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All Stars from the  Asset Protect East-West Shrine Game visit with children at the Shriners HospitalOn January 17th, more than 100 of the nation’s finest college football players spent several hours visiting with kids who receive care at Shriners Hospitals for Children Tampa. The athletes joined the children in enjoying various games and sports, face painting, music, dancing and autographing East-West Shrine Game jerseys and footballs.

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Tampa Teens Pledge Not to Text and Drive

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Teenagers Pledge Not to Text and DriveNearly 300 teenagers from Tampa Bay Technical High School made the pledge not to text and drive this morning.  Students left their thumb print on a 16 foot banner traveling across the country on a 30 city tour.  The event is part of X the TXT, Allstate’s public awareness campaign which is aimed at minimizing one of the most dangerous distractions facing teens today, texting

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This Year's Graduating Seniors Who Will Go on to Higher EducationOn June 27th, the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope held their 13th annual Celebrating Faces of Hope gala and fundraiser at the A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa.

The black tie dinner and awards show, which was emceed by Kathy Fountain and Frank Robertson, formerly of FOX 13, honored 17 previously at-risk high school seniors who graduated this year and are now going on to higher education, as well as the “unsung heroes” of 2009 who made a difference in the lives of Tampa’s children and families in the past year.

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Foundation for a Drug Free WorldIn the wake of the untimely death of entertainment icon Michael Jackson, amid allegations of drug overdose and in commemoration of the June 26th United Nations’ “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking”, young volunteers from the Foundation for a Drug Free World stepped up their activities in bringing home their anti-drug message to Tampa Bay.

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tbacedemyofhope-logo.jpgSince 1996, The Tampa Bay Academy of Hope has provided at risk youth in Hillsborough County with exactly what is promised in their name: hope. On Saturday, June 27th, the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope will be holding their 13th annual “Faces of Hope” black tie awards banquet.

The evening’s keynote speaker will be Michelle A. Robinson, the President of Verizon’s Southeast Region, and entertainment will be provided by the Empyreal Chinese Acrobats.  An awards ceremony will be hosted by local television personalities Kathy Fountain and Frank Robertson from FOX 13. Awards will be presented in honor of the involvement of local individuals and companies that are making a difference in the lives of Tampa Bay’s youth through contributions, civic efforts, or direct involvement in their communities.

All proceeds from the Faces of Hope event will benefit the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope’s “Leadership Through Education” program, which helps “defeat illiteracy among disadvantaged and at-risk students.”

The Tampa Bay Academy of Hope was founded by former football player James Evans. Through his leadership and dedication, thousands of at risk youth and their families have been changed for the better. The Academy “offers counseling to inner city youth to put them on the path to become productive citizens.” Governor Charlie Crist says of the organization,  “With the help of…organizations like Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, together we can provide a better future for our children.”

The event will take place at A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa. Tickets are available for $100 per seat, or $1,000 per table. The reception will begin at 5pm, and be followed by a dinner at 7:30. For more information on the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope and the banquet, or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.tampahope.com/ or call 813-277-0464.

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Volunteer Ministers Recieved Training from the National Florida Guard in OrlandoMembers of the Church of Scientology Disaster Response of Tampa recently joined members of other faith-based disaster response organizations in a special Points of Distribution (POD) training session, conducted by the Florida National Guard in Orlando, in preparation for the coming 2009 hurricane season.

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Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo at MOSI

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Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo at MOSI 

Tampa, FL (May 26, 2009) - The City of Tampa and Hillsborough County, in conjunction with the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI), will host the 2009 Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, at MOSI.  Admission to the Tampa Bay Hurricane Expo is FREE!

In addition, Hurricane Expo guests can enjoy MOSI exhibit galleries and one standard IMAX® Dome Theatre film for only $8 per person.

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Chad Moore (left) and Eric Odum (right) - Photo by Simaen Skolfield
Chad Moore (left) and Eric Odum (right) - Photo by Simaen Skolfield

Tampa, FL (March 2009) - The Gasparilla International Film Festival came and went, leaving a very exhausted but pleased Eric Odum at the end of the after party at the Old Firehouse in Tampa. When I first spied the man who helped found the GIFF at the opening night party, he was the festival’s President. When we were actually able to sit down to an interview at the closing night party, he had turned his crown over to Chad Moore.  

Eric Odum spoke passionately about his love of film, a love he developed when he lived in Brazil and was made to watch a Pedro Almodóvar film. He watched it over and over until he not only learned Spanish, but developed an appreciation of artistic cinema. His purpose in co-founding the GIFF was to fill the gap left by the absence of art house cinema in Tampa, to give local filmmakers a chance for exposure and bring to the Tampa Bay Area the films audiences wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to see, like Il Divo, the controversial biopic based on former Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti.

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The Urban Race is Returning to Tampa

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Residents Invited to Test Their Problem Solving Skills While Helping a Good Cause

TAMPA (February 12, 2009) – It’s part scavenger hunt, part wandering party, and a whole lot of fun.  The Great Urban Race will be taking Tampa by storm on February 21, 2009, as participants navigate around the city solving clues and complete various challenges.  The 2009 event is partnered with America’s Second Harvest, which helps Tampa Bay's less fortunate who suffer from hunger. 

Teams of two will solve 12 clues and complete physical and mental challenges by walking, running or using public transportation.  Participants may find themselves scavenging for random items, deciphering puzzles, or completing a physical challenge or game.  The first twenty five teams to complete the race will have the opportunity to compete in the National Championship race for a chance at $10,000.

"The Great Urban Race is the perfect opportunity to discover Tampa in a new way,” said Joe Reynolds, Race  Director.  “For those looking for an extraordinary Saturday afternoon, the Great Urban Race will satisfy your desire for a new adventure.”

Since The Great Urban Race kicked off its first event in the summer of 2007, the response has been overwhelming.  Many racers are now competing in various cities across the country while others have become avid local supporters.  Raul Rumbaut and Heidi Steinhauer, who finished 16th in the 2008 Tampa race, said they “are counting down the days until the 2009 competition. We really a had a great time, hands down it was the best race we have ever competed in.”  

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NFL MVP 2009

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Jason Witten Named the Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP. Witten Honored With $25,000 Donation To The S.C.O.R.E. Foundation For His Commitment To Fighting Domestic Violence

Tampa FL (January 28, 2009)  –  The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer and ‘official home improvement sponsor’ of the National Football League, today announced Jason Witten as The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP for the 2008 season. The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP is a national program that recognizes players who are making a positive impact in their local communities through charitable programs and contributions.

Witten was chosen for the award through an online consumer voting contest, which received more than 250,000 votes nationwide. He was one of 17 NFL players honored through the program this year and one of eight program finalists. Warrick Dunn was honored as The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP for the 2007 season.

Witten and the seven Neighborhood MVP finalists rolled up their sleeves today and worked alongside community and The Home Depot associate volunteers to build a state-of-the-art KaBOOM! playground for kids in East Tampa in just one day. In a break in the action, the players were recognized for their good works and Witten was announced the program MVP. A $25,000 donation was presented to Witten’s foundation.

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Glazer Family FoundationTampa, FL (January 15, 2009)  – The Glazer Family Foundation is donating $150,000 to the NFL Youth Education Towns (YETs) of Tampa Bay.  The donation will help fund the recently completed Glazer Family Football Field at Mort Park. 

 “The Glazer Family Foundation is proud to continue its support of youth development throughout Tampa Bay,” said Bryan Glazer, Executive Vice President of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “Enhancing the local educational and recreational facilities is essential to the growth of Bay area youth. This field is another way to help promote the importance of physical fitness and healthy living and will serve as a valuable resource to the local community.” 

There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new field at a 4 p.m. along with a press conference on Jan. 29 at Mort Park, featuring NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. 

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Tampa Bay Black Heritage FestivalTampa, FL, January 13, 2009 – The 2009 Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival and State Farm Insurance are utilizing the Street Festival to highlight, and address, healthcare issues in the African American community and the need to emphasize healthy living and healthy lifestyles. The Mayor’s 2K Challenge, a 2K walk or run, will start at 9 AM Saturday, January 17 at Al Lopez Park located at 4810 N. Himes Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602. Registration will begin on site at 7:30 AM. The Mayor’s 2K Challenge is a free event, and everyone is invited to participate.

The Mayor’s 2K Challenge, a spin-off to the 2008 Festival’s partnership with State Farm Insurance and Dr. Ian Smith, founder of the 50 Million Pound Challenge, has previously drawn over 350 participants in a brisk, healthy walk. Having been recognized as a 2009 Top 20 Event by Southeast Tourism Society, the Festival’s remaining Saturday activities will provide a focus on health issues, will feature health screenings, and will also challenge participants to make healthy choices. In the absence of Mayor Iorio, walkers will be led by former County Commissioner and current City Council Chairperson Thomas Scott. In coordinated effort with Moffitt Cancer Center, a Health Village will be furnished to facilitate health screenings and the distribution of literature.

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Golf Outing - SuperBowl XLIII Weekend 1st Annual Golf Classic to Support NFL Alumni of Tampa Bay

Tampa, Florida January 11, 2008 — The Chad Larkins Golf Classic will be held in Valrico, Florida, on Thursday, January 29, 2009, at Buckhorn Springs Golf and Country Club with a 1 P.M. Shotgun Start.

A total of 35 foursomes will gather at Buckhorn Springs Golf and Country Club to enjoy an 18-hole Florida scramble tournament followed by an awards dinner where outstanding awards will be presented to tournament winners.

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Larry King Talk Show Host and Founder of The Larry King Cardiac FoundationHillel School of Tampa Event to Feature Veteran Talk Show Host Larry King Larry King selected as guest speaker to raise money for the school and its effort to save a life in Tampa.

Tampa, FL December 19, 2008 -  Saving a Heart a Day is the goal of The Larry King Cardiac Foundation so Larry King, the well-known talk show host and founder of the Foundation, has agreed to be the guest speaker at an elegant brunch in Tampa to complete a year long fundraising effort that benefits the Hillel School of Tampa and its goal to help save a life in Tampa,  the school announced today.  

"Hillel School of Tampa is proud to bring Larry King to Tampa for this once-in-a-lifetime event," says Lynn Chernin, co-chair of the event called "From the Heart with Larry King" set for February 22nd.  "This is an event not just for Hillel School of Tampa parents and friends.  It's for anyone in the community who wants to hear Larry King in person and help the school as well as it's effort to help others.

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AMI Associated Marine InstitutesTAMPA, FL December 15, 2008 – Students from Tampa Marine Institute (TMI), a program under Associated Marine Institutes (AMI), are gearing up for their winter graduation.  The program helps troubled youth get back on the right track through experiential learning. 

The commencement ceremony is on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 2:00 pm, 1730 Maritime Blvd, Tampa, FL. 33605.  Special guest speaker, County Commissioner Kevin Beckner will address the graduating youth on taking this beginning to the next level and striving for their best.  The kids will share their experiences and personal growth with their own commencement speech.

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Ask a Librarian sponsors YouTube contest for high schoolers

TAMPA, FL December 12, 2008  — With winter break quickly approaching, parents might be wondering how to keep their aspiring young directors occupied. Mom and Dad, tell your high school students about The Second Annual Director’s Chair, a contest in which Florida students submit commercials to promote Ask a Librarian. Ask a Librarian is a free online service that allows the public to chat with a librarian for help with homework or general questions.

Floridians in ninth through 12th grade are invited to submit to YouTube a 30-second video promoting Ask a Librarian by Jan. 17, 2009, for the chance to win a digital video camera, a digital camera or an iPod Shuffle with an iTunes gift card.

“We hope students will put the finishing touches on their videos during their holiday vacation,” said Diana Sachs-Silveira, virtual reference manager of Ask a Librarian. “We know how creative teens can be, especially after seeing last year’s entries, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with this year.”

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