Mr. and Mrs. Christopher and Lauren Schellman
This Schellman’s are being recognized for their family’s nearly 10-year commitment to Catholic Charities. Chris and Lauren Schellman’s financial gifts cover the rent for our Knights Women’s Center and the couple regularly sponsors our Foundations of Life Gala fundraiser. Recently, the Schellman’s expanded their giving to another Catholic Charities program when they donated a $30,000 Hope Cottage at Pinellas Hope. In addition to their business ventures, Chris serves as Board President of the Diocese’s Catholic Foundation and Lauren exercises her philanthropic nature through numerous activities supporting the Tampa Bay area community. They and their children are parishioners of Christ the King Catholic Church in Tampa. Thank You, Chris and Lauren Schellman. We are pleased to recognize your support with our 2020 Angel Award.
The Francis and Gertrude Levett Foundation
For more than 20 years, the Francis and Gertrude Levett Foundation has partnered with programs addressing education, mental health research and other critical needs in our community. This year, the Foundation’s generous $30,000 donation to Pinellas Hope allowed us to create a safe environment during COVID-19. We purchased personal protective equipment and laptops for safer interaction. We also secured a new trailer that provided desperately needed space for social distancing, and equipment for improved sanitation. In appreciation for all they have done for us and so many others, we are pleased to recognize the Francis and Gertrude Levett Foundation as one of our Angel Award winners for 2020.
Sophia Renee
Catholic Charities is grateful for all our volunteers, but this year we are pleased to recognize a woman who has dedicated years assisting staff and clients right here at Pinellas Hope. With an upbeat nature that lifts everyone’s spirits, Sophia Rene greets our clients through the Welcome Center, providing personal care items and just generally making them feel comfortable. When she is not volunteering in person, Sophia is hard at work inspiring others to join our efforts. Her mother–in–law installed a flagpole in honor of our Veterans, and her church, Church of the Isles, regularly donates meals and assists our organization through fundraising initiatives. We thank, Sofia, for everything she has done for Pinellas Hope and Catholic Charities.
Previous Winners
2019
Mr. Albert Docobo (American Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc. – President & CEO)
The Spurlino Foundation (Mr. & Mrs. Cy and Joanne Spurlino)
Mrs. Kim Davis
2018
Allegany Franciscan Ministries (Eileen Coogan – President & CEO)
Callee Condon (Callee’s Bikes for Buddies)
Mrs. Patricia Safuto (Foundations of Life – Hernando volunteer)
2017
No awards
2016
Knights of Columbus St. Raphael Council #10157 (Grand Knight Jerry Sirgey, Knight Kevin Greeno, Rev. Kevin Mackin, OSF)
Pinellas County Human Services Department (John Bennett – Administrator; Lourdes Benedict – Director of Human Services)
Elizabeth Fendrick, Maureen Brickely and Lorraine Franza (Mercy House volunteers)
2015
Clarity Financial Services, Inc. (Tim Ranney – CEO; Karla Leavelle – COO)
Eugene Williams (CEO, Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County)
2014
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (Parishioners – Kathy & Richard Dunn)
St. Anthony’s Hospital (William Ulbricht – President/CEO; Sr. Mary McNally – V.P. of Mission Integration; Michelle Schulz – Coordinator of Mission & Ethics Education)
United Way of Pasco County (Duggan Cooley – CEO)
2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church – St. Pete (Rev. Anthony Coppola – Pastor)
Mr. & Mrs. Jim and Bonnie Parr
Mrs. Jeanne Lewis (Parishioner – St. Stephen Catholic Church)
2012
St. Jerome Catholic Church
Mr. Adam Miller
Pinellas Village Board of Directors (Robert Hagar and Barry Scarr)
Mrs. Lynne Hensley (Parishioner – St. Raphael Catholic Church)
2011
St. Patrick Catholic Church (Rev. Paul Pecchie – Pastor)
Mr. Greg Nichols (Owner, G.A. Nichols Construction Co.)
Knights of Columbus All Saints Council #6954 (Homosassa, FL)
St. Benedict Corporation
2010
Hernando Advisory Board
Mr. Frank Dillon (Parishioner – Holy Family Catholic Church)
San Jose Homemakers (St. Stephen Catholic Church)
2009
Reverend Robert J. Schneider (Pastor – Espiritu Santo Catholic Church)
Mr. & Mrs. Gene and Lisa Overmyer
Mr. Kurt Salac
2008
Clearwater Central Catholic High School (Dr. John A. Venturella – Pres.; Mr. James W. Deputy – Principal)
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis & Linda O’Hanlan (Owner, Sun Construction Group)
Mr. Kenneth T. Welch (Pinellas County Commissioner, District 7)
2007
City of St. Petersburg (Mayor Richard M. Baker)
Mr. Vincent Naimoli (Founder & Former Owner, Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Mr. Frank Rowan
2006
Cort Furniture Rental
Rooms to Go, Inc.
St. Peter Foundation (Mr. Frank Maggio – President)