10th Annual Sage Awards Dinner Ceremony

March 25^th 2026

Piper’s Landing Yacht and Country Club

5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Recognizing the many contributions of seniors on the Treasure Coast, who continue to lead purposeful lives in the later years, by offering their experiences, professional skills and compassionate hearts to benefit others

Piper’s Landing Yacht and Country Club

6160 SW Thistle Terrace, Palm City, FL 34990

The Sage Awards is a dinner and award ceremony recognizing individuals who embody the best of our senior years. This fundraising event for the Council on Aging honors those aged 60 or better who continue to lead purposeful lives, well into their senior years by offering their experiences, professional skills and compassionate hearts to benefit others.

Proceeds from the Sage Awards support comprehensive support and programs for seniors provided by the Council on Aging of Martin County. These safety-net services include Meals on Wheels, adult day health care, comprehensive case management, crisis support, caregiver counseling and education, memory enhancement, and more.

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2026 Sage Award Honorees

A SPECIAL LOTUS SOCIETY RECOGNITION FOR

William and Helen Thomas Charitable Trust
United Way of Martin County

PRESENTING PARTNER SPONSOR - Dr. Reza Khatib
DINNER SPONSOR- Richard A. Zappala Family Foundation
HONOREE SPONSORS - The Community Foundation Martin - St Lucie; Nearing & Dallas Wealth Management at RBC Wealth Management; Edward J. Yen, CIMA?, CPWA? Senior Vice President/Investments, Stifel/Palm Beach Wealth Advisory Group

WISDOM AND WORTH SPONSORS - Dadko Wealth Management of Janney Montgomery Scott LLC; Nancy Goethel, CFP?, CIMA?, CRPC?- Vice President of Investments at Raymond James; Ross Earle Bonan Ensor & Carrigan, P.A; Sandhill Cove Retirement Living; The Saelzer/Atlas Wealth Management Team of Raymond James
SAGE SPONSORS - HBK CPAs & Consultants; South Florida Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine; Water’s Edge Health Care. Rehabilitation. Assisted Living at Sandhill Cove
SUPPORTERS OF SAGE SPONSOR-Berger, Toombs, Elam, Gaines & Frank

Now Accepting Unsung Hero Nominations!

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Sage Awards, the Council on Aging Martin County is introducing a new and meaningful honor this year: the Unsung Hero Award!

The NEW Unsung Hero category shines a light on seniors aged 60 or better whose contributions often happen behind the scenes. These are individuals who volunteer faithfully, mentor generously, and uplift others through consistent acts of kindness, leadership, and service, often without public acknowledgment.

If you know a senior whose quiet dedication would be deeply missed if they stepped away, now is the time to nominate them!

2026 Honorees

Chairman’s Award

Suzy Hutcheson

Charlie Kane Award

Jim Snedeker

Health Science and Medicine

Sandi Cox

Arts & Culture

Neil E. Capozzi

Education

Marian C. Carpenter

Military & Veterans Support

Robert Shurtz, Honored Posthumously

Faith-Based

Noreen Perez

Community Service

Bernice T. Simpson

2025 Honorees

2024 Honorees

2023 Honorees

Honorary Chair 2023

Alfred Miller 2023

Ann Day

Charlie Kane Award

Joseph Catrambone

The Albert M. Covelli Foundation was established in 1983 by Albert “Al” and his beloved wife Josephine, so they and future generations of their family could continue to help their community on a personal level. The foundation is a true labor of love and supports numerous charities in both Ohio and Florida. That support translates to positively impacting the lives of thousands of people. “My beloved husband Al worked hard to provide our family with blessings,” says Josephine, “so it is important that I continue his legacy by blessing others, especially children.”

Chairman's Award

Jerry Gore

For Judie Price, her late husband Gary, and their five children, philanthropy as always begun at home. Over four decades, the Price family has supported many nonprofit organizations, with a primary focus on those whose mission it is to help stabilize disadvantaged individuals and families. Judie carries on the mission of giving she started with Gary, and continues to be a role model for her children and grandchildren, exemplifying that true riches come not from what we have, but from what we give.

Arts & Culture

mallo bisset

Dr. Douglas P. Jewett lives and breathes music. Twenty years ago he founded Treasure Coast Community Singers, a community choir dedicated to “keeping people singing.” He still serves as the choir’s CEO, which is now comprised of more than 150 singers and performs in venues throughout the Treasure Coast. In addition to running the choir, he maintains a private voice studio and serves as the music director of Mariner Sands Chapel in Hobe Sound. Dr. Jewett is a mainstay of the performing arts community on the Treasure Coast. Through his talent and dedication to his craft, he helps aspiring singers find their voices and spread joy to others through the power of song.

Health Science & Medicine

Francis “Frank” J. Kleeman, MD, FACS, is a talented physician who has dedicated much of his career to helping those in need. Dr. Kleeman has been a volunteer urologist at Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Clinic for over 14 years. VIM Clinic, located in Stuart, provides free healthcare for those who have no access to care due to lack of insurance coverage and/or personal means to pay. Dr. Kleeman is no stranger to providing healthcare for the needy. “Throughout his career, he epitomized all that one could ask for in a physician and humanitarian.” -Dr. Jordan Bromberg.

Education

Alice Luckhardt was a beloved fixture of local history and genealogy communities for more than twenty years. Alice believed that everyone has an interesting story, and she enjoyed uncovering and sharing those stories with anyone who was willing to learn. Her passion was infectious, and as a gifted educator, she knew how to inspire others to learn alongside her. Alice lost a brave battle with cancer in December of 2022. Alice will be missed greatly by her community. Her legacy and voice will live on in her immense body of work, the local historical initiatives she nurtured, and the many lives she touched through her outreach.

Military & Veterans Support

Frank Libutti is a decorated Vietnam War hero who served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps for 35 years. His many awards include two Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star, and three Purple Hearts. Today, Frank’s focus is on the well-being of his fellow veterans. He currently serves as the volunteer CEO and Chairman of the Board of Horses & Heroes of Southeast Florida, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to gently empower personal development in the lives of veterans and first responders, assisting them to connect with the community through the benefits of Equine Assisted Learning.

Community Service

Alfred Miller Jr. is a multi-generational, lifelong resident of Hobe Sound, and a strong, outspoken advocate for his hometown. Alfred grew up in the historic Banner Lake community, which was established in 1924 to provide housing for the African American workforce employed by the wealthy estates on Jupiter Island. Alfred is a descendant of those early Hobe Sound residents and a proud chronicler of their history. Today, he is the President of the Banner Lake Club, and has served on its Board of Directors for 25 years. Alfred is considered a living legend and a treasured icon of Hobe Sound.

2022 Honorees

Charlie Kane Award

Joseph Catrambone

The 2022 Charlie Kane Award honoree is Joseph “Joe” A. Catrambone. Joe is a mainstay of Martin County. He has served as the President and CEO of the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce for 33 years. As the leader of the county’s largest Chamber of Commerce, Joe’s influence and impact on the fabric of our community is unmistakable. Advocacy, steadfast community involvement, inspiring leadership … these are all qualities exemplified by the 2022 Charlie Kane Award honoree, Joe Catrambone.

Chairman's Award

Jerry Gore

The 2022 Chairman’s Award honoree is Reverend Jerry Gore. As Pastor of the Pentecostal Church of God In Christ of Stuart, he is an ardent man of faith and a true believer in the power of lifting up those around him. His motto is “Each one, reach one, teach one.” He offers inspiration through his words, and creates resounding positive impact with his actions. “NEVER GIVE UP,” says the 2022 Chairman’s Award honoree, Jerry Gore.

Arts & Culture

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Mallo Bisset is an award-winning artist, successful entrepreneur and local philanthropic legend. Mallo, along with her daughter Alex, own Red Barn Furniture, established in 1988. But Mallo is best known for her participation in and support of many local organizations. After over 34 years in Martin County, she has left her mark! The number of nonprofits Mallo’s generosity has touched and uplifted is too great to list, but it cements what we all know … her passion to help her community knows no bounds.

Health Science & Medicine

Dr. Mehdi Razavi, a retired cardiologist, and his wife Sandy, a retired nurse, are two dedicated medical professionals who donate their time, talent and treasures to Volunteers in Medicine Clinic. The Razavis are a dynamic duo and have been leaders in their communities and professions for over 50 years. The Razavis’ passion for helping others energizes everything they do. Listening, being caring and supportive, and making the world a better place—this is the Razavis in a nutshell.

Education

Thelma Washington is one of Martin County’s greatest champions of early childhood education. Since 1994 Thelma has been at the helm of Gertrude Walden Child Care Center. She is a figurehead in the community, particularly in under-served neighborhoods, and a strong proponent of community enrichment through collective service to one another. Education is her passion and calling, but Thelma is a resource for anyone who comes to her door in need of help. She exemplifies what it means to be a community leader making a positive impact on the world around her.

Military & Veterans Support

Maura Farrell Miller, PhD, APRN, GNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC, ACHPN is passionate about the profession of nursing and lifelong learning. She believes nursing is an art and a science grounded in a transcultural, caring philosophy where all aspects of the person are respected and nurtured. Dr. Miller is a shining example of what it means to live a mission-driven life. Her innovative approach to veteran-centric hospice and mental health care has enriched the lives of hundreds of our nation’s heroes. Her commitment to education means that her legacy will live on.

Community Service

A fixture of local government meetings and key community events, Helen McBride is a vocal advocate for Martin County’s quality of life and citizens of every background—especially working families, marginalized communities, and children in need. A natural leader, Helen holds the room in rapture when she rises to speak on county, city and school issues. Helen is an invaluable voice for the citizens of Stuart and Martin County.

2020-2021 Nominees

2020-21 Winners

2019 Nominees

2018 Winners

Charlie Kane Award

H. William Lichtenberger, received the 2018 Charlie Kane Award for the decades of significant contributions he has made to numerous local charitable organizations, allowing them to better carry out their missions and shape Martin County into a truly exceptional place to live.

Chairman's Award

Knight Kiplinger, a renowned economic journalist and philanthropist, received the 2018 Chairman's Award for his unceasing drive to create innovative solutions to better the communities of Martin County.

Community Advocacy Award

Saadia Tsaftarides, received a 2018 Sage Award for Community Advocacy for her active role in serving the Golden Gate community, embodying her belief that everyone should have a clean, welcoming and safe place to call home.

Public Advocacy Award

Robert L. Crandall, Robert L. Crandall won a 2018 Sage Award for Public Advocacy for his unwaivering support of local causes, most notably, his leadership in Citizens Against Rail Expansion, publicly opposing the proposed high-speed rail in order to protect the small towns of coastal Florida.

Arts and Culture Award

Julia Kelly, won a 2018 Sage Award in Arts and Culture for her decades working locally in Martin County as an artist, educator, committed volunteer and philanthropist who specializes in teaching others how to tap into their creative expression.

Community Service Award

Julie Preast, received a 2018 Sage Award in Community Service for her dedication to improving her Rio community and ensuring historic preservation of treasured sites throughout Martin County.

Education Award

Mildred C. Gipson received a 2018 Sage Award in Education for devoting more than 60 years of her life to serving, mentoring, and contributing her time, resources, and talents to the advancement of others.

Health Science and Medicine Award

Rita May Wright received a 2018 Sage Award in Health Science and Medicine for her lifelong commitment to volunteerism, advocacy and philanthropy particularly focused on championing organizations that provide high-quality health care.

Military Veterans Service Award

Dr. Shamsher Singh received a 2018 Sage Award in Military and Veterans Support for his abundant gifts of time and treasure that have enabled Southeast Florida Honor Flight to keep its promise to South Florida's veterans by honoring the service and sacrifices they gave to our country.

Faith-Based Service Award

Sister Mary Dooley and Sister Katherine Kinnally received a 2018 Sage Award for Faith-Based Service. After more than a decade leading Hope Rural School in Indiantwon, they founded the KinDoo Family Center, continuing their dedication to uplifting immigrant families through hope, education and faith.

2018 Nominees

2017 Winners

Community Service Award

Gytha Von Aldenbruck, from Hutchinson Island, won a Sage Award in Community Service for her unwaivering commitment to multiple organizations across the Treasure Coast including Treasure Coast Hospice, Memory Bridge, Alzheimer's Community Care, the American Cancer Society, the Arts Council on Martin County and Martin County Community Foundation.

Faith-Based Service Award
Dale M. Hudson, from Stuart, received a Sage Award in Faith-Based Service. For 23 years Dale has served as the chairman of Mary's Kitchen - an outreach mission of St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Through his devotion to this mission, over 200,000 meals have been served to the hungry and homeless living in our midst.

Healthcare & Health Services Award
Dr. Reza Khatib, from Palm City, received a Sage Award in Healthcare & Health Services. Dr. Khatib is a retired neurosurgeon who continues to pursue his passions through far-reaching philanthropic work. He endows chairs and professorships in Neurological Surgery and Oncology at four U.S. universities. He was instrumental in the opening of the first hospice in Iran in 2017. And, he created the Khatib Bridge and Education Center here in Stuart.

Healthcare & Health Services Award
Dr. Barbara Bush, from Stuart, received a Sage Award in Healthcare & Health Services. Dr. Bush has continued her 39 years of volunteering with the Martin Health Auxiliary well into her retirement, logging 18,450 hours of service. Whether in a leadership role or helping patients through the No One Dies Alone Program, she's known for her remarkable dedication to health care.

Human Services Award
Irwin Stovroff, from Boca Raton, won a Sage Award in Human Services for founding Vets Helping Heroes at the age of 84, which underwrites service dogs for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. The organization has provided service dogs for more than 300 veterans. Well into his 90s, Irwin continues as President of Vets Helping Heroes.

Professional Services Award
Dr. David L. Anderson, from Port Salerno, won a Sage Award in Professional Services for his lifelong commitment to improve the quality of education for all students in Martin County. At the age of 71, he was the longest sitting School Board member in the State of Florida. He is one of the county's best known educators and the namesake for our newest middle school in Martin County.

Service to the Arts Award
Dr. Marie Jureit-Beamish, from Sewall's Point, received a 2017 Sage Award in Service to the Arts. Dr. Jureit-Beamish continues her musical passion and commitment through board member leadership roles in the arts and through establishing “Sunset Concerts in the Gallery”, “Coffee with the Conductor”, The Jureit Musicales and the Marie and J. Calvin Jureit Foundation.

Charlie Kane Award
The 2017 Charlie Kane Award was given to Dr. Howard E. Voss, from Stuart, who has dedicated decades to teaching, contributing significant medical research, and treating patients without the ability to pay. He fundamentally believes in meeting the health and wellness needs of the medically underserved population of Martin County, and for the past ten years, not only provided medical services, but also led the entire Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, as Medical Director and CEO.

Chairman's Award
The 2017 Chairman’s Award was given to David L. Smythe, of Hutchinson Island, for his steadfast commitment to supporting organizations that benefit the welfare of children living on the Treasure Coast, including StarStruck Theatre, Inc., Hibiscus Children's Center, and the Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast. He also gave an extraordinary gift to the Martin Health Foundation for the David L. Smythe Wound Center.

Public Service Award
The 2017 Public Service Award was presented to Elmira Gainey, of Stuart, for devoting decades of her life and her talents in public service for the greater good of Martin County. After a 32 year career as an educator, she entered the political arena as a Martin County Commissioner for eight years. At an age when many seniors shed responsibilities, she accepted gubernatorial appointments ranging from 2 to 14 years, serving on civic and oversight boards. In addition, she continues to donate her time to community organizations, many of which she has supported for decades.

2019 Winners

Charlie Kane Award

Robert J. and Carol Weissman, received the 2019 Charlie Kane Award for their significant contributions to dozens of charities in Martin County.

Chairman's Award

John P. (Jack) Forde, received the 2019 Chairman's Award for giving so freely of his business acumen and strong belief in giving back to the community.

Human Services Award

Mary Kay Buckeridge

Mary Kay Buckeridge, received a 2019 Sage Award for Human Services for making a significant difference in the lives of the populations that Helping People Succeed serves. Her guidance in policy issues, long term planning and fund raising has been critical to the growth of Helping People Succeed.

Health Science and Medicine Award

Helen Cook, won a 2019 Sage Award for Health Science and Medicine for pouring her knowledge, experience and love into the lives of patients of Treasure Coast Hospice.

Professional Service Award

Don Cuozzo, won a 2019 Sage Award in Professional Service for continuing his 35 year as a profesional planner by serving the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) which keeps the waterways on the entire east coast of Florida environmentally safe for all of us to enjoy.

Education Award

Jane Ditmars, received a 2019 Sage Award for Education for continuing her lifelong passion of enabling people to live up to their full potential by serving as a volunteer tutor at Hope Rural School and the KinDoo Family Center.

Arts and Culture Award

Dr. John Enyart received a 2019 Sage Award in Arts and Culture for his enormous impact on the lives of hundreds of young people as a distinguished music educator..

Community Service Award

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Bette Evans received a 2019 Sage Award in Community Service in recognition of more than three decades as a dedicated volunteer and advocate for the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce and the greater Hobe Sound community.

Remarkable Caregiver Award

Diane Gracyk

Diane Gracyk received a 2019 Sage Award in the Remarkable Caregiver category for introducing life-changing caregiver support and training to fellow family caregivers in her community.

Military and Veterans Service Award

Bob Schneider

Bob Schneider received a 2019 Sage Award for Military and Veterans Service for his collaboration with the Salvation Army, VFW and the American Legion to provide hot, fresh, nutritious meals to homeless veterans.

Faith-Based Service Award

Al Warren

Dr. Al Warren received a 2019 Sage Award for Faith-Based Service for providing thousands of people on the Treasure Coast with low cost or no cost dental care which is not covered by insurance, Medicaid or Medicare.

2017 Nominees

2016 Winners

Advocacy

Nathaniel P. Reed, from the Town of Jupiter Island, won a 2016 Sage Award in Advocacy for his efforts in preserving Florida’s natural resources. Nat Reed founded both the Everglades Foundation and 1000 Friends of Florida, and advocates for State and Federal Funding to repair and restore the Florida Everglades system.

Community Service Award

Anne Thompson Schafer, from Jensen Beach, won a 2016 Sage Award in Community Service for her work with women and children in Martin County. Specifically, Anne founded “Women’s Power Lunch of Stuart” - an organization and monthly luncheon that continues over 15 years later!

Faith-Based Service Award

Reverend Allison Spencer, from Stuart, received a Sage Award in Faith-Based Service for her ministry at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in East Stuart. This award recognizes the servant leadership Reverend Spencer continues to demonstrate after 19 years of service to this poor congregation.

Healthcare & Health Services Award

Dr. Nathaniel P. McParland received a 2016 Sage Award in Healthcare & Health Services. Under the leadership of Dr. McParland, the Retirement Research Foundation allocates more than $6 million annually for research, training, advocacy, and direct service projects that improve the quality of life for older Americans.

Human Services Award

Jean Peraino won a Sage Award in Human Services. Since 1998, Jean has volunteered in Adult Day Health Care at the Council on Aging, committing her heart, time, and resources, to help in the expansion of the program. Over 12 years, Jean helped raise over half a million dollars for the agency, plus an additional $50,000 to remodel Adult Day Health Care.

Professional Services Award

Evans Crary, Jr. won a Sage Award in Professional Services. Through his commitment to continuing Frances Langford’s philanthropic interests as her foundation’s Trustee, sizable contributions were made to key non-profit organizations to change the face, substance and scope of their charitable work.

Service to the Arts Award

Vianne Nichols won a Sage Award for Service to the Arts, for her over 25 years of leadership and commitment to the Arts Council and Arts Foundation of Martin County. Through her leadership, Vianne allocated over $250,000 to artists and arts-related programs, projects, scholarships, and internships in Martin County.

Charlie Kane Award

In honor of Charlie Kane (center), the Council awarded Deane B. Blazie (right) with the 2016 Charlie Kane Award for his exceptional commitment to helping the blind community, worldwide, through increasing support, advocacy, care, and technology.

10th Annual Sage Awards Dinner Ceremony

March 25th 2026

Piper’s Landing Yacht and Country Club

5:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Piper’s Landing Yacht and Country Club

Sponsorship Opportunities