The Council on Aging of Martin County showcased the incredible contributions of seven remarkable seniors at its annual Sage Awards celebration held March 22 at Piper’s Landing Yacht and Country Club in Palm City.
The Sage Awards were created to honor standout Treasure Coast seniors who offer their experience, skills and compassionate hearts to their communities, and who display a positive image of aging to younger generations. Honorees were awarded in seven categories.
The late Alice Luckhardt was honored in the Education category. A highly regarded chronicler of local history, her legacy and voice will live on in her immense body of work and the many lives she touched through her outreach. Her husband, Greg Luckhardt, accepted the award on her behalf.
Dr. Douglas Jewett, founder and CEO of Treasure Coast Community Singers, was recognized in the Arts and Culture category. Through his talent and dedication to his craft, Dr. Jewett helps aspiring singers find their voices and spread joy to others through the power of song.
Alfred Miller Jr. was honored with the award for Community Service. Miller is a multi-generational, lifelong resident of Hobe Sound and a devoted volunteer and champion of the historic Banner Lake community.
Dr. Francis Kleeman was awarded in the Health Science and Medicine category. Dr. Kleeman has worked as a volunteer physician for Volunteers in Medicine Clinic for 14 years and is recognized for his expertise, humor and humanitarian spirit.
Lieutenant General Frank Libutti, USMC (Ret.) received the Military and Veterans Support award. Libutti is a highly decorated 35-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who now serves as the volunteer CEO and board chairman of Horses & Heroes of Southeast Florida, a nonprofit that provides healing support to veterans and first responders through equine therapy.
The Charlie Kane Award recognizes an honoree who exemplifies the spirit of the outstanding senior advocate, Charles W. Kane. This year, the Albert M. Covelli Foundation received the honor for its decades of transformational philanthropy to local nonprofit organizations. Josephine “Jo” Covelli carries on the philanthropic legacy the couple had built together, but she was unable to attend the awards ceremony. In recognition of Jo’s particular passion for supporting children’s charities, Tracy Savoia with Hibiscus Children’s Center accepted the award on her behalf.
Another mainstay of the philanthropic community, Judie Price, was honored with the Chairman’s Award. Over four decades, the Price family has supported nonprofits dedicated to helping stabilize disadvantaged individuals and families. The Council’s board chair, Nicki Schoonover, explained how Price lives as a role model for those around her. “Her responsiveness to others, her determined and graceful demeanor, her resilience supported by her strong faith, and of course, her classy style.”
The Sage Awards was made possible by Presenting Sponsor Dr. Reza Khatib, Honorary Chair Ann Day, The Community Foundation Martin | St. Lucie, Nearing & Dallas Wealth Management at RBC Wealth Management, Richard A. Zappala Family Foundation, HBK CPAs & Consultants, Kathy DeMont, Sailfish Wealth Management Group/Michael Dadko, Stifel, Brain Matters Research, Freedom Support Solutions, LLC, Nancy Goethel, CFP, CIMA, CRPC, Mr. Jim Mondello and Jayne St. Marie, N. Schoonover & Associates, Inc., Sandhill Cove Retirement Living, Seacoast National Bank, The Saelzer/Atlas Wealth Management Team of Raymond James, Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank, Feiertag Financial Group of Stuart, South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, and HBKS Wealth Advisors.
The Sage Awards is the signature fundraiser for the Council on Aging of Martin County at the Kane Center, a 501(c)(3) organization and the longest-standing nonprofit agency in the county solely dedicated to serving the needs of seniors.
Proceeds from the Sage Awards benefit the Council’s many programs including Meals on Wheels, the Adult Day Club, case management and caregiver counseling. Learn more at www.kanecenter.org.