Shining Stars honored at Carrabba’s in Pompano Beach

A full house celebrated the growth and future of Pompano Beach last week as business and community leaders packed Carrabba’s Italian Grill to honor the Shining Star Awards. This annual event is sponsored by the Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce and recognizes those who have made a difference in the Pompano community.

Honored with awards were:

Tom DiGiorgio – Stewart Kester Award

“Mr. Tom DiGiorgia is a well-respected entrepreneur…and this is one of those people who give and give and work and work,” said presented Pompano Chamber President Ric Green. DiGiorgio has been involved in numerous organizations, chairing many, including the Pompano Beach Historical Society, Pompano Beach Chiefs Crime Task Force, Pompano Economic Group and many more.

Calvin Glidewell, director of Imperial Point Hospital – Light of the Community Award

“This is my three-year anniversary at the hospital, and I don’t know what we’ve done to deserve the award,” said Glidewell. “When I got here I realized Pompano didn’t really have a hospital, so we wanted to be Pompano’s hospital. We are at your disposal.”

Mary Phillips – Light of the Community Award

“I don’t know a lady who has worked harder to make a difference in the community,” said Green of Phillips who has been very active in numerous organizations in Pompano and is the president of the new Small Business & Economic Development Corp. in Pompano. www.smallbizinfo.net

Major William H. Knowles – Light of the Community Award

This person takes the job to the next lever–it’s hard enough to be a police officer, but Major Knowles has impacted this community unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” said Green, talking about one initiative of many Knowles conducted to raise money in the community for Haiti. “Pompano has heart and they got it from Major Knowles.

Lisa Hamburg – Light of the Community Award

Hamburg spearheaded a three-year initiative to create Canine Corner, Pompano’s newest dog park at NE 10 St. and Federal Highway.

“It was a long, arduous fight and this lady never gave up,” said Green.

Dawne Richards – Community Service Award

“She stepped in and saw an opportunity to make a difference in a big way–she got involved with the Centennial…created the East Pompano Civic Association, created a cleanup on Atlantic Blvd, helped get citizens on patrol in the neighborhood and helped found Friday Night Music on the beach.

John Knox Village – Founders Award

John Knox has been heavily involved in the community, and has been named the grand marshal for the 48th annual Christmas parade in Pompano. Mr. Bob Scharmann, President/CEO of John Knox Village accepted the award, saying this is “truly a community award.”

Julie Katz – Business Woman of the Year

“Some make a quick impact, and Katz has done this with style and grace as she has worked with numerous charitable organizations, bringing people to the Pompano Citi Centre who’ve never been there before,” said Green of Katz, marketing director at the Centre.

Pat & Grant Galuppi – Business Men of the Year

“This is the third generation in the business, and they took a bother dive bar and turned it into the social place to be in Pompano,” said Green. “They’ve also done so much for the community.”

Charlie Thompson III – Junior Light of the Community

As a recipient of this new award, teen Thompson is being recognized for his community involvement in several local community organizations.

Desiree Saunders – Junior Light of the Community

“”Desiree doesn’t just sit back…and is now in a state level position with the Key Club,” said Green. “In her sophomore year she developed a project to help get care bags to foster children graduating.”

Related posts:

1. Pompano Chamber’s 28th Annual Golf Tournament Nov. 13
2. Pompano holding meeting to discuss branding for community
3. Free holiday boat decorating class in Pompano Beach
4. Pompano Beach to be Certified as Community Wildlife Habitat
5. Green Market Pompano Beach debuts this month

Short URL: https://browardnetonline.com/?p=10053