IMMOKALEE, FL (May 19, 2025) – RCMA is proud to announce that Dr. Dorsey Hightower has been named the recipient of the 2025 Brad Young in Service to Children and Families Award. The award was presented during RCMA’s annual Lipman Farms Golf Classic, held last week.
Now in its fifth year, the Brad Young Award honors individuals whose dedication, generosity, and service have made a significant impact on the lives of Florida’s rural children and families. The award commemorates the late Brad Young, a passionate supporter of RCMA who gave tirelessly to advance the organization’s mission.
Dr. Hightower, a longtime Lakeland resident, is a retired veterinarian who spent most of his career serving the community through his emergency pet clinic, which he opened in 1982. His relationship with RCMA began through his wife, Sandy, who began volunteering with the organization and soon inspired Dorsey to get involved. Together, they have become active and generous supporters of RCMA’s work.
“Dorsey is someone who gives his time and heart freely,” said Isabel Garcia, RCMA’s Executive Director. “His dedication to our mission reflects the spirit of this award, and we are incredibly grateful for the ways he and Sandy have supported our children, families, and staff over the years.”
RCMA serves more than 4,600 children and families across Florida through its 53 child development centers and three community academies. The organization provides high-quality education and support services to children of low-income, agricultural-working families.
To learn more about RCMA and its impact across Florida, visit www.rcma.org.
For more information about RCMA and the Mulberry Community Academy, please contact Joseph Goldbach at Joseph.Goldbach@rcma.org or 239-658-3560 x1059.
