Bradenton/Sarasota, FL – Robert G. Blalock, Esq. was recently honored with the “Lifetime Spirit” Award at the 2012 Spirit of Manatee Awards by the Manatee Community Foundation. Blalock was nominated by the Anna Maria Island Community Center.
The Lifetime Spirit Award is presented to an individual (or couple) demonstrating a lifetime record of exceptional generosity in the community, whose direct financial support exemplifies outstanding charitable and civic responsibility that has significantly advanced the mission of several charitable institutions within the community, and whose leadership and example encourages and motivates others toward greater roles in philanthropy.
“No matter how your day is going, you always feel better after you engage with Bob Blalock,” says Managing Partner, Cliff Walters. “And this community is so much better off due to Bob’s selfless engagement and leadership over many years. We are proud of Bob and so glad he is still changing lives through his service to clients in our Firm and through his community service for all of us.”
In the words of Senator Bob Johnson, Chairman of New College, “Bob Blalock is not only the pillar of integrity and excellence in the practice of law, but he has chosen to give much of his time and talent to nonprofit organizations. Bob is an icon. One could not do better in the spirit of this award to be so recognized.”
A lifetime resident of Bradenton, Bob Blalock lends his personal and professional expertise to community organizations, encourages volunteerism and philanthropy and quietly has made a significant impact on both Manatee and Sarasota Counties. As a board member of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Bob was instrumental in developing the strategic alliance between the Ringling Museum of Art and Florida State University, thus securing the future of this educational institution within our community. In appreciation, the Education Center building bears his name.
Bob has either served on the Board or been a key figure in raising funds, starting endowments and working with clients to support numerous local organizations including Southeastern Guide Dogs, Just for Girls, South Florida Museum, ArtCenter Manatee, Manatee Players, New College Foundation, Florida West Coast Symphony (Sarasota Orchestra), United Way, Anna Maria Island Community Center and the center’s Endowment Trust Board.
As a founding Board member and driving force behind the establishment of the Manatee Community Foundation, Bob “birthed” an organization whose mission is connecting the charitable interests of donors with ongoing needs in the community. As donors, Bob and Marlene Blalock established a personal legacy, the Marlene and Bob Blalock Fund at the Leadership Level.
Other Spirit of Manatee Award honorees include the Manatee High School Key Club – Young Spirit Award, Champs Sports – Community Spirit Award, John Vita – Volunteer Spirit Award, Chris and Sue Egler – Volunteer Spirit Award, and Hugh and Karen Miller – Leadership Spirit Award.
About the Spirit of Manatee Awards
The Manatee Community Foundation started the Spirit of Manatee Awards seven years ago to publicly recognize those individuals and organizations that embody the philanthropy spirit of Manatee County. With an annual theme of A Celebration of Giving, the Awards is a tribute to the honorees and is a testament to the importance of honoring those who have given so much of their time and treasure to help others in the Manatee County community. More on the Awards, and on the Manatee Community Foundation, can be found at www.manateecf.org.
About Blalock Walters, P.A.
Blalock Walters is a full-service law firm built on a foundation of integrity and hard work. As the largest firm in Manatee County and the fourth largest firm in the Sarasota/Bradenton market, it serves a wide range of large and small clients in diverse industries. For more than 80 years, the firm has been a trusted adviser in resolving the legal needs of individuals, leading businesses, and other institutions throughout Southwest Florida and beyond. Blalock Walters has offices in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. For more on the law firm, visit www.blalockwalters.com.
