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A Sweet Reward

Tribune photo by JAMIE PILARCZYK

Christopher Gillham, 4, cleans his spoon during the Metropolitan Ministries ice cream party July 1.

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 9, 2008

TAMPA - TAMPA - With a big ice cream mustache, Matthew Maness, 11, confirmed the afternoon treat from Blue Bell Creameries was delicious.

He also said it was a nice way to recognize the achievements of children and adults at Metropolitan Ministries.

"It's really nice to honor them," Matthew said.

About 90 residents and participants in the nonprofit agency's Uplift U program gathered July 1 in the Ministries' Family Grill, where Blue Bell branch manager Kerry King served 3-ounce cups of vanilla ice cream.

Six adult residents - Danielle Fowler, Ione Jones, Terri Knowles, Denise Russo, Stace Sanders and Jessica Word - received certificates for completing components of the five-stage, self-sufficiency program, which can take up to two years to finish.

"It takes great commitment," said Ana Maria Mendez, the agency's public relations and community events coordinator. "This is a way to recognize their hard effort and great accomplishments."

Metropolitan Ministries provides services to the poor and homeless, serving daily about 80 children and 40 adults in its residential facility, 2002 N. Florida Ave., and about 150 seeking one-time assistance.

With Blue Bell marking its 101st anniversary and July being National Ice Cream Month, King said last week's event was a great way to give back to the community.

"I really respect what they stand for," King said of the nonprofit, "and feel they deserve more than they get."

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 259-7661 or

jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com.

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