Brandon Hartwig is the Lillie Robinson Humanitarian Award Recipient 2015

BRADENTON – The Manatee County Tax Collector’s office annually selects an employee who embodies the core value Community and Social Responsibility.

Named for the late Lillie Robinson, an employee who contributed thousands of hours of volunteer service before her untimely death in 2012, the candidates are nominated by their peers and selected by the Tax Collector’s Senior Team. This year’s nominees are Carmen McIlwaine, Brandon Hartwig and Wayne Hoefle.

The 2015 Lillie Robinson Humanitarian Award recipient is Brandon Hartwig. Nominated by two employees, Brandon was recognized for his involvement with the youth of Manatee County; he has contributed nearly 180 volunteer hours the past year and is a tremendous representation of what Lillie Robinson believed in. After his mother’s death from cancer, Brandon expanded his involvement in his church, volunteering after work multiple times a week and mentoring young adults in their faith journey.

One wrote, ”Brandon has always played an active role in enhancing the lives of those around him, from the youth group he volunteers with at his church to the sports teams he participates in.“

”In this day and time this speaks volumes for a young man who is on fire for God,“ wrote another.

”As a co-worker and friend, he is someone I admire not only for his compassion for others, but for how he honors his mother on a daily basis. Someone once told me you can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats his mother; Brandon treated his mother like an angel, before and after her passing. I've seen firsthand the role model he is to so many people throughout the community, both adults and kids. Even on his worst of days, Brandon maintains a positive light for those around him.

His commitment to his faith and honoring his mother are characteristics we all should exemplify.“

Brandon truly exhibits the community and social responsibility core value in every aspect of his life. He treats everyone with integrity and respect, and it is for these reasons he was selected as this year’s recipient. The award carries with it a certificate, name engraved on the trophy, listed on the Lillie Robinson Humanitarian Award page the office web, a Popi’s Restaurants gift certificate, a bonus unileave day and names a themed casual day in his honor.