The Board of Directors for Southwest Florida Division of Children’s Home Society joined Lorraine Thomas to honor the 2008 R. David and I. Lorraine Thomas Child Advocate of the Year Award at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort.

After accepting top-notch nominees from the community, the finalists: Nadereh Salim, CEO of Children’s Network of Southwest Florida; Emily Lewis, Port Charlotte Family Service Center Manager; Donna Djerf, Exceptional Student Education, Lee County School District; Samira Beckwith, President and CEO of Hope Hospice and Community Services; and Katherine Miller, Founder and Executive Director of Lifeline Family Center were honored on November 1st at a dinner event created by NTT&EP and inspired by Anne Geddes.

The Board of Division Directors Lisa Portnoy, Geri Armalavage, Carla Bolten, Robert Reynolds, Stephen Ridgely and newest member Lesley Marr and NBC2 News Co-anchor Jamie Yuccas spoke to the crowd about Children’s Home Society of Florida’s mission as a state and national leader in providing high-quality, community-based solutions to meet the needs of individuals, families, and communities. The evening climaxed with Lorraine Thomas announcing the 2008 child advocate of the year, Samira Beckwith for her outstanding contributions to children and our community.

The generous sponsors for the evening’s celebration were Comcast, Lee and Penny Anderson Foundation, Bob and Karen Scott, Colonial Bank, Henderson Franklin Starnes & Holt and Naples Transportation, Tours & Event Planning.