12th Annual Champions of Healthcare Awards

Join us for the 12th Annual Champions of Healthcare Awards as we honor the individuals, institutions and programs that are making an impact on health and healthcare in Manatee County. This year's awards will be presented at a very special breakfast event at GROVE on Thursday, June 18, 2026. In addition to being a fantastic celebration you will enjoy high-level networking and a great take-home goody bag.

Congratulations to These Award Winners Who Are Announced Prior to the Awards Breakfast:
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner
     Vernon DeSear, Manatee Memorial Foundation
Youth Volunteer Award Winner
     Emma Timmons, Gulfcoast South Area Health Education Center

Finalists in Seven Additional Categories Listed Below ~ Winners in These Categories Will Be Revealed at the Event:
   Physician / Dentist - Finalists
      • Jerry Chery, DDS, Give Me a Smile, Pediatric Dentistry
      • Ariadnis Milian, MD, Manatee Primary Care
      • Lana Nusbaum, MD, Turning Points
   Nurse - Finalists
      • Sina Caffrey, RN-C, Rowlett Elementary Academy
      • Patricia Hall, RN, Empath Health / Tidewell Hospice
      • Shannon Shanks, DNP, Manatee County EMS
   Allied Health Professional - Finalists
      • Megan Hawkins, RN, HCA Florida Blake Hospital
      • Courtney Rayne, Lighthouse Vision Loss Center
      • Shankisha Sizemore, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
   Adult Volunteer - Finalists
      • James Curran, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
      • Bobbi Richman, HCA Florida Blake Hospital
      • Meredith Sweeney, Empath Health / Tidewell Hospice
   Individual of Merit - Finalists
      • Mark Goodson, Manatee Health
      • Jennifer Kaepernik, Manatee County Government
      • Jessica Ryherd, FELT - Feeding Empty Little Tummies
   Institution / Program - Finalists
      • Blue Butterfly Children’s Grief Care, Empath Health / Tidewell Hospice
      • Freedom House, Powered by Bailes Consulting Services
      • Prosper Bradenton
   Innovation - Finalists
      • Community Health Program, Manatee County Government
      • MCR Health
      • USF Corporate Training & Professional Education - USF Sarasota-Manatee

Reserve Your Table or Seats: 
Table of 10: Chamber Member = $850 | Non-Members = $1250
    * Preferred seating for 10, company recognition at table
Half Table of 5: Chamber Member = $500 | Non-Members = $650
    * Preferred seating for 5, company recognition at table
Individual Reservation: Chamber Member = $75 | Non-Member = $125
    * Parties greater than two not guaranteed to be seated together with individual reservations

Sponsorship Opportunities Available - Premium Exposure and Preferred Seating:
Program Sponsors - $2250
• Table of 10 at Event with Preferred Table Placement with Company Logo on All Table Signs
• Full Page Ad in Printed Event Program
• Company Logo Included on all Event Materials
• Company Logo and Ad Included in A/V at Event
• Opportunity to Have Display Table in Entry Area to Awards Breakfast
• Opportunity to Include Health-Related Promo Item in Attendee Gift Bags
• Special Program Sponsor Name Badge Designation at Event
• Recognition on Chamber Facebook Page via Event Posts
• Recognition in Chamber Current Magazine for multiple months