It’s one of the most heavily guarded secrets in Plant City — the recipient for the Citizen of the Year Award.
In fact, at this time, only three people know. And they’re not talking.
But, the recipient will be revealed at the 54th annual Citizen of the Year Award Luncheon Feb. 13, at the HCC John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 North Park Road.
“The moment that that secret name is announced — that is the most exciting part of the event,” organizer Anna Reitz said.
Last year, 149 people attended the event, which not only recognizes the Citizen of the Year but also past recipients, an outstanding youth of the year, the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court and the Florida Strawberry Festival directors. Last year, the luncheon honored recipient Donald Humphrey, an eye doctor who has been involved with the East Hillsborough Historical Society and the Plant City Lions Club, among other notable accomplishments.
“It was a shock and a surprise,” Humphrey said. “It’s hard to keep a secret in this town, but they did a good job with it.”
About the same amount of people are expected to attend this year.
“It’s a little bit of hard work and fun to put it together,” Reitz said. “You deal with the civic clubs whose members have jobs. I’m retired, so I come and go as I please, but I have to coordinate all of them together, which is fun.”
Each participating club sent in nominations for this year’s recipient. Nominees then were considered based on his or her local community contributions above and beyond the functions of his or her job. Candidates do not have to be a member of the nominating club.
On Jan. 8, 10 participating civic clubs gathered at Hillsboro Bank to hold a blind vote on this year’s recipient.
“It’s a great event, and I’m glad that people are picking up those who have done good things for the community,” Humphrey said. “It’s very special, because you get to walk in front of all of your friends and be singled out.”
The First National Bank of Plant City started the program in 1960. The first recipient was Arthur Boring, a prominent bank president. Later, the Kiwanis Club of Plant City took the reins.
“I really enjoy it, because we are honoring someone in the community who really deserves it,” Reitz said. “People tell me afterward, ‘If I had only known who it was, I would have gone.’ But that’s the fun part. So, get your tickets and come.”
IF YOU GO
Citizen of the Year
WHEN: Noon, Feb. 13. Doors at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: HCC John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 North Park Road
COST: $25 per person
INFORMATION: RSVP by Feb. 6 to Ken Gibbs, gibbsrealtor@aol.com or (813) 752-6171, or to Sharon Moody, sharonmoody91@yahoo.com or (813) 453-7134
