The Laurel Awards were designed in 1995 to honor those members of Indian River County who have exhibited exemplary support and leadership in benefiting arts and cultural institutions.  Nominated by a member organization, the honorees were selected by the executive directors of the Palm Beach Cultural Council, the Arts Council of Martin County, and the Arts & Cultural Alliance of St. Lucie, as outstanding leaders in the field of cultural leadership, volunteer leadership, and business leadership.

Jon Moses, COO/Managing Director of Riverside Theatre, will receive the Richard A. Stark Award for Cultural Leadership demonstrating exceptional leadership in promoting the cultural arts, and in providing encouragement, involvement, and motivation to others in support of the cultural arts. Riverside Theatre is Florida’s largest producing theatre and deemed the largest professional producing theatre in the USA in the smallest metro-populated area, IRC.  Riverside Children’s Theatre is the educational arm of Riverside Theatre offering programs for all ages on a year round basis.  Annual public participation is almost 90,000 adults, children and artists.

As the Theatre is a point of pride and a powerful economic element of the community, Jon believes that if both the theatre and the community benefit from his efforts, the attractiveness of the area to tourists, businesses, residents, and their investments will generate success for all.  To that end, some of the recent collaborative programs that Jon has developed include Comedy Zone…Summer Nights, Family Pack for the Treasure Coast, Downtown Art District Partnership, Friends of Vero Trunk Show, Dancing with Vero Stars, United Way Partnership, “Backstage Pass” Publication and Video Shorts, Riverside Children’s Theatre On-The-Go Touring Program and the Anita Astrachan Award Program providing 500 area high school students a cultural and drama learning experience.  As an adjunct IRSC faculty member, Jon is the Program Director for the Associate of Science degree in Technical, Theatre and Entertainment Technology.  His two year training program prepares theatre students for successful employment in Florida’s professional theaters.

Jon is tireless in his efforts, yet also serves as Treasurer for the Florida Professional Theatre Association, is actively involved with the Cultural Council and Chamber of Commerce, and is a loving husband and father of two children.

Donald Croteau and Susan Grandpierre, co-chairs of the Public Programs Committee which operates the Emerson Center, will receive the Alma Lee Loy Award for Volunteer Leadership demonstrating selfless dedication to the cultural arts, and devoted energy, passion, time and support of nonprofit cultural organizations.  The Emerson Center has become a primary cultural venue in IRC and its success has been determined to a great extent by the efforts, talents and extraordinary vision of Donald and Susan.  This husband-and-wife team was involved in the Emerson Center from the beginning, developing its strategic plan and starting the Celebrated Speakers Series in early 2006. Emerson’s Public Programs Committee, under the leadership of Don and Susan, was determined to fill one of the largest auditoriums in IRC with beautiful music and interesting speakers.  According to nationally known lecturer David Gergen, this is “the most outstanding speakers’ series in America.”  In 2007 the Florida Humanities Series was initiated, presenting free programs about Florida life, history, people, arts, and many other fascinating topics.  The humanities programs are offered in partnership with local sponsors, the Florida Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. It is one of the largest humanities programs in the state.  The Emerson Center houses programs produced by several other groups achieving its goal—to contribute to the cultural conversation of the Treasure Coast and to give it a venue.

Susan served on the board of the Cultural Council for 5 years, chairing the Council in 2009-2010.  She has assumed board leadership of an early childhood development center.  And she is chair of OVIASC, the Old Vero Ice Age Sites Committee, working to excavate the historic Vero Man archaeological site and establishing a museum housing the stories and artifacts of people who lived here over 13,000 years ago.  In 2012 Donald chaired a committee to assist Reverend Scott Alexander in “Ride to Beat Hunger” raising $52,000 in three weeks to make a significant contribution to ending hunger, both locally and globally.  Donald has a passion for live theatre and often performs in community shows at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild.

Susan and Donald are staunch supporters of both visual and performing arts.  For many years, they have generously given financial, physical, emotional and creative support to arts and culture in Indian River County, and in doing so, have earned the respect and support of others.

Springhill Suites by Marriott, Keith Kite, owner, will receive the John Schumann Award for Business Leadership demonstrating outstanding commitment to nonprofit cultural organizations in support of their operations, enabling growth and sustainability.  Springhill Suites by Marriott has a strong passion to support local cultural venues in many ways, making sure visitors coming to our area know what world class amenities we have to offer with a small town atmosphere.  Springhill Suites has served as Riverside Theatre’s 5-Star Corporate Partner for three years, providing housing for professional performers from across the country and accommodating their needs, including bringing them together with local businesses, creating small economic communities.  Springhill Suites staff partner with Riverside Theatre in the creation, promotion, and implementation of tourism initiatives such as the Villages Florida Tour Program and Comedy Zone Weekend Get-a-ways.  Each program has produced results and involves promotion of other cultural organizations and businesses.  Springhill Suites always offers Vero Beach Opera discounts on rooms for their artists.  They were the first hotel to come forward and support the Opera’s efforts to bring the Marcello Giordani Foundation’s International Vocal Competition to Vero Beach by offering discounted accommodations for the international judges and young artists during the 1-week competition.

The energetic staff of the hotel partners and supports many non-profit organizations in the county by organizing fundraisers like the “Treasure Night Trunk Show”, raising $7,500 for Harvest Food and Outreach Center and Riverside Theatre, providing special rates to other nonprofits, giving free night stays for prizes, and providing special “Welcome Receptions” for the casts and other performers they host.  The staff has participated in several fundraising events to help the Heritage Center, such as “Frightening Formal Night, A Party to Die For” where they served on the committees.  Other events they support are the Mardi Gras Party, the Hibiscus Festival, and the Cultural Council Birding Festival.  And Springhill Suites is especially supportive of the Cultural Concierge program.

Springhill Suites epitomizes what business leadership should be in Indian River County.  They have a sense of pride in their hometown, a staff dedicated to always being positive and willing to lend a hand, management that understands what teamwork is and, corporate leadership that rewards initiative, hard work and participation in the community.