Dr. Ronald P. White

Senior partner and co-founder, Kennedy-White Orthopaedic Center

I was in Guatemala with four other surgeons and we did about 60 operations [hip and knee replacements] in a week last summer. It costs financially to be away from my practice, and I took a nurse and a surgical tech, and I paid for them. But I feel that if I’ve been given a talent I should use it for those who can’t pay. People don’t realize the inner joy you receive from giving. After college it was 15 years before I earned my first paycheck, and it took a while to pay off my loans—but after everything invested in me it’s time for me to give back.

 

Cindy Snyder

Owner, Star Keeper Café

I volunteer for All Faiths Food Bank by making cupcakes for their backpack program, and I am honored they include me. Right before Christmas, I made 1,500 cupcakes. It took about 30 hours. Without these weekend backpacks, some children would not eat. When I’m hungry, I can’t function. Imagine what that must feel like to a child in school. With such abundance in Sarasota, it is inconceivable to me that we could have children going without meals. I cook from the heart; and, at night, it helps knowing that I did at least something that may have helped one of these children have a better day.

 

Brion Sunseri

Owner and president, Ad-Vance Talent Solutions

My parents were great examples of giving, so it comes naturally to me. To really be a part of a community, you have to contribute. Everyone in our office is encouraged to be involved at every level of giving to organizations ranging from Keep Manatee Beautiful to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The future of our workforce depends on giving. You never know the difference one small effort on your part can make in the life of an underprivileged person—opportunity, education, encouragement or mentoring. Our company has survived every economic climate for the past 15 years. It’s not just about networking; it’s about being involved.

 

Col. John Saputo

CEO, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing

Giving is a way of life for me and my company. Last year Gold Coast Eagle Distributing supported over 403 charitable events. It’s a way of life I learned at an early age from the Jesuit priests in my high school and at Boston College. I also learned it in the Marine Corps, where giving of oneself is a life-and-death value. To give up one’s time, talent and treasure to help another is the true mark of a successful man. Success without lifting others—as the Jesuits said—is nothing but greed and narcissism. When you raise others, I have found you only go higher in the treasure called esteem and brotherhood.