Debra Hoffman, DC receives 2014 humanitarian award

September 18, 2014 — ­­­­­­Debra Hoffman, DC, was presented with the 2014 Performance Health and Florida Chiropractic Association Humanitarian Award at this year’s FCA National Convention & Expo.

Performance Health, manufacturer and marketer of Biofreeze, Bon Vital’, Prossage, TheraBand, Cramer, and Thera°Pearl health and wellness products, in partnership with the FCA, honor individuals who go above and beyond for their community in the spirit of giving back and making a difference in a humanitarian effort.

Gary Wakeford, national director of sales and marketing, Performance Health, had the honor of presenting the award to Hoffman.

“Dr. Hoffman is truly someone who has gone above and beyond by stepping up to provide leadership for a very deserving organization. This is in addition to managing a successful chiropractic practice and being extremely involved in supporting the chiropractic profession at multiple levels,” said Gary Wakeford. “However, it is Debra’s efforts and passions outside of our industry that earned her this deserving recognition. And for that I extend my deepest gratitude to her for making a difference in so many lives through her work with Sincerely Santa Tampa.”

Since 1987, Sincerely Santa Tampa has provided toys and clothing to more than 100,000 at risk and underprivileged children in the Tampa Bay area with clothing and toys during the Christmas holiday. Children’s “Letters to Santa” are delivered to the Sincerely Santa project where volunteers work to make these requests come true.

Through the help of Sincerely Santa Elves, the volunteers secure sponsors and fulfillers for each child’s holiday request.

Hoffman is one of longest term elves with 19 years of elf-ing experience. In 2013, the organization fulfilled over 6,000 requests.

Hoffman plays an integral role in the organization through her efforts in recruiting community volunteers, arranging for gift delivery though local fire and police departments, and encouraging the involvement of her patients and her staff. She serves on the Sincerely Santa board and holds the position of board treasurer.

Hoffman attended Indiana State University and obtained her chiropractic degree at Logan University in St. Louis.

She has been in private practice for over 30 years.

Her career achievements include serving as the FCA President in 2007 and 2008, being named the FCA Chiropractor of the Year in 2012, currently serving as the North Florida delegate for the American Chiropractic Association’s house of delegates, serving on the board of trustees for Logan University for over nine years, and currently holding the position of board vice chairman.

Upon receiving the award, Hoffman said, “I am truly honored to receive this award. The children of the Tampa Bay region thank you as well. All of us stand where we do as a result of the choices we have made. These children have no choices. They are living in poverty situations and have so many needs. The fact that we can reach out and touch them and hopefully make their childhood memories a little happier means so much. This program allows law enforcement officers and fire fighters to be in their homes at a ‘good’ time and not during a crisis. All gifts are hand delivered to the children by sworn officers. Each and every year, I am humbled by the children’s request to Santa. They ask for toothbrushes, their own blanket and pillow, ‘neu shuz’ (new shoes), school uniforms, warm jackets, and occasionally a new BMW. This contribution will allow us to provide gifts to more children this year. Thank you.”

“Dr. Hoffman has provided leadership to her profession on so many levels throughout her career,” added Michael Chance, DC, president of the Florida Chiropractic Association. “And she sets a sterling example for all of us with her service to the Tampa community. Her effort with Sincerely Santa has helped countless children and families in a way that is utterly inspiring.”

In addition to honoring Hoffman at the FCA National Convention, Performance Health provided a $1,000 contribution in her name to Sincerely Santa Tampa.

Source: Performance Health