Each year, the Hispanic Chamber of Palm Beach County, Black Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, and event founder Hospice of Palm Beach County co-host an event like no other: to recognize outstanding community initiatives that have changed the face of Palm Beach County, working with all races, cultures and disabilities to create a better community. The 5th Annual Blue Dove Awards were recently held at the West Palm Beach Embassy Suites, with keynote speaker Carlos Mahecha, Executive Director of CW West Palm TV.
This year, the Black Chamber’s 2012 Blue Dove Award goes to Ricky Wade, community advocate and local McDonald’s owner. The Hispanic Chamber’s 2012 Blue Dove Award was presented to Owen O’Neill, President/Executive Director of Clinics Can Help.Wade was honored for his tireless and unselfish community service and initiating athletic programs for inner city children. The owner of 11 McDonald’s restaurants, Wade is an active community advocate who serves on the boards of Ronald McDonald’s House Charities of South Florida, Palm Beach State College, United Way of Palm Beach County and the Urban League of Palm Beach County.
O’Neill founded a non-profit that currently provides durable medical equipment at no cost to 275,000 patients who cannot afford it.
