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Local
Students At Witter Elementary School Experience ‘Witter Wonderland’
Tyrone Keys met the Ligoris at Target so the Witter students could go on their shopping trip.
Pastor-Elect At New Hope M. B. Church Delivers First Sermon For Unity Worship Service
The Reverend Larry J. Mouton, Jr., Pastor-Elect at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, delivered his first sermon on Sunday, December 18, 2016 for the Unity Worship Service. (Photos by Julia Jackson)
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
Members of the NFL Alumni Tampa Chapter assisted with the event
Students at Belle Witter Elementary School were treated to a shopping spree at a local Target just days be- fore the Christmas break.
The Christmas charity event has been held for 4 years. The event, hosted by Sherrie and Christopher Ligori (Christopher Ligori and Associates), partnered with the NFL Alumni Tampa Chapter to sponsor the stu- dents on the shopping spree.
For this year’s event, Mrs. Ligori reached out to former Buccaneer Barry Smith about their charitable event. He spoke with Ty- rone Keys and the wheels were rolling. Brandi Winans, NFL Alumni Chap- ter Events Coordinator, and Tyrone Keys organized for- mer players to speak to the students. Former Bucs play- ers Alex Smith and Clifton Smith (no relation) spoke to the students at Witter.
According to Mrs. Lig- ori, “I was a former teacher at Witter Elementary. These kids hold a very special place in my heart. I stopped teach- ing to help my husband start his law practice.
“Through the years, God has blessed us with a flour- ishing practice and we de- cided it was time for us to give back to the community. Since education and kids hold such a special place in my heart, my husband agreed that we would sup- port the kids at Witter.”
The Ligoris ask the school to select 75 to 100 of the most needy kids. Have
The bus arrived with the students and teacher, Ericka Butts, Tyrone Keys and Atty. and Mrs. Christopher (Sherrie) Ligori.
Mayor Bob Buckhorn attended the Unity Worship Service to greet the Pastor-Elect, Rev. Larry J. Mouton, Jr.
Former Bucs alumni who spoke with the students at Wit- ter are shown with Mrs. Ligori: Clifton Smith and Alex Smith.
tee shirts printed, Santa or elf hats made and provide them with a tote bag made for each child. Buses are hired to transport the chil- dren.
Each child gets a $100 gift card for shopping. However, there is a requirement: they must buy an outfit for them- selves, pair of shoes, jacket if needed and toys. If any
money is left over, they can buy a gift for a parent or sib- ling. They also get to take a photo with Santa.
“It is very heartwarming to see how all this came to- gether and clearly how the Bucs alumni showed such kindness to make these kids have such an extra special memorable experience,” she stated.
New Hope’s immediate past pastor, retired Rev. Dr. T. W. Jenkins attended the service.
Witnessing the first sermon of Pastor-Elect Rev. Larry Mouton, Jr. were: Janice Williams, Kathy Henry and Chad Williams.
Active New Hope mem- ber, Mrs. Barbara Ragan.
Rev. Larry Mouton, Jr. with one of the members, Paul Jones at the Unity Worship Service.
PAGE 10 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2016