The highlight of the evening though was during the awards portion of the program when a few local citizens were recognized for their charitable works. The 2023 Paul Henley Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by UW Board President Linsey Kirpatrick, was presented to Janet Choate, Farmers Bank & Trust (FB&T) Senior Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer, Sr. Kirpatrick said of Choate, “She helps in the community in many ways, whether you see her or you don’t. Her service goes far and beyond what we see on a day-to-day basis.” A few of Choate’s accomplishments listed were her work with the Lion’s Club, United Way, and FB&T’s contributions to the community. In a separate interview with SWARK.Today, Choate was asked her thoughts about receiving the award. “I was very surprised," Choate said with a smile. With sincerity and grace, she followed that statement by saying, "It feels good to be recognized, but I see other people who deserve to be recognized, too."
For the 2023 Person of the Year, UW Executive Director Gina Perkins presented two awards: Joan Hardee as Woman of the Year and Brian Lee as Man of the Year. Perkins said of the pair, “As the Director of United Way, I ask a lot of both Joan and Brian. Every time I show up on their doorstep, they say yes. It doesn’t matter what I ask for; they are going to find a way to help the United Way.” In their interview with SWARK.Today when asked how they felt about being honored with this award, Hardee replied wholeheartedly with one word, "Overwhelmed.” She went on further to say she was absolutely surprised with receiving the award, and it meant a great deal to her. “I’ve been involved with United Way for 40 years and this is a real honor,” Hardee said. Lee seconded the feeling with candor. “United Way is near and dear to my heart," he said. "I’ve been on many boards over the years, but this is the only one I’ve remained on because of what it does for the community and Hempstead County. All proceeds stay here. That's why it's special to both Joan and I.”
The 2023 Agency of the Year, presented by Gala Chair, Amanda Lance, was presented to Harvest Regional Food Bank. Lance said, “United Way’s mission is clear: to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. In fulfilling this mission we recognize that one crucial element is addressing the pressing issue of hunger, and Harvest Regional Food Bank has been an unwavering champion of this cause.” Camille Wrinkle, CEO/Executive Director of Harvest Regional, and her team accepted the award, and Wrinkle shard with SWARK.Today her thoughts on receiving the accolade. “It was a complete and wonderful surprise,” she said. “We weren't expecting to be highlighted in that way, and it was a great honor to be recognized in front of the community for the work we do in Hempstead County, in particular our childhood hunger programs.”
Lance was recognized, as well, for her work in chairing the gala. UW Gala Committee Member Jennifer Cunningham presented the award and described Lance's dedication. “Putting on an event of this magnitude is almost like a full-time job," she said. "You notice all the details that went into all the clues [for the mystery], all the beautiful decorations, the wonderful auction items, all raising money for the United Way of Hempstead County.”
Since the golf tournament is taking place today in addition to the ongoing auction, no final numbers are available for the total funds raised. But if achievement was measured by the response of last night’s gala participants, it could be said the Gala Committee knocked it out of the park. Again. Because where else could local citizens get dressed up for a night on the town, solve a murder, raise funds for charity, honor deserving community benefactors, and dance the night away? Only at United Way’s Golf and Gala 2023.
