The Manatee County Annual Business / Education Partnership Awards Breakfast held every August and sponsored by the Manatee County School System and the Chamber of Commerce, Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies has been presented the "Partner In Excellence" Award.  "This award goes to the business partner that has typified the mission of the Manatee Partnership Program through active and exemplary accomplishment of various levels of participation.  The recipient of this award was selected by the judges from all the categories" and is award is the "Academy Award" and highest award given by the School System and the Chamber of Commerce jointly at the annual affair.  Elks Feeding Empty Little Tummies has also won the Chamber of Commerce and Manatee County School Board "Civic Partner of the Year".