The United Way of Martin County Foundation was proud to announce Kathryn (Muffin) and John Adamiak as the 2025 Frances Langford Humanitarian Award recipients on February 12 at Sailfish Point. This prestigious award recognizes community philanthropists who demonstrate care, compassion and commitment in support of United Way and the non-profit sector.
For John and Muffin, giving back has been a lifelong commitment.
Muffin’s passion for helping others began at just 14 when she mentored children through the New York Times’ Fresh Air Fund. This dedication continued into her professional life, inspiring her to pursue a master’s in social work and spend a decade addressing homelessness and hunger through Catholic Charities’ Emergency Services. Since moving to Stuart in 2003, she has remained a driving force for positive change, leading the Sailfish Point Foundation, working with Hibiscus Children’s Center, and playing an instrumental role in the United Way of Martin County, where she now serves on the United Way Board, co-chairs the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, and is a member of the United Way Foundation Board.
John, a Brown University graduate with an MBA from Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania, built a successful career in investment banking but always remained passionate about giving back. He served on several boards but found his most impactful work with the Philadelphia Futures (now Heights of Philadelphia). Through his visionary leadership, the organization has grown to serve over 3,300 students with mentorship and scholarships—leaving a lasting legacy of support and opportunity.
“Our journey has always been about making a difference, whether it’s mentoring one student or helping build a stronger community,” said Muffin Adamiak. “We’ve been so fortunate in our lives, and we believe it’s our responsibility to pay that forward in every way we can.”
The award was named in honor of the famed singer, actress, philanthropist and long-time resident of Martin County, Frances Langford who trusted United Way with the dual mandate of transforming lives and fortifying community bonds. Frances also served as the pioneering chair of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, igniting a legacy of leadership. Her dedication and commitment to community advancement has played an integral role in shaping the organization into the agent of change it is today.
Previous Frances Langford Humanitarian Award recipients include:
2024 – Betsy Herold
2022 – Bob & Karen Croce
2021 – Fred & Betty Kopf*
2020 – John & Linda Loewenberg
2019 – Joe & Margaret Richebourg Temple*
2018 – Bob & Jan* Crandall / Bill & Audrey Crandall
2017 – H. William Lichtenberger
2016 – John* & Susan Sullivan
2015 – Douglass* & Patricia Stewart
2014 – Prestley* & Helen Blake
2013 – Barbara Briggs Trimble*
2011 – Robert & Carol* Weissman
*Passed away
During the reception, the Foundation shared updates on the United Way of Martin County's impactful efforts to address transportation, disaster recovery, and mental health. Thanks to initiatives like Ride United, transportation is no longer one of the top 10 unmet needs in Martin County. Additionally, United Way was chosen by the county’s Emergency Operations Center to serve as the central hub for disaster recovery efforts. The United Way is also focused on bridging the gap in mental health services left by the closure of Suncoast Mental Health Center.
Thank you to our Reception Sponsors Bill and Audrey Crandall and Bob Crandall; and to our additional sponsors who helped make this event possible: Betsy Herold, Bill Lichtenberger, Seacoast Wealth Management, Bob Weissman, Wilmington Trust, Carol Webb, HBK CPAs & Consultants and HBKS Wealth Advisors, SouthState, Bank of America Private Bank, Keane Thomas & Pinnacoli, and Sandhill Cove.
###
About United Way of Martin County Foundation
The United Way of Martin County Foundation is an independent public charity dedicated to securing the future of our community. By accepting legacy gifts and building a robust endowment fund, the Foundation is uniquely positioned to address the current and future unmet needs of Martin County. For more information about United Way of Martin County Foundation, please visit: UnitedWayMartin.org/Foundation