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Foundation Awards Grants To 9 Groups

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By LOIS KINDLE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 25, 2008

SUN CITY CENTER - In yet another wave of generosity, the Community Foundation of Greater Sun City Center awarded just less than $65,000 in grants June 13.

This round included nine organizations: the Apollo Beach Sail & Power Squadron; Youth Environmental Services, aka YES; the International Independent Showmen's Association Museum; the Friends of the SouthShore Library; the SouthShore Arts Council; the Military Officers Benevolent Association; Samaritan Services; the Museum of Science & Industry; and All Sports Community Service.

"We provide these grants to help nonprofit groups that will use the money specifically to benefit South Shore residents," said foundation chairwoman Evelyn Lunsford. "That is the foundation's mission."

As requested, the power squadron received $1,800 to purchase mobile presentation equipment for its educational programs, said Charlie Feldschau, the squadron's public relations officer.

"We applied for the money to buy equipment so we can use PowerPoint software to make our safe boating presentations to the public," Feldschau said. "The money will certainly be put to good use. In addition to a teaching tool, the equipment will be used for our Try Us Out program, which makes people aware of what we do."

YES director Sirrnest Webster was equally pleased with the foundation's award of $4,000. The organization's mission is to treat and rehabilitate male youth offenders and to prevent at-risk male youngsters from entering the juvenile justice system.

The money will cover travel expenses for 10 students and three staff members who recently traveled to the company's 2008 Summer Olympics in Columbia, S.C. The youngsters participated in athletic events, a science fair, a speech contest and other activities.

"With the continued support of the foundation, YES will continue to help reduce juvenile crime and work toward putting productive citizens back into our communities," Webster said.

The International Independent Showmen's Museum received the largest award, $20,000, which will be used to purchase equipment to digitize thousands of photographs of the history of the American carnival. Equipment also will be purchased for presentation purposes so that the association can build community awareness and raise money.

"We're terrifically appreciative of it," said Charles Mayo, an association board member who is spearheading the project. "The money will enable us to continue moving forward with this for another year."

Through the John and Elizabeth Crawford Fine Arts Fund, the foundation earmarked $2,160 for the Friends of the SouthShore Library to cover the expenses of a free series of 12 art classes for teens in 2009. It also awarded $7,000 to the SouthShore Arts Council for prize money for next year's En Plein Air Festival.

"This is the second time we've received funding for teen art classes," said Suzanne Prach, who oversees the John Crawford art collection at the library. "The Crawford fund is designated to support all visual arts in South Shore. The community foundation is a wonderful source for us."

"Our grant will be used for the merit awards for artists competing in the show," said Anne Madden, who is on the council's board.

Based in Sun City Center, the Military Officers Benevolent Association got $5,000 in matching funds to provide benefits for women military veterans who are homeless.

"We pay for things not covered under the Veterans Administration program," said Don Edwards, president. "We started the program last fall, and so far we've helped 34 women. We help with child care while they are looking for a job, rent and utility deposits and sometimes even rent."

The last South Shore group the foundation helped was Samaritan Services.

"We applied for a grant from the community foundation and just received word that the grant has been approved by the board," said Robyn Payant, this year's Good Samaritan Ball chairwoman. The $15,000 will go toward the ball, which generates money for Samaritan Services, a charity that supports SCC Ride, a free service to Sun City Center residents who need transportation to their medical appointments.

"Samaritan Services contributes so much to the community," she said. "This is a great way to show our appreciation and keep them able to continue their great works."

Finally, two Tampa groups that benefit South Shore residents also received $5,000 each - MOSI and All Sports Community Service.

"The grant will be earmarked to provide transportation for students from select South Shore schools to attend 'Meet the Hispanic Scientist Day' at MOSI in October to hear a presentation from the 2008 National Hispanic Scientist of the Year," said Shani Jefferson, MOSI media relations specialist. "It's wonderful to have the support of the Community Foundation of Greater Sun City Center to enable more students to be exposed to such an inspiring" event.

All Sports Community Service will use the money for scholarships for Hispanic students whose parents are migrant farmworkers.

"We help young girls who plan to go into teaching or work with children in their former communities after graduation," said Tyrone Keys, director. "These students become walking testimonials once they return. The community foundation is helping us provide girls who are the first in their families to go off to school a tremendous opportunity to better themselves."

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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