Florida House

Rhea Chiles, innovator, founder of Florida House and a woman of extraordinary vision, created the nation’s first and only state embassy. She had a dream of a gracious and hospitable place that would serve Floridians in Washington, D.C. She was told it wouldn’t work, but on October 26, 1973, Florida House opened its doors to families, individuals, schools, civic clubs, corporations, churches and youth groups. The Embassy has been an oasis for Floridian’s ever since.
 
Every spring at the annual meeting in Washington, D.C. Florida House will present the Rhea Chiles Vision Award, sponsored by Trustee Mike Hightower and BlueCross BlueShield of Florida.  It will be awarded to a Floridian who has given extraordinary service to Florida House, its mission, vitality, and stability; to someone whose involvement moved the embassy toward expansion, soundness or increased stature. Only Florida House Trustees may nominate for this award.
 
                        2012                        Patrick Geraghty
                        2011                        Clay & Emilee Shaw
                        2010                        Michael Hightower
                                                        Patsy Woodroffe
                                                        Sandy Thomas  
                                                        Deanna Kirchman