Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 10-22-19

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CDC Of Tampa, Inc., Receives $25,000 AT&T Grant
This photograph of the Leadership Tampa Class of 2018, was taken during the CDC’s Prom 2.0 Fundraiser.
Tampa Alumni Kappas Celebrate Chapter
Night Out
Members of Tampa Alumni, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, had a Chapter Night Out recently at Chili’s in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Members of the Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. dined for a purpose recently. The chapter gathered at Chili’s restaurant in support of St. Jude Children’s Re- search Hospital.
St. Jude is one of the nu- merous initiatives Kappa Alpha Psi is a contributor. Chili’s restaurants set aside
the last Monday in September to donate all of their profits in support of St. Jude’s patients. Kappa Alpha Psi joined the initiative by asking all chap- ters to patronize the restau- rant on this day.
Tampa Alumni heeded the call as fun, laughter and fine foods were all on hand during the evening of brotherhood and fellowship.
This year’s Prom 2.0 was an 80s themed benefit hosted by Leadership Tampa’s class of 2018. All funds raised bene- fited the Corporation to De- velop Communities of Tampa’s (CDC of Tampa) Youth Lead- ership Movement Program (YLM).
The signature event was held at the Amalie Arena’s FireStick Grill and featured music of the 1980s, great food and lots of dancing! Party goers dressed in 80s themed outfits and formal prom attire.
During the event, Edwin “ED” Narain, Director of Ex- ternal Affairs at AT&T and for- mer member of the Florida House of Representatives, sur- prised party goers with the presentation of $25,000 to support the YLM seniors as they explore post-secondary education options.
The support from AT&T boosted the amount raised by Leadership Tampa classmates, who go by the name GR’18. Randell “Randy” Prescott, Regional Practice Lead with KCI Technologies, Inc. and GR’18 Prom 2.0 coordinator said why the class works so hard on the event is that “The overall goal is to help youth es- tablish their way in the world. Expanding their idea of what is possible.
“Students can participate in college tours and mentoring sessions with Leadership Tampa GR’18 alumni.”
Ernest Cooney, Jr., CEO and President of the CDC of Tampa, Inc., said, “YLM stu- dents develop leadership skills, set academic goals, learn integrated thinking, and the importance of civic engage- ment and financial literacy.”
Narain further said, “Our programs focus on at-risk youth, empowering them to become the best person they can be. AT&T shares the CDC’s commitment to strengthening communities and improving the lives of young people.
“The Youth Development Center connects them with the resources and expertise needed to help them succeed and we’re proud to work with them.”
CDC of Tampa’s Youth Service Center serves youth ages 14-18 in select middle and high schools in Hillsborough County. The Center provides students a path to self-suffi- ciency as a thoughtful member of their community through a series of achievements that in- clude obtaining a high school diploma, entering college/vo- cational or technical program, and securing employment.
YLM students attend work- shops that focus on bullying prevention and self-esteem. They interact with college stu- dents who explain the impor- tance of a secondary education and majors they can pursue. Rising high school juniors tour college campuses all over Florida during summer break. Throughout CDC of Tampa’s history, 100% of the youth in- volved in summer enrichment, leadership development, and S.T.E.A.M. activities have gone on to graduate from high school and attend colleges and universities around the coun- try.
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