NFP Workshop ignites fundraising community

The Abilities Foundation and Guild were well represented at the Not-For-Profit Workshop at the Straz Center in Tampa. Sponsored by Warren Rodgers and Dr. Zena Lansky, the event drew more than 800 guests and focused on ready-to-use techniques and strategies to improve life in our communities. Attendance grew exponentially from the first workshop, where we met guest speaker and Armed Forces History Museum founder John Piazza. That led to the Museum's hosting the Abilities Wine Tasting in May and a wonderful partnership between two like-minded organizations. Hats off to Warren, pictured here at the Abilities tasting, and Zena for generously hosting these  workshops and encouraging nonprofit leaders and philanthropists to share resources and expertise. Click here for more info.   
 
Community Calendar
 
October 3
Chateau Kwasin Wine Fest
Beach Drive Tampa

October 11 - November 11
Home Depot Foundation
Celebration of Service Project  

October 27
Cajun Wine Festival
Cajun Café on Cross Bayou

November 1
ServiceSource Florida
  Regional Office
Service Excellence Awards
Marriott Orlando World Center
 
November 3
Abilities Guild Pig Roast
Tom and Joni Cleary Residence 

November 9-11
Veterans National Boat Show
Abilities Guild Veterans Mall
Safety Harbor Marina 

November 10
Cigar City Brewery Dinner
Peninsula Inn Gulfport

November 16-18
Clearwater Beach Uncorked
Hyatt Regency Clearwater          

December 2
Abilities Guild Holiday Gala
Belleair Country Club 
 
February 14
Guild Valentine's Day Dance
Belleair Country Club

To RSVP or volunteer for these events, call Lisa Johnson at 727-600-8911.       
   
Improving lives and homes, one family at a time

The Foundation's quest to improve lives and homes of Floridians and veterans with disabilities took another step forward with the renovation of Army Staff Sergeant José Pequen~o's Land O'Lakes residence. Sixteen Home Depot volunteers worked less than five hours to install $5,000 worth of handicapped modifications benefiting the Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient who sustained a massive brain injury in combat in 2006. The ramps, pavers, pathways, shades, landscaping, lighting, lawn equipment, and portable generator provided courtesy of The Home Depot Foundation and local store associates will help ensure wheelchair accessibility, visual stimulation, comfort, ease of maintenance, and relief from power outages. "It always amazes me that there are so many people who will do things like this," said a thankful Nellie Bagley, José's mother. And through tears of joy, José expressed his emotions and deep appreciation for this gesture.       

Of all the improvements provided, the gas-powered generator might be the most prized. José depends on electricity for his wheelchair, air-mattress bed, and breathing apparatus. When the home lost power during Tropical Storm Debby, his mattress went flat, and his oxygen and health monitoring equipment stopped working. "Having a generator is such a weight off our shoulders," Nellie said. "It's an amazing gift, one that some might consider a luxury, but for José, it's a necessity." Other gifts that might seem luxurious create color and sound. José has always loved the outdoors, and spends 90 percent of his day outside. His surgeons say that visual and auditory stimuli are very beneficial to him. With that in mind, the team installed a fountain, vibrant crotons, and lighting to upgrade the view he enjoys from both the pool deck and his bedroom. 

Renovation garners media attention 

The renovation attracted considerable electronic and newsprint attention, with reporters and cameramen from cable TV, all major broadcast networks, and daily newspapers taking turns interviewing family members, volunteers, and organizers (click news outlets to view videos and stories). BayNews9 began its coverage at five that evening, while ABC-TV Action News, Fox 13, and Channel 10 News aired reports in their 6 p.m. telecasts. Feature stories appeared the Tampa Bay Times and Land O' Lakes Patch the following day. Responding to an advance article in Patch, the  Lutz-Land O'Lakes Women's Club provided meals for the volunteers and family - bringing breakfast early Tuesday morning along with a gift card for the crew to order pizza for lunch. Said Fox 13 reporter Anjuli Lohn, "It was such a pleasure sharing Jose's story. Thanks for all that you do!" Kudos to publicist Rob Sumner, who continues to keep the Foundation in the public eye. Click here to view the project's before-and-after photos and here to view the José Pequen~o American War Hero video.
 

Levi Strauss rewards volunteer work

Faith Hope & Charity  Abilities Foundation Newsletter  September 2012

Waddell & Reed clients support war-wounded

At the invitation of Tom and Roslyn Puderbaugh, U.S. Army Infantryman Scott Owens and I spoke about the Abilities Foundation's support of Warrior Bridge to 100 Waddell & Reed investors at the Armed Forces History Museum in Largo. The Puderbaughs used their annual client appreciation reception to treat guests to a tour of the museum and call attention to their support of our work benefiting wounded veterans. They not only asked clients to consider contributing to the Foundation, but also agreed to match each donation dollar-for-dollar. The $1,200 collected that evening resulted in a $2,400 contribution to the Foundation! "Roslyn and I were thrilled to be able to help," said Tom (above). Hats off to Scott and the Puderbaughs for exemplary support of our work.
    
Community Calendar
 
September 11 - November 11
Home Depot Foundation
Celebration of Service Project
 
September 21
September to Remember
VIP Wine Tasting at Pic Pac
 
October 3
Chateau Kwasin WineFest
Beach Drive Tampa
 
October 27
Cajun Wine Festival
Cajun Café on Cross Bayou
 
November 3
Abilities Guild Pig Roast
Tom and Joni Cleary Residence   

November 16-18
Clearwater Beach Uncorked
Hyatt Regency Clearwater           

December 2
Abilities Guild Holiday Gala
Belleair Country Club  
 
February 14
Guild Valentine's Day Dance
Belleair Country Club

To RSVP or volunteer for these events, call Lisa Johnson at 727-600-8911.        
 

"I pray and hope your organization can help us."   

These words were spoken by Nellie Bagley, mother of American war hero and Army Staff Sergeant José Pequen~o.
A grenade thrown into his patrol vehicle in Iraq in 2006 cut short a promising career for New Hampshire's youngest police chief, and thrust a mother and sister into a lifelong journey of care and devotion. That explosion cost the driver his life and José 50% of his brain mass. Said Army neurosurgeon Col. Rocco Armonda, "José's one of the most severely injured servicemen ever to return from Iraq or Afghanistan." Twenty-seven skull-reconstructive surgeries later, José is relegated to life in a wheelchair and hospital bed and is totally dependent upon others -- most notably Nellie and sister Elizabeth -- for his care. To assist him and the family, the Foundation and Home Depot will modify his residence to improve wheelchair mobility and expand handicapped access for vehicles and therapists. Click here for an absolutely riveting portrayal of what José and his family encountered by actresses Dianne Wiest and Katie Holmes.   

Farewell to two institutions
   
Foundation faithful said goodbye to an old friend last month, when demolition crews razed the modular building that originally housed the Jack Eckerd Educational Institute and several nonprofits over its lifespan. This editor was among the very first JEEI employees and occupants of that structure in 1982. While it had fallen into disrepair in recent years and we're not sad to see it go, its vacancy provides us with a clear vision of how our original building  appeared when it was dedicated by Eleanor Roosevelt in November of 1961. We said au revoir to another institution of sorts, Monique Dussault, whose 19-year tenure at Abilities is among the longest. Diminutive and soft-spoken, she was a gifted and highly-respected employee who brought great credit to the accounting department. Monique and the proficiency with which she worked will be missed.
New phone system installed
 
Among our building upgrades is a new phone system. While you still may use the existing phone and fax numbers of 727-538-7370 and 727-538-7387, you can now reach employees at their new extensions, or by entering 727-600 plus their four-digit extension. Direct lines to Frank De Lucia and Lisa Johnson are 727-600-8900 and 727-600-8911.      

Levi Strauss rewards volunteer work
 
Abilities Guild president Dan Mettee's former employer, Levi Strauss, rewarded his 2012 140 volunteer hours with a $1,600 contribution to the Foundation. How very kind of the Levi Strauss Foundation to honor its 157-year tradition of validating retiree's donated time. This brings Levi's two-year contribution to $3,200 and underscores the importance of volunteer support. For the hundreds of you who volunteer each year for the Foundation, please check to see if your current or former employer matches your hours with a financial contribution.    
 
Tax-wise planning tip #13

Florida corporate taxpayers who help our Homes For Independence program acquire or improve residences for Floridians with disabilities classified as having low income may qualify for the Community Contributions Tax Credit, which, when combined with state and federal income-tax deductions, can reduce the after-tax cost of their donations to 29¢ on the dollar! Sounds too good to be true, but isn't. A brief application that we complete and submit does it all. Among those who've utilized the credits are Raymond James, Tech Data, and Jim's Harley-Davidson. To support affordable, accessible housing and take advantage of this extraordinary tax incentive, call Frank De Lucia at 727-600-8900 for details.
 
Faith Hope & Charity  Abilities Foundation Newsletter  August 2012

Employment specialist hired

Mike Dunlap has been named veterans employment specialist for the Veterans Employment Program, part of the Warrior Bridge Initiative of Service-Source. In July he began working with men and women referred by the Bay Pines and James Haley VA Hospitals, developing jobs and helping them transition into civilian employment. Mike is a former Marine who served in Vietnam. Although new to this position, he is a familiar face to the Abilities Foundation faithful, having attended and spoken at numerous fundraising events benefiting wounded veterans. At a recent address to the Abilities Guild, he credited the VA and Warrior Bridge and the Abilities Foundation and Guild for helping him become a productive wage-earner and apartment dweller. Contact Mike at 727-538-7370x312.   

PSTD and TBI

Two conditions that impact returning combat veterans are post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. PTSD is an anxiety condition induced by exposure to a traumatic event, such as witnessing injury or death. It's characterized by symptoms that include re-experiencing the event, hyper-arousal (irritability, anger, or hyper-vigilance), and avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma. TBI is caused by sudden trauma to the head and is commonly sustained by soldiers exposed to a concussive blast wave from improvised explosive devices. It may result in headaches, chronic pain, loss of memory or motor skills, behavior problems, depression, and seizures. Some practitioners suggest rephrasing PTSD, as no service member wants to be known as having a "disorder." U. S. Army infantryman Scott Owens, who has both, has a solution. He'd prefer that PSTD be called Post Combat Stress, which he feels better describes the condition.

July renovations spark independence 

"In a very real way, Home Depot and the Abilities Foundation have made it possible for Scotty Crocker to be independent." With these words, Meals on Wheels executive director Steve King summed up what took store associates 340 volunteer hours to accomplish -- the renovation of Scotty's bathroom, bedroom, and backyard. Thanks to our partnership with Home Depot and associates from eight area stores, Scotty can now access his home and west Tampa community, and continue his volunteer work with Meals on Wheels. Click here to view the ABC-TV Action News' Carson Chambers live reports on the project.   

Handicapped-accessible stairs built and installed by Spring Hill Home Depot associates have made it possible for Martha Outen to access her above-ground pool for hydrotherapy. Two strokes affected Martha's ability to stand for a long time or walk very far. A backyard pool would allow her to increase her strength and stamina, if only she could enter it. She approached Spring Hill store officials, who reached out to the Foundation for help. Together we funded and completed the project in one day, ensuring Martha of safe and secure access to health-enriching exercise and enjoyment.         

In partnership with Pinellas Park Home Depot associates led by Wayne Sharrard, the Abilities Foundation finalized the Joe Capuano Home renovation project. Among items installed, repaired, and improved were a wheelchair ramp; central heat and air conditioning; yard clean-up and trash removal; pressure washing, exterior painting, and landscaping; and patio furniture. A disabled U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and participant in the Homes For Independence home ownership program, Joe is most grateful for the product donations and work performed. 

Ambassadors shine at Oyster Bay Dinner 

Tom and Roslyn Puderbaugh took ambassadorship to a new level at Vincenzo's Grill Oyster Bay wine dinner. Appointing dinner ambassadors is a wonderful way to acknowledge and engage friends who have shown an interest in our work. They are asked only to help promote the dinners and allow their names to be associated with our fundraising efforts, but the Puderbaughs embraced their roles, encouraging friends to attend, speaking eloquently about the Foundation, and personally acknowledging each patron. Their support contributed to a sellout crowd and net profits of nearly $2,000. And the folks from Oyster Bay and Southern Wine & Spirits (shown here) and the staff at Vincenzo's did their parts to delight patrons with their spot-on food and wine interpretation of "Italy Meets New Zealand."      

Tax-wise planning tip #12  

Is your will up-to-date? A properly executed will is an essential part of your estate plan. If you have a will, and you certainly should, it's important to review it periodically to ensure it accurately reflects your current circumstances and wishes, particularly if your financial or personal situation has changed. Occurrences that might necessitate a change in your will include marriage, divorce, new children, death or incapacitation of a beneficiary or personal representative, moving out of state, reverse of financial fortune, or tax law revisions. It is advisable to have an attorney who's competent in developing and executing estate plans prepare or revise your will. For information on how to provide for your loved ones and the Abilities Foundation through your will or bequest, contact Frank De Lucia at 727-538-7370x345.

Faith Hope & Charity - Abilities Foundation Newsletter - July 2012

Foundation awarded $14,500 for home renovations 

Two young men with severe physical limitations will soon have wheelchair access and more at their Tampa and St. Petersburg homes, thanks to grants from The Home Depot Foundation and students at Shorecrest Prep. An Action News appeal brought Scotty Crocker's plight to our attention. ABC's Carson Chambers reported that Scotty, born with cerebral palsy, was no longer able to volunteer for Meals on Wheels because his home was inaccessible by transportation vans. After a site visit with Dale Mabry Home Depot associates, the Foundation applied for and was awarded $7,000 to render Scotty's backyard, bathroom, and bedroom wheelchair-accessible. ABC Action News will feature live shots from the project on July 13th. An advisor at Shorecrest Prep asked us to support a student-based community project -- a bathroom renovation for a neighbor with a brain injury. We visited Jeffrey Lika's home with students, Seminole Home Depot store officials, and building contractors. After obtaining cost estimates, we requested and were granted $5,000 from the Home Depot Foundation. In addition, students from Shorecrest Rotary Interact and Jr. Exchange Clubs raised and donated $2,500 to the Foundation, while plumbing, air-conditioning, and electrical contractors agreed to donate their services. Later this month work will begin on a complete bedroom and bathroom renovation at the Lika home.

Members of the Abilities Guild amassed 5,839 volunteer hours this past year. According to the Independent Sector, volunteer time in Florida was valued at $18.66 per hour in 2010 (the latest year for which state-by-state numbers are available). This equates to $108,955 -- an increase of $36,556 over the previous year -- much of which is attributable to the Guild's focus on stocking and distributing items at the Veterans Mall. We applaud this marvelous achievement and will continue to proudly proclaim the Guild's community support to funders and donors. Among those who donated significant time are Bill and Gloria Hollingsworth, both of whom are past presidents and work incessantly to recruit new members and advance the Guild's mission. 

Organizers make great use of Mall donations   

While crock pots, toasters, and coffeemakers literally fly off Mall shelves, chotchkies, children's toys, and other donations sit idle. To liquidate low-demand items, organizers sell them to staffers, donate them to veterans organizations, or sell full lots to groups like Symphony Salvage. A terrific use surfaced last month, however, when the Guild donated stuffed animals and toys to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Department. Stuffed animals are given by deputies to young children who are separated from their parents during domestic disputes. "They can be very comforting to kids sitting in the backseat of a patrol car wondering what happened to their mothers and fathers," said deputy Jim Campbell, pictured here with Guild president Dan Mettee.

Virginia Meyer nominated for prestigious award

Virginia Meyer was nominated by Gloria Hollingsworth for the $50,000 Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero Award. Virginia is credited with establishing the Abilities Guild Veterans Mall -- a storeroom of household essentials given for free to injured veterans served at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. She works diligently to solicit, purchase, organize, and distribute Mall donations. To date upwards of 200 veterans have been served, ensuring that they will have basic kitchen and bath items when starting out in an apartment or residence. In a magnificent display of community support, Lightning owner Jeff Vinik will donate $2 million this season to 501(c)(3) nonprofits whose volunteers perform exemplary work. Here's hoping that Virginia will be selected, since we know where she will want the award money directed!  

Oyster Bay wine dinner set for July 20

Italy meets New Zealand when executive chef Vincenzo Longo pairs his culinary creations with Oyster Bay's Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, and Hawke's Bay Merlot. What a perfect match for a summer night in July! Serving as wine dinner ambassadors will be Foundation benefactors Tom and Roslyn Puderbaugh, who have been very supportive or our returning disabled military veterans. Join Tom and Roslyn at 6:30 pm, Friday, July 20th for an evening of great friends, food, and wine. Vincenzo's Grill is located at the St. Pete/Clearwater Marriott, 12600 Roosevelt Blvd, St. Pete, 33716. Dinner costs $60 per person, all-inclusive. Proceeds benefit returning injured military veterans. RSVP to Lisa Johnson at 727-538-7370x234 or ejohnson@abilities.org  

Tax-wise planning tip #11 Join the Foundation's planned giving advisory council      

The Foundation is inviting professionals to join the advisory council that helps guide and direct its planned giving outreach. We are seeking trust officers, CPAs, certified financial planners, life and long-term care insurance specialists, bankers, attorneys specializing in estate planning, wills and trusts, taxation, and elder law, and others professionals willing to assist us in this important initiative. Advisors will help write or select planned giving articles and brochures; host seminars on wills, trusts, gift annuities, elder life issues; ensure that outreach is accurate and consistent with industry and ethical standards; and serve as resources to donors seeking professional advice and fee-based services. Only with the experience and expertise of planned giving professionals can we continue to alert benefactors to methods by which tax-wise support of our mission can help them achieve their estate planning objectives and provide for the Foundation. For more information on a substantive volunteer opportunity, call Frank De Lucia at 727-538-7370x345.

Faith Hope & Charity - Abilities Foundation Newsletter - June 2012

Foundation renovates home of U.S. Navy Seal  

In partnership with the North Dale Mabry Home Depot, the Foundation renovated the Odessa home of U. S. Navy Seal Larry Siemiet, installing wheelchair ramps, grab bars, shower steps, security lights, plumbing and light fixtures,  a water heater, and more. Here is a letter from Larry's wife:

Dear Mr. De Lucia, 

I would like to send a formal thank you for all that was done for Larry and our family through the Abilities Foundation and Home Depot. Because of leaders like you both that decided to make a difference we are better today than we were yesterday. We are humbled to have been chosen by your Foundation and extremely grateful for everything: the time donated by these very talented workers, all the time placed on the coordination of the job, Larry's ease walking up and down the ramp, the great American flag placed front and center, the amazing feeling of taking a shower, without losing hot water in the middle of it, when I came home from work today and much more. I didn't realize how emotional I would be, it is overwhelming to receive so much for my family. I am extremely proud of his service and how he continues to fight for his health and our family. Larry is a wonderful husband and father, a loyal and strong man. Since his injury in 1999 we have been trying to do this on our own but at times it can become too much by ourselves. Your help came in a perfect time when Larry needs to feel that it is not all in vain, that we care and that we are all pulling for him. And for the hope instilled with your gesture, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. However, it doesn't stop there. It goes beyond helping the Veteran. Today our children were able to experience all with us and learn from it. If you could have seen the smile on our 7-year old son's face when he came home and saw what had been done, and when we explained to him how it was all donations from people that wanted to give back to his Daddy for all he gave to the country while serving as a Navy Seal. It all started to make sense for him and even appreciate all of Dad's limitations because of the injury and the pain he lives with everyday. I'm very grateful to all of you that helped with this project. You made my day! (or year!!)

Sincerely,

Erika Siemiet

Abilities Wine Tasting nails a three-point landing at Armed Forces Museum       

After spending six years under a tent, three in an airplane hangar, and 13 at Tropicana Field, the Abilities Wine Tasting made a perfect three-point landing in 2012 at the Armed Forces Armed Forces History Museum. Shoehorning 20 restaurants, 25 wine purveyors, and a huge silent auction into 50,000 sq ft without compromising the museum's integrity was a challenge, but owner John Piazza and his staff accommodated us with military precision. We did not skip a beat and treated our guests (98% of whom were new to the museum) to a phenomenal evening of wine and food and a fascinating look at the defense of our nation.   

Purple Heart recipient is honored guest  

To accentuate our fund raising mission to serve returning injured military veterans, we shifted the venue and date to the museum on Memorial Day weekend, and could not be more delighted. To a person, each attendee marveled at the displays and considered it the best location we could have selected. Our honored guest was Purple Heart recipient John Residence (pictured with wife Mary). John, 85, was seriously wounded while serving in the Artillery Unit of the 5th Marines Division at Iwo Jima. It is his voice that narrates the museum's compelling WWII USMC/South Pacific Diorama. 

Abilities grad Frank Planes marshals volunteer photographers

The 20 professional photographers who created a paparazzi-like atmosphere at the museum were provided courtesy of Frank Planes (left) and the Florida Center for Creative Photography. A storied Abilities graduate, Frank was left legally blind after a series of strokes. With our help, he became a successful fine arts nature photographer, so much so that six of his photos now hang in the Smithsonian. Each year in appreciation of our helping him start a business, Frank and FCCP president Jeff Donald arrange for members to donate their services to the Foundation. This gift provides us with razor-sharp images that we use to promote the tasting, acknowledge benefactors, and solicit sponsors for ensuing years.

Guild donates $45,000 to Abilities Foundation

It was a most unusual year for the Abilities Guild, which lost its president and longtime treasurer -- two positions key to the success of any organization. When the president resigned abruptly and longtime treasurer Roger Ormerod died suddenly, Dan Mettee and Jackie Ormerod stepped in, respectively, performing magnificently in their new roles. Dan and Jackie, along with help from Gloria and Bill Hollingsworth and other Guild members, kept the focus on staging successful fundraisers benefiting injured veterans. Much of the Guild's energy and attention this year was directed to the Veterans Mall -- the storeroom of household necessities given for free to veterans. Founder Virginia Meyer spent countless hours soliciting cash and in-kind donations, and purchasing and organizing furnishings. She also cultivated several substantial Mall benefactors, including Bill and Marsha Ulher and Mardy and Charlene Gordon. Despite its challenges, the Guild persevered and capped off a phenomenal year by presenting the Foundation with a $45,000 donation at the annual Installation Dinner in May. Elected to the 2013 board of directors were Dan Mettee, President; Gloria Hollingsworth, 1st Vice President; Al Tower, 2nd Vice President; Phyllis Schene, Treasurer; Pat Brant, Assistant Treasurer; Deb Jordan, Recording Secretary; Carol Williams, Corresponding Secretary; and Bill Hollingsworth, Past President.

Tax-wise Planning Tip # 10 Help ease a veteran's transition into affordable housing   

An alarming number of disabled veterans are homeless or living in substandard housing. Even after veterans qualify for subsidized housing assistance from the VA, most don't have basic essentials like coffeemakers, crock pots, pots 'n pans, dishes, linens, and towels. Unwilling to accept this reality, the Abilities Guild established the Veterans Mall, a large storeroom of household items given for free to disabled veterans and their families. To date, 172 veterans have been served, but the demand for items far outweighs the supply. Kindly consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the Foundation. Your gift will be used to purchase kitchen and bath essentials at discount prices and ensure that veterans will have the basics they need to a successful transition to community life. Phone Frank DeLucia at 727-538-7370x345 for more information.  

Faith Hope & Charity -- Abilities Foundation Newsletter -- May 2012

Raymond James presents Abilities Wine Tasting May 26th at Armed Forces History Museum

Enjoy premium wines, gourmet cuisine, fabulous auction items, free parking, and a museum tour at Tampa Bay's preeminent wine and food showcase -- the Abilities Wine Tasting. The shift in venue to the Armed Forces Museum in Largo accentuates our fundraising mission to serve injured veterans. The Museum's authentic re-creation of the defense of our nation will impress you and underscore the importance of supporting the veterans who sacrificed so much to ensure our many freedoms. See why this perennial powerhouse is Florida's longest-running and most prosperous one-night tasting. Wines will be complemented by tastes from acclaimed restaurants like Salt Rock Grill, Parkshore Grill, Island Way Grill, O'Bistro, 400 Beach, Flamestone Grill, Red Mesa, Angelo's, Ricky P's Orleans Bistro, Melting Pot, Cabot Creamery, Columbia, Barry's Brownies, Savory Spice, Mike's Pies, Your Fondant Memories, Casey's Cookies, Rollin' Oats, and more. Click here to purchase early-bird 33% discount tickets online through May 12 to the $100 6-9 pm Officer's Club VIP Reception or $50 7-9 pm Grand Tasting, or call 727-538-7370x234.

ServiceSource hosts veterans focus groups

As a funder of Warrior Bridge and a member of the finance committee of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority's Wounded Warriors Community Advisory Group, the Foundation participated in two focus groups of veterans discussing employment and housing needs hosted by ServiceSource. What fascinating insight into the experiences and issues confronting service members transitioning into civilian life! Many thanks to our moderators and participants. 

In Memoriam... Joe O'Grady

Longtime Foundation benefactor Joe O'Grady passed away in April. A close friend of B & G Endowment founder George Locascio, Joe was a major sponsor of the  B & G Celebrity Golf Classic through his O'Grady Family Foundation. Daughter Margaret Roset wrote: "Dad should be remembered for his Irish charm and storytelling, his strong sense of family, and his Catholic faith. There was nothing that made him happier than big family dinners, except maybe when he got to be altar boy, Eucharistic Minister, and lector all at the same Mass."

Santa Dollars sales at Publix net $19,000!

Officials from Publix Super Markets visited ServiceSource to present the Foundation with a check for $19,069 from the 2011 sale of Santa Dollars at 270 area Publix stores. The contribution will fund the Veterans Employment Program. Representing Publix were Shannon Patten, and Allyn Welch. Accepting on behalf of the Foundation were Santa Dollars founder June Watts, Veterans Mall founder Virginia Meyer, and military veterans Scott Owens, Luke Lafko, Sean Odoms, and Ernso Auguste. Publix's support of our work dates back to 1959, when its founder, George Jenkins, became a founding father of Abilities of Florida. Since that time, Mr. Jenkins and Publix have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to us through annual gifts, sponsorships, and bequests. Over the past eight years alone, Santa Dollars sales have netted $225,000! We are most grateful for Mr. Jenkins and are certain that he would be most proud of how Publix store managers and employees have extended his exemplary legacy. 

Tax-wise planning tip #9 Help with planning for issues related to aging

Some of us are or have relatives who are at a point in life when it becomes necessary to plan for or deal with issues related to the aging process, such as illness, incapacity, assisted living, nursing homes, Medicaid, and asset preservation. These issues can be complex and often require the aid of professional advisors. The Foundation has assembled a group of professionals who can be a resource to you and your family when you encounter such needs. Elder law attorney Sean A. Scott is a member of our advisory council.

Viva Italiano!  

Eighty-five patrons enjoyed Viva Italiano, a festive evening of fine Italian food, wine, and music at Belleview Biltmore Golf Club benefiting returning disabled veterans. Executive chef Paul Daubert showed his chops, featuring delectable Italian fare expertly paired with Casa Vinicola Zonin wines. Music by renowned tenor Humberto Zambrano rounded out the evening. Kudos to Dan Mettee, Bill and Gloria Hollingsworth, and all who contributed to Viva Italiano!

Largo LIVE lights up Ulmer Park   

The 1st annual Largo LIVE Wine & Food Truck Tasting delighted foodies and wine enthusiasts with its exotic blend of cutting-edge six-wheel cuisine, a plethora of fine wines, and pulsating sounds from Leaf. The Foundation was the beneficiary of some wonderful support from Global Wines, 688 Fine Wine & Spirits, the City of Largo, Tasting Tampa, food trucks Fire Monkey, Keep'n it Reel, Mr. Empanada, Jimmy Meatballs, Flying Sliders, Unforgettable Cupcakes, and Taste of Chicago, Thirsty Mar lin and Barley Mow, Leaf, Lauren Smith, King of Cigars, Avon, and dedicated volunteers.     

Event Calendar   

May 18, Abilities Guild Installation Dinner, Belleair Country Club, Belleair

May 26, Abilities Wine Tasting, Armed Forces History Museum For info call 727-538-7370x234