Page 14 - Florida Sentinel 11-9-18

Local Event
‘Champions Luncheon’ Is Successful Event For CDC Of Tampa, Inc.
Since the inception of CDC of Tampa, Inc., the Board and staff have galva- nized supporters and spon- sors in attending a fundraiser for the express purpose of generating funds to sustain its programs. Such was the case this year when CDC of Tampa, Inc. rolled out its “Champions Luncheon” on October 9, 2018 at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre that was attended by more than 400 corporate and community partners.
CEO Ernest Coney, Jr. briefly addressed each of their programs during a video presentation.
Board Chair Krys Pat- terson, with Fifth Third Bank, welcomed the crowd and introduced Rev. Dr. Glenn Dames, Pastor of Allen Temple AME Church, who gave invocation and grace.
Rod Carter, Anchor with WFLA News Channel 8, greeted everyone as emcee. He invited Con- gresswoman Kathy Cas- tor to the stage to welcome the group.
Carter acknowledged elected officials, and those who were vying for political office. Entrepreneur Spon- sors — JP Morgan Chase and Tampa Bay Rays — joined him to bring greet- ings.
For the Presentation of Awards and Sponsor Recog- nition, Board Member David Ogburn, Chair of CDC of Tampa’s Fundrais- ing Committee with Valley National Bank, had CEO Coney, Jr. to accompany him with the presentations of awards.
Coney, Jr. gave NE- HEMIAH AWARDS to sev- eral organizations. Ogburn acknowledged nearly 50 sponsors.
An unforgettable “Suc- cess Story” was shared by the Morgan Family’s son, Javed, who was introduced to CDC while he was a stu- dent at Middleton High School. During his experi- ence with CDC, Morgan mentioned this is where he first learned to write a check and was educated about many life lessons.
Since that time, he has graduated college at the University of Central Florida; has established his own business and is now giving back to CDC through its program to help mentor and educate other young people. Both his parents were in the audience.
Coney highlighted up and coming projects with CDC of Tampa, Inc. -- Diana Gardens (corner of E. Diana and E. 43rd St.), where there are 24 new affordable rental townhouses, 3 bedrooms and 2 bath attached garage and newer single-family homes in Beacon Groves on 34th Street.
The second project is a partnership to build a gro- cery store in East Tampa.
The Keynote Speaker, Stephen Glaude, Presi- dent and CEO of the Coali- tion of Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development in Washington, DC, is a guru in the field of affordable hous- ing and economic develop- ment. Over the past six years, his organization has built the political will in the District of Columbia to in-
vest $580 million local dol- lars into affordable housing. He shared how Tampa could emulate some of their
strides in the DC area. He Gaudle saluted founder, Chloe Coney for doing what she did some 26 years ago, when she left County government to give birth to CDC of Tampa. He contin- ued by commending her for legacy building and now her son, Ernest is the CEO of the organization.
Stephen Ponzillo, and Dr. Samuel L. Wright, Sr., Consultant, planned the event. (Photos by Freder- ick Harris)
Allen Greene, II, Allen Greene, Sr., Chris Denome, David Chris- tian and Rob Lindsey.
Senator Representative-elect, Dianne Hart and Darrell Daniels, Exec- utive Director, Derrick Brooks Charities, were in attendance.
Community activist, De- nese Meteye James and State Senator Daryl Rouson were among the guests.
Pastor Maurice R. Allen, Sr., and Katrya Watkins were in attendance.
Daryl
Rouson,
Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, Sherryl Cusseaux, Ernest Coney, Jr., Chloe Coney and Atty. Fentrice Driskell.
Luncheon guests included: Todd Josko, Ana Cruz, Jane Castor and Mickey Jacob.
Rod Carter, MC and Ed Narain with CDC staffers, Leonard Burke and David Jones.
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