Be More Entrepreneurial Finalist:

Karen Mertes is honored to be recognized as a finalist in the Be More Entrepreneurial C1 Bank Engaged Philanthropist Award and congratulates the other finalists (listed alphabetically):  Natalie Baird, Are You Safe, Inc.; Linda Eaton, Adoption Related Services of Tampa Bay; Nisha Mandani, Our AIM Foundation, Inc.; Katy Meyer, Tampa Bay Veterinary Emergency Service; and Hailey & Olivia Scheinman, Livy’s Hope. This award will recognize an individual who has distinguished himself or herself in the nonprofit community by engaging entrepreneurial skills to build a successful nonprofit endeavor.  The top candidates that have achieved the most votes via an online poll during the voting period will be further researched by an impartial judging panel to decide the ultimate winner.

Be More Vocal Finalist:

Karen Mertes is honored to be recognized as a finalist in the Be More Vocal Steve Otto, Tampa Tribune Voice of Tampa Bay Award and congratulates the other finalists (listed alphabetically): Natalie Baird, Are You Safe, Inc.; Becki Forsell, YES! Of America United Inc.; Dotti Groover-Skipper, Tampa Bay Campaign Against Human Trafficking; The Haven of RSC; and Edie Rhea, Healing Root Ministry. This honor will be bestowed upon the individual, family, or organization that has lent a unique voice to bring awareness, credence, support, or action to an issue or cause faced by our citizens and thus making a tremendous impact in our community. Tampa Tribune columnist Steve Otto will review, select and ultimately announce the winner.

Karen is grateful in being named a double-finalist and thanks WEDU and all the people who voted. Karen also extends her congratulations to all finalists in the other categories. For more information on the finalists in all categories for the 2014 Be More Awards, please read WEDU’s press release at http://www.wedu.org/news/area-nonprofits-volunteers-announced-finalists-9th-annual-wedu-awards/