Icon of Philanthropy Award
Presented to Adrienne Arsht
This new award, presented in 2012 for the first time, is inspired by the extraordinary generosity and vision of Adrienne Arsht whose $30 million gift to Miami-Dade’s Performing Arts Center gave it the financial security it needed and elevated Miami-Dade’s cultural scene to a world-class stage. The United Way Icon of Philanthropy Award will be presented to an individual who, through a single gift or a pattern of giving, has helped to change our community’s social services, arts, culture, education, health and/or environment landscape in a significant way. The transformative nature of this individual’s gift(s) to a particular organization and/or cause will benefit the residents of Miami-Dade for generations upon generations.

Dorothy Shula Award for Outstanding Volunteerism
Presented to Sheldon Anderson

As reported in the Congressional Record, United States Senator Bob Graham said of Dorothy Shula: “Dorothy Shula quietly and tirelessly gave to her church as a social services worker, to young people by fighting drug abuse, to the sick by raising money for medical research and to children as a teacher and volunteer.” This award honors an individual whose volunteer work embodies the standards set by Dorothy Shula. It recognizes an individual who exemplifies volunteerism and whose commitment to bringing hope, promise and opportunity into the lives of others has left a lasting positive impact on a person, group, or community at large.

Essie Silva Community Builder Award
Presented to Guarione M. Diaz
Essie Silva dreamed of a society in which all cultures were appreciated and respected. As reported in the Congressional Record, Congressman Bill Lehman said of Essie Silva: “Her awareness and sensitivity to the challenges facing this community and her ability to build coalitions to address them, is a legacy none of us will ever forget.” The Essie Silva Community Builder Award recognizes an individual who has been able to make a difference in addressing particular community problems affecting different cultural or ethnic groups.

Monsignor Walsh Outstanding Human Services Professional Award
Presented to Robert D. Nolan
This award recognizes a human services professional who has dedicated his or her career to helping others. This person, through his or her commitment of time and talent in the human service field, has helped to shape a caring, responsive, social service delivery system and has afforded hundreds of people in our community an opportunity for a healthy, productive and quality life.

Public Service Leadership Award
Presented to Ted Granger
This award recognizes both local and state public servants and community leaders who display a remarkable sense of commitment to hard work, courageous leadership and a dedication to improving services for children, youth and families.

Outstanding Youth Award
This award recognizes a Miami-Dade County youth under 18 years of age for leadership, commitment and character through services and volunteerism. This person, through his or her commitment of time and talent, has given unselfishly for the betterment of the community. Community service for which monetary compensation was received and/or community service performed solely for curriculum or membership requirements of an organization can only be used as background information; it may not be used as the main basis for nomination.