Community Champions Shine at Thrive in Southern New Mexico’s Sold-Out Mardi Gras Awards Gala

Alamogordo, NM – February 25, 2026 – The spirit of New Orleans met the heart and pride of Southern New Mexico in Alamogordo on February 20, 2025 as Thrive in Southern New Mexico, under the leadership of Executive Director Michelle Gill, hosted its fourth annual Mardi Gras Awards Gala at the Sgt. Willie Estrada Civic Center. The sold-out event, attended by over 160 community leaders, celebrated local philanthropists, organizations, and volunteers whose contributions bolster nonprofits across Otero and Lincoln counties.

Thrive in Southern New Mexico, a nonprofit dedicated to funding and uplifting local service organizations through donations, resources, and advocacy, used the festive evening to honor “Community Champions” who advance its mission of strengthening families and fostering positive change. The gala featured vibrant Mardi Gras-themed decor, a catered dinner from Mountain View Catering complete with traditional beignets for dessert, and entertainment by Heather Bash, co-founder of the Children’s Music Theater of Alamogordo. Bash delighted the crowd with renditions of songs from the 2009 Disney film “The Princess and the Frog” and the classic “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

The night’s highlight was the presentation of the prestigious Helen Kirk Award, given annually to recognize leadership, generosity, volunteerism, and enduring support for Thrive’s goals. This year’s recipient was Robert Middleton, Vice President of Operations at CHRISTUS Southern New Mexico. Introduced by John Wheeler, Executive Director of the Sacramento Mountains Foundation and the 2025 Helen Kirk Award honoree, Middleton was praised for his decades of service. Wheeler highlighted Middleton’s early involvement in the Civil Air Patrol as a teenager, his roles in the volunteer fire department and as an emergency medical technician, and his rise from bedside nursing to over a decade as chief nursing officer in multiple communities.

Middleton, who also serves as Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Construction Executive at CHRISTUS Southern New Mexico, appeared genuinely surprised by the honor. With more than 25 years in nursing and progressive leadership, including education from Vanderbilt University, Middleton has been a key figure in Alamogordo’s healthcare landscape. In a brief acceptance speech, he humbly remarked, “Honestly, I can think of a lot more people more deserving than me, but thank you.”

Among the distinguished attendees were Alamogordo Mayor Sharon McDonald, City Commissioners Stephen Burnett and Warren Robinson, Otero County Commissioner Amy Barela, and former state Sen. Bill Burt, R-Deming. The event also included a “best dressed” competition, with longtime radio personality Bob Flotte and 12th Judicial District Court Judge Angie Schneider taking home the honors for their standout Mardi Gras attire.

Flotte himself was another spotlight of the evening, receiving the Work of Heart Award for his significant contributions to Thrive and the community. This award honors someone who has dedicated their time, energy, and passion to Thrive and the community in an exceptional way. Flotte’s servant leadership, steady support, and heart for others have made a lasting impact across Southern New Mexico. As a past recipient of Thrive’s Helen Kirk Award, this latest honor underscores his continued commitment to strengthening the region. After 48 years in broadcasting in Alamogordo, Flotte recently announced his retirement but reassured the audience during his speech that he would continue serving the area. “Bob exemplifies a lifelong commitment to community, integrity, and connection,” noted a recent Thrive newsletter, underscoring his impact as a trusted voice in local media.

Thrive introduced two new awards this year: the Community Investment Award, presented to Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine, and the Pillar of Support Award, given to the Sacramento Mountains Foundation. The traveling trophy for the workplace campaign with the largest percentage increase in giving went to Kid’s Inc. Child Advocacy Center in Alamogordo. Kid’s Inc. earned this honor by achieving the highest increase in partner contributions, with an incredible net increase of 121%. That kind of growth reflects strong leadership, love for their community, and a powerful commitment to their mission. Thrive expressed pride in partnering with an organization that continues to grow its impact for the children and families they serve every single day.

Kid’s Inc. Child Advocacy Center, located at 1108 Cuba Ave. in Alamogordo, focuses on minimizing trauma and re-victimization by offering specialized forensic interviews and support services to child victims of severe neglect, sexual and physical abuse, or those who have witnessed violence. Under the guidance of Executive Director Cambri Syling, along with staff like Family Advocate/Case Tracker Audrey Coronado and board members Geraldine Martinez and Rodney Eaton, the center provides critical resources to improve the quality of life for children in Otero and Lincoln counties.

The gala also recognized tiered workplace campaign donors, highlighting the collective generosity fueling Thrive’s efforts:

• Emerald Awards ($1,000–$4,999): Alamogordo Funeral Home, Casa Y Tierra Title, Zia Therapy Center, COPE, Sacramento Mountain Senior Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Burt Broadcasting, USA Insurance, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Cloudcroft Municipal Schools, Pioneer Bank, and Alamogordo Public Schools.

• Bronze Awards ($5,000–$9,999): The Counseling Center, Zuni Electric, and PNM.

• Silver Awards ($10,000–$49,999): Albertson’s Market, Tularosa Communications, Desert Sun Foundation, First National Bank, Southwest Heritage Bank, and Otero Federal Credit Union.

• Gold Awards (over $50,000): Otero County Electric Co-op and CHRISTUS Health.

The evening culminated with CHRISTUS Health presenting Thrive with a $240,000 check, a fitting close to a night of gratitude and forward-looking commitment.

Reflecting on the sold-out success, Thrive emphasized the event’s role in building a stronger Southern New Mexico. For more information on Thrive’s programs or future events, visit letsthrivenm.org or contact their office at 575-437-8400.

AlamogordoTownNews.org highlights organizations and individuals that make a positive impact to our community as a part of our ongoing #AlamogordoPride series. Thrive and its leader Michelle Gill have been featured prior and continue to inspire and enlighten as they did this past weekend.

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