2025
August 2025 – Finalist, Small Business of the Year (Non-Profit Category) – Manatee Chamber of Commerce
Acknowledged as one of the top nonprofit organizations in the region for excellence in operations, community service, and impact.
May 2025 – Tourism Ambassador of the Year
Presented to Executive Director Christopher Culhane by Visit Sarasota County, Visit Bradenton Gulf Islands, and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport during National Travel and Tourism Week for his leadership and impact on local tourism.
April 2025 – Best Dressed Ducks: People’s Choice Award – Lucky Ducky Race for Pace
Awarded for creativity and community spirit during Pace Center for Girls’ annual fundraiser. The award-winning duck was decorated by staff member Morgan Blackburn.
April 2025 – Sun’s Reader’s Choice Award: Favorite Non-Profit – The Sun
Voted by the public and awarded by The Sun, recognizing The Center as the community’s favorite nonprofit organization.
March 2025 – Spirit of Manatee Honoree – Manatee Community Foundation
Honoring Executive Director Christopher Culhane for his philanthropic leadership and commitment to Manatee County’s nonprofit sector.
February 2025 – Chair’s Award – Manatee Chamber of Commerce
Recognized The Center’s outstanding hurricane preparation, response, and recovery work that supported and stabilized the local community.
January 2025 – Community Recognition – Build Back the Beach Coastal Restoration Project
The Center co-led a shoreline replanting initiative with Good Guardians Collective and Oyster River Ecology, restoring over a mile of beach with 30,000 native plants and 300+ volunteers.
January 2025 – Persons of the Year – The Sun Newspaper
Awarded to Executive Director Chris Culhane and the entire staff, board, and volunteers for exceptional leadership and service during the hurricane recovery period.
