Larry Schinsky
Larry has been a tireless supporter of Catholic Charities’ work for nearly two decades. He demonstrates a special passion for our Foundations of Life Pregnancy Centers, which he has financially supported for years, and has a huge heart for the homeless men and women we serve. Nine years before our Tampa Hope shelter became a reality, Larry arranged for influential St. Timothy parishioners to tour our first homeless shelter, Pinellas Hope, in Clearwater. His tours showed people how a successful shelter could
improve lives and the community.
And when Catholic Charities did open Tampa Hope two years ago, Larry ceaselessly advocated on the shelter’s behalf. He organized tours (one of which resulted in a $20,000 donation); arranged for Tampa Hope to be featured onsite at St. Timothy’s festival, and as part of St. Timothy’s stewardship committee, provides us with quarterly gifts of $5,000.
Recently, Larry convinced Coleman Tents to give Catholic Charities a substantial discount on the purchases of tents we use to shelter homeless adults. This alone saves us $50,000 a year. Larry also persuaded Coleman to donate excess inventory to Tampa Hope — an in-kind retail value of $70,000!
In addition to his actions on behalf of Catholic Charities, Larry participated in the St. Timothy’s feeding ministry. He is active in the parish’s Men’s Club and New Parishioner Welcome Group, and is a strong supporter of seminarians and priests, locally and abroad.
In 2012, Bishop Robert Lynch presented him with a 2012 St. Jude Medal in recognition of his outstanding service to the church and his community.
We are grateful to count Larry Schinsky among our most loyal and cherished supporters. His efforts on our behalf and in the community reveals his strong sense of faith and an equally strong desire to follow the Gospel mandate to help those in need. He is a most deserving recipient of our 2023 Angel Award.
Previous Winners
2022
Bobby Bennett
Tom Henry
Aegon Transamerica Financial
2021
Frank V. Murphy III (Board Member and Donor)
2020
Chris and Lauren Schellman (Foundations of Life benefactors)
The Francis and Gertrude Levett Foundation (for COVID 19-relief funding)
Sophia Renee (Pinellas Hope volunteer and donor)
2019
Mr. Albert Docobo (American Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc. – President & CEO)
The Spurlino Foundation (Mr. & Mrs. Cy and Joanne Spurlino)
Mrs. Kim Davis (St. Stephen Catholic Church volunteer at San Jose Mission)
2018
Allegany Franciscan Ministries (Eileen Coogan – President & CEO)
Callee Condon (Callee’s Bikes for Buddies)
Mrs. Patricia Safuto (Foundations of Life – Hernando volunteer)
2017
No awards
2016
Knights of Columbus St. Raphael Council #10157 (Grand Knight Jerry Sirgey, Knight Kevin Greeno, Rev. Kevin Mackin, OSF)
Pinellas County Human Services Department (John Bennett – Administrator; Lourdes Benedict – Director of Human Services)
Elizabeth Fendrick, Maureen Brickely and Lorraine Franza (Mercy House volunteers)
2015
Clarity Financial Services, Inc. (Tim Ranney – CEO; Karla Leavelle – COO)
Eugene Williams (CEO, Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County)
2014
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (Parishioners – Kathy & Richard Dunn)
St. Anthony’s Hospital (William Ulbricht – President/CEO; Sr. Mary McNally – V.P. of Mission Integration; Michelle Schulz – Coordinator of Mission & Ethics Education)
United Way of Pasco County (Duggan Cooley – CEO)
2013
Sacred Heart Catholic Church – St. Pete (Rev. Anthony Coppola – Pastor)
Mr. & Mrs. Jim and Bonnie Parr
Mrs. Jeanne Lewis (Parishioner – St. Stephen Catholic Church)
2012
St. Jerome Catholic Church
Mr. Adam Miller
Pinellas Village Board of Directors (Robert Hagar and Barry Scarr)
Mrs. Lynne Hensley (Parishioner – St. Raphael Catholic Church)
2011
St. Patrick Catholic Church (Rev. Paul Pecchie – Pastor)
Mr. Greg Nichols (Owner, G.A. Nichols Construction Co.)
Knights of Columbus All Saints Council #6954 (Homosassa, FL)
St. Benedict Corporation
2010
Hernando Advisory Board
Mr. Frank Dillon (Parishioner – Holy Family Catholic Church)
San Jose Homemakers (St. Stephen Catholic Church)
2009
Reverend Robert J. Schneider (Pastor – Espiritu Santo Catholic Church)
Mr. & Mrs. Gene and Lisa Overmyer
Mr. Kurt Salac
2008
Clearwater Central Catholic High School (Dr. John A. Venturella – Pres.; Mr. James W. Deputy – Principal)
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis & Linda O’Hanlan (Owner, Sun Construction Group)
Mr. Kenneth T. Welch (Pinellas County Commissioner, District 7)
2007
City of St. Petersburg (Mayor Richard M. Baker)
Mr. Vincent Naimoli (Founder & Former Owner, Tampa Bay Devil Rays)
Mr. Frank Rowan
2006
Cort Furniture Rental
Rooms to Go, Inc.
St. Peter Foundation (Mr. Frank Maggio – President)