Nominate Your Hero

This year, Hialeah-based CGI Windows & Doors, part of the PGT Innovations family of brands, is expanding its successful “CGI Heroes: Celebrating Strength” initiative into a statewide contest to recognize heroes across Florida who go above and beyond to help others. 

Now through April 22, individuals can nominate a full-time Florida resident as a “community hero” at www.cgiwindows.com/heroes. Four new CGI Heroes will be recognized and each awarded a $1,000 cash prize. After that, a statewide public online voting period will determine the grand prize winner who will be presented with a $5,000 cash prize.

“Our first CGI Heroes campaign in 2020 resulted in hundreds of stories of individuals demonstrating strength and compassion in South Florida. When we saw how the winning stories brought hope to the communities and encouraged others to also take steps to serve those in need around them, we were inspired to expand our contest to the entire state,” said Bob Keller, President of the Southeast Business Unit for PGT Innovations. “It will be our honor to acknowledge the efforts being performed by everyday heroes all over Florida and to highlight their contributions to their communities.”

These compassionate everyday heroes were the first four winners in the 2020 CGI Heroes: Celebrating Strength contest, which recognized Miami-area residents who demonstrated selflessness within their community. Each of the chosen heroes were awarded a $2,000 cash prize for their efforts.

Meet Our 2020 Winners

JOAN SAINT-HILAIRE a Cutler Bay, Florida, kindergarten teacher is passionate about being a teacher, but it’s what she does above and beyond her everyday teaching responsibilities that really sets her apart. For 26 years, she’s been advocating for her students, feeding those who are short on food, and making house visits to deliver school supplies. 

KATIE LIZANA is a fourth-generation watchmaker who has been sewing to save health care professionals’ ears after hearing that many nurses and doctors were experiencing discomfort due to the loops and restrictions of their surgical masks. The Hollywood, Florida resident developed an ear-saving product prototype and has crafted and customized thousands of complimentary medical mask attachments for health care workers across the country.

 DEMI GENAO is a registered nurse at Broward Health Medical Center, works 12- hour shifts three days a week. She typically arrives home exhausted but that doesn’t stop her from buying and hand-delivering groceries to the elderly in her community during her time off. 

JARREL STRONG a Miami-native, is compelled to help the homeless. He saw the need for daily resources and food for those living on the streets. He personally hand delivers meals in to-go containers, complete with utensils, that feed about 300 men and women in Overtown, Florida. 

Do you know someone who’s gone above and beyond to help others in your community? Nominate them today at www.cgiwindows.com/heroes for CGI Windows and Doors’ Celebrating Strength contest. 

NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW!