Recently, Helping People Succeed held the important yearly event at its headquarters in Jensen Beach. Following presentations about the nonprofit and the Helping People Succeed Foundation, special awards were given to departing board members Susan King and Kevin Burn.

Suzy Hutcheson, president/CEO of Helping People Succeed, presented Community Service Commendations to Sue Kinane, Erica Kinane-Kelly and Vicki Davis. Each board member also received a token of appreciation for their service.

Hutcheson then introduced the Tom Warner Advocacy Award, named in honor of the late local luminary who was a huge champion of Helping People Succeed. This year's inaugural award was presented to Warner's family. Martin County Clerk of Court Carolyn Timmann accepted the award on behalf of the Warner family.

New board members Michael Borlaug, Allen Herskowitz and Jenny Yingling were welcomed.

The three join chair Bliss Browne, Vice Chair Barbara Essenwine, Secretary Cher Fisher, Treasurer Claire Nash and Noel Bobko, Lee Borellis, Mary Rose Bressman, Phyllis Gillespie, Bonney Johnson, Shaun Kogut and Candie Tettamanti on the Helping People Succeed board.

The Helping People Succeed Foundation board will consist of Chair Beth Prinz Lowy, Vice Chair Bonney Johnson, Secretary Claire Nash and Treasurer Steven Shultz. Noel Bobko, Shaun Kogut and Kathy Skrzypczak also serve as members of this board.