We’re always searching for unsung heroes. This month, GOOD NEWS WANTS TO KNOW…who would you nominate as an unsung hero in this community that others should know about and why?
We would like to nominate Anthony Perrone, our Food Service Manager, as our unsung Hero of the Caring Place. Anthony Perrone is the quiet backbone of our Food Service Department, persevering through staffing shortages and adversity. With the help of his team of cooks, he ensures every guest in Miami and Broward is fed, rescues thousands of pounds of food, saves vital resources, and remains a devoted husband and father.
Antonio Villasuso, President, The Caring Place
My friend Ari Porth. He’s been serving the community for years with compassion and justice.
Andrew Holmes, President, 4KIDS
A clear, unsung hero in our community is a man now in heaven named John Morris. John was a lawyer here and a gentleman’s gentleman. He had a burden and heart for the lost businessman. Today, hundreds of men in our community, including me, have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as a direct result of John’s faithful and bold sharing of the gospel. He used his business and his home as platforms to share. An example, today, is what we refer to as the “Bob Barnes’ Bible Study.” This was started by John in his dining room.
William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott
Chet Beers is one of the best men I know. He’s done 100x more for the homeless of Fort Lauderdale than I ever have. And he’s done it with 1/100th the noise.
Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting
I would nominate Marcelo Giuras, the manager of the valet parking service at the Broward Center for the Preforming Arts. Many years ago, while at an event there on our wedding anniversary, we were stranded with a flat tire. The auto roadside service came by to look and could not help because we were parked on a ramp. Marcelo saw this and quickly stepped into action with his son Luciano. They got us on our way so we could make our anniversary dinner. The best part is that he remembers me and says hello every time we see him – after 15 years!
Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 100
My unsung hero in this community is Doug Stepleton. Doug has quietly led the Stacy Foundation for close to 30 years. Doug is not a senior pastor or ministry director; however, the impact he has had is far reaching. He stays behind the scenes and doesn’t like any recognition, but he (and his family) is helping spread the gospel all over the world. Doug is a personal friend, mentor in my life and a true servant of Christ. Thank you, Doug.
Chris Lane, President, First Priority of South Florida
First, I would nominate Les Feldman for his efforts to create a Christian community newspaper forum. We all would be poorer without the Good News!
I would also nominate Scott and Christine Auker who tirelessly work for and sacrificially give in a quiet way to many organizations that further the work of God’s Kingdom.
H. Collins Forman, Jr., Esq.
I think an unsung hero in our community is Lycet Corbo. She serves people who give to the kingdom through Donor Advised Funds at National Christian Foundation South Florida. She has been a faithful servant working quietly behind the scenes for years, facilitating the practical side of giving that fuels local, national and international ministries. We love her and honor her for the work she does.
Craig D. Huston, Summit Achievers
Needing to quickly clear out my deceased parent’s home and their exquisite antiques, oriental rugs, fine wood furniture, etc., I was led to give it all to my long-time, faith-filled, Guatemalan (Mayan) gardener, Jose Vincente. Later, when I asked what he did with his furniture to fit all this into his home, he said, “Well, there are so many families coming through our southern border who don’t even have a table and chairs, so I gave your things to them.” I felt a bit indignant because I saw how thrilled his wife and large family had been to receive these fine things, but he sure demonstrated a new level of selfless generosity.
Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
I would nominate Dr. J.R. Thicklin as an unsung hero in the community. Dr. Thicklin has extensive experience of working primarily against domestic violence, boasting over 30 years of frontline experience. Receiving numerous awards, working with professionals and politicians, as well as an area of people. All the while, continuing to be pro-Jesus and sharing his faith as opportunities arise. His smile and voice are charismatic and compassionate, and he’s always ready to celebrate the best in others.
Dennis DeMarois, CEO/Executive Director, Gathering Palm Beach County
So many I’ve met – a waitress who takes prayer requests, those who consistently take food to sick neighbors, men who fix cars and homes for single moms and the elderly, police officers who pray over each other and those they not only protect but offenders who need the Lord, a doctor and his wife who give day and night to their patients outside of job duties, a dentist who offers free services to the poor periodically, a man who walks the streets in a poor area taking folks to shelters and feeding programs. All for Christ, not to be known.
Dolores King-St. George, President, King Communications and
GraceNet Radio
Arvid Albanese is a businessman that started as an air conditioner repair technician. From a tech he worked up to owning the company, then used the sale of that company to build a mini storage empire. Being one of the most goal-orientated friends I know, Arvid loves to measure results in all he does. His new mission is to build a non-profit, Soaringbird, focused on helping young people build confidence and grab opportunities that come their way time after time just as he has done.
Don Campion, President, Banyan Air Service, and Team Lead, Egbe Medical Mission
I would nominate Pastor George Rich, the Vice President of Operations, for Hope South Florida. No matter what time of day or what day of the week if I am contacted by a person in need, I can always get Pastor George to step forward and help even if it has nothing to do with his job. He is truly working for the “audience of one!”
Dr. Fred Scarbrough, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and HOPE South Florida
I would like to nominate Odette Aljure as my unsung hero. Odette Aljure is the glue that holds the Wallick Family Office and the University of Miam FCA Chapter together. Her ability to interact with people and follow through with commitments just makes things happen. Thank You Odette!
Gregg Wallick, Wallick Family Office
I’ve been blessed with a few amazing unsung heroes in my life. My mother, who spent her entire life loving and serving others without expecting anything in return. My husband, with a totally humble heart, always puts others before himself. Always looking to find ways of helping anyone who needs it. They share the real love of God with anyone they encounter. No judgement or criticism. Just love.
Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty
An unsung hero in this community that I really admire is Kara Starzyk with Abandoned Pet Rescue. I am humbled by her faithful care and love for the 350 animals they rescue and find homes for each year.
Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., President/CEO, Community Foundation of Broward
Steve Solomon with Christian Business Men’s Connection because he is facilitating so much discipleship and mentorship across South Florida, which is transforming the marketplace
Jesse Carroccio, Community Impact Director, Moody Global Media
Hands down… Tom and Linda Lukasik… this couple has committed their lives to helping children in foster care. Together they have fostered over 57 children themselves and have touched many lives. Their faith is so deep, they truly have based their lives around James 1:27.
Karen Granger, Vice President, 4KIDS
The foster and adoptive parents that open their hearts to the vulnerable and forgotten kids in our community are the biggest heroes. Their hard work is often unseen, and since May is National Foster Care Month, it’s fitting to celebrate how they break cycles and change lives!
Kevin Granato, MSW, Vice President of Engagement, 4KIDS
I have a true servant of The Lord in my congregation who goes above and beyond. He fills in wherever the need arises. Preach, teach, open up service, prayer, sing and more. God has truly blessed this man with the gift of loving others even through his own season of turbulence. The Word says, “There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” The person who follows that example. He is none other than William Figueras III .
Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church
I would like to nominate my husband, Thomas Drabik, as an unsung hero in our community. He consistently shows kindness, integrity, and a willingness to help others without ever seeking recognition. Whether it’s lending a hand to neighbors, supporting those going through difficult times or quietly doing what needs to be done, he leads by example and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those around him. As a Professor at SFBC&TS, he lives out his calling each day by investing in the lives of his students. He goes beyond simply teaching lessons — he mentors, encourages and helps shape character, always striving to guide others with patience, wisdom, and compassion. His actions remind me of the Bible verse Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” He embodies this message every day, serving others with humility and perseverance.
Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary
Nadia Bernard has operated the Project Salvage Food Pantry for over 15 years, the last 3 of which have been in space provided by Riverside Church in North Lauderdale. She sources the food, orders it, packs it and oversees a volunteer staff who distribute it weekly, all out of the goodness of her heart and oftentimes out of her own pocket. There are countless people in Broward County who continue to have food on the table each week due to her selfless efforts.
Mike McDermott, Seniors and Probate Specialist, The Keyes Company
I would like to nominate the “Silent Servant” who wishes to remain anonymous. He contributes on my levels in our community from taking care of the small things that need attention to more significant matters. Also, his contribution is not only in help but he financially contributes to a variety of ministries and causes. He does it quietly without notice and attention. I know that there is a true crown of glory awaiting this “Silent Servant.”
Oksana Horton, Creative Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company
Mary Southerland has been teaching and mentoring women for over 40 years through Bible Studies, conferences and retreats locally and internationally. She has also written or co-authored sixteen books that have helped many with their daily struggles based on biblical teachings.
Pat Colangelo, EdS, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary
I believe that today’s unsung heroes are the parents, spouses, singles, kids… (the every day human beings) who “get-up,” “suit-up,” “pray-up,” and “show-up” for whatever God has called them to do for that day. Because God has never called us to be famous, fantastic or financially well off, etc… (and there’s nothing wrong with those attributes,) but MOST OF ALL, God has called us to be FAITHFUL…therefore, I would nominate the “faithful followers of Jesus” as the unsung heroes of today!!!
Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder and President, SAINTS Homeschool P.E. and SAINTS International Sports Ministry
Certainly, there are lots of “unsung heroes” in our community. The one that I know best is the one I live with. First of all, she has to put up with me! However, the “unsung piece” mostly deals with the way she touches other people with her handwritten thank you notes that she does for Strike Force Giving, the Christian Women’s giving circle that has impacted with grants so many ministries in our community. StrikeForce has given away more than 2 million dollars to faith-based ministries and Candace Rogers writes every thank you note to all the donors of those dollars on a regular basis. I see the way she labors over each and every note she mails out to make sure it is personalized and meaningful to the recipient. So she may be an unsung hero to those who don’t know her, but she ranks at the top of the list as my hero!
Romney C. Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers, Morris & Ziegler LLP
Allison “Allie” Hix serves as the Program and Relationship Manager for Church United. This past year she spearheaded a Women’s Ministry Leadership Cohort in collaboration with Knox Seminary. She is central to all the work that Church United does, and she is involved in her own church ministry efforts.
Dr. Scott Manor, President, Professor of Historical Theology, Knox Theological Seminary
An unsung hero that people in this community should know about is a bit personal for me, it is my wife, Kim. All pastor’s wives are heroes and should be recognized for so much of the behind the scenes work that they do in the church and more importantly in the family. My wife works as a tax attorney, serves in the church and cares for our four children, which is a full-time job in itself. Our community should take time to recognize all of the pastor’s wives that work so tirelessly for the Kingdom yet often go unnoticed. We see you and love and appreciate you all!
Steve Daigle, Campus Pastor, Calvary Chapel Parkland
Steve Estler — Since 1994 when he became my Paul, my mentor, Steve has helped directly 25+ men become stronger in their walk with Jesus Christ working through the CBMC Operation Timothy program. Steve is a behind the scenes builder of CBMC for over 30 years that has helped to impact hundreds of men and families through prayer, action and support!
Steve Solomon, Area Director, CBMC South Florida
An unsung hero isn’t someone looking for recognition, but someone who hears God’s Word and lives it out (James 1:22). I truly believe that anyone who responds to James 1:27 by caring for orphans and widows in their distress, in whatever way God leads, is a true HERO.
Thomas L. Lukasik, Chief Advocacy Officer, 4KIDS
For more Good News, read the GOOD NEWS May 2026 Issue at: https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2026/may/