Over 120 guests were in attendance as Phoenix House honored Frederick E. Fisher and Whitfield M. Palmer on March 5, 2009 at Higgins Hall, St. Lawrence Catholic Church.
The evening began with a touching invocation by Monsignor Laurence Higgins. Master of Ceremonies, Paul Wilson, captivated the audience reading a poem from Voices of Recovery: Words that Free Us. He also put together an incredible slide presentation played during his performance of “I Did It My Way” by Frank Sinatra. Patrick McEneaney, Senior Vice President and Regional Director of Phoenix Houses of Florida, beautifully explained where we are today and where we want to go as a Region.
A highlight of the evening was an inspiring speech by our recent graduate of the Derek Jeter Center at Phoenix House. Fred Fisher perfectly explained the history of Phoenix Houses of Florida and gave credit to everyone who was a part of the early days in bringing it all together. Ray Murray was so gracious in his comments about Fred Fisher and Whit Palmer.
We were honored to have distinguished guests such as Former Florida Governor Buddy MacKay and his wife, Anne MacKay, Lawton Chiles III, Ed Chiles, Former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco, and Former Board of Directors Billy Trumball and James Urbanski. Amy Singer also joined us from our Foundation Office in New York City.
Please keep checking back for information on our next Humanitarian of the Year Awards dinner!