Local Volunteers Honored For Their Giving 'Spirit'

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It was a meeting of the givers and the doers as the Manatee Community Foundation presented its 2011 Spirit of Manatee Awards last Wednesday at the .

Prior to the presentation of the award winners, MCF Executive Director Marilyn Howard announced the foundation exceeded $4.5 million in contributions in 2010.

“This is one of my favorite days of the year,” she told the filled auditorium. “We have impacted over 80 nonprofit organizations, and our assets have grown to over $21 million. Thanks to you, legacies are being created all the time.”

 Winner of the “Lifetime Spirit” award was Edwin (Eddie) T. Mulock for his record of “exceptional generosity in the community,” according to Ed Chiles, host for the presentations and a former “Leadership Spirit” award winner in 2010.

Mulock traced the origin of his spirit of generosity back to 1960 when he was sworn in as president of the Manatee High School Student Council by then-State Sen. Ed Price.

“I credit Senator Ed Price as my inspiration,” Mulock said.

A volunteer and donor for numerous local causes, Mulock created the Dream Oaks camp, a facility for handicapped children to escape their everyday environment and enjoy a camping experience. Mulock conceived of the camp while awaiting a heart transplant in Shands Hospital in Gainesville and observing the handicapped or the chronically sick children unable to enjoy the experiences many take for granted.

Mulock added that although he appreciated the Spirit award, “I get my appreciation from the kids who thank me and call me Mr. Eddie.”

The other award winners included Charles Clapsaddle of METV, Collaborative Spirit; Matthew J. Davis, Young Spirit; Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Community Spirit; Marianne and John Moyer, Volunteer Spirit; and Jeannie and Chuck Slater, Leadership Spirit.

After hearing moving stories of dedicated Manatee County residents and their selfless contributions of time, talent and treasures, Chiles closed by saying, “I love doing this. I love being inspired.”