Bold City nonprofits Sulzbacher and Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center were among the nine honorees at the 20th anniversary of Florida Blue Foundation’s 2025 Sapphire Awards.
The annual Community Health Symposium and Sapphire Awards were held on May 1 in Orlando, with a theme underscoring the power of AI, technology and innovation to boost health outcomes for people across the state.
Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center’s Fund-A-Child program took home a third place award, including $25,000. The program provides free communication services to underinsured or uninsured children and has provided more than 2,500 speech therapy sessions to nearly 400 children since 2019. Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center President and CEO Chandra Manning accepted the award for the nonprofit and its program.
Sulzbacher President and CEO Cindy Funkhouser was also celebrated, taking home similar accolades – a third-place award and $25,000 – for her efforts to revolutionize homeless services. Under her leadership, Sulzbacher has expanded its footprint and adjusted its approach to eradicating homelessness by address various aspects, from housing to income to healthcare.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Sapphire Awards and recognize the outstanding contributions of these programs, organizations and individuals,” said Florida Blue Foundation Executive Director, Susan Towler. “Each of the honorees is dedicated to innovation that improves the lives of Floridians, and we are honored to support their inspiring work.”
