Congratulations to Penny Shaffer, Florida Blue market president for South Florida, the 2020 recipient of the Sand in My Shoes Award, the Greater Miami Chamber's most prestigious accolade. Make sure to reserve your seat to the Award Gala at Jungle Island on February 12 by contacting Letitia Reid at [email protected]. Ms. Shaffer serves on the boards of more than a dozen area community, civic and professional organizations. She is a frequent speaker on issues of healthcare, leadership, sales and civic engagement.
The History
The Award takes its name for a live broadcast from Downtown Miami on Thursday, December 31, 1981. The late WTVJ Vice President and News Director, Ralph Renick delivered his famous editorial detailing the irresistible force of a phenomenon described as “Sand In Your Shoes”.
According to Renick, "The late Damon Runyon did it best in a letter he wrote to his friend, Bill, a movie producer in Hollywood" explaining why he would not return to California to write a movie script, but instead would remain here in South Florida. ...
Recipients
- Tony Argiz, 2019
- Brian E. Keeley, 2018
- Carlos A. Migoya, 2017
- Patricia & Dr. Phillip Frost, 2016
- Harve A. Mogul, 2015
- Donna E. Shalala, 2014
- Gloria & Emilio Estefan, 2013
- Eduardo J. Padrón, 2012
- Peter J. Dolara, 2011
- Dr. Modesto A. Maidique, 2010
- Adolfo Henriques, 2009
- Sherwood M. “Woody” Weiser, 2008
- Jayne & Leonard Abess, 2007
- Jorge Pérez, 2006
- Carlos J. Arboleya, Sr., 2005
- William O. Cullom, 2004
- Armando Codina, 2003
- Sue & Leonard Miller, 2001
- Edward T. Foote II, 2000
- Sister Jeanne O’Laughlin, 1999
- Robert H. Traurig, 1997
- Jim Batten, 1995
- Congressman Dante Fascell, 1994
- Congressman William Lehman, 1993
- M. Anthony Burns, 1991
- Martin Fine, 1990
- Ted Hoepner, Jr., 1989
- R. Ray Goode, 1988
- & Leslie Pantin, Sr. (posthumously)
- Dr. Luis Botifoll, 1987
- Bill Colson, 1986
- Hank Meyer, 1985
- Charles I. Babcock, Jr., 1984
- Alvah H. Chapman, Jr., 1983
- Harry Hood Bassett, 1982
- Lester Freeman, 1981
