In March 2012, the St Petersburg FL Chamber of Commerce awarded Bernadette “Bernie” Young, the Iconic Women Award for Community Service. In announcing “Bernie” as the winner, the following was read: 
- Bernie has contributed her time and talents to more than 20 local organizations since moving to St. Petersburg nearly 20 years ago. She has served on more than a dozen Boards and currently serves in top leadership positions for Bayfront Health Systems, Heart Gallery of Pinellas/Pasco and Academy Prep Center of S1. Petersburg.
- Many community organizations now have a plan to move forward, grow or change because of the help Bernie has provided. Alpha House has a direction for the future; Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Boys & Girls Club of Pinellas and the Heart Gallery of Pinellas/Pasco have strategic plans to help grow their donor bases, continue their missions and develop stronger Boards.
- Bernie’s involvement with the Heart Gallery of Pinellas/Pasco led her to find two loves of her life. Jesse and Sara were siblings featured as foster children in the Heart Gallery until Bernie and her husband, Joe, gave them a “forever home” in 2009.
The Youngs on Adoption Day March 26 2009
