DAYTONA BEACH, FL (October 21, 2024) — The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia- Flagler Counties is proud to announce this year’s recipients of the prestigious Herbert M. Davidson Award for Outstanding Community Service: Mr. Gale Lemerand and Ms. Jill Simpkins. Their extraordinary contributions have greatly improved our community and we will honor their remarkable philanthropic partnership at the Annual Celebration of Philanthropy (ACOP). In addition, Ms. Nadine King, founder of Christmas Come True, will be awarded the Community Champion Award for her exceptional efforts supporting families in need.Gale
Mr. Gale Lemerand, one of the most significant philanthropists in the history of our community, has supported education, healthcare and cultural programs that have transformed Volusia and Flagler counties. His major contributions to Daytona State College, Halifax Health and many other local institutions will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. Ms. Jill Simpkins has dedicated her life to helping vulnerable members of our community, addressing pressing issues such as homelessness and hunger. Through her leadership in various social services programs, she has spearheaded fundraising and volunteer efforts to provide much-needed resources.
“We are incredibly proud to honor Mr. Lemerand, Ms. Simpkins and Ms. King for their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those in our community,” said Dr Audrey Butler, Board Member and Chair of the ACOP Planning Committee. “Their generosity, leadership and passion for service are truly inspiring and they represent the very best of what philanthropy can achieve.”
Ms. Nadine King, founder of Christmas Come True, has made an indelible impact on the lives of hundreds of struggling families in Flagler County. Her organization ensures that families receive the support they need during the holiday season by providing food, gifts and essential household items.
“We look forward to celebrating these local heroes at our Annual Celebration of Philanthropy and sharing their remarkable stories,” said Courtney Edgcomb, President and CEO of The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler. “All of our recipients are proof of how much can be achieved when we harness the power of philanthropy in our community.”
###
Annual Celebration of Philanthropy
The Annual Celebration of Philanthropy will be on March 11, 2025, at the Mori Hosseini Student Union of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, celebrating the impact of philanthropists and community leaders in Volusia and Flagler counties. Join us for an evening of recognition, inspiration and community spirit. For more information on sponsorship packages, contact Manny Kamel at ekamel@uwvfc.org.
The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties are dedicated to supporting the community by helping those most in need. In 2023-2024 CF UWVFC invested $2.6 Million in 105 non-profits serving Flagler and Volusia Counties. For more information, please visit the website at https://www.unitedwayvfc.org/.
