WEDU Specials
Be More Unstoppable - 2021
Celebrate the amazing work of non-profits in a difficult year and share stories of resilience and spirit.
2020: 15TH ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD | |
| Jonathan Benjamin, American Lung Association | video | Be More Entrepreneurial, Engaged Philanthropist Award |
| Gigi’s Playhouse | video | Be More Relevant, Best Use of Video Award (2020 video submissions) |
| Tom Cook, Children First, Inc. | video | Be More Involved, Mason Dixon Outspoken Volunteer Award |
| Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation | video | Be More Humble, People’s Choice Award |
| Mrbubblez, Inc. | video | Be More Brilliant, Florida Blue Innovation Award |
| Hands Across The Bay | video | Be More Entertaining, duPont Registry Award |
| New Tampa Players | video | Be More Enriched, Arts & Culture Award |
| K9 Partners for Patriots | video | Be More Informed, Nielsen Marketing Campaign Award |
| Academy Prep Foundation, Inc. | video | Be More Knowledgeable, The Bank of Tampa Award |
| Giovanni Scanio, FOOT Foundation | video | Be More Inspiring, Rising Star Award |
| Bikes for Christ, Inc. | video | Be More Empowered, Ultimate Medical Academy Award |
| The Kind Mouse Productions, Inc. | video | Be More Encouraged, Judges’ Choice Award |
| Mrbubblez, Inc. | video | Be More Unstoppable, Nonprofit Organization of the Year |
| Lissette Campos & Jack Harris | video | Be More Hero Award |
WEDU SpecialsBe More Inspired 2020
28:49
Published:
For 15 years, WEDU PBS has honored our region's nonprofits with the WEDU Be More Awards.
Award Ceremony held February 27, 2020 at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC | Photos by Tacy Briggs-Troncoso Photography
2019: 14TH ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD | |
| Jonathan Moore, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida | video | Be More Entrepreneurial, Engaged Philanthropist Award |
| Beat Nb | video | Be More Relevant, Best Use of Video Award (2019 video submissions) |
| Sydney Merritt, The Kind Mouse Productions | video | Be More Involved, Mason Dixon Outspoken Volunteer Award |
| Delwyn Collins, Tampa General Hospital | video | Be More Positive, ABC Action News Award |
| Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services | video | Be More Humble, People’s Choice Award |
| Crisis Center of Tampa Bay | video | Be More Brilliant, Florida Blue Innovation Award |
| Children’s Cancer Center | video | Be More Entertaining, duPont Registry Award |
| The Warehouse Arts District of St. Petersburg | video | Be More Enriched, Arts & Culture Award |
| The League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg area | video | Be More Informed, Nielsen Marketing Campaign Award |
| Children First, Inc. | video | Be More Knowledgeable, The Bank of Tampa Award |
| Harsh Bagdy, Charity Health Resources, Inc. | video | Be More Inspiring, Rising Star Award |
| Family Promise of Hillsborough County | video | Be More Empowered, Ultimate Medical Academy Award |
| The Hispanic Services Council | video | Be More Encouraged, Judges’ Choice Award |
| Children First, Inc. | video | Be More Unstoppable, Nonprofit Organization of the Year |
WEDU SpecialsBe More Inspired
55:58
Published:
Go behind the scenes of the 14th Annual Be More Awards ceremony and meet the winners.
Award Ceremony held February 28, 2019 at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC | Photos by Tacy Briggs-Troncoso Photography
2018: 13TH ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD | |
| Keli Mondello and Kim Kuruzovich, LiFT (Learning Independence for Tomorrow) | video | Be More Entrepreneurial, Engaged Philanthropist Award |
| Great Explorations Children’s Museum | video | Be More Relevant, Best Use of Video Award (2018 video submissions) |
| Kari Bahour, Water Smart Tots | video | Be More Involved, Mason Dixon Outspoken Volunteer Award |
| Bill and Lisa Gray, Second Chance Friends | video | Be More Positive, ABC Action News Award |
| Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. | video | Be More Humble, Warren Averett People’s Choice Award |
| ACTS (Agency for Community Treatment Services) and Gracepoint | video | Be More Brilliant, Innovation Award |
| Pyramid, Inc. | video | Be More Entertaining, Special Events Award |
| American Stage | video | Be More Enriched, Greenberg Traurig Arts & Culture Award |
| Girl Scouts of West Central Florida | video | Be More Informed, Nielsen Marketing Campaign Award |
| Gulf Coast Jewish & Family Services, Inc. | video | Be More Knowledgeable, Bank of Tampa Educational Outreach Award |
| Savannah Billet, Beat Nb | video | Be More Inspiring, Rising Star Award |
| FOOT Foundation | video | Be More Empowered, Small Nonprofit Award |
| Project Prosper, Inc. | video | Be More Encouraged, Judges’ Choice Award |
| Starting Right, Now! | video | Be More Unstoppable, Nonprofit Organization of the Year |
Up Close With Cathy UnruhMarch 2018: Starting Right, Now
26:23
Published:
Be More Awards Nonprofit of the Year Winner Starting Right, Now
Award Ceremony held February 22, 2018 at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC | Photos by Tacy Briggs-Troncoso Photography
2017: 12TH ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD | |
| Kelly Kowall, My Warrior’s Place | video | Be More Entrepreneurial, Engaged Philanthropist Award |
| Coco’s Pet Ranch | video | Be More Relevant, Best Use of Video Award (2017 video submissions) |
| Melanie Salava, | video | Be More Involved, Mason Dixon Outspoken Volunteer Award |
| Jordan Litowchak | video | Be More Positive, ABC Action News Award |
| Big Cat Rescue | video | Be More Humble, Warren Averett People’s Choice Award |
| Tampa Hillsborough Action Plan | video | Be More Brilliant, Innovation Award |
| The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation | video | Be More Entertaining, Special Events Award |
| Straz Center for the Performing Arts | video | Be More Enriched, Greenberg Traurig Arts & Culture Award |
| Children First, Inc. | video | Be More Informed , Nielsen Marketing Campaign Award |
| Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, Inc. | video | Be More Knowledgeable, Bank of Tampa Educational Outreach Award |
| Ryan Regan, Empath Health/Suncoast Hospice | video | Be More Inspiring, Rising Star Award |
| Angel Snugs, Inc. | video | Be More Empowered, Small Nonprofit Award |
| Community Tampa Bay | video | Be More Encouraged, Judges’ Choice Award |
| Tampa Hillsborough Action Plan | video | Be More Unstoppable, Nonprofit Organization of the Year |
| A. Bronson Thayer | Be More Hero Award |
Up Close With Cathy Unruh2017 WEDU Be More Awards Special
26:05
Published:
Meet the 2017 WEDU Be More Nonprofit of the Year on the next Up Close.
Award Ceremony held February 23, 2017 at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC | Photos by Tacy Briggs-Troncoso Photography
2016: 11TH ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD | |
| John Auer, American Strategic Insurance (ASI) | video | Be More Entrepreneurial, Engaged Philanthropist Award |
| Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation, Inc. | video | Be More Relevant, Best Use of Video Award (2016 video submissions) |
| Melissa Dohme, Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across The Bay | video | Be More Outspoken, Voice of Tampa Bay Award |
| Lisl Schick, The Florida Holocaust Museum | video | Be More Involved, Mason Dixon Award for Volunteerism |
| Andrew Lumish | video | Be More Positive, ABC Action News Award |
| Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. | video | Be More Humble, Warren Averett People’s Choice Award |
| Wheels of Success | video | Be More Brilliant, Innovation Award |
| Quantum Leap Farm, Inc. | video | Be More Entertaining, Special Events Award |
| Great Explorations, Inc. | video | Be More Enriched, Greenberg Traurig Arts & Culture Award |
| Metropolitan Ministries | video | Be More Informed , Nielsen Marketing Campaign Award |
| Florida Holocaust Museum, Inc. | video | Be More Knowledgeable, Bank of Tampa Educational Outreach Award |
| Leigh Dittman, Shriner’s Hospitals for Children – Tampa | video | Be More Inspiring, Rising Star Award |
| Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay | video | Be More Empowered, Small Nonprofit Award |
| Sunrise of Pasco | video | Be More Encouraged, Judges’ Choice Award |
| Auto Club Group Traffic Safety Foundation, Inc. | video | Be More Unstoppable, Nonprofit Organization of the Year |
| Linda Osmundson, CASA | Be More Hero Award |
Up Close With Cathy Unruh2016 WEDU Be More Awards Special
29:00
Published:
Meet the 2016 WEDU Be More Nonprofit of the Year on the next Up Close.
Award Ceremony held February 4, 2016 at Tropicana Field | Photos by MamaRazzi Foto
2015: 10TH ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD | |
| Jim Freyvogel, MacDonald Training Center | video | Be More Entrepreneurial, Engaged Philanthropist Award |
| The Junior League of Tampa | video | Be More Relevant, Best Use of Video Award (2015 video submissions) |
| Angela Emery, The Haven of RCS | video | Be More Outspoken, Voice of Tampa Bay Award |
| Margaret Goodson, The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts | video | Be More Involved, Mason Dixon Award for Volunteerism |
| Raymond Gunder | video | Be More Positive, ABC Action News Award |
| Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay | video | Be More Humble, Warren Averett People’s Choice Award |
| Asolo Repertory Theatre | video | Be More Brilliant, Innovation Award |
| High Risk Hope, Inc. | video | Be More Entertaining, Special Events Award |
| Coexistence, Inc., Embracing Our Differences | video | Be More Enriched, Greenberg Traurig Arts & Culture Award |
| Ad 2 Tampa Bay | video | Be More Informed , Nielsen Marketing Campaign Award |
| Glazer Children’s Museum | video | Be More Knowledgeable, Bank of Tampa Educational Outreach Award |
| Chrissy Dos Santos, Frameworks of Tampa Bay | video | Be More Inspiring, Rising Star Award |
| Dress for Success Tampa Bay | video | Be More Empowered, Small Nonprofit Award |
| Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County | video | Be More Encouraged, Judges’ Choice Award |
| High Risk Hope, Inc. | video | Be More Unstoppable, Nonprofit Organization of the Year |
Up Close With Cathy Unruh2015 WEDU Be More Awards Special
27:16
Published:
Meet the 2015 WEDU Be More Awards Nonprofit of the Year, High Risk Hope.
Award Ceremony held February 12, 2015 at A La Carte Event Pavilion | Photos by MamaRazzi Foto
2014: 9TH ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD | |
| Karen Mertes, Fulfill Your Destiny, Inc. | video | Be More Entrepreneurial, C1 Bank Engaged Philanthropist Award |
| Big Cat Rescue | video | Be More Relevant, Best Use of Video Award (2014 video submissions) |
| Becki Forsell, YES! Of America United Inc. | video | Be More Vocal, Steve Otto, Voice of Tampa Bay Award |
| Margo Knighton, The Red Apple School, Inc. | video | Be More Involved, Mason Dixon Award for Volunteerism |
| Avi Davidson | video | Be More Positive, The ABC Action News Award |
| The Junior League of Tampa | video | Be More Humble, Warren Averett People’s Choice Award |
| Feeding America Tampa Bay | video | Be More Brilliant, The Mosaic Company Innovation Award |
| Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Inc. | video | Be More Entertaining, Special Events Award |
| Art Center Sarasota | video | Be More Enriched, Arts & Culture Award |
| More Health, Inc. | video | Be More Informed, Nielsen Marketing Campaign Award |
| American Stage | video | Be More Knowledgeable, Educational Outreach Award |
| Avalon Theisen, Conserve It Forward | video | Be More Inspiring, Rising Star Award |
| Lifelong Learning Academy | video | Be More Empowered, Paycor Small Nonprofit Award |
| Wheels of Success, Inc. | video | Be More Encouraged, Judges’ Choice Award |
| Feeding America Tampa Bay | video | Be More Unstoppable, Nonprofit Organization of the Year |
Up Close With Cathy Unruh2014 WEDU Be More Awards Special
28:26
Published:
Meet the 2014 WEDU Be More Awards Nonprofit of the Year, Feeding America Tampa Bay!
Award Ceremony held February 20, 2014 at A La Carte Event Pavilion | Photos by MamaRazzi Foto
2013: 8TH ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD | |
| Starting Right, Now | video | Be More Informed…Marketing Campaign Award |
| Lazydays Employee Foundation & Stageworks Theatre | video | Be More Entertaining…Special Events Award |
| Children’s Board Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay | video | Be More Brilliant…Innovation Award |
| Asolo Repertory Theatre | video | Be More Enriched…Arts & Culture Award |
| Florida Studio Theatre, Inc. | video | Be More Knowledgeable…Educational Outreach |
| Coordinated Child Care of Pinellas, Inc. | video | Be More Humble…The People’s Choice Award |
| Big Cat Rescue | video | Be More Relevant…Best Use of Video (2013 video submissions) |
| Dr. Antonio Gayoso (My Hope Chest) | video | Be More Involved…Award for Volunteerism |
| Hailey Scheinman | video | Be More Inspiring…Rising Star Award |
| Alisa Savoretti (My Hope Chest) | video | Be More Entrepreneurial…Engaged Philanthropist Award |
| Music Sweet Music, Inc. | video | Be More Empowered…Small Nonprofit Award |
| Mario De Armas | video | Be More Giving…The Ryan Nece Foundation Power of Giving Award |
| CASA | video | Be More Encouraged…Judge’s Choice Award |
| Children’s Board Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay | video | Be More Unstoppable…Nonprofit Organization of the Year |
Up Close With Cathy Unruh2013 WEDU Be More Awards Special
27:38
Published:
Meet the winner of the Nonprofit of the Year Award.
Award Ceremony held February 21, 2013 at A La Carte Event Pavilion | Photos by MamaRazzi Foto
2012: 7TH ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD |
| More Health, Inc. | Be More Informed…Marketing Campaign Award |
| The Junior League of Tampa Bay, Inc. | Be More Entertaining…Special Events Award |
| Lazydays Employee Foundation | Be More Brilliant…Innovation Award |
| Asolo Repertory Theatre | Be More Enriched…Arts & Culture Award |
| Glazer Children’s Museum | Be More Knowledgeable…Educational Outreach |
| Early Learning Coalition of Pasco Hernando, Inc. | Be More Humble…The People’s Choice Award |
| Lazydays Employee Foundation | Be More Relevant…Best Use of Video |
| Donna Hunter (Tampa General Hospital) | Be More Involved…Award for Volunteerism |
| T Hampton Dorhman (Hampton Arts Management) | Be More Entrepreneurial…Rising Star Award |
| Deronda Hills (Mental Healthcare, Inc.) | Be More Giving…The Ryan Nece Foundation Power of Giving Award |
| Lazydays Employee Foundation | Be More Encouraged…Judge’s Choice Award |
| Starting Right, Now | Be More Unstoppable…Nonprofit Organization of the Year |
Award Ceremony held February 9, 2012 at A La Carte Event Pavilion
2011: 6TH ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD |
| More Health, Inc. | Be More Informed…Marketing Campaign Award |
| Child Abuse Council | Be More Entertaining…Special Events Award |
| Florida Institute for Community Studies, Inc. | Be More Brilliant…Innovation Award |
| Powerstories Theatre, Inc. | Be More Enriched…Arts & Culture Award |
| Infants & Young Children of WCF, Inc. | Be More Knowledgeable…Educational Outreach |
| Child Abuse Council | Be More Humble…The People’s Choice Award |
| Big Cat Rescue | Be More Relevant…Best Use of Video |
| Robert Ettleman | Be More Involved…Award for Volunteerism |
| Steve Toth (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities) | Be More Entrepreneurial…Rising Star Award |
| Bryane Heaberlin | Be More Giving…The Ryan Nece Foundation Power of Giving Award |
| David A. Straz, Jr. (Center for the Performing Arts) | Be More Philanthropic…Individual or Corporate Award |
| Children First, Inc. | Be More Encouraged…Judge’s Choice Award |
| Housing & Education Alliance | Be More Unstoppable…Nonprofit Organization of the Year |
Award Ceremony held January 13, 2011 at A La Carte Event Pavilion
2010: 5TH ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD |
| Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County, Inc. | Be More Informed…Marketing Campaign Award |
| Community Tampa Bay | Be More Entertaining…Special Events Award |
| Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County | Be More Brilliant…Innovation Award |
| Polk Museum of Art | Be More Enriched…New Award for Culturally-Based Organizations |
| Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County, Inc. | Be More Knowledgeable…Educational Outreach Award |
| Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. | Be More Humble…People’s Choice Award |
| Steve Franks (The ALS Association, Florida Chapter) | Be More Involved…Individual Winner (Mason Dixon Award + Poll) |
| The Spring of Tampa Bay, Inc. | Be More Encouraged…Judge’s Choice Award |
| Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County | Be More Unstoppable…Nonprofit Organization of the Year |
2009: 4TH ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD |
| Meals on Wheels of Tampa | Be More Informed…Outstanding Achievement in Marketing |
| Family Service Centers, Inc. | Be More Entertained…Outstanding Achievement in Special Events |
| Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County | Be More Brilliant…Outstanding Achievement in Innovation |
| Sunrise of Pasco County | Be More Knowledgeable…Outstanding Achievement in Educational Outreach |
| Big Cat Rescue | Be More Humble…The People’s Choice Award |
| The Little Red Wagon Foundation & Lazydays Partners Foundation | Be More Encouraged… Judge’s Choice Award |
| The Children’s Home | The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay… Community Spirit Award |
| Meals on Wheels of Tampa | Be More Unstoppable… Nonprofit Organization of the Year |
2008: 3RD ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD |
| The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art | Be More Informed…Outstanding Achievement in Marketing |
| Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County | Be More Entertaining…Outstanding Achievement in Special Events |
| The Little Red Wagon Foundation | Be More Brilliant…Outstanding Achievement in Innovation |
| University of Florida 4H Youth Development | Be More Knowledgeable…Outstanding Achievement in Educational Outreach |
| Big Cat Rescue | Be More Humble…The People’s Choice Award |
| Lazydays Partners Foundation | Be More Encouraged…The Judge’s Choice Award |
| Family Network on Disabilities of Manatee and Sarasota | The Community Foundations of Sarasota and Manatee Counties Community Spirit Award |
| The Spring of Tampa Bay | Be More Unstoppable…Non-profit Organization of the Year |
2007: 2ND ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD |
| SPCA Tampa Bay | Be More Informed…Outstanding Achievement in Marketing |
| The Junior League of St. Petersburg | Be More Entertaining…Outstanding Achievement in Special Events |
| The Pier Aquarium | Be More Brilliant…Outstanding Achievement in Innovation |
| Children First | Be More Knowledgeable…Outstanding Achievement in Educational Outreach |
| Big Cat Rescue | Be More Humble…The People’s Choice Award |
| Family Enrichment Center | Be More Encouraged…The Judge’s Choice Award |
| Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities | The Community Foundations of Sarasota and Manatee Counties Community Spirit Award |
| Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities | Be More Unstoppable…Non-profit Organization of the Year |
2006: 1ST ANNUAL WEDU BE MORE AWARDS
WINNER | AWARD |
| The Children’s Home, Inc. | Be More Informed…Outstanding Achievement in Marketing |
| The Florida Center | Be More Entertaining…Outstanding Achievement in Special Events |
| Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County | Be More Brilliant…Outstanding Achievement in Innovation |
| Southeastern Guide Dogs, Inc. | Be More Knowledgeable…Outstanding Achievement in Educational Outreach |
| Yes! Of America United | Be More Humble…The People’s Choice Award |
| Backlot Arts, Inc. | The Community Foundations of Sarasota and Manatee Counties Community Spirit Award |
| The Children’s Home, Inc. | Be More Unstoppable…Non-profit Organization of the Year |