One World Award
Honoring extraordinary people and organizations
The One World Award is Sarasota Sister Cities premier international award that honors one remarkable individual and one organization that have enhanced “understanding and respect” among citizens of the world through their extraordinary work or volunteer service.
This award shines the spotlight on individuals and organizations that have demonstrated their continued ability to create and maintain strong bonds of peace and understanding among the world’s citizens through their extraordinary work and service to the community.
Individual Award Winners
2011 – Robert Roskamp
Roskamp Institute is a worldwide leader in finding cures for Alzheimer’s disease and mental disorders.
2012 – Nicholas Bollettieri
Founder of the IMG Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, which became the IMG academy, and now expanded to additional sports training.
2013 – Former Mayor Lou Ann Palmer
As Mayor, she led the development of Sarasota for many years and personally enhanced relationships with five Sarasota Sister Cities.
2014 – Linda Rosenbluth
Former President & City Director for SCAS. Linda organized the first “phonathon” for United Way & Sarasota’s first “AIDS Awareness Week.”
2015 – Andrew Ezzell & JoAnn Patrick Ezzell
Give Something Back Foundation and SCAS Patron members, Andrew and JoAnn’s foundation built schools and classrooms in SE Asia and Haiti and established an international online education program.
2016 – Dolly Jacobs and Pedro Reis
Co-founders of the Circus Arts Conservatory, Dolly and Pedro continue the circus tradition of performance & education programming, and outreach programs serving children & elderly.
2017 – Dr. Mary Elmendorf
Nobel Prize laureate and internationally known anthropologist.
2018 – Kate Alexander
Actress and Artistic Director at the Florida Studio Theater, Kate Alexander established the “Write-a-Play” program as part of the Young Playwrights Festival for our international Sister Cities students, and also established other educational programs at FST.
2021 – Maestro Victor DeRenzi
Maestro DeRenzi, Principal Conductor of Sarasota Opera, achieved the “VERDI CYCLE,” completing the entire Verdi canon in 28 years. This earned him global recognition and the Italian Republic’s honor as Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy.
Organization Award Winners
2012 – The ORT Organization
Jewish global educational program.
2013 – Sarasota Christian School
Promoted diversity and international relationships.
2014 – Embracing Our Differences
Poster art program on City Island park promoting diversity.
2017 – Sarasota Audubon Society
Environmental protection and education.
2018 – Second Chance-Last Opportunity
Empowerment program for the underserved in our community.
2021 – The Sarasota Opera
Sarasota Opera, led by Maestro Victor DeRenzi, accomplished the renowned “VERDI CYCLE,” performing all works of Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. General Director Richard Russell accepted the One World Award, and Former Mayor Liz Alpert presented a City Proclamation at the One World Gala on behalf of the opera.