Manatee Community Foundation has announced the winners of the 2019 Spirit of Manatee Awards, each being recognized for leadership in philanthropy in Manatee County.

Each will be honored at the 2019 Spirit of Manatee Awards Luncheon on March 20, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. They include:

Steve and Sara Bayard, Lifetime Spirit Award, nominated by Manatee Performing Arts Center; Caleb Grimes, Leadership Spirit Award, nominated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County; Dex Imaging, Community Spirit Award, nominated by Mote Marine Laboratory; Young Spirit Award, and Mina Quesen, nominated by UnidosNow.

“Known for their history of enthusiastic charitable giving and leadership, each of our winners embodies an easily-recognized commitment to our community,” said Susie Bowie, executive director of Manatee Community Foundation.

A new award category was added this year to recognize the philanthropic and community contributions of a nonprofit staff member. Luz Corcuera, executive director of UnidosNow, will receive the first Charles Clapsaddle Community Spotlight Award. The award was named for Clapsaddle, whose dedication to the nonprofit community is well-known and celebrated through Manatee Educational Television.

“Luz Corcuera is regarded as an inspirational leader by foundations, donors, nonprofit colleagues as well as local colleges and universities, students, and parents. Together with the community leaders that created this award—Paul Sharff, Amanda Horne, Ashley Brown, and Judge Durand Adams—we are delighted to know she will be the first recipient,” said Bowie.

Tickets to the Spirit of Manatee Award Luncheon are $125, or $1,000 for a table of 8. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (941) 747-7765.