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Sara Paulson , FLORIDA TODAY8:43 a.m. EST March 11, 2016
(Photo: MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY)
Harris, Craig and Weatherman to also be honored by Eckerd Kids March 12
Think astronauts and pop stars.
Nope, you might not expect Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Backstreet Boys performer Howard "Howie D" Dorough to be chillin' with Brevard's business and community leaders. But they will be Saturday.
The two will be honored — along with Harris Corp. CEO Bill Brown, Brevard County School Board member John Craig and Space Coast EDC President Lynda Weatherman — at the sixth annual Brevard Walk of Fame. Aldrin was the second man to walk on the moon and founder of the Share Space Foundation. Dorough is the founding member of Dorough Lupus Foundation.
The red carpet rollout is set for 6 to 9 p.m. March 12 at the Radisson Resort at the Port. The black-tie gala benefits Eckerd Kids, a nonprofit family service organization that serves Brevard's at-risk youth. It's a chance to shine a spotlight on those who have made helping children in need their passion — and bring a little star power to the celebration.
"Every year we try to up it a little bit," said Stanley Brizz, Eckerd Kids' director of community services.
"We've had names that have been huge," Brizz added, noting Sen. Bill Nelson's honor one year. "This year, we're definitely excited to have so many in one group. Because the more attention that gets for the event, the more it helps the cause and the community partnerships we're trying to inspire."
The whole point of the shindig — to inspire people to be more community-minded and cheer those who are. The five recipients chosen contribute in many ways to the community's betterment — through monetary support as well as the growth of social services in the area and inspiring volunteerism, Brizz said.
A "Children's Hero of the Year" will also be named that night.
(Photo: MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY)
Last year’s event raised money to help re-house 80 homeless families through Eckerd’s Family Support Services program. Besides honoring these local stars and helping that cause again, money will aid services that target preventing child abuse, substance abuse, as well as intervention programs. More than 1,000 children in Brevard are being helped today through the program, Brizz said. The 501 (c) 3 was founded in 1968 and operates in 14 states and the District of Columbia.
George Mikitarian, president and CEO of Parrish Medical Center, said his hospital signed on as a presenting sponsor since the nonprofit's goals are in line with Parrish's.
"They do what we do — go out, find the resources that already exist in the community, and bring people together," Mikitarian said. "Unless our communities are healthy, which translates to unless families are healthy, we don't have a chance of healing the community the way we set out to do."
That stance — which includes fellow lead sponsor Brevard Indian Medical and Dental Association (BIMDA) — makes for "a very symbiotic relationship," he said. "When we are successful, we share it with other people," Mikitarian said. "BIMDA and Parrish see that equation — not just fulfilling the mission and vision, but sharing the lessons learned."
Dr. Ashok Shah, sponsorship chair and BIMDA board member, said the event always impresses. But beyond that, the community needs resources — and Eckerd delivers.
"It'll be a success," he said of the gala.
BIMDA honorary Executive Director Glad Kurian has been a longtime fan of the event, especially organizers' attention to detail.
"Each year I've see the level of execution go higher and higher," Kurian said of the Walk of Fame. "The 'wow' factor. You walk into the room and it's like, 'Holy cow. I thought we were good.' They didn't cut corners."
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If you go
What: Brevard Walk of Fame
When: 6 to 9 p.m. March 12 (5 p.m. is cocktail hour)
Where: Radisson Resort at the Port, 8701 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral
Info: Tickets are $125 per person, with black tie/formal attire. Call 321-253-0032 or visit brevardwalkoffame.com.
