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Girls Raised In The South (G.R.I.T.S.) Hosts Fundraiser For REACHUP Healthy Start
West Tampa CDC:
Partnerships And Funding Sources To Rebuild Community
Left to right: Kathryn Ross, Sheila Russ, CaSandra Washington, Patricia Williams and Marilyn Wash- ington, members of Girls Raised In The South Inc.
With standing room only on May 18th at the West Tampa Library, residents, business owners, lenders, in- vestors, non-profits the faith community, government rep- resentatives, and others re- ceived an update from those planning major projects that will change the face of West Tampa.
The West Tampa CDC pre- sented its updated 5-year strategic plan which focus is on preventing gentrification by uplifting residents out of poverty. The plan is designed, in part, to connect residents to jobs and affordable housing. And in part to reduced crime, increase resident owned busi- nesses assist existing busi- nesses, and restore community pride.
Among the presenters were Jack Ross and David Scher with the Jewish Community Center; Leroy Moore and David Iloanya with the Tampa Housing Authority and Brad Suder with Parks and Recreation.
Jack Ross and David Iloanya presented a detailed description of the project, which from the look of the au- dience, was very impressive.
One major point was the
number of jobs that will be created; more than 100. Michael Randolph ex- pressed interest in working with them to connect resi- dents to those jobs. Both or- ganizations agreed to work together.
The Tampa Housing Au- thority presented an update to the community and discussed two federal grant sources: Promise Neighborhoods and Choice Neighborhoods.
The CDC’s 5-year plan is based on a national model and is consistent with the focuses of both grants. The CDC is looking forward to working with THA in creating a com- munity of opportunities for West Tampa residents, ac- cording to a statement.
The CDC has also identi- fied major funders from both corporations and foundations that can provide funding for implementation of the 5-year plan.
Also making a presenta- tion was Brad Suder. He shared with the attendees up- dates on Julian B. Lane River- front Park.
Randy Goers with the City of Tampa discussed other city projects.
On Saturday, June 18th Girls Raised In The South Inc. (G.R.I.T.S) will present Tampa’s Business Men on Pa- rade Fashion Show, featuring some of Tampa’s finest busi- nessmen: Attorney Paul Re- bein -RBR Law Firm; Darryl Madison - Madison Tax Serv- ices; Justin Mitchell - A Fighters Choice Personal Trainer; Malcolm Shavers, Sr. - Legal Investigator; Dar- ryl Myles – University of South Florida; Archie Williams – Williams Caterin; Brian Collins – Zenvios De- signs Fashion Model; Alex Valdes-Frontier Communica- tions; Rob Steinfeld - Expe- dia Travel Agency; Harold Reeves – Reeves Plumbing; Marvin Blount - Blount BBQ Catering; and Andre Davis – International Longshoreman, and many more.
These men will rock the runway with their Summer Fashions supporting the char-
ity benefit for ReachUp Healthy Start, a corporation known as a na- tionally recognized center of excellence, assisting in creat- ing a community where there is equality in healthcare and health for all families.
Additionally, “Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things,” Gloria Andrews - Florida Sentinel Bulletin; Margarita Gonzalez - City of Tampa; and Sara Kilker - Community Innovator, will be honored.
CaSandra Washington, President of The GRITS or- ganization states, “We chose to tell the untold stories of im- portant women who are mak- ing things happen in the Tampa Bay community; more simply put... our mission is to celebrate everyday women doing extraordinary things; women who deserve recogni- tion and news headlines, but whom all too often do not get
it.
“Notoriety of these 3
women will encourage, em- power, and inspire other ordi- nary women doing extraordinary things.”
The Master of Ceremony will be Attorney Paul Re- bein of RBR Law firm, and speaker for the event will be Barbara Wright, President of the Senior Women’s Mis- sionary Union, National Bap- tist Convention of America International, Incorporated. Guests will be entertained with the sultry jazz sounds of saxo- phonist, Marlon Boone and a scrumptious dinner provided by Williams Caterers.
The event will take place at New Mt. Zion Missionary Bap- tist Church, 2511 E. Columbus Drive in the Walter J. Williams Life Center starting at 6 p. m.
For tickets and more infor- mation visit Eventbrite.com, call 813-731-1720 or visit girl- sraisedinthesouth-grits.com.
PAGE 8-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2016