M a s o n G . s M o a k F o u n d a t i o n

Annual Report

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Our vision: partner with the community to impact lives. It will work to encourage a caring

community where people are responsible to and for each other and where business and

the environment are respected.

Our mission: is a faith based organization that will partner with nonprofits dedicated to making

a positive difference in the lives of children, youth and families and will assist those who

find themselves in need. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting education, preserving

and protecting the environment and fostering opportunities for leadership development.

Youth Leadership Class I was asked to provide feedback on their leadership skills and

experiences after graduating from the program, below highlights some responses:

91.3 %reported they could lead a team successfully

86.9 %felt they had gained leadership skills

85 %learned more about Highlands County

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Dear Friends:The past year was one of growth for the Mason G. Smoak Foundation. In May, we watched our Youth

Leadership Highlands program conclude its inaugural class of participants. As Fall approached, the second

class of the program hit the ground running. In addition, the Mason G. Smoak Memorial scholarship program

assisted three very deserving students to begin their collegiate journeys. Four consecutive years in a row, the

Foundation partnered with several nonprofit organizations in our community. Some of the best volunteers

in the Heartland area showed up to manage the 4th Annual Mason G. Smoak 5K & Family Fun Festival - the

event posted record numbers.

The generosity of our supporters fund our endeavours and we are tremendously blessed to carry out work

on their behalf. Continually striving towards our mission and vision, we constantly examine how programs

and outreach are impacting lives in our community. It is our hope that Mason’s legacy will partly be carried

on through the works of the Mason G. Smoak Foundation.

This past year, our Board of Directors set significant development objectives in three major areas. Organisational

development was the first focus, striving for internal and external development. The second major objective

was developing our youth leadership program and examining its level of impact. The last area was planning

for sustainable financial health.

The following pages outline the achievement and direction of the Foundation during the 2012 calendar year.

Micah D. Scanga

Executive Director, Mason G. Smoak Foundation

“Generosity of our supporters fund our endeavours...”

David SummersPresident and Founding Member

Summers was born and raised in Lake Placid, Florida. After graduating Lake Placid High School, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Citrus Business from Florida Southern College in Lakeland, FL. After college, Summers worked in the Florida Citrus Industry in both production and harvesting management roles. Over time Summers has combined his interests in technology and his passion for agriculture and currently manages GeoAg Solutions, an agriculture technology solutions provider. He and his wife Andrea reside in Lake Placid with their two children where they attend and serve at Memorial United Methodist Church.

Ed SmoakVice President and Founding MemberBorn and raised in Highlands County Florida, Smoak graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Citrus/Horticultural Science from Florida Southern College in 1993. After working in his family’s citrus and cattle business for several years, Smoak changed course to pursue a lifelong dream of being a professional musician. After a successful 16 year career in Nashville, TN as a guitarist and producer, Smoak returned to Lake Placid where he “switched back from pop culture to agriculture” taking a leadership role in his family business and in the Mason G. Smoak Foundation. A co-founder of the Foundation, Smoak resides in Lake Placid with his wife Rachel and their two children.

Andrew BibleTreasurer and Founding MemberAndrew Bible was born and raised in Sebring, FL. He attended the University of Florida and has a Bachelor’s of Science in Food and Resource Economics and a Master’s in Business Administration. Currently, Mr. Bible is Chief Financial Officer at Heartland National Bank in Sebring, FL. In addition, his wife Susan and he own and manage Sebring Florist. He currently lives in Sebring with his wife Susan, and his children Jay(14), Emily (12), Josh (10), and Ashley (8).

Ray HodgeSecretary and Founding MemberRay Hodge was born in Ocala, FL, grew up in North Florida, and currently resides in Suwannee County. Mr. Hodge earned a bachelor’s degree in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida. He has served as an aide to a state representative and a senator in the Florida Legislative. Mr. Hodge has also served as the National Affairs Coordinator for Florida Farm Bureau and Executive Director for Sunbelt Milk Producers. He is currently employed as Director of Government Affairs for Southeast Milk, Inc. Mr. Hodge is actively involved in many community and professional organizations including: Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame, Florida Water Quality Coalition, Florida Animal Care Trust (treasurer), Suwannee County Farm Bureau, and Alpha Gamma Rho House Association (secretary).

“It is an absolute honor to serve this foundation and help keep the

legacy of a wonderful friend alive and well.” – David Summers

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Heidi DavisChairman, Events Committee

A native to Highlands County, Davis graduated from Lake Placid High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies/Political Science from the University of Central Florida and a Juris Doctor degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. A practicing member of the Florida Bar, she worked as an Assistant State Attorney for the State of Florida and since 2003 has been in private civil practice. Davis serves as General Counsel to Delray Plants Co. and has acted as an adjunct professor of law at South Florida State College. She and her husband Rod are active members of the First Baptist Church of Lake Placid and reside with their two children in Lake Placid, FL.

Paul KoukosChairman, Financial Committee and Founding MemberPaul Koukos has been a resident of Highlands County since 2006. He grew up in the Jacksonville/St. Augustine area where he graduated from The Bolles School. Mr. Koukos attended the University of Florida where he earned Bachelor’s and Masters of Science degrees in Food and Resource Economics. While at the University of Florida, Paul developed his passion for community involvement, leadership and agriculture through membership in the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and Florida Blue Key. Paul worked professionally in both Florida and California fresh citrus industries serving on various State and Federal advisory boards until 2009. He is currently a Commercial Loan Officer with Heartland National Bank. Mr. Koukos and his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Madison, and yellow lab “Cracker” reside in Lake Placid, FL.

Tracee SmoakChairman, Youth Leadership Highlands Committee and Founding memberTracee Smoak was born in Greensboro, Alabama and moved to Lake Placid, FL in 1986 where she was raised and currently resides. She graduated from Lake Placid High School as valedictorian before attending the University of Florida. Ms. Smoak graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Art in Education in 1998. She was a fourth grade teacher at Lake Placid Elementary and director of children’s ministries at Memorial United Methodist Church. In 2008, she took ownership of The Blueberry Patch, a small business in Lake Placid. Ms. Smoak lives with her two sons Gabe (13), Landon (10), and daughter Ellie (6).

Mark WheelerChairman, Fundraising and Public Relations Committee and Founding MemberMark Wheeler, 42, is a third generation Florida citrus grower who lives in Bradenton, grew up in Winter Haven and works in Lake Placid, FL. Wheeler serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Wheeler Farms, Inc. and was recently elected as the President of Florida Citrus Mutual, Inc. This organization is the state’s largest citrus grower organization representing nearly 8,000 grower members. Mr. Wheeler served on the boards of Ag First Farm Credit Bank and Farm Credit of S.W. Florida. He is a graduate of Winter Haven High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Troy State University in Alabama. Wheeler is also a graduate of the Wedgeworth Leadership Program sponsored by the University of Florida and has served on the Mason G. Smoak Foundation board since its inception in 2009. Wheeler and his wife Christi, live in Bradenton with their three children Hannah (15), SaraBeth (14) and Leland (12).

“I frequently hear positive feedback that confirms the MGSF is making a real difference in our community!” - Heidi Davis

37%  

5%  5%  21%  

32%  

Youth  Leadership  Highlands  Class  II  

Avon  Park  High  School    

Florida  Virtual  School  

Highlands  University  Preparatory  School  

Lake  Placid  High  School  

Sebring  High  School  

Youth Leadership Highlands has representation from all three public high schools in Highlands County and students from virtual and private high schools.

Youth Leadership Highlands Class II at the Hotel Jacaranda in Avon Park.

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Youth Leadership Highlands Class II began their year in September, with Dr. Hannah Carter from the University of Florida. She facilitated a leadership workshop for the 19 participants. The participants spend five days throughout the year visiting a variety of industry and Highlands County organizations. Evaluation data from Class I helped us strengthen programming for Class II.

Youth LeadershipContinual development and growth of youth leadership programs

During 2012, we visited with schools, spoke on the radio, created podcasts, utilized social media, spread flyers, featured Youth Leadership Highlands on the Foundation’s website, and much more to increase public awareness and the presence of the program.

Increase public awareness/presence of the program

2012 Goals

Youth Leadership Highlands Class I experiencing strawberry harvesting firsthand.

Hello everyone. For those of you who do not know me I am Jessie Sanders. I would like to start off with just saying, “wow.” It is hard for me and most of the others in this group to believe that this first program is over. It has been an amazing year filled with lots of fun. We have all learned a lot that will travel with us wherever we go.

I would have to say that my favourite day was the agriculture and environment day. I loved going to the Smoak Ranch and the Blue Head Ranch. It was a day full of hands on activities and team building challenges. I also loved the opening retreat with Dr. Hannah Carter. She was an amazing teacher and gave us many fun leadership challenges to complete.

There were so many things that we got to do in this program that I wished that other students would have been able to experience. They are lessons that I will remember forever that have shaped me into the leader that I have become. I have learned how to step out of my comfort zone and not look uncomfortable. I have also learned how to be a leader without being bossy. I have also gotten the chance to go places that I would have never gone if it was not for this program. Some of the organizations I did not even realize were here in Highlands County. The Highlands County Jail was a real eye opener to what the jail mates have to undergo. I did not know about some of the places like the Children’s Advocacy Center and the New Testament Missions. I learned many valuable lessons through these organizations and the Youth Leadership Highlands program itself.

I am so excited that I chose to apply for this program. It was one of the best decisions that I have made. I am now in a leadership position in school and have the opportunity to put my leadership skills into practice. It has been a great year full of lots of fun and learning. Thank you!

-Jessie Sanders, Class I Youth Leadership Highlands

“There w

ere so man

y things that w

e got to do in this program

that I wished that other stu

dents

wou

ld have been able to experien

ce.”

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4th Annual 5K & Family Fun Festival

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From the beginning, the Foundation has strived to partner

with the community to impact lives. For the last four years,

this 5K & festival has produced days full of good old family

fun for little or no cost.

The last weekend in September, close to 400 runners

and walkers participated in the course that wrapped around

DeVane Park in Lake Placid, FL. The 5K this year was a huge

success, making our event the second largest

running event in Highlands County.

In addition to the race, volunteers managed

children games, face painting, bungee trampolines,

toilet bowl ring toss, archeological educational

booths, python stations and much more. The

Mason G. Smoak Family Fun Festival promotes

family values and a sense of community.

“I ran in the race because it’s for a good cause”- Alex Coyne

“We’re thrilled with the turnout

and support for this event”

-Amberlee Rogers

“What a great day! We were blessed to have good weather and record support from Lake Placid and its surrounding

communities as far as turnout and participation goes.

It’s rare to attend an event that leaves you with such a sense of community.”

- Ed Smoak Jr.

C O R P O R A T E A N N U A L R E P O R T | 9

Partnering with Organizations

The Mason G. Smoak Foundation partnered with several organizations in our community throughout

the year. Partnerships assist community organizations and fund programs that may otherwise not be

funded. Six projects from community organizations matched the Foundation’s mission statement and

goals. For example, Samaritan’s Touch Care Center received a grant to continue to provide medical

services to low-income families. Additionally, Ridge Area ARC and the Foundation partnered to

remodel a home making it physically accessible for individuals who currently use wheelchairs. Other

organizations receiving funds included: Highlands County Habitat for Humanity, NuHope Elder Care

Services, Youth for Christ, and Manna Ministries.

CommunityDevelopment

The Mason G. Smoak Foundation partners with Florida’s Natural Growers through a grant for Youth Leadership.

The Mason G. Smoak Foundation is deeply grateful to have received gifts to honor and remember special individuals.

Jim Carter (seen above) lost his battle with cancer in December 2011. Class VIII of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources made gifts in his honor.

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Financial Health

Forever StandingEdward & Anne SmoakCharles & Anne Reynolds

Big Oak $10,000+AnonymousSmoak Groves

Live Oak$5,000-$9,999The Grigsby FamilyRon & Debra Weisser

Water Oak$2,500-$4,999Tracee SmoakBill & Mary Ann BeckerEdward & Rachel Smoak

Chestnut Oak$1,000-$2,499AnonymousAlbert & Toni PetrangeliDavid & Andrea SummersDavid & Beth PlankDenise Grimsley CampaignEric & Katherine ChurchFlorida Grove HedgersHighlands County 4-H Club FoundationHighlands County Farm BureauJ. L. ChaseJeff & Michelle BrewingtonJennifer MyersJohn & Kym SmoakMr. & Mrs. John MerrittNick & Susie BishopQuail Creek PlantationSpring Creek SodStaci BraswellStanley & Cathy PerrySyngentaTerry & Kelly ReynoldsThe Friends of Bill Ross

Red Oak$500-$999AnonymousThe Honorable Adam Putnam and Mrs. Melissa PutnamAl & Lynne KlostermanBarry & Leslie HollidayC & C PlumbingCharlie & Nancy DyeClarke Pest ControlCutrale Citrus JuicesDarryl’s Family Citrus NurseryDavid & Heidi StephensDavid & Linda VeleyDerick & Christy ThomasDr. & Mrs. Bernie LesterDr. & Mrs. Eddie OxerDressel GrovesDunson-Hollis Consulting Ed & Ann WattersFamily Of Carl & Rosie MottFarr GrovesFirst Insurance of Lake PlacidHeritage Homes & DevelopmentHighlands County Citrus Growers AssociationJared & Bonnie RevellJim & Jeannie SnivelyJoe L. Davis, Groves and RanchLynn WaldonMarlin MarbleMcKenna Brothers, IncMoreno RanchesMr. & Mrs. DickinsonOslo Citrus Growers AssociationPeace River Citrus ProductsRay HodgeReynolds FarmsRod Davis Chiropractic, P.A.Steve & Judy BronsonSteve & Pam FarrThomas E. SattlerTommy Brandt MinistriesWalter & Carol FarrWes & Brenda WheelerWill & Nikki Swaine

The Mason G. Smoak Foundation gratefully recognzing the following donors who made generous gifts to the Leadership Circle Campaign

between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

Trib

ute

Gift

s

The Friends of Bill Ross is a group that celebrates the life of Malcolm W. “Bill” Ross, IV (seen above) who passed away in June 2012.

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4th Annual Mason G. Smoak 5K &Family Fun Festival Sponosrs

$2,500+Smoak GrovesThe Wheeler Family

$1500-$2,499Howard Fertilizer & Chemical Co.

$1,000-$1,499Heartland National BankSunRidge HarvestingWells & Associates

$500-$999Supporters of AgeroChoir4MGSFDarryl’s Family Citrus NurseryFirst Baptist Church of Lake PlacidHighlands County Citrus Growers Assc.Joe L. Davis, Jr., Groves and RanchJohn & Laura BarbenLisa Sherman, C.P.A.Longs Air ConditioningReynolds FarmsPeace River Citrus ProductsThe AndersonsThe Blueberry PatchSupporters of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute

$250-$499Alan Jay Automotive NetworkBig “T” TireBook Pest ControlBouchard InsuranceCitrus Animal ClinicDelray PlantsDr. David ScangaFlorida Citrus MutualGator Ag GroupGeo Ag SolutionsGlades Electric CooperativeGriffin Fence & CleaningMarlin MarbleSebring FiremenStallings Crop InsuranceWaypoints FinancialWells Motor Corp.

Amanda TaylorAmy KinderAmy LongBen Hill Griffin, IIIBenny Albritton Grove ServiceBill & Marlene SnyderC & C Citrus ServiceC. Elton CrewsCarl BaumanCarole RichieCasey WohlCatherine CorneliusCharlie & DeeDee StidhamCharlie & Kelli HoferCharlie ThompsonChef Buddy’sCracker JohnsonCrossroads ServicesDaniel & Adrijana HuntDarcia & David MunroDarrell SmithDavid CannonDavid RobinsonDeb & Greg WhiteDebbie HolleyDenise BrantleyDon & Linda MintzDr. and Mrs. Donald FliehsEdgar & Norma StokesElna JohnsonErin BestFeilds EquipmentFlor De Ma Cavender-NunezFlorida Chemical CompanyFloyd RiderFrank RushtonFred & Jennifer HarttFred FanizziGaylin ThomasGeoffrey & Dr. Hilary SwainGeorge & Cloyde HillGeorge Tim, Jr. & Sandra HurnerGulf Citrus Growers Assoc.Hicks Oil CompanyHugh & Nancy VeleyHundley FarmsIsaac NagibJack CowenJacqueline FaulsJamie Hayes

2012

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Jamie RossJason WalkerJennifer Helms-ShelleyJeremy FountainJim & Janice HendrieJim CurdJimmy CloudJM CabinetsJoe & Ann HodgesJoe CampbellJohn & Kathy TaylorJohn Hill O’NealJoseph LopezJoseph MillerJulie StockerK.A. SikioKaren WhittingtonKathy AllaireKelly WhiteKen SummersKimberly EricksonKyle StoryLawrence & Donna WorthLee CutshallM.E. Stephens & Son Fruit Marcie DowningMartin Revocable Living

TrustMary HartneyMatt & Chrsity WalterMichael BabbMichael Brochetti Funeral

HomeMichael JaneczekMiles LambertMiller’s Central AirMonte DowlingMr. & Mrs. Jacob LarsonMr. & Mrs. PhpersMr. & Mrs. WhiteNora KnightOle South Auto SalvagePatricia TibmanPatty PalmerRandy ThompsonRaymond HornickRichard & Mary KarlsonRobby HornsbyRobert & Cheri HornsbyRobert & Linda Hartman

Robert & Mildred RantanenRod BenefieldRonald DiDomenicoShelby & William KennerlySomers IrrigationSteve MazonSusan HenningsSusan SuterTiffiney YenTim & Jackie MooreTimothy DooleyW. E. H. Caladiums

“The

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1025 County Road 17 NorthLake Placid, FL, 33852Tel: 813-362-8929Fax: 863-465-7301E: micah@masongsmoakfoundation.org