Faith Hope & Charity -- Abilities Foundation Newsletter -- November 2011
Foundation and Home Depot improve the life and home of Vietnam-era veteran widow
The Foundation teamed with the Pinellas Park Home Depot Store to make Jessie Dunn's St. Petersburg home handicapped-accessible, safe, and more energy-efficient at no cost to her. Improvements included a new roof, wheelchair ramp and railing, ceiling fans, pre-hung interior doors with lock sets, and CFL light bulbs. The project was featured on CBS, ABC, and Fox News TV broadcasts and CBS Cox Media Radio. Jessie (at center above with Home Depot employees) is limited due to multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema. 'After losing my husband and son, this was such a blessing. I can't thank you enough,' she said.
Veterans Mall Open House attracts 100 guests
'I had no idea,' was a common refrain among many of the100 visitors to the Abilities Guild Veterans Mall *Open House. Donors, volunteers, and Veterans Affairs case managers alike were delighted with how Virginia Meyer and Guild volunteers transformed two large classrooms into an attractive storeroom of household necessities given free to disabled veterans. Guests were treated to a tour of the facilities and delectable beef tenderloin, gulf shrimp, and pulled pork courtesy Mr. Bill's Fine Foods. Media coverage was extensive. Among the principals interviewed by all three TV broadcast networks and CBS radio were Muriel Boysen, Virginia Meyer, and Scott Owens. To donate items or make a contribution, call Lisa Johnson at 727-538-7370x234.
Operation Homefront Quilts
Jessica and Joanne Porter of Operation Homefront Quilts have donated scores of quilts to the Guild in support of returning disabled military veterans. Pinned to each is a hand-written note that reads: 'This quilt was made with love in every stitch by a patriotic American. May it warm your body and soothe your soul. You will always be our hero. Thank you for your service and may God bless and keep you.' Quilts are given to veterans and auctioned to raise money to buy discounted household items for veterans and their children. Many thanks to Opertaion Homefront for a wonderful gesture.
Beachfront Festival debuts at Hyatt Regency November 19-20
The Foundation has been named primary charitable beneficiary of Clearwater Beach Uncorked at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Nov 19-20. Enjoy all-access admission to the Grand Tasting Village and Uncorked Spirits Beach Club during two fabulous beachfront days among acclaimed culinarians, vintners, and spirits producers. Presented by Publix, Bright House Networks, Hyatt Regency and CCM, proceeds benefit the Foundation and Pro Start. To buy tickets online click here.
October events net $10,000
Three fundraisers over a span of eight days in October netted the Foundation $10,000. We tip our hats to the organizers and sponsors of the Cajun Cafe Wine Festival, Una Notte di Vino e Fuoco, A Night of Wine & Fire Italian-style, and the Autumn Fun Raiser at the home of Guild president Sherrie Morton for designating the Foundation as the charitable beneficiary. Pictured above forming a custom wine glass at Mazzaro's is Zen Glass Studio owner Joshua Poll. TaxtX-WISE PLANNINGa t IP
Tax-wise Planning Tip # 3: Giving Through Life Insurance
Another tax-wise method of support of the Foundation is a gift of life insurance, which may be an option for people who no longer need the financial protection of an existing policy. Assigning a life insurance policy to or designating the Abilities Foundation as charitable beneficiary is an easy way to make a substantial gift without reducing current assets. Also, you may qualify for an immediate income-tax deduction. For more information, consult your tax advisor or call 727-538-7370x345.
In Memoriam... Roger Ormerod
Abilities Guild treasurer and longtime Foundation benefactor Roger Ormerod died unexpectedly after a brief hospitalization. Roger, along with wife Jackie, was a generous donor who supported many of our wine dinners, fundraisers, and workshops. His metriculous record-keeping and graciousness will be missed. Also passing away last month were Guild members Bonnie Swanman, Cleita Karns, and Henry Graf. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.
Event Calendar
November 11 - Veterans Day Wine Dinner at Vincenzo's Grill
November 19 & 20 - Clearwater Beach Uncorked at Hyatt Regency
November 14 - December 26 - Santa Dollar Sales at 270 Local Publix Supermarkets
December 4 - Abilities Guild Holiday Gala at Carlouel Yacht Club
Faith Hope & Charity -- Abilities Foundation Newsletter -- October 2011
Foundation awarded $25,000!
The Abilities Foundation was awarded grants totaling $25,000 from The Home Depot Foundation to modify the homes of eight Tampa Bay area disabled veterans. 'We're thrilled to partner once again with local Home Depot stores,' said Foundation CEO Frank De Lucia. 'Ensuring that disabled servicemen and servicewomen -- who fought so valiantly to defend our freedoms -- live in safe and handicapped-accessible homes is central to our respective visions and missions.' For information call 727-538-7370x345.
Veteran's transformation inspires Guild
With his 17 year-old son in the audience, Mike Dunlap credited the VA and our veterans employment program, Foundation, and Guild for transforming him from a homeless, hopeless person living in his car, into a productive wage-earner and apartment dweller with a positive outlook. Battling back tears, the U.S. Marine described how fortunate he was to complete the VA Domiciliary program and obtain car insurance, housing, and a full-time job. Today Mike works 60 hours a week and is a proud father to his son Skyler, who just relocated to Florida.
Visit Veterans Mall Open House October 25th
Visit the Open House 11am-1pm Tuesday, October 25th at ServiceSource (formerly Abilities), 2735 Whitney Road in Clearwater for a look at the Abilities Guild Veterans Mall -- a storeroom of small appliances, dishes, pots 'n pans, coffeemakers, clothes, linens, lamps, TVs, and more made available for free to disabled veterans. See how you can donate new or gently used items or cash to ensure that returning veterans and their families have basic household necessities. For information call Lisa Johnson at 727-538-7370x234.
Loan of wheelchair eases recovery from surgeries for third-grader
The Foundation solicits and distributes adaptive equipment through it's B & G Endowment, which funds the emergency needs of people with disabilities. We were recently asked to loan a wheelchair to accommodate Bella, a third-grader who must undergo a year's worth of surgeries to repair her Achilles tendons and improve her gait. She aksed if she could decorate the otherwise drab, black chair and we said, 'Absolutely!' Here's a letter from an appreciative mother and daughter:
Dear Folks,
We are the people who needed a wheelchair for a child who is in the Serial Casting Program at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa. We are most grateful for your help in this matter. The wheelchair has helped so much, and your program is in our thoughts often. We struggle less because of your help. Best of all, after all is done, we will be able to return the chair for next person in need. I thank you all so much... Beyond words. Thank you so much!
Bonnie & Bella
Largo, FL
We welcome and find new homes for donated manual and electric-powered wheelchairs, scooters, handicapped vans, and lifts. To arrange a tax-deductible donation and pick-up, call 727-538-7370x234.
Vino e Fuoco to light up Mazzaro Italian Market
The 2011 Everyday Italian Lifestyle Artists & Artisans series continues Oct 20th with Una Notte di Vino e Fuoco, A Night of Wine & Fire at Mazzaro's --Florida's top-rated Italian market. Savor Casa Vinicola Zonin wines, breathtaking artwork from Duncan McClellan and world-reknown glass artist Massimilano Schiavon, glass-blowing demonstrations from Zen Glass, live Italian music, silent auction, and the best cuisine this side of Italy.
In Memorium... Lee Roy Selmon
We lost a treasure with the passing of Lee Roy Selmon. Epic athletic accomplishments aside, he was an exemplar of grace, dignity, and style. Lee Roy had close ties to the Abilities Foundation, keynoting our inaugural Circle of Honor, serving on the Foundation advisory board, hosting our Lee Roy Selmon Barbecue Festival at Kingfish Wharf, and donating sports memorabilia to our charity auctions. He will be missed.
Event Calendar
October 15 Cajun Cafe Wine Festival at Cajun Cafe on Cross Bayou
October 20 Una Notte de Vino e Fuoco at Mazzaro Italian Market
October 22 Guild Autumn Fun Raiser at Sherrie Morton Residence
November 11 Veterans Day Wine Dinner at Vincenzo's Grill
November 19 and 20 Clearwater Beach Uncorked at Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach
November 11 December 26 Santa Dollar Sales at 270 Local Publix Supermarkets
December 3 Abilities Guild Holiday Gala at Carlouel Yacht Club
Tax-wise planning tip # 2 -- Giving through memorials
Memorial gifts to the Foundation are a wonderful way to pay tribute to a deceased relative or friend. Often made in lieu of flowers or as a special remembrance, these thoughtful gestures underscore your support of our mission. Why not commemorate as well, a birthday, holiday, anniversary, or graduation with a tax-deductible gift in honor of a loved one? Won't people be surprised when they receive a letter from us advising them of your generosity and admiration? Call 727-538-7370x345 for more information.
Editor’s Note:
Faith Hope & Charity is dedicated to benefactors who invest in the Abilities Foundation’s vision and mission. Your faith in our ability to improve the lives and families of Floridians with disabilities inspires us; your kindness provides people with hope for a bright and prosperous future; and your charity enables persons to achieve their career and life goals with confidence and dignity. Through this publication, we demonstrate the undeniable impact of your support and alert you to tax-wise solutions to your estate planning needs.
The Foundation’s vision is to ensure that Floridians with disabilities have the opportunity to participate with dignity in everything that community life has to offer. Its mission is to support the needs of people with disabilities through gainful employment, independent living, affordable housing, higher education, recreational and cultural resources, health, and accessible marketplaces.
Faith Hope & Charity -- Abilities Foundation Newsletter -- September 2011
High School/High Tech Program scores high marks
'I want to go to school,' were the first words Dzemila Ahmetovio uttered upon arriving in America from war-torn Bosnia in 1996. At the age of four she knew she would achieve what no one else in her family had -- a high school diploma. But it wasn’t easy. Standing in her way was a steep language barrier (she spoke no English) and a pesky learning disability. After attending several schools, she landed at Boca Ciega High School. In her senior year, she met project coordinator Kim Dittman and learned of Abilities’ High School/High Tech Program, but was quite shy and didn’t think it was for her. As she saw other students volunteering and visiting places like Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry, she decided to enroll. And was it ever a game-changer. So much so that Dzemila agreed to share her experiences with the Abilities Guild at a recent luncheon. Speaking from her heart and without notes, she explained how the program had a profound effect on her life and career path. ‘Tech inspired me to follow my dreams of being independent and having a bright future,’ she said. ‘I didn’t want to quit school in the 9th grade like others in my family. I wanted to achieve the American Dream. Kim gave me confidence and taught me how to prepare a resume, complete a job application, answer interview questions, and find job openings. Tech helped get me out of my comfort zone and showed me I could be an adult and have fun at the same time.’ She not only earned a diploma, but also completed the 98-hour Certified Nursing Assistant course and passed CNA certification exam. She’s now employed at A Plus Staffing, and thanks to a grant from the Abilities Foundation’s B & G Endowment, has completed driver education training and passed her driver’s test. ‘Once I get more experience, I’ll study to become an LPN. My ultimate goal is to become a RN and work at All Children’s Hospital,’ she said. Lofty targets, but don’t bet against her accomplishing them. Dzemila is one of a dozen students enrolled in High-Tech at four area high schools. Funded by The Able Trust, Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Abilities Foundation, the program improves grades, exposes students to the workplace and higher-level careers, and reduces drop-out rates. For information call Kim Dittman at 727-538-7370x316.
Abilities Guild contributes $45,000
The Abilities Guild celebrated its 31st anniversary by presenting the Foundation with check for $45,000, $30,000 of which supports job placement services for disabled military veterans. The Guild's contributions over the past six years alone now exceed $205,000. Accepting the check along with Lori Sandonato, Kim Dittman, Joe Pezzano, Lisa Johnson, and Dianne Duncan was Foundation president and CEO Frank De Lucia. 'We have enormous respect and admiration for what the Guild accomplishes each year,' he said. 'Its investment in our mission to improve the lives and families of Floridians with disabilities is exemplary and inspiring.'
Mall serves disabled veterans
During the long summer recess, Guild members have been busy creating the Mall, a storeroom of household items available for free to disabled veterans. Spearheading the solicitation of new and slightly-used house wares is Virginia Meyer. 'Virginia has worked tirelessly to ensure that returning veterans and their families have basic household necessities,' said Frank De Lucia. The urgent need for furnishings was brought to our attention by job placement specialist Muriel Boysen, who reported that many veterans lack basic necessities. 'Virginia and Guild volunteers have stocked a 3,000 square-foot room with dishes, pots and pans, linens, coffeemakers, tables, lamps, chairs, and televisions in appreciation and admiration of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and servicewomen.' The Guild is planning a Veteran’s Mall Open House in October. To donate items, volunteer, or make a contribution, call Lisa Johnson at 727-538-7370x234.
Homeless veteran first beneficiary
The Mall's first beneficiary was Mike Dunlap, a homeless, disabled Vietnam-era veteran. 'Mike was living in a car parked behind a church in Largo,’ said Muriel Bosyen. 'We helped him get tags for his car and pay his first month's auto insurance. We also paid for him to train for and obtain a security guard license, and helped him find a job and secure HUD Section 8 subsidized housing. He had no household items, and that's when we turned to the Mall.' Mike selected new pots, pans, dishes, cooking utensils, and a quilt, which will get him off to a great start in his new apartment,’ she said. Today, he works 50 hours a week as a security guard. ‘I work the graveyard shift,’ said Mike, ‘and when I get home, I often have a message on my answering machine to fill in for a guard who did not show up for his shift.’ So appreciative is Mike that he’ll speak to the Guild membership at the September luncheon.
Workshops connect with donors
Donors and volunteers are discovering that one-hour workshops are a great way to connect to and stay informed of our programs and services. Presented by staff members the first Monday of each month, workshops make it easy to understand how we serve disabled veterans, people seeking housing, and students with disabilities.
Next workshop:
2 pm, Monday, October 3, 2011, Conference Room E
ServiceSource Florida Regional Office (formerly Abilities)
2735 Whitney Road
Clearwater, FL 33760
RSVP to 727-538-7370x234
Abilities rebranded as the ServiceSource Florida Regional Office
Abilities of Florida has a new name: The ServiceSource Florida Regional Office. Despite the name change, its purpose remains the same: To provide exceptional programs and services to individuals with disabilities. In July CEO Janet Samuelson and other ServiceSource officials staged an open house to announce the name change and rebranding initiative. Among the guest speakers and presenters were ServiceSource board member Joseph Sorota, Clearwater vice-mayor George Cretekos, Congressman Bill Young district representative Shirley Miaoulis, Veterans Affairs placement specialist Letha Smithson, and ServiceSource employee Kevin Southcott. Abilities, along with the other four affiliates that made up the ServiceSource Network, were rebranded for public relations purposes. Each independent organization maintains its 501(c)(3) status and legal name. However, for public relations purposes, all five organizations now share a unified name and collectively promote programs and services across the organization.
Event Calendar
October 15 Cajun Cafe Wine Festival at Cajun Cafe on the Bayou
100 Premium wines, Cajun apps, live music, prize drawings
$35 pp RSVP to 727-546-6732
October 20 Una Notte de Vino e Fuoco -- A Night of Wine & Fire at Mazzaro's Italian Market
Zonin Italian wines, Duncan McClellan Glass art, Zen glass-blowing demonstration, marvelous Mazzaro's cuisine, silent auction live music
$60 pp: $100 per couple RSVP to 727-538-7370x234
October 22 Abilities Guild Autumn Fun Raiser for Returning Veterans
Belleair Home of Rick and Sherrie Tetrick, 410 Poinsettia Road, Belleaire, FL 33756 (727-581-8313)
$50 pp. Dress is casual. Music, open bar, and heavy hors d'oeuvres.
Send check payable to the Abilities Guild to Mrs. Lois O'Donnell, 14524 Neptune Road, Largo, FL 33776
Tax-wise planning tip #1 DO YOU NEED A WILL?
In conversations with friends of the Foundation, we've learned that many do not have a will, or they have a will that hasn't been updated for a number of years and does not reflect their present wishes and circumstances. Do you need a will? Is it important that it is current? The answers are a definite YES! If you wish what you have accumulated will be distributed as you desire, and not as someone else, usually the state, determines, you must have a current will. The answer is also a definite YES if you wish to avoid problems for your heirs and save on costs. And the answer is also a definite YES if you wish to include a bequest -- which we hope you do -- to help the Abilities Foundation or another favorite charity. A bequest has been rightly called the 'The Last Act of Stewardship,' as it is a final opportunity to express thanks for the many gifts we've received throughout our lifetime. Please be certain to seek the advice of your attorney and tax advisor when planning how your assets will be distributed. And as you create or revise your will, kindly keep the Abilities Foundation in mind. There are many ways to ensure that you provide for your family and loved ones AND help to further our mission to improve the lives and families of Floridians with disabilities. If you would like more information about the value and necessity of a will, please contact Frank De Lucia at 727-538-7370x345.
Editor’s Note:
Faith Hope & Charity is dedicated to benefactors who invest in the Abilities Foundation’s vision and mission. Your faith in our ability to improve the lives and families of Floridians with disabilities inspires us; your kindness provides people with hope for a bright and prosperous future; and your charity enables persons to achieve their career and life goals with confidence and dignity. Through this publication, we demonstrate the undeniable impact of your support and alert you to tax-wise solutions to your estate planning needs.
The Foundation’s vision is to ensure that Floridians with disabilities have the opportunity to participate with dignity in everything that community life has to offer. Its mission is to support the needs of people with disabilities through gainful employment, independent living, affordable housing, higher education, recreational and cultural resources, health, and accessible marketplaces. For information contact:
