Sari Vatske, Feeding South Florida vice president of community relations, has been named a finalist for South Florida Business & Wealth magazine’s 2015 Up & Comer Awards in the Non-Profit category.
As a leader with Feeding South Florida, Vatske has made a great impact on the lives of 871,920 South Floridians facing food insecurity.
The Up & Comer Awards program, created by South Florida Business & Wealth magazine and Lifestyle Media Group, showcases the many South Florida professionals whose dedication to their occupation and community deserves recognition. The awards honor individuals 39 years of age or younger who exhibit drive and promise; someone poised to become — or who already is — a proven leader in his or her field. Finalists represent a wide range of backgrounds and industries.
Finalists and winners will be recognized at the Up & Comer Awards program on Thursday, June 18, 5:30 p.m., at The Venue in Wilton Manors, 2345 Wilton Dr., Fort Lauderdale.
In her position, Vatske is responsible for an increased food distribution from 29 million pounds in 2012, to 33 million pounds in 2013, and to 37 million pounds in 2014. This helps to set the table for 871,920 million individuals in need of food assistance, including 287,650 children, 150,000 older adults and the working poor, in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
She oversees development, sorting as part of distribution, supervises 18 employees, and works with the executive team on strategic planning. She oversaw the Hunger in America 2014 hunger study/gap analysis for Feeding South Florida, involving a substantial amount of research and outreach. She is responsible for agency relations, client services, compliance and capability, distribution, expansion and development of programs and strategic initiatives.
“I’m honored to be a finalist for this award that recognizes the best and brightest ‘rising stars’ in South Florida,” Vatske said. “It’s crucial that the South Florida community continues to work toward Feeding South Florida’s mission to end hunger in the area, and I am proud to be a part of that mission.”
For more information, visit www.feedingsouthflorida.org or call 1-954-518- 1818.
