4th Annual Children’s Hero Awards
Benefiting Family Resource Center of South Florida


Honoree Mario Jardon of Citrus Health Network with Family Resource Center Executive Director, Dr. Oren Wunderman
Close to 200 supporters gathered at the Conrad Hotel in Miami to honor Citrus Health Network’s founding President and CEO, Mario Jardon, with the 2012 Children’s Hero Award. Mr. Jardon was recognized for his creation of a high quality health center that provides critical behavioral health services to children in the foster care system. The event was a resounding success, raising over $40,000 in support of programs and services for children in the foster care system.
The evening’s honoree, Mr. Jardon, currently serves as Chair of the Health Choice Network’s Managed Care Committee as well as on the Board of Managers of Prestige Health Plan. He was also elected to serve on the Board of the South Florida Behavioral Health Network, the managing entity responsible for oversight of Florida’s Department of Children & Families’ mental health and substance abuse funding.
The Gala was emceed by NBC6 Miami’s Julia Bagg, who has done several stories spotlighting the work of Family Resource Center in the past. Guests were treated to a dynamic performance by the VoxBlu Band as they danced the night away.

Family Resource Center Board Member Jessica Wilcox with Drs. Oren & Teri Wunderman
Guest speaker, Lisa Alvarez, shared her experience serving as a foster parent for children with severe medical conditions. Over the years, Lisa and her husband Jorge have fostered more than 90 children, and have added to their loving family with the adoptions of two – Natasha and Desi.
More than 70 organizations contributed to the Trips, Travel, & Leisure Silent Auction, which featured getaway packages around the country, as well as local deals and delights. From area restaurants and boutiques to jewelry by Judith Ripka, there was a little something for everyone.
Sponsor Board for the 4th annual Children's Hero Awards
Josh Brandfon & Alyssa Krop-Brandfon
Tania Armenta, Foster Parent Specialist for Family Resource Center
Family Resource Center Staff Greet Guests
Employees of Cherry, Bekaert & Holland enjoying the gala
Elizabeth Anthony, Full Case Management Supervisor for Family Resource Center
Dawn McIlraith and Edward Cooper
Susan and Roger Chai-Onn
Guests enjoying the cocktail hour
A sample of over 100 items from the Trips, Travel & Leisure Silent Auction
Jose Caballero, Katrina Delgado, Rick Morgan, and Ed King
Maria Caballero and Family Resource Center Board Members Gabriel Caballero and Jessica Wilcox
Family Resource Center Board Chair Robert Fernández
Family Resource Center Staff enjoy the Gala Dinner
Emcee Julia Bagg of NBC 6 hugs Foster Mother and Guest Speaker Lisa Alvarez
Emcee Julia Bagg of NBC 6
Alyn Cruz-Higgins and FRC Board Chair Robert Fernández hit the dance floor
Lisa Alvarez, foster mom to 90 children shares her story with attendees
Lisa Alvarez, foster mom to 90 children and a special guest speaker
Michaela Bittner and Family Resource Center Board Member John Meyer
Dr. Oren Wunderman, Executive Director of Family Resource Center sharing the accomplishments of honoree Mario Jardon, CEO of Citrus Health Network
Mario Jardon, CEO of Citrus Health Network and 2012 Children's Hero Award Recipient
VoxBlu entertaining guests with great tunes
Guests dancing to the live 9-piece band, VoxBlu
The 2012 Children's Hero Award
Honoree Mario Jardon of Citrus Health Network with Emcee Julia Bagg of NBC 6
Guests getting down to live tunes provided by VoxBlu
VoxBlu entertaining guests with great tunes