The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County’s Inspire Gala will return in March to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who have made a significant impact in the local community.
The second annual Inspire Gala will be held on Friday, March 1 at the Hilton Churchhill Ballroom located at 3600 SW 36th Avenue in Ocala. Cocktails will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m., and the main program will kick off promptly at 7 p.m.
“Whether it’s through tireless volunteer work, innovative projects, or inspiring leadership, we want to recognize those who make Ocala/Marion a better place for us all,” stated the Community Foundation in a media release.
During the Inspire Gala, the Community Foundation will recognize members of the local community with awards in each of the following categories:
- Nonprofit of the Year.
- Emerging Nonprofit of the Year.
- Unsung Hero of the Year.
- Board Member of the Year.
- Corporate Partner of the Year.
- Philanthropist of the Year – This award is open to individuals, partners, or families who have made significant contributions to philanthropy.
- Youth Philanthropist of The Year – This award can be conferred upon either an individual or a group of youth who have demonstrated exceptional philanthropic efforts.
- Frank Martin Hennessey Award – This award is not available for nomination and will be chosen by Frank Hennessey.
The Community Foundation encourages members of the community to submit nominations for the above awards via email (to: ashley@ocalafoundation.org). Nominations can also be dropped off in a sealed envelope at The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County located at 324 SE 24th Street in Ocala.
All nominations must be received by no later than Thursday, February 1.
“We encourage you to participate in recognizing those individuals or groups whose philanthropic endeavors have left a lasting impact on our community,” stated the Community Foundation. “Your nominations play a crucial role in highlighting the extraordinary contributions that often go unnoticed.”
According to the Community Foundation, the individual submitting the nomination will remain anonymous to the nominee. The nonprofit organization added that all nominees “can rest assured that the identity of those who put them forward will never be released publicly.”
On Friday, February 2, all nominees will be notified, and they will have the opportunity to either accept or decline the nomination.
The nominations will then be sent to another Community Foundation outside of Marion County for voting. The names of the nominees will be redacted, with a number being assigned to ensure that voting is based on their merit and contributions to the community through their dedication, time, and resources to create a better Marion County, according to the Community Foundation.
Once all the nominations have been tallied, the top three nominees for each category will be notified, and they will be given the opportunity to attend the upcoming Inspire Gala with a guest.
For more information, contact Ashley Gerds via phone (352-622-5020) or email (ashley@ocalafoundation.org); or visit the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County’s website.