Hope Awards Recognition Breakfast Honors House of Hope Partners and Supporters
Posted on September 29, 2026
STUART, Fla. – Throughout the year, they bring their time, talent and treasure to support the mission of House of Hope, never expecting or wanting recognition for all they do.
Each year, however, House of Hope pauses to honor the agencies, businesses, individuals, faith-based organizations and neighborhoods that enable the nonprofit to reach out to local residents who are struggling to overcome hunger and hardship. This year’s Hope Awards Recognition Breakfast was held at Monarch Country Club on September 23.
“We know our honorees don’t do it for the award or the attention,” said Rob Ranieri, House of Hope CEO. “They care deeply about having a positive impact on the community. We are grateful for their confidence in House of Hope to deliver on our promises and for our chance to thank them publicly.”
The 2026 Hope Award recipients include businesses who donate food and other items to House of Hope’s food pantries, community nonprofits who work with House of Hope to assist individuals and families in need, organizations that that support programs like the Traveling Education Garden and Centers for Enrichment, and individuals who donate funds to the organization and advocate for its mission.
The need in the community continues to grow during these difficult economic times, Ranieri told the event participants. “Our numbers are up another 35%” Ranieri said, “and we’re on track to distribute 1.6 million pounds of food this year. Our work is impacting more than 40,000 people in Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, and even parts of Vero and Palm Beach County.”
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Barbara Trimble Legacy of Hope Award. Barbara Trimble was an early, ardent, and consistent supporter of House of Hope throughout her life. The Legacy Awards goes to a community member each year who exemplifies that spirit. This year’s award went to Lesley and Jon Ludlam. The Ludlams have a combined total of nearly 30 years of service to House of Hope and almost 8,000 volunteer hours. They are regular volunteers in the Hope Shop and assist with community outreach throughout the year.
The 2026 Hope Award Honorees are:
- Lesley and Jon Ludlam - Barbara Trimble Legacy Award
- Andy and Lorraine Popky
- Ashley Capital
- Rob Morris, Chick-fil-A Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. & Okeechobee and Turnpike
- Matthew Shportun, Chick-fil-A Treasure Coast Square Mall
- Nathan Buchanan, Chick-fil-A Stuart & Jensen Beach
- Brittany Ainsworth, Chick-fil-A Fort Pierce
- Children's Services Council of Martin County
- Chuck Lipka
- George Stokus
- Jay Lucas
- John and Debra Truman
- Ladies of the Preserve
- The Team at District Table & Bar
- Loblolly Community Foundation
- Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, Inc
- Rural Neighborhoods
- Stefanie Steinkraus
- Suncoast Textile Recycling
HBKS Wealth Advisors were sponsors of this year’s recognition breakfast.
About House of Hope
Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers Martin County residents to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the lives of more than 30,000 people each month, helping with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as well as longer-term case management services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient future.
The organization has service centers in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, with thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, and Indiantown. House of Hope’s Centers for Enrichment at Golden Gate in Stuart, in Jensen Beach, and at KinDoo Family Center in Indiantown offer free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being.
House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call 772-286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and X.