A number of our Sarasota Sister Cities Assn members and others have requested further information about our SCAS One World Award, which is our most prestigious recognition. This year the One World Award will be bestowed to Mary Elemendorf, Anthropologist & Noble Laureate, for the individual winner and the Sarasota Audubon Society for Environmental protection and education as the Organization winner. The criteria and previous winners are described in the attached file. The awards will be presented at our Festa Di Carnevale, Treviso dinner February 11, 2017 organized by Treviso City Director Anna Madaschi.
The event is one of our most significant activities so please plan to attend to honor these outstanding winners. More info and to register go to sarasotasistercities.com
Best Regards,
Ray Young
VP Education
One World Award
The One World Award is Sarasota Sister Cities premier international award that honors one remarkable individual and one organization that have enhanced “understanding and respect” among citizens of the world through their extraordinary work or volunteer service. The annual One World Gala each year shines the spotlight on these area individuals and organizations which have demonstrated their continued ability to create and maintain strong bonds of understanding among the world’s citizens, through their extraordinary work and service to the community.
Previous Individual Winners
Robert Roskamp, Roskamp Institute (2011) a worldwide leader in finding cures for Alzheimer’s disease and mental disorders.
Nicholas Bollettieri, IMG (2012) has excelled in fostering international relationships that have impacted our Cultural Coast and individuals, families and communities around the world. He coached & developed gifted tennis players worldwide at his Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy which became the IMG academy now expanded to additional sports training.
Former Mayor Lou Ann Palmer (2013) – Led the development of Sarasota for many years and personally enhanced relationships with five Sarasota’s sister cities.
Linda Rosenbluth (2014) – Former President & City Director for SCAS. Organized the first non-profit event at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, the first “phonathon” for United Way and Sarasota’s first “AIDS Awareness Week”, an initiative duplicated in communities nationwide. She has represented Sarasota on missions to Azerbaijan, Morocco, Poland and Israel, and enhanced relationships with officials and citizens of our sister cities
Andrew Ezzell & JoAnn Patrick Ezzell - Give Something Back Foundation (2015) Have built Schools, Classrooms & Libraries in Vietnam, Thailand and Haiti, Provided educational opportunities for Girls in Afghanistan and developed a Collaborative Online Education Program, including an international website competition, for Students & Teachers across the World.
Pedro Reis and Dolly Jacobs - Circus Arts Conservatory (2016) They combined their expertise and passion for the circus by creating Circus Sarasota which became the Circus Arts Conservatory. Their mission is to provide a circus that represents the circus arts at the highest level and that is linked to the community through performance, education and integrated arts programming.
Eighty percent of ticket revenue is used for community outreach programs that serve children, the elderly and those in care facilities. The year-round outreach programs are Humor Therapy Program, Education Program and Sailor Circus.
Previous Organization Winners
The ORT Organization (2012)
This is a Jewish global educational program for the underprivileged. Educating and elevating disadvantaged children across the globe with skills needed to lead productive lives. ORT schools educate 30,000 Jewish and non-Jewish students daily in Israel, Argentina, Mexico and many other countries around the world. Sarasota Christian School (2013) Has promoted diversity and international relationships and has supported and maintained connections with schools in twelve foreign countries. The school has an active international student body. Accepted by Jeff Shank & Dawn Graber.
Embracing Our Differences (2014)
Promotes a world where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated. Art is a powerful tool to evoke social change. Artists can enlighten, educate and affect change around the world. The program employs art as a catalyst to spark discussions and promote the importance of peaceful coexistence achieved throuogh a huge outdoor exhibit at Sarasota’s City Island Park.