FKOC Awards Samuel J. Kaufman
The Florida Keys Outreach (FKOC) has announced long time homeless advocate Samuel J. Kaufman as the 2016 recipient of the 10th annual Edward Capt’n Kidd Humanitarian Award to be presented April 2nd, 2016 during the Friends Of FKOC’s “A Toast to FKOC” celebrating FKOC’s 25th anniversary!
The celebration will be hosted by Carolyn Sullivan and Carmelo Vitale in the Blue Room at the BottleCap. Kaufman has served on FKOC’s Board of Directors for over 15 years, including many years as the Board Chairperson. Kaufman has not only been a dedicated advocate for those experiencing homelessness, he has been a leader in efforts to increase the City’s supply of Affordable Housing to make living in Key West more sustainable for the Key West workforce and elderly citizens.
Kaufman often spends time onsite at the FKOC residential facilities teaching Life Skill classes and helping clients navigate difficult legal issues.
Kaufman was elected to the Key West City Commissioner in October, representing District II. He is committed to addressing the housing needs of our workforce, assisted living for elders, and enhancing opportunities and services for youth.
Kaufman understands that many of those at risk of homelessness in the Florida Keys are working poor families struggling to find housing to allow them have a quality future in Key West.
A devoted and caring husband and father of two children, Kaufman believes Key West can create a future where all members of our “One Human Family” can afford decent housing and plan a future with a good quality of life on our beautiful island.
FKOC President & CEO, Rev. Stephen E. Braddock, said “I have known and worked with Sam Kaufman for over 16-years since his arrival in Key West as a young public defender. From the start, Sam demonstrated a deep passion for social justice issues and has committed himself to public service in numerous ways. Sam is a highly competent attorney and man of impeccable integrity with a genuine passion for making our community a better place for all. He is a true humanitarian and an all around good guy!”
The Edward Capt’n Kidd Humanitarian Award was established in memory of a local homeless man who made a lasting impact on the Key West community, not only for his eccentric and often outrageous personality, but for the care, compassion, and generosity he showed towards others experiencing homelessness and hunger. Kidd died in 2005.
The award was established 10-years ago by Legacy Films, the producers of the award winning movie Have You Seen Clem (www.seeclem.com); in which Kidd played a prominent role.
The award has been presented annually to local homeless advocates and humanitarians to recognize their efforts and example.
The award will be presented to Kaufman on April 2nd, 2016 during a special evening hosted by the Friends of FKOC. The event will be hosted in the newly renovated Blue Room at the BottleCap (1128 Simonton St, Key West) from 5pm-7pm. Tickets are a suggested minimum donation of $25. To reserve tickets call (305)295-7741.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available by calling 305-295-7741, online at www.FKOC.org,
or by mailing a check to FKOC, Post Office Box 4767. Key West, FL 33041.
$200 Silver Anniversary Sponsor
$100 Sun House Sponsor
$50 Friendship Sponsor