Agenda 05/08/2018 Item #5B05/08/2018
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Presentation of the 2018 “Against All Odds” award to co-recipients Arthur Bookbinder
and David C. Weigel.
OBJECTIVE: To present co-recipients Arthur Bookbinder and David C. Weigel the 2018 “Against All
Odds” award.
CONSIDERATIONS: In 2016, the Board of County Commissions unanimously approved establishing
an annual “Against All Odds” award program to recognize individuals who have overcome great
challenges that most of us have not faced and is someone who, despite his or her circumstances, has
excelled and given back to the community.
In fall 2017, the Communication and Customer Relations Division announced a call for nominations from
the public. The announcement was made in English, Spanish, and Creole and sent to all media outlets,
public and private high schools, and posted on the county’s website and on social media.
Nominations had to be accompanied by a narrative describing the nominee’s journey; specifically, how he
or she had overcome considerable obstacles to achieve success and excel. The narrative also had to
include examples of how the nominee had given back to the community.
At its April 10, 2018, regular meeting under agenda item 16.E.3, the Board approved staff’s
recommendation to honor Arthur Bookbinder and David Weigel as co-recipients of the 2018 award.
FISCAL IMPACT: The cost of two awards will not exceed $200.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: None.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: None.
RECOMMENDATION: To present co-recipients Arthur Bookbinder and David C. Weigel the 2018
“Against All Odds” award.
Prepared by: Mike Sheffield, Director, Communication and Customer Relations
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. 0503 Against All Odds Award (DOCX)
5.B
Packet Pg. 24
05/08/2018
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 5.B
Doc ID: 5436
Item Summary: Presentation of the 2018 “Against All Odds” award to co-recipients Arthur
Bookbinder and David C. Weigel.
Meeting Date: 05/08/2018
Prepared by:
Title: Executive Secretary to County Manager – County Manager's Office
Name: MaryJo Brock
04/23/2018 2:04 PM
Submitted by:
Title: County Manager – County Manager's Office
Name: Leo E. Ochs
04/23/2018 2:04 PM
Approved By:
Review:
Communication and Customer Relations Mike Sheffield Additional Reviewer Completed 04/23/2018 2:11 PM
County Manager's Office Nick Casalanguida County Manager Review Completed 04/29/2018 8:40 PM
Board of County Commissioners MaryJo Brock Meeting Pending 05/08/2018 9:00 AM
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Packet Pg. 25
Collier County Government
Communication & Customer Relations Division
3299 Tamiami Trail E., Suite 102
Naples, Florida 34112-5746
colliercountyfl.gov
twitter.com/CollierPIO
facebook.com/CollierGov
youtube.com/CollierGov
May 3, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Collier County Board of County Commissioners to Honor Residents Arthur Bookbinder and David
Weigel with Against All Odds Award
Tuesday, May 8, 2018
9 a.m.
The Collier County Board of County Commissioners will honor Arthur Bookbinder and David Weigel as co-
recipients of the 2018 Against All Odds Award during its meeting beginning at 9 a.m., Tuesday, May 8. The
award recognizes Bookbinder and Weigel for their work with the non-profit Lighthouse of Collier, Inc.
Arthur Bookbinder lost his vision in 1990 to Retinitis Pigmentosa. In 1991, he was diagnosed with the first of
four major cancers. Those obstacles did not stop Bookbinde r as he continued working while receiving
chemotherapy. In 2005, he created the Bookbinder Group, a consortium of Premier Low Vision Consultants
throughout North America. Bookbinder helped grow the non-profit organization, Lighthouse of Collier, Inc.,
the only Collier County non-profit dedicated to low vision and blind individuals. He currently serves as
chairman of the Lighthouse board of directors. Bookbinder also served as a mentor to students in the
Champions for Learning Take Stock in Children program. Additionally, he currently serves on the executive
committee and was involved from the start with the Naples Men’s Discussion Group, an organization
composed of 100 retired individuals that began 16 years ago and brings in speakers, both local and from across
the country to present topics pertinent to our community. In 2016, he was recognized by the Southwest Florida
Community Foundation as one of the Faces of Philanthropy and he and his wife, Susan, were recognized as
Champions at the Champions for Learning 2016 Night of Champions. Bookbinder was honored by the Naples
Daily News in November 2017 as one of its 25 over 50.
David Weigel is known in the community for being a highly ethical and principled attorney. During his 23-
year tenure with the Collier County Attorney’s office, he moved from an assistant county attorney, to chief
assistant, to county attorney from 1995 until 2008. Weigel started experiencing significant vision impairment
in 2003. In 2007 Weigel, along with approximately sixty members of the community, initiated the creation of
what would become the Lighthouse of Collier, Inc., the only Collier County non -profit organization dedicated
to providing rehabilitation services and resources gratis for low vision and blind individuals and their
caregivers. During 2008-2009, he chaired the “Leadership Council,” comprised of 18 dedicated, passionate
community volunteers that became recognized as the Founders of Lighthouse of Collier, Inc. Weigel
coordinated efforts to establish Bylaws, incorporation, IRS 501c(3) charitable status, organizational structure
and location for the Lighthouse and became its first president. Weigel has participated in the Lighthouse’s
annual Summer Camps where he has taught Morse Code to provide a unique communication experience and
a bit of radio history for the kids. He currently serves as secretary of the Lighthouse board of directors and
regularly speaks to local groups to bring awareness of the services and assistance available through Lighthouse
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Packet Pg. 26 Attachment: 0503 Against All Odds Award (5436 : Against All Odds)
of Collier. Weigel and his wife, Jeanie, have enjoyed raising their three sons; Clayton, Collin, and Robert, who
are all in their 20s and are spreading their wings.
The Board of County Commissioners called for nominations for the Against All Odds Award in fall 2017.
Nominees had to overcome obstacles to achieve success and excel, as well as give back to the community.
County Commissioners chose to honor Bookbinder and Weigel for demonstrating fortitude, determination,
passion and perseverance, and for overcoming challenges to achieve their dreams “against all odds.”
This is the third consecutive year that commissioners have presented the Against All Odds award. In 2016,
the award was presented to former Immokalee resident Mackensie Alexander. The son of Haitian immigrants,
Alexander was honored for achieving his dream to be drafted into the NFL.
Last year, commissioners recognized Carlos Ruiz for his dedication to his fellow veterans who have Post -
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Ruiz served in the 82nd Airborne Division and was deployed to Afghanistan
for a year where, as an 18-year-old paratrooper, he saw excessive combat and lost many brothers and sisters
at arms. Despite suffering from severe PTSD, Ruiz has helped many local veterans who were sufferi ng as he
had.
For more information, please contact Mike Sheffield at (239) 252-8569.
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Packet Pg. 27 Attachment: 0503 Against All Odds Award (5436 : Against All Odds)