not for applause,” and they never expect any recognition for their efforts. Once a year, however, House of Hope honors the people, businesses, partner agencies, faith-based organizations and neighborhoods that perform extraordinary work hand-in-hand with House of Hope to empower Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship.

This year’s annual Hope Awards Recognition Breakfast was held on September 14 at Monarch Country Club in Palm City, with HBKS Wealth Advisors as the Presenting Sponsor and Stuart Main Street as the Silver Sponsor.

“Our award recipients this year – and every year – have a significant, positive impact on our community. They contribute their passion, expertise, creativity and resources to help us carry out our mission,” said Rob Ranieri, CEO of House of Hope.

A special moment in the ceremony was the awarding of the Barbara Trimble Legacy Award, named after a long-standing philanthropist of House of Hope and other community nonprofits. For his contributions of time, talent, and treasure to House of Hope over many years of service, the Barbara Trimble Legacy Award was presented to Stephen Schramm, of HBKS in Stuart.

Another heartwarming recognition was in honor of Walt Keller. At 96 years young, Walt was celebrating his nine-year anniversary as a House of Hope volunteer, donating 4,000 hours of his time working in the Stuart Pantry and Thrift Store. Beyond his volunteer time, Walt is especially beloved by House of Hope for bringing delicious, homemade baked goods for staff and volunteers to enjoy - even through COVID and for his heartfelt handmade cards for special occasions.

The Hope Award recipients for 2022 are:

• Walt Keller
• Dr. Erin and Bryan Arruda
• Cleveland Clinic Martin Health
• Colab Farms
• Copper Key Scholarship Promise – recognizing the team efforts of Nina Haven Scholarships, The Community Foundation Martin St Lucie, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County
• David Hafner
• EKO North America
• Treasure Coast Wings
• John Van Cora
• Katie Makemson
• Keith Cutshall
• Kelly Hawkins of Less is More! Treasure Coast
• Monarch Women’s Golf Association & Monarch Women’s 9 Hole Golf Association
• Premier Realty Group
• Sally Brooks
• Shoes from Susan through The Community Foundation Martin St Lucie
• St. Joseph Catholic Church
• UNEW, Inc.
• Stephen Schramm – Barbara Trimble Legacy Award

“These award winners have given hope to every client who has benefited from House of Hope programs. From our food and nutrition services to financial assistance, clothes closet, case management, and information and referral, House of Hope keeps our neighbors safe, housed, healthy and secure,” added Ranieri. “We were also very pleased that over 100 guests who were in attendance at this year’s event left with a deeper understanding of the scope and scale of what we do every day at House of Hope.”