Waves of Compassion: Celebrate Volunteer Heroes in Southwest Florida

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is proud to launch the inaugural 2026 Volunteer Awards, honoring the extraordinary individuals who dedicate their time and talents to serving older adults and adults with disabilities across our seven-county region.

Behind every meal delivered to a homebound senior, every ride to a medical appointment, and every hour spent easing loneliness, there is a volunteer whose name deserves to be known. These awards shine a spotlight on those unsung heroes whose compassion transforms lives.

Nominations Now Open

We invite you to nominate a volunteer who has made a difference in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, or Sarasota counties. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.

Nominations will be accepted through January 12, 2026. Winners will be honored at the Volunteer Appreciation Celebration & Waves of Compassion Awards Luncheon on:

Friday, February 27, 2026
Plantation Golf & Country Club
500 Rockley Blvd, Venice, FL 34293

Award Categories & Criteria

Eight distinct awards recognize the breadth of volunteer impact across generations and service areas. 

Serving Seniors

• Lighthouse Leadership Award (Seniors 60+) – Dedication, empathy, and innovative approaches to senior needs.
• Bridge of Ages Award (Adults 18–59) – Building intergenerational connections and advocating for senior issues.
• Legacy Builder Award (Students) – Bringing fresh perspectives, balancing academics with service, and recruiting peers.
• Lifetime Beacon Award (All Ages) – Sustained 3+ years of transformative service with measurable community-wide impact.

Supporting Adults with Disabilities

• Sail Beyond Limits Action Award (Seniors 60+) – Advocacy and empowerment for adults with disabilities.
• Ocean of Kindness Award (Adults 18–59) – Promoting independence, integration, and person-first approaches.
• Next Generation Inclusion Award (Students) – Applying creativity, technology, and academic knowledge to disability service.
• Barrier Breaker Award (All Ages) – Creating systems-level change and innovative programs that expand inclusion.

Each award highlights not just hours served, but the dignity restored, connections created, and lives changed.

Why Your Nomination Matters

“Too many volunteers work in the shadows, never expecting recognition,” said Maricela Morado, President & CEO of AAASWFL. “This is our community’s chance to say we see you, and what you do matters.”

Your nomination could be the first time someone hears those words.

How to Nominate

Submit your nomination through the Volunteer Award Nomination Form.

For questions or to purchase tickets, contact AAASWFL at 239-652-6900 or ea@aaaswfl.org.

The celebration will culminate in the Waves of Compassion Awards Luncheon, a gathering of community leaders, sponsors, and advocates who believe in the endless tides of service.

Together, let’s celebrate the volunteers who restore dignity, create connections, and inspire waves of compassion across Southwest Florida.