Agenda 06/28/2022 Item #16E 2 (2021 Recipient of the "Against All Odds" Award)06/28/2022
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to select Peggy Rodriguez as the recipient of the 2021 “Against All Odds” award,
and to present the award at a future Board meeting.
OBJECTIVE: To select Peggy Rodriguez as the recipient of the 2021 “Against All Odds” awar d, and to
present the award at a future Board of County Commissioners meeting.
CONSIDERATIONS: At its July 12, 2016, meeting, the Board of County Commissioners 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 who, despite their circumstances, have
excelled and given back to the community. Previous recipients of the award are Mackensie Alexander, an
NFL football player from Immokalee, Carlos Ruiz, a former Army paratrooper, Arthur Bookbinder,
David C. Weigel, and Christina Harding- Cruz.
In late 2021, and following a suspension of the award program during the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Communications, Government & Public Affairs Division renewed 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 overcame considerable obstacles to achieve success and excel. The narrative also had to include
examples of how the nominee had given back to the community.
By the December 31, 2021, nomination deadline, eight Collier County residents were nominated. Per
previous practice, a selection committee of seven staff in the Communications office thoroughly reviewed
each nomination. While every nominee embodied the spirit of the “Against All Odds” award, ultimately
Peggy Rodriguez was selected for demonstrating an exceptional level of fortitude, determination, and
perseverance. Ms. Rodriguez has given back and enriched the Collier community with her social work,
community involvement, and dedication to enrich the lives of others through programs, services, and
personal determination to give a prominent voice to those who have a language barrier.
The nominees not selected for the 2021 award will automatically be entered for consideration for the 2022
award.
Peggy Rodriguez
Peggy’s life began as the daughter of migratory farm workers, moving from state to state with the
growing seasons picking fruits and vegetables. In 1979, her parents finally settled permanently in
Immokalee to raise their young family.
Peggy married young, had two children, and soon experienced the familiar financial hardships she had
witnessed with her parents. Peggy was determined to change her future and provide opportunities for her
growing family. Being engaged in her community and wanting to stay and raise her children in one place,
Peggy began working as an administrative assistant for Guadalupe Social Services at Catholic Charities
where they provide food and shelter, counseling, and education to those in need. Peggy worked hard, was
well-liked, and rose steadily through various positions from Administrative Assistant to Caseworker, to
Assistant Program Director, and, most recently, promoted to Regional Director, reporting directly to the
CEO.
She now leads four locations throughout Collier County, manages a staff of 27, and has more than ten
programs, including the Casa Maria Soup Kitchen, a Clothing and Shower Program, Education, and
Pantry on Wheels. Program locations include the Collier Senior Center and the Family Counseling
Center in Golden Gate, the Judy Sullivan Family Resource Center in East Naples, and Guadalupe Social
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06/28/2022
Services in Immokalee. Peggy is also working toward her degree in Business Management and is
currently on the Dean’s List.
FISCAL IMPACT: The cost of producing the award is approximately $150.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: There is no growth management impact associated with this
Executive Summary.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: None.
RECOMMENDATION: To select Peggy Rodriguez as the recipient of the 2021 “Against All Odds”
award, and to present the award at a future Board meeting.
Prepared by: Maria Pizarro, Public Information Coordinator, Division of Communications, Government
& Public Affairs
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. 2021 Against All Odds Nominees (PDF)
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COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 16.E.2
Doc ID: 22616
Item Summary: Recommendation to select Peggy Rodriguez as the recipient of the 2021 “Against
All Odds” award, and to present the award at a future Board meeting.
Meeting Date: 06/28/2022
Prepared by:
Title: Communications, Govt. & Public Affairs Director – County Manager's Office
Name: John Mullins
06/21/2022 10:59 AM
Submitted by:
Title: Communications, Govt. & Public Affairs Director – County Manager's Office
Name: John Mullins
06/21/2022 10:59 AM
Approved By:
Review:
Office of Management and Budget Debra Windsor Level 3 OMB Gatekeeper Review Completed 06/21/2022 11:02 AM
County Attorney's Office Jeffrey A. Klatzkow Level 3 County Attorney's Office Review Completed 06/21/2022 11:50 AM
Office of Management and Budget Susan Usher Additional Reviewer Completed 06/22/2022 8:15 AM
County Manager's Office Amy Patterson Level 4 County Manager Review Completed 06/22/2022 8:34 AM
Board of County Commissioners Geoffrey Willig Meeting Pending 06/28/2022 9:00 AM
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Packet Pg. 1301 Attachment: 2021 Against All Odds Nominees (22616 : Against All Odds Award)
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Packet Pg. 1302 Attachment: 2021 Against All Odds Nominees (22616 : Against All Odds Award)
Nomination – Against All Odds - Award
Tabatha Butcher is the Chief of EMS. Chief Butcher is a cancer survivor and continued to
maintain her role as Chief of EMS throughout her treatment. Although she was distressed herself, she
never allowed the disease to overshadow her leadership.
Despite the pandemic restrictions Chief Butcher conducted monthly Zoom meetings with her
employees. The Zoom meetings allowed her to maintain personal interaction and keep the employees
abreast of the rapidly changing environment. In addition, she maintained her role as chair of the Fire
Chief’s Association by holding weekly meetings. The weekly meetings help maintain the collaboration
between the allied agencies.
The past year taxed many elements of work from medical supply chain shortages, staffing
concerns, to the mental wellbeing of 200 colleagues. Despite medical supply chain concerns Chief
Butcher worked closely with her administrative staff and allied agencies to provide first responders with
personal protective equipment to protect themselves from the spread of COVID-19 and other
communicable diseases. Mask, shields, gloves, gowns, and disinfectant were always available for the
field.
The newfound challenges of the pandemic required a more technological approach to patient
interaction. Chief Butcher approved this approach known as telemedicine. Telemedicine allows the
patient to interact face-to-face with the Medical Director. This interaction helped prevent hospital
surges, improved public awareness, and controlled the virus spread by limiting unnecessary exposure
across the pre-hospital and hospital arenas.
The COVID-19 pandemic in addition to the mental health and overdose crisis’ in the country has
not deterred Chief Butcher from moving forward. Chief Butcher has approved an initiative with the
Mental Health Bureau where social worker’s receive reports on socioeconomical needs within the
community as reported by first responders. Despite all the County and personal challenges, she
continuously maintains a pulse of the County.
Chief Butcher deserves to receive the Against All Odds award due to her tireless effort to
maintain safety and health both within EMS and the community. She overcame numerous challenges
and never seen issues to maintain EMS’ goal of responding to 911 calls 24 hours a day 365 days a year or
366 in leap years. She is a perfect example of a person that overcame both personal and work-related
challenges. Just ask her crews’ as she personally visited each station over the holidays by delivering her
homemade cookies to the staff.
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Packet Pg. 1303 Attachment: 2021 Against All Odds Nominees (22616 : Against All Odds Award)
From:patty@tlcnaples.org
To:PizarroMaria
Subject:the 2021 Against All Odds Award
Date:Sunday, December 5, 2021 12:47:09 PM
Importance:High
EXTERNAL EMAIL: This email is from an external source. Confirm this is a trusted sender
and use extreme caution when opening attachments or clicking links.
2021 Against All Odds Award
We at the Tree of Life Church in Naples would like to nominate one of our most valuable and
unique volunteers for this Award.
His name is Steve Hartsfield.
He is a member of our Church and one of the most unique, loving and generous volunteers we
have.
Regardless of the odds he HAS persevered through it all….. volunteering, assisting in life groups
through the week, helping others outside of church, having and dealing with major health
issues, struggling with many things and people, and still does not matter…. Any time we need
him, any time we call him, and sometimes when he should rest… STEVE is always here ready
to serve and help. There are some things we need help with at our church, he may not be the
best at, but he will certainly give it his all! Even at a last minute call out… STEVE is the main
person we can count on.
His nomination means the world to us and we pray that he is selected for the volunteer award.
Have a Blessed Day,
Patty Cruz, CFO
Office Administration
Tree of Life Church
2132 Shadowlawn Drive
Naples, FL 34112
O: 239.530.2200 C: 239-825-1788
E: patty@tlcnaples.org
Website: www.tlcnaples.org
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Packet Pg. 1304 Attachment: 2021 Against All Odds Nominees (22616 : Against All Odds Award)
Da \1 II
3526 Canopy Cir
Naples, FL 34120
I would like to nominate my husband, Dave Hinds, a full-time resident at 3526 Canopy Circle,
Naples, FL 34120. Here is his story:
Dave joined the US Marine Corps after high school in 1966 and was sent to Viet Nam as a
combat Marine. He found out the old saying "War is Hell" the hard way. After 10 months and
wounded three (3) sepaGted times, Dave was sent to Okinawa to recover and finished his 13
months tour of duty before being sent back home to the United States.
After surviving the jungle of Viet Nam and serving our country for two year as a Marine, Dave
was honorably discharged and became a firefighter in 1974. He staned serving our
communities the znd time. Two years on the job, he had his 1't job related back injury and was
off for two months due to back surgery. 10 years later, he fell into an elevator shaft during a
rescue mission. Another back surgery plus the ring finger being sewn back on.
After 23 years on the fire department while also serving as a deputy sheriff for 11 years to
continue keepingthe community safe, Dave retired as a senior arson investigator. Then he
took a job as a driver instructor teaching adults and teens to drive. As you can see, Dave has
used only 6 out of his "9 cat lives" with all those dangerous jobs, how lucky hewas! After 10
years without incident, he finally wised up and retired.
Since returning from Viet Nam, Dave has made his commitment to help veterans and the
general public. He started to volunteer at different charities and organizations such as Boy
Scotts, Big Brother/Big Sister, Toys 4 Tots, DAV, VFW, Marine Corps League, just name a few.
Dave received the Certification of Outstanding Community Achievement of Viet Nam Era
Veterans from President.limmy Carter and was inducted into the Veterans Hall of Fame 2013.
ln 2017, He was chosen to be the l't Viet Nam veteran to 80 on the Collier County Honor Flight
to Washington D. C..
Dave has been volunteering his work at the Helps Outreach food pantry, Naples Senior Center,
St. Matthews House, Rolling Thunder POW-MIA programs and Naples Museum of Military
History. Forthe past 3 years, he has served as the president ofthe museum located in the
Naples Municipal Airport North Road Terminal.
From a small town boy to today living in Collier County, all his life, Dave has never stopped to
make our country and communities better and safer. He's doing what he loves to do and never
slows down regardless his injuries. Dave's risky life journey has been filled with blessings.
1 z-4x-)L r,/l/,.--
Grace Chen-Hinds
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Packet Pg. 1305 Attachment: 2021 Against All Odds Nominees (22616 : Against All Odds Award)
Peggy Rodriguez
Region III Director, Collier County
Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc.
P.O. Box 8034
Immokalee, FL 34143
“Against All Odds” Submission
From Migrant Farm Family to Regional Director
My journey began in the small town of Berrien Springs, Michigan. My parents were migrant
farmworkers, as were their parents, traveling through different states picking whatever fruits and
vegetables were in season at the time. I was born there simply because they were working there when it
was time for me to arrive. Memories of my first five or six years are always being on the move, living in
migrant camps and trailers, and surrounded by vegetable fields and fruit trees.
In 1979, my parents moved to Immokalee to set roots in one location to raise the family. They continued
to work at area farms until they could purchase a home. Strange as it might seem, my parents never
focused on the struggles and hardships of farm work. Instead, they emphasized the dignity and value of
farmworkers and their accomplishments. They took pride in being an essential part of supplying food for
others, and I cannot recall feeling that we had it any harder other than what other people were going
through.
I married my husband in 2006; we were young and barely managed to pay our bills, but we did. A year
later, we had a son and soon found ourselves living paycheck to paycheck. Our apartment rent went up
shortly after, so we moved in with my parents until we could find an affordable place to live again. We
applied for a house from Habitat for Humanity while living with them but were denied. After some
challenges, we finally got pregnant with my daughter in 2013 and decided to try Habitat again since our
family was expanding, and to our surprise, we were approved. We helped build our home and several
others through their program.
Even though I was acutely aware of farmworkers' struggles, having lived that life, it was not until I began
employment at Guadalupe Social Services of Catholic Charities nineteen years ago that I realized the
scope and the enormity of the needs in Immokalee. Through various programs, Guadalupe Social
Services has served the farmworkers, packinghouse workers, and rural poor.
I began as an administrative assistant, where I heard the familiar stories of clients daily. Then, guided by
excellent leaders and mentors, I began to rise to various positions at Catholic Charities, from
administrative assistant to caseworker to assistant program director and then program director.
I am now the regional director of Catholic Charities for all of Collier County, leading four program sites
and managing a staff of 27. These areas include Collier Senior Center, Family Counseling Center, the Judy
Sullivan Family Resource Center, and Guadalupe Social Services. I have also returned to school and
decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in management and have made the dean’s list and honor roll
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several times. I hope to set an example for my children, community, and staff to show them that
everything is possible.
Just like the fruits my parents tended, I too have blossomed from humble beginnings; I’ve been
recognized for the potential to grow and blessed with the ability to give back and cultivate the youth
and families in my community. Never forgetting my life in a farmworker family, I am driven to see that
our programs at Catholic Charities meet current and future needs throughout Collier County to ensure
that we don’t just survive but thrive.
###
For more information:
Kirsten Pedersen
Director of Communications, Catholic Charities
Catholic Diocese of Venice, Inc.
kirsten.pedersen@catholiccharitiesdov.org
Direct: 941-800-8597
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Packet Pg. 1307 Attachment: 2021 Against All Odds Nominees (22616 : Against All Odds Award)
AGAINST ALL ODDS AWARD
Nominee: Marioly Soto
7835 Regal Heron # 304
Naples, FL 34104
Marioly was born in the small Cuban town of Remedios, Villa Clara. Her father was an adoring
and devoted man who worked numerous jobs to support his family of 8. Her mum was a full-
time mother and nurturer. Life in Cuba was challenging but Marioly has many fond memories of
her childhood especially those involving her family.
Like her father, Marioly is a very diligent and hard worker and was so successful in her academic
endeavors that she passed the entrance exam for admission to University in Havana. At the age
of 17, she moved to Havana to begin studying engineering. It is there she met her future husband
and where her son was born. During her final year at university, her father became very ill, and
her mother’s health was in decline. She made the difficult decision to interrupt her studies to
return home to care for her parents. Her responsibility and devotion to her parents and her family
came first. Her father recovered but Marioly stayed in Remedios. She continued to study and
received a degree in accounting. She was hired by a local bank and remained a loyal employee
for 20 years. She worked hard and took care of her parents and her young son. Under the Castro
regime, life was not easy, but Marioly persevered and made the best of a difficult situation.
In 2014, a friend invited her to visit the United States. As her grandparents were Spanish
citizens, Marioly was able to obtain Spanish citizenship and a Spanish passport. She also had a
Cuban passport. So, Marioly flew to the US and toured the country from east to west and north to
south. When the touring was over, she made the monumental decision to cross into Mexico at the
border and then return to the US invoking the « wet feet, dry feet » Cuban Adjustment Act of
1966. She was granted admission and permission to work.
Life in her new homeland did not have an easy beginning. Her intention was to return to her
friend in Florida, but she was in Laredo, Texas. Her small savings were not sufficient to buy the
bus ticket. She found herself homeless, without resources for food and with a limited knowledge
of English. Fortunately, she met many kind people who gave her food, shelter and assistance
when they could. She is very grateful to these people. They watched over her and one person
said, « you are a woman blessed by God ».
Marioly made it to Florida and worked extremely hard, as she did in Cuba. She learned English,
worked numerous, menial jobs and is now the Program Coordinator for the Collier Resource
Center (CRC), a non-profit organization that connects clients with health and human services. It
is Marioly’s empathy and compassion for people, especially those less fortunate that make her a
perfect fit for CRC. She is true problem-solver and when presented with a challenging request,
she dives right in to find a solution. For example, she found a bed for a pregnant woman who
was sleeping on the floor; she helped have a wheelchair ramp installed for a housebound senior
and found an ac unit for an elderly person’s mobile home. She is devoted to finding solutions for
everyone who calls CRC needs.
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Marioly is a true asset to Collier County and has risen « against all adds » to serve the
community. She serves by example and inspires others to do the same. We are proud to submit
her name and story to be considered for this prestigious award.
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Packet Pg. 1309 Attachment: 2021 Against All Odds Nominees (22616 : Against All Odds Award)
Reshma is an inspiration to all who cross her path, her mind is one of a kind when it comes to bringing
her creations to reality and her drive is unstoppable. As a small child she picked up her cooking talents
from her grandmother and became fascinated with spices. As the oldest daughter of 4 siblings, she
helped her mom raise her brother and sisters, this is where her determination comes from, she does not
give up under any circumstance.
We met during one of her cousin’s wedding, what drew me to her was seeing her interactions with
others and how delightful she seemed. Her joy and willingness to help others are two of her greatest
attributes although she has had many struggles to get where she is today. We met briefly after the
wedding and started dating while we lived in separate states. During this time, she was a private chef for
a Supreme Court Judge in New York city leading her to realized she had a future in food production. In
2008 she moved to Florida after our wedding and began playing with spices. I watched her constantly
creating new and different foods, along with a variety of hot sauces, this led to Carina’ Manufacturing.
She has worked very hard during the past 3 years, putting in long hours in the kitchen, meeting potential
buyers, and closing deals.
As a new entrepreneur she faced many hardships like losing a buyer in New York due to Hurricane Irma
wiping down her farm before harvesting. However, she didn’t let that stop her. This led her to the
Culinary Accelerator and a private label deal with a company based out of Tampa for her hot sauce.
Although the sales of this deal were not profitable, Reshma decided to promote her product in different
local venues, and this led to her getting her breakthrough with Wynn’s Supermarket. Now she has over
60 items selling in theirs stores. She also met with Seed to Table and is now making products for them as
well, and within six months she has signed a contract with an international corporation to private label
their products.
Her drive has been necessary to achieving her dreams as she struggled to find a place to produce such
large volume of product. After much disappointment, a space became available bringing an answer to
the quest and exposing her for the opportunity to get a large facility at Ave Maria. Reshma is a prime
example of beating the odds as she came into this country as an immigrant and has now become a self-
taught businesswoman who is just starting to thrive.
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Packet Pg. 1310 Attachment: 2021 Against All Odds Nominees (22616 : Against All Odds Award)
From:Eric Short
To:PizarroMaria
Cc:LetourneauJeffrey; OssorioMichael
Subject:RE: Against All Odds Nomination
Date:Friday, November 19, 2021 9:09:47 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.jpg
image003.jpg
image004.png
image005.png
Thank you Maria!
W. Eric Short, CPM
District Investigations Supervisor
Collier County Government
Code Enforcement Division
2800 N. Horseshoe Dr.
Naples, FL 34104
(239)252-5732
Eric.Short@colliercountyfl.gov
Mission Statement: "To protect the health, safety, and welfare of Collier County residents and visitors through education, cooperation,
and compliance."
“HOW ARE WE DOING?” Please CLICK HERE to fill out a CUSTOMER SURVEY.
We appreciate your feedback!
From: PizarroMaria <Maria.Pizarro@colliercountyfl.gov>
Sent: Friday, November 19, 2021 9:05 AM
To: Eric Short <Eric.Short@colliercountyfl.gov>
Subject: Against All Odds Nomination
Hi Eric,
Yes, staff can nominate. I have added him as one of the nominies.
Thank you so much for this!
Respectfully,
Maria Pizarro
Public Information Coordinator
& Collier 311 Administrator
Division of Communications, Government & Public Affairs
Office of the County Manager
NOTE: Email Address Has Changed
3299 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34112
Phone: 239-252-8113 Fax: 239-252-6929
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From: Eric Short <Eric.Short@colliercountyfl.gov>
Sent: Thursday, November 18, 2021 4:57 PM
To: PizarroMaria <Maria.Pizarro@colliercountyfl.gov>
Subject: RE: Against All Odds Nomination
Additional info…
From: Eric Short
Sent: Thursday, November 18, 2021 3:11 PM
To: PizarroMaria <Maria.Pizarro@colliercountyfl.gov>
Subject: Against All Odds Nomination
Hey Maria,
I’m not sure if it is appropriate for Staff to nominate someone but after you mentioning this at the North Naples Task Force Meeting, I
immediately thought of a well deserving gentlemen in our Community.
-Thanks
Nominee: Mitch Watson
Address: Hunger and Homeless Coalition of Collier County
P.O. BOX 9202 Naples, FL 34101
As with many Veterans, Mitch Watson struggled after departing from the Military where he was accustomed to the discipline and
guidance of his command in the United States Navy. For many years, Mr. Watson fought drug and alcohol abuse, resulting in leaving him
homeless many times throughout a 10-year period. With a feeling of having his back to the wall and against all odds, Mr. Watson
committed to turning his life around and giving back to the community that saved his life.
Today, Mitch tells and reflects on his story throughout the Collier County Community. As an Outreach Coordinator with the Hunger and
Homeless Coalition of Collier County, Mitch works together with the Collier County Code Enforcement Division and the Collier County
Sheriff’s Office by responding to calls in the field regarding homeless activity. Mitch networks with various organizations and resources to
provide services to our homeless population in Collier County.
I have personally witnessed Mitch interact with our unfortunate homeless residents. Mitch will sit next to these folks on the side of the
road or on the ground on a homeless camp site in the woods. Mitch will spend countless hours going through options and following
through with individuals to truly get them the help they need. To see Mitch in action is quite the experience. I specifically re-call a time
where a simple $5.00 gift card given to an individual to enjoy a meal at a local fast-food chain, brought tears to a grown man’s eyes.
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Our community is better served by having Mr. Watson as a person who lives by “When life shows you some love, give it back.” True to
Mr. Watson’s character, his overcoming of obstacles in life, has resulted in not only the success of himself, but has had a significant
impact on others by evolving many homeless individuals into productive citizens in Collier County.
W. Eric Short, CPM
District Investigations Supervisor
Collier County Government
Code Enforcement Division
2800 N. Horseshoe Dr.
Naples, FL 34104
(239)252-5732
Eric.Short@colliercountyfl.gov
Mission Statement: "To protect the health, safety, and welfare of Collier County residents and visitors through education, cooperation,
and compliance."
“HOW ARE WE DOING?” Please CLICK HERE to fill out a CUSTOMER SURVEY.
We appreciate your feedback!
Under Florida Law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records
request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by telephone or in writing.
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