Congratulations are in order to all the finalists and winners of the very first Leaders of Lealman Awards Ceremony. Dedicated to highlighting the often overlooked and behind-the-scenes work of community supporters, the first Lealman Awards Luncheon was held on Friday, February 24th, and presented by Community District Services. Hosted by Feeding Tampa Bay, recipients were selected based on the following categories, plus the Ray Neri Lifetime Achievement award.
- Advocacy: David Lee
- Community Volunteer: DJ Hayes
- Company Award: County Sanitation, James Roberto
- Organization: Lealman Community Association, Laura Simkanich
- Public Service Award: Lealman Fire District, Chief Richard Graham
It’s inspiring to see the hard work and dedication of the Lealman Community District Services, Feeding Pinellas, and all the nominees recognized and celebrated—special congratulations to the Lealman Community Association, represented by Laura Simkanich, who won the Lealman Organization Award.
Laura Neri was the recipient of the Ray Neri Lifetime Achievement Award. Her late husband, Raymond Neri, was a driving force for change in the Lealman Community before his passing in 2017.