The Frances Pew Hayes Child Advocate of the Year Award annually honors individuals and groups who have made a significant impact toward improving the lives of homeless, neglected, and abused children throughout Collier County. Recognized are those who have not only given their time, talent, and financial resources, but who have set a standard of excellence toward ensuring a better world for future generations.

Congratulations to our 2008 Recipient: Sheriff Don Hunter

This year, we were honored to present the 2008 distinction to Sheriff Don Hunter, one of our community’s true champions for
children. More than 100 friends and supporters joined us for a special luncheon at the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club to pay tribute to
a man who truly exemplifies the spirit of this award.

“As one of our community’s pioneering leaders, with an unwavering dedication towards protecting and improving the lives of children and families in our community, we are proud to recognize Sheriff Hunter with this honor,” said Ron McSwiney, Executive Director of Youth Haven. “His distinguished law enforcement career, highlighted by the creation and support of many innovative youth crime and abuse prevention and family support programs is one to be celebrated.”

“I am humbled and surprised by this distinction. The recipients who have been honored by the Frances Pew Hayes award have certainly been deserving of it. I knew, respected and admired Frannie and her large body of work for the children in our community. She typified the ‘giver’ we all believe ourselves to be, but she elevated that common trait to an uncommon passion for children of her community,” said Sheriff Hunter. “I am deeply honored to accept this award but must acknowledge that but for the many professionals that I serve with at the Sheriff’s Office, this award would never have been considered. It is through the efforts of the many at our Agency that we are able to finally have some positive effect toward a more wholesome community.
My heartfelt appreciation goes to those on the Board of Youth Haven who considered me for this award and confirmed my nomination. You have a willing friend in me for the benefit of our children,” Hunter added.

Congratulations to our 2006 Recipients: Arlene & Jerry F. Nichols

Youth Haven is proud to honor Arlene & Jerry F. Nichols as the 2006 Frances Pew Hayes Child Advocate of the Year Award recipients. Arlene & Jerry have been a leading force in numerous social service and humanitarian initiatives for more than three decades. Their passion on behalf of children in our community truly exemplifies the spirit of this award. Working both individually and collectively as a voice for children & families, Arlene and Jerry have given their time, talent, and resources to countless community endeavors.

Jerry, a Financial Representative and Employee Benefit Specialist with Northwestern Mutual / Nichols & Associates, helped found Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida and served as Director and Chairman. He is Past Director of the Economic Development Council, Past Chairman of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Kiwanis and Kiwanian of the Year, Member of the President’s Council of International College, a Member of the Board of Directors of International College Foundation, and serves on the Board of Trustees of First Presbyterian Church of Naples. Most recently, Jerry was the recipient of the American Red Cross 2005 Legacy Award.

As a business owner, now recently retired, Arlene began her volunteer efforts in Naples over 25 years ago when she volunteered her time at Naples Community Hospital and also served as part of their pre-school vision testing program. She has been a very active member of the Board of Directors at the Boys & Girls Club of Collier County for the past twelve years and a member of the Steering Committee for the n Magazine Women of Style, which, with Community Foundation of Collier County, began an initiative to form the Junior Women of Style distinction, working with the girls at the Boys and Girls Club. She was a founding Chair for the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) Storybook Ball and served on the committee for 10 years, as well as on the RMH Advisory Board. She served twice as a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church and on the Pastor Nominating Committee and as a Sunday School teacher. She has been involved with a women's group at the church for 25 years, dedicating their efforts toward youth projects.

2005 Recipient: Lavern Norris Gaynor

At a private dinner on April 14, 2005, Youth Haven honored Lavern Norris Gaynor, one of Collier’s leading philanthropists, with the first Frances Pew Hayes Child Advocate of the Year Award. This award, named after the late Frances Pew Hayes, a dynamic child and community advocate, was created to recognize individuals and groups who have made a significant impact towards improving the lives of homeless, neglected, and abused children throughout Collier
County.

Since moving to Naples in 1975 with her late husband, George, Lal has contributed generously of her time and financial resources to many charitable and civic causes, most notably Youth Haven, the YMCA of Collier County, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts, International College, Naples Alliance for Children, and the Historical Society of Collier.

“Lal’s impact on the lives of abused and neglected children in Collier spans decades and through her efforts, many children have been given a chance at life,” said Jay Black, President of Youth Haven’s Board of Trustees. “Youth Haven was the first charity with which
she became involved. She heard the stories, saw first-hand the children who had been abused and become one of their most vocal champions,” he added.