Inspire Gala honors area philanthropists and nonprofits

The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion event paid homage to individuals and organizations that help others in the community.

Posted March 10, 2025 | By Jennifer Hunt Murty

Four hundred of the “who’s who” involved in Marion County’s nonprofits and philanthropic outreaches met at Circle Square Cultural Center the evening of March 8 for the third annual Inspire Gala, hosted by the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion. During the evening, a number of awards were presented, highlighting many forms of giving.

Ashley Gerds, vice president for Strategic Engagement, told the crowd that the nominees were selected by their peers who understand the community and that the awards are “more than recognition; it’s a celebration of dedication, service and the powerful ripple effect of giving.”

Before announcing the awards, Lauren Deiorio, president and executive director of the foundation, said the final decisions were made by multiple agencies outside of Marion County “to ensure a fair and unbiased selection process” and that every “nomination was evaluated solely on merit.”

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“While only one nominee will be selected in each category, we were told by these agencies that the decision was incredibly difficult, with many scores coming in very close,” said Deiorio.

The Youth Philanthropist of the Year award was presented to Khole Kostowicz, by Stan Hanson, on behalf of the Adam Hanson Better Communities Fund.

“With over 500 hours of community service, she has left a lasting impact on countless lives through her unwavering dedication to service,” Hanson said before recounting a list of “pivotal roles” Kostowicz played, from serving as lead coordinator of the Forest High School JROTC’s Interfaith Emergency Services Food Drive, helping collect an astounding 13,000 pounds of food to support those facing food insecurity; being a voice for her peers as a Student School Board Representative; working as a lifeguard for the city of Ocala, ensuring the safety and well-being of others; serving as a Wing Commander with JROTC; leading initiatives through Best Buddies, the National Honor Society, HOSA and the American Government Club; and showing her “passion for health advocacy as an Anti-Vaping FANS Design Winner.”

Rusty Branson presented the Unsung Hero Award to Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone.

“She has been a fierce advocate for veterans, tirelessly working to honor those who have served our country. Her support of literacy programs, community development and countless charitable initiatives speaks to her deep-rooted belief in lifting others up and ensuring every individual has the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” Branson stated.

Angie Lewis presented the Board Member of the Year award to Bob Levenson.

“Through his leadership with the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard, he has helped ensure that no veteran is laid to rest without the recognition and gratitude they have earned,” Lewis noted.

Lewis additionally pointed to the significant impact of the Veterans Resource Center of Marion County, under Levenson’s leadership, through “connecting people with critical resources, advocating for those in need and fostering collaboration among organizations,” which has strengthened the support systems available to so many.

Levenson told those in attendance that the center recently received funding the Galleri blood test, which tests for cancer at no cost to veterans over 21 who served “boots on the ground” in the Vietnam War, Gulf War and Global War on Terrorism.

“If you know of any such veterans, please send them to our center,” Levenson said.

The Emerging Nonprofit Award, presented on behalf of AdventHealth Ocala, went to the Ocala Horse Alliance. The award was accepted by the Alliance’s president, Ellie Truman. Board member Bonnie Heath told the crowd, “When Ellie told me she wanted to unite all the breeds, I told her, I have been here 60 years, and no one has ever been able to make that happen. Then she came with the Black Stallion Reading Project.”

The project is a cooperative effort between the Ocala Horse Alliance and Marion County Public Schools in which fourth-grade students are encouraged to read, set goals, achieve and become aware of job and career opportunities in the equestrian industry. The program links schools with horse farms and provides rewards and incentives for students, as well as a chance to see a horse in person and receive a copy of “The Black Stallion” book.

“Each year, this nonprofit holds a fundraiser to purchase the 3,800 books needed to continue this program in all 32 elementary schools. Their dedication to investing in the next generation is truly inspiring. Beyond literacy, this agency is a driving force behind workforce development, equine-assisted therapy and the continued growth of Marion County’s equestrian industry. Through strategic partnerships, advocacy and educational programs, they are ensuring that our community remains the Horse Capital of the World, not just in title but in action,” said Amy Mangan, when presenting the award.

Frank and Angela DeLuca of the DeLuca Family Foundation presented The Nonprofit of The Year Award to the Estella Byrd Whitman Community Health Center’s Executive Director Levonda Goodson.

“From the very first breath of a child to the care of our elders, this organization ensures that no one is left behind. They provide a comprehensive range of services—everything from primary care and annual health check-ups for men and women to childhood wellness visits, chronic care management and preventative screenings. They offer vaccinations, school and sports physicals, women’s health services, family planning, and even referrals for specialty care like dental and ophthalmology. Through their drug assistance program, they also ensure that vital medications are within reach for those who need them most,” Angela DeLuca noted.

Touched to tears, Goodson accepted the award and welcomed the founder of the center, Carolyn Adams, and the rest of the team, to the stage to accept the award.

“Thank you for believing in me enough to lead this organization,” Goodson said. “I love making people know they are cared for.”

The Estate Planning Council Luminary Award was presented to Ocala City Council member and former Edward Jones financial advisor Jim Hilty.

Hilty, who has served on many local nonprofit boards, has also mentored many boys through his efforts with the Boy Scouts. Hilty said he was inspired by the example of the financial firm’s founder, Edward Jones, who was intricately involved in his community.

Charisse Rivers, CEO and founder of Zinnia Wealth Management, presented the Corporate Partner of The Year to Team Cone. Rivers said the award was meant to recognize “a business that has gone above and beyond in its commitment to strengthening our community through philanthropy, volunteerism and unwavering support for those in need.”

Rivers presented the award to Douglas Cone III and acknowledged the company’s efforts to address the challenges of homelessness, food insecurity, child abuse prevention, animal rescues, foster care and education.

Cone, who serves as a board member for the foundation, presented the Philanthropist of the Year Award to Frank DeLuca.

“His passion for youth development and education has led to transformative contributions that ensure young people have the resources and support they need to succeed. From scholarships and mentorship programs to youth athletics and leadership initiatives, he has consistently invested in the next generation, empowering them to reach their full potential. Beyond his financial contributions, he is a hands-on advocate for change. He leads by example, actively engaging with the causes he supports, attending events, mentoring young leaders and working alongside nonprofits to maximize their impact. His philanthropy is not just about giving—it’s about creating lasting change,” Cone said of DeLuca.

Hennessey said of Deluca, “Through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment, he has not only donated over $14 million to various charitable causes but has also spearheaded transformative projects that have enriched the lives of Marion County residents and will for generations to come. From supporting YMCA expansions to contributing to the Reilly Arts Center expansion and championing affordable housing initiatives, his impact resonates far and wide.”

Foundation founding board member and chairman of the board Frank Martin Hennessey took the stage to present his Legacy Award to Stan Hanson with last year’s honoree, DeLuca.

Hennessey spoke of Hanson using philanthropy to make the world a better place after the loss of his 31-year-old son, Adam Hanson. The community fund that bears Adam’s name has been used to spearhead many causes in Marion County, he said.

“Since they weren’t going to have grandchildren, they decided to help the children of the world,” Hennessey said of Stan and Martha Hanson, who have been married for 57 years.

“I’m sure if Adam was here, he’d say, ‘Good job Dad, Mom, this is what I want you to do,’” Stan Hanson told the audience.

He recalled that he and his wife settled in Marion County after living as “corporate gypsies” all over the world as he worked for Procter & Gamble for 30 years. Moving that much, Hanson said, they didn’t get the “opportunity to do what God wanted us to for humanity.”

Another couple who are involved with the Community Foundation of Ocala/Marion County, Evan and Renee Brandies, spoke to the crowd about how they founded the nonprofit Harlow’s Helping Hands after they lost their young son, Harlow, to an accidental drowning in July 2024.

“Did you know that accidental drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1 to 4? And that it’s the number two cause of death for children ages 5 to 12? We didn’t. And that made us mad. Mad that this wasn’t common knowledge. Mad that more wasn’t being done. Mad that no one had told us before it was too late,” Evan told the crowd.The couple credited the foundation with giving them the support they needed to raise money for educational awareness about accidental drownings.

The mission of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County is to “enhance the quality of life for all residents of our community by fostering philanthropy and stewarding charitable resources. We strive to identify and address the most pressing needs in our area, and to support innovative solutions that create positive, sustainable change. Through partnerships with donors, nonprofits, and other community leaders, we seek to build a thriving, inclusive, and resilient community that provides opportunities for all to succeed.”

To learn more, go to ocalafoundation.org