For more than two decades, Ruskin resident Anne Madden has filled a variety of roles, ranging from small-business person to volunteering for and serving on a variety of county boards, commissions and committees. Often she was the lone South County voice representing the area, which, despite being one of the fastest growing parts of Hillsborough County, may otherwise have been overlooked. “Otherwise overlooked” had it not been for Madden, that is.
The event was to present a Distinguished Service Award to Madden. Hillsborough County Commissioner Sandra Murman was on hand for the presentation. Madden was accompanied by her husband, David.
More personally, Madden has been battling a cancer diagnosis — and it is a fight that she has not only taken on with dignity and grace but also with courage and even humor.
On Dec. 2 in the Royal Palm Ballroom at Little Harbor Resort, Madden was honored by friends, colleagues, elected officials and the community in general for her many years of dedicated community service. The event was organized by SouthShore Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melanie Morrison.
“We want her to know how much support and love she has from so many in this community,” Morrison wrote. “We also want to thank her for her tireless efforts over the last 20 years to help create such an amazing place to live and work.”
For the past year, Madden’s passion and focus has been directed toward helping the Good Samaritan Mission in Wimauma. The organization only recently learned that one of its largest sponsors would be unable to assist them this year in helping to provide Christmas gifts for area children in need. As part of the ceremony for Madden, attending guests were asked to bring a child’s gift or a $25 check made out to Good Samaritan Mission for their Christmas Blessings program. The amount collected was then donated in Madden’s honor.
To assist, Robert Newhart of Little Harbor provided the ballroom space for the event at no charge.
Morrison also referred to the fact that Madden rarely called attention to the work she has done.
“This is a lovely way to show her our sincere appreciation as well as to show her how much support she has from friends now,” Morrison continued. “This award is provided to her on behalf of the SouthShore community.
“I was overwhelmed by the number of people who came out,” Madden said afterward. “David and I are so very grateful for the show of support at this time in our lives. I have always thought it was my duty to help where I could.”