The Hilton was the scene for the recent “Road to Wine Country” Inspire Gala hosted by the Community Foundation Ocala/Marion County. Nearly 300 attendees celebrated individual and corporate philanthropists and nonprofit groups. The event was emceed by Community Foundation President and Executive Director Lauren Deiorio and Ashley Wheeler-Gerds who is the strategic and community engagement director for the Community Foundation.
“Had you told me that it would be such a blowout night with 300 people and a waiting list I wouldn’t have believed you,” said Frank Hennessey, founder and chairperson of the Community Foundation.
The Inspire Gala awards were numerous, and the awardees are too many to list here. The prestigious Golden Circle award was given to Robert Reilly. The Golden Circle award goes to individuals who have donated at least a million dollars to the Community Foundation. Robert Reilly is best known for the Reilly Arts Center in Tuscawilla Park. Another noteworthy award was the Unsung Hero award, which was presented to Ocala’s Chief of Police Michael Balken. Local business person Frank DeLuca gave the Nonprofit of the Year award to the Marion Senior Services organization. Marion Senior Services is committed to seeing that seniors age with dignity in Ocala/Marion County.
The Inspire Gala was created to celebrate and honor unique individuals in our community who are making a positive impact in the nonprofit sector. The Inspire Gala was an opportunity for donors, nonprofits and community leaders to come together and recognize philanthropic work. The nomination process was created to prevent bias and for peers to confidentially nominate those individuals who have a passion for philanthropy. At the end of the evening, the work of Frank Hennessey was emotionally recognized.
You can follow the work of the Community Foundation on Facebook or at ocalafoundation.org.
Check out all the photos from the event in the May issue of 352 Preview Magazine at https://issuu.com/352preview/docs/352_may23/14.
Check out more local entertainment like this at 352preview.com.
