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Luncheon Recognizes Seniors For Volunteer Service

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 29, 2007

TAMPA - Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay saluted volunteers in its Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion, Bill Payer and Volunteer Caregiver programs at a recent luncheon at the Embassy Suites on the University of South Florida campus.

Among those recognized for their significant anniversaries were:

•Mildred Brisker, who has served for 25 years as a foster grandparent at the after-school program at Lowry Elementary, where students, parents and teachers call her "Grandma."

•Estella Vinson, who has 22 years of service and is a foster grandparent at LaVoy Exceptional Center.

•Bertha Wilson, a foster grandparent at the Capitano Boys & Girls Club with 21 years of service.

•Addie Lambert, who has served for 18 years and is a foster grandparent at the Sulphur Springs Head Start Center.

•Ruth Washington, a foster grandparent at Woodbridge Elementary School with 16 years of service.

Other foster grandparents recognized were: Brencish Fortson and Julia Ray, each with 15 years of service; and Lola Mae Brown, Maria Matos and Eula Thomas, for 10 years each.

Curlie Holley was recognized for 15 years of service as a senior companion, and Jill Wilson for 10 years.

Luncheon participants included U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, city Councilman Thomas Scott and county Commissioner Rose Ferlita.

Church Brightens Veterans' Holiday

NORTH TAMPA - Tampa Unity Church members recently took gifts to patients at the James A. Haley VA Medical Center's nursing home.

The church was asked to adopt 20 resident veterans who didn't have family or friends to provide for them. Those names were taken quickly, so the church adopted 20 more.

Church member Mary Matz, a VA employee, suggested the project to the church's co-minister, the Rev. Debbie Moss.

Holiday Store Helps Hundreds

TAMPA - The Child Abuse Council's eighth annual Holiday Store served 787 children and 328 families.

The community contributed thousands of toys, money and volunteer support to ensure that children involved in the council's programs would receive new gifts.

During the three-day event, more than 330 volunteers organized and wrapped presents and helped clients select free toys, stocking stuffers and books.

DeBartolo Foundation Announces Awards

TAMPA - The DeBartolo Family Foundation recently announced awards totaling $27,000 through its community funding program.

The recipients are Caregivers Support Network, Vascular Birthmarks Foundation, The Foundation of Dreams and Kids in Balance.

Established in 2001, the program provides financial assistance twice a year to organizations. For information, go to www.debartolo familyfoundation.com or call the foundation office at (813) 964-8302.

Send news of community interest to Lenora Lake at 15310 Amberly Drive, Suite 102, Tampa FL 33647; fax to (813) 975-9488; e-mail to llake@tampatrib.com; or call her at (813) 865-4851.

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