United HomeCare® Celebrates 50 Years of Caring By Honoring of Champions of Aging at its Annual Claude Pepper Awards

Photography by Ruben Correa on May 11th, 2020 in Lifestyle

Miami, FL – May 11, 2023 – United HomeCare® (UHC), a leader and pioneer of home and community-based care and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving South Florida’s older adults, disabled adults, and family caregivers since 1973 helping seniors to age in place at-home with dignity, celebrated a milestone anniversary of 50 years of caring at its Annual Claude Pepper Awards luncheon on May 11, 2023.

Over 370 community leaders, healthcare professionals and dignitaries gathered in honor of the 2023 Claude Pepper Award recipients. The sold-out event honoring champions of aging was led by United HomeCare, President and CEO, Carlos L. Martinez and Michelle Barton King, Chairperson of the Board, joined by all UHC Volunteer Board of Directors. Dr.h.c. Rachel Tourgeman delivered a moving invocation and Calvin Hughes, Newscaster, WPLG-Local 10, officiated as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. Special recognition was given to all sponsors and supporters for their continued support. The Claude Pepper Foundation and their Chair and President, Thomas J. Spulak was also present in recognition of the event’s 28^th year. The Claude Pepper Awards luncheon is a signature event which pays tribute to the legacy of The Honorable Claude D. Pepper for his advocacy on behalf of the elderly and disabled, and honors exceptional individuals and organizations from the private and public sector who exemplify the spirit and ideals of the award’s namesake.

This year, United HomeCare proudly awarded the Claude Pepper Award to six extraordinary honorees: Maximo Alvarez, Founder & President, Sunshine Gasoline Distributors, Inc., Corporate Service; Joe Natoli, EVP and Chief Administrative Officer, Baptist Health South Florida, Corporate Service –Healthcare; The Honorable Ileana Garcia, Senator, District 36, Florida Senate, Public Service; The Honorable Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor, Miami-Dade County, Community Builder; Dr. Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., Director, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Healthcare Innovation Award; and Yolanda Cash Jackson, Esq., Shareholder, Becker, Thelma Gibson Community Service Award.

“Life is like riding a bicycle: you don’t fall off unless you stop pedaling,” an inspiring quote by the late Senator Pepper was the Gala’s theme conveying United HomeCare’s promise to continue its mission of caring, one that it has rendered to hundreds of thousands older Floridians for 50 years.

To learn more about United HomeCare or give your support to its vital cause, please visit www.unitedhomecare.com.