United HomeCare® Hosts 30th Annual Claude Pepper Awards Luncheon Celebrating Leadership, Legacy, and Compassion in Aging Services
What a day to remember! On May 16, United HomeCare® proudly hosted its 30th Annual Claude Pepper Awards Luncheon—an extraordinary, sold-out event that brought together community leaders, elected officials, and passionate advocates for aging services. Held at the elegant Pullman Miami Airport Hotel, the celebration paid tribute to the late U.S. Senator Claude Pepper, whose lifelong dedication to the elderly shaped public policy and advocacy nationwide. The event stood as a powerful testament to unity, compassion, and the enduring spirit of service.
With tickets sold out a month in advance, the luncheon underscored the community’s deep appreciation for the work United HomeCare® has carried out over the last 50 years. The ballroom of the Pullman Miami Hotel was filled with enthusiastic guests, including numerous dignitaries from the local and state level who came to share their admiration for the organization’s continued efforts to enhance the lives of South Florida’s senior population.
“Yesterday’s Claude Pepper Awards Luncheon was a heartfelt and unforgettable celebration of leadership, compassion, and community,” said Carlos Martínez, President and CEO of UUnited HomeCare®. “Thank you to our 2025 honorees, guests, sponsors, and supporters for helping us make a lasting impact in the lives of others.”
Honoring Legacy and Leadership
Each year, the Claude Pepper Awards recognize individuals whose commitment to public service and the well-being of older adults reflects the values and legacy of Senator Pepper. The 2025 honorees are trailblazers across multiple sectors—government, healthcare, media, education, and advocacy—whose work has significantly impacted the aging community.
This year’s distinguished honorees included:
- Hon. Daniel A. Pérez, Speaker of the House and Member, Florida House of Representatives
- Hon. Marleine Bastien, Commissioner, District 2, Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners
- Rudy Fernandez, Executive Vice President for University Operations and External Affairs and Chief of Staff, University of Miami
- Michael Lawton, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Florida
- Charlotte Mather-Taylor, CEO, Area Agency on Aging of Broward County
- Michael Miller and Grant Miller, Co-Owners and Publishers, Miami’s Community News
- Mario E. Tapia, Founder, President and CEO, Latino Center on Aging
Each recipient was honored for their significant contributions to improving the quality of life for older adults, advancing policy and care initiatives, and empowering communities.
One of the most moving moments came during the acceptance speech from honoree Mario E. Tapia, a national voice in Hispanic elder care and advocacy.
“I want to thank United HomeCare® for honoring me with the 2025 Senator Claude Pepper Award for Hispanic Leadership. I am truly humbled and grateful for this recognition,” Tapia said. “Claude Pepper’s legacy of service and advocacy has long been an inspiration to me, and to receive an award in his name is both meaningful and deeply moving.”
A Community United in Purpose
The event drew a cross-section of South Florida’s most respected professionals and advocates in the field of aging, including the Latino Center on Aging’s South Florida Advisory Board members, whose presence highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared mission in elder care.
The program also took time to celebrate emerging leadership and intergenerational service. A special segment honored young volunteers with the President’s Volunteer Service Awards, recognizing their time and dedication to supporting older adults—a beautiful symbol of compassion spanning generations.
In a heartwarming addition to the day’s festivities, the audience was introduced to the event’s Senior King and Queen, a charming and joyful nod to the wisdom and vitality of older adults in our community.
The invocation was led by Dr. H.C. Rachel Tourgeman, setting a tone of gratitude and reflection. The afternoon’s program was masterfully emceed by Sandra Peebles, Emmy Award-winning journalist and respected communication coach, whose warmth and professionalism brought an engaging and inspiring rhythm to the occasion.
Celebrating 50 Years of Service
Founded in 1973, United HomeCare® is one of South Florida’s premier home and community-based care organizations, providing support to thousands of older adults and their families. For five decades, the nonprofit has championed the dignity and independence of aging adults by offering compassionate in-home services, health support, and advocacy.
The Claude Pepper Awards Luncheon serves as both a celebration of service and a fundraiser to support United HomeCare®’s continued work. This year’s record turnout and robust community support demonstrate the vital role the organization plays in the health and well-being of Florida’s aging population.
As the luncheon concluded, the mood in the room was one of deep appreciation and hopeful determination. More than just a celebration, the event was a call to action—a reminder that through unity, purpose, and compassion, we can build a future where every senior lives with dignity, respect, and the support they deserve.
In the words of Carlos Martinez, “When we come together with purpose and care, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”