St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation has named Ronald and Joyce Wanek as recipients of its 2025 Community Hero Award. The couple will be honored at the annual Heroes Ball, on April 5, at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.
The Waneks are being recognized for their contributions to children’s health care, education and community initiatives. Ronald Wanek is the founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries. Through the company, the couple has supported initiatives such as Hope to Dream, which has provided beds for more than 180,000 children, and Ashley’s Angels, which has distributed essential items to more than 20,000 children during the holiday season.
In 1988, the Waneks established the Ronald and Joyce Wanek Foundation, which funds education, arts and medical initiatives. They have also partnered with institutions such as City of Hope, HeartWorks and Mayo Clinic to support pediatric medical research and treatments.
The Heroes Ball, co-chaired by Sam and Casey Ellison, aims to raise $2 million to support St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital’s Nurse Navigator Program, which helps families manage pediatric health care needs.
The event will include a live and silent auction featuring items such as a private dining experience with chef Geoffrey Zakarian, a Kentucky Derby trip and a private dinner with former NFL player Rob Gronkowski.