SUMMER 2022 HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY AKP THRIFT! PROVIDING A SAFE, LOVING, AND NURTURING HOME TO FOSTER CHILDREN 1715 LITHIA PINECREST ROAD | BRANDON, FL 33511 813 381 3839 | WWW AKIDSPLACETB ORG Shop with us at AKP Thrift and enjoy $5 off $30 (Cannot be combined with other discounts. Expires 9/11/22)
MESSAGE FROM
SUMMER
We’ve all heard the expression “time flies when you’re having fun”, and that’s exactly how our summer at A Kid’s Place was! After a long and successful school year in which we saw great strides made in grades, behavior, and attendance, the campus went into high gear providing a well deserved summer full of fun and learning. Thanks to the many donors that support our programs, we were able to take the kids to many cool places like Lowry Park Zoo, Top Golf, and the Florida Aquarium to name a few. Additionally, we were able to stay close to home so the kids could swim at the YMCA, participate in dance classes, make pottery, and play laser tag. We are so grateful to the community and donors that support our summer programs. OUR CEO
BRAD GREGORY
While summers for most families are filled with vacations and fun, most of our children have never had the opportunity to experience them. This year when the teacher asks the class, “what did you do over the summer?”, our kids will hold their head up high and share about their exciting summer activities. On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff, we thank you for giving smiles and joy to each and every child who calls A Kid’s Place HOME. Even though summer is ending, our needs continue throughout the year. Your gift today will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. CLICK HERE to donate today. Sincerely, Brad Gregory FUN
3 G R AD U AT E S MIDDLE SCHOOL UNITED STATES NAVY Do you remember the hardships and challenges you had to face to get through the school year? Do you remember the feeling of joy and relief when the school year came to a close and the summer fun could finally begin? A Kid’s Place hosted our second Graduation Celebration Luncheon this year to commemorate all the milestones our children had reached Held at the Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association, our kids and staff were excited for the afternoon festivities to begin. Program Director, Jynelle Batts, began the program with a speech congratulating the children for their hard work and dedication. Awards were passed out for Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, and Citizenship including a special award for two of our children who had honor roll all year long! House Parents joined in on the fun giving out awards of their own for most helpful, most positive peer relations, and most tidy. We ended the celebration with a dance party where the kiddos taught us all the new dance moves! We cannot begin to express how proud we are of our children and their accomplishments despite the challenges they’ve faced. We would like to extend a big thank you to our awesome staff and supporters who made this possible. CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES! CLASS OF 2022 8 G R AD U AT E S ELEMENTARY 1 B O O T C AM P G R AD U A T E
"THIS IS LIKE A VACATION!!!" - DAKOTA - AGE 8 S U M M E R R E C A P
In addition to fun activities all the children participated in summer camps like fine arts, dance, and sports camps possibly for the first time! This has definitely been a summer full of memories that will last a lifetime and are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of our donors and sponsors who have made this possible! Summer was a huge success thanks to our amazing donors, sponsors, and volunteers!!! The Anderson Family, Holland & Knight, JP Morgan, KeHE, Bay Food Brokerage, Tampa Bay Rays, Hunter Warfield, Panera Bread, Kathy and Mark Robinson, and Best Buy joined us for fun excursions and yummy lunches!
HELP US STOCK UP! CAMPUS WISHLIST Cereal (Lucky Charms, Coco Puffs, Captain Crunch, etc.) Shampoo AAA batteries Portioned snacks and drinks Chef Boyardee products (Ravioli, Spaghettios, Beefaroni, etc.) Trash bags Kraft mac n' cheese Canned tuna and chicken Boys and girls deodorant Hairbrushes and combs (all types)
Over the summer, our children have had the opportunity to participate in fun summer activities that created smiles and experiences they can share with their peers when they go back to school. Houses competed with each other in laser tag, the entire campus cooled off in the pool and waterslides, we cheered the Rays on at a baseball game, enjoying a private screening of the new Jurassic Park movie, and so much more!
When Ava found out all the amazing things she achieved, she could not wait to share the news She was so excited, she wrote a letter to our CEO, Brad Gregory, and left it on his desk. After reading her letter, Brad couldn't help but to beam with pride.
Foster children often struggle with a wide range of overwhelming emotions as they try to adjust to a new home. As a result of the sudden and dramatic changes they face due to trauma, many children in foster care struggle academically. Despite all the challenges Ava has faced, she remains at the top of her class and continues to exceed daily We are so proud of Ava, and we cannot wait to see her excel and shine bright!
THROUGH LITERACY L E A P S & B O U N D S
Could you imagine being 8 years old and not knowing how to read or even write your own name? This was the reality for Ava. When she came to A Kid's Place, she struggled with reading, writing, and math. Since being placed in Mrs. Willoughby's class, she has exceled in all areas of learning and has received perfect attendance, citizenship, and has been on honor roll all year.
What is the craziest thing you have ever done? I TP'd the youth pastors house when I was a cheerleader. if you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would visit Austria because I love The Sound of Music. if you were a crayon, what color would you be? I would be Yellow. when did you get involved with A Kid's place?
When I heard and learned about AKP, I transferred here seven years ago What do you love most about akp's mission?
SUMMER
As an educator, I always wanted to be with children who needed it the most. As a teenager, I babysat a foster family and I've always had a passion to help children. what is your favorite indoor and outdoor activity? My favorite indoor activity is binge watching crime shows. My favorite outdoor activity is going to Disney with my family. What three traits define you? Determined, hardworking, and giving.
What is your favorite thing about a kid's place? My co workers are my favorite thing.
WITH CANDY TAKE FIVE Candy Willoughby is our amazing teacher in our on site classroom at AKP Mrs Willoughby continually goes above and beyond for each and every one of her students to ensure that they exceed academically She continues to be a smiling face and positive mentor for our children Candy was recently the recipient of the Ida S Baker award for Brooker Elementary The Ida S Baker award goes to those who embody the spirit of Ida S Baker by ensuring that the needs of the diverse student population are met We are truly lucky to have someone as amazing as Candy on our team Check out our Take 5 to learn more about this amazing lady! FUN
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T A K E " F I V E " WITH JASMINE WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY? Seeing other people happy WHERE IS YOUR DREAM STATION? Japan WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WHEN YOU COME HOME? Eating mom’s oxtail WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD AT TRAINING? PB & J sandwiches HOW DO YOU SHOW PEOPLE YOU CARE? Actions speak louder than words WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST? Getting into my command and learning my job WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO MISS THE MOST ABOUT BOOT CAMP? My “family” I made while I was there WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE KIDS AFTER BOOT CAMP? Enjoy the little moments woman! It’s hard to believe 6 months ago she left for boot camp as a teenager and has returned as an young adult with a different vocabulary and vision for her future! For someone who has never left the state of Florida she completed 10 weeks of basic training in Chicago during the winter, 10 weeks of A School in the Mississippi heat and now is off to Washington State making us all proud of her accomplishments.
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R.S. GREY , O S E
There was not a dry eye at A Kid’s Place as we welcomed back Jasmine to congratulate her for graduating from Navy Basic Training. She has been part of A Kid's Place family since she was 16 and we have seen her blossom into an AMAZING young During Jasmine’s time here she studied hard graduating a year early from High School, obtained her license and obtained a job to save for a car. We were honored she came to hang with us during her break home and so excited to have her come out to our campus to speak to our children in uniform. The kids were in awe of her as she seemed more like an adult than the friend and big sister that left them 6 months prior. They were eager to ask her questions about her experiences at boot camp and what she has to look forward to in the future. When asked her favorite thing about coming home, she said “eating a cheeseburger and seeing my family.”
. Longtime and new supporterssipped on Bubbles, sponsored by Panera Bread, while bidding on over 80 different items at the silent auction, sponsored by Florida Executive Reality Hope Foundation
. As they walked around, guests played games like the Wall of Wine sponsored by Bill and JodiWilliams and Bubbles and Bling sponsored by Mook Enterprise
A KID'S PLACE HAVANA NIGHTS ANNUAL GALA
Bryan Glazer JCC was a bright and colorful backdrop for A Kid’s Place’s “Havana Nights” Fostering Hope Gala Presented by Homes by WestBay!
Guests looked stunning as they entered the cocktail hour, sponsored by Kearney Company
Auctioneer Joe Girvan turned up the heat as guests crossed their fingers to win a $2,500 Shopping Spree at Gold and Diamond Source during the Heads or Tails game, and engaged in some friendly competition during a the live auction of unique trips and experiences. Norm Cookson, an AKP House Parent, inspired guests with his story of hardship and triumph growing up in foster care. Not a dry eye was left in the room as he shared his journey to becoming a House Parent and advocate to children in foster care. He inspired guests, and because of the generosity of the Tampa Bay Community, we exceeded our expectations and netted over $500,000 to provide future programming and projects for our continuously growing and expanding campus. Guests finished off the night with some fun in the photo booth sponsored by McNichols, lit up some cigars, sponsored by Boasso Global, and danced the night away with No Filter Band thanks to the sponsorship from The Trey Curry Foundation
. The antipasto display was delicious and the Signature Drinks sponsored by Sharp General Contractors, was a fun and festive way to round out the cocktail hour! As the ballroom opened up guests were transported to a tropical oasis with palms and flamingos throughout the room. During dinner, the 2022 Dottie Berger MacKinnon Guardian Angel award was awarded to Gabriella Gillen Sanchez, who has been helping at A Kid’s Place for over 4 years!
. A special thanks to our Fabulous Gala Planning Committee and our amazing sponsors, guests, vendors and volunteers! You are all a special part of our village and together we made a difference in the lives of abused, neglected, and abandoned children from all over the greater Tampa Bay area!
2022 DOTTIE BERGER MACKINNON GUARDIAN ANGEL AWARD
THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR: Homes by Westbay VIP SPONSOR Kearney Companies WINE SPONSOR Krista & Arthur Schultz BAR SPONSOR Jeff & Kim Anderson ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR The Trey Curry III Foundation WALL OF WIN SPONSOR Bill & Jodi Williams AUCTION SPONSOR Florida Executive Realty CIGAR SPONSOR Boasso Global TAKE AWAY SPONSOR Cavu Capital CHAMPAGNE WALL SPONSOR Panera Bread JEWELRY GAME SPONSORS Phil Mook Enterprises The Mook Family PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR McNichols Co VALET SPONSOR Donna Feldman & Mo Krausman SIGNATURE DRINK SPONSOR Sharp General Contractors COFFEE SPONSOR Gina Miles GOLD SPONSORS Adams Co American Metal Supply Family Medicine Center Mahoney Law Group, P.A. Jeffrey Allen Inc. SILVER SPONSORS Answer First Peter Acquaviva Bay Food Brokerage Buccaneer Linen Service Casper's Company Freedom Boat Club Lake St Clair Hillsborough Community Park Lazyday's RV Regions Bank St. Michael's Sunset Park PATRON SPONSORS Continum Wealth Partners Marley International Dan Petrick Gil & Betsy Singer Rivero, Gordimer & Co. Thorpe Law, P A The Brenda Wade Team received $50,000 $25,000 towards A Kid’s Place and $25,000 towards her educational scholarship This was a life changing initiative for Gabriella herself, as she fell in love with so many of the sweet children she came across during her experience and wanted to find more ways to get involved and help. The opportunity she had to volunteer as a teacher’s aide inspired her to help teens in foster care through her Girl Scout Gold Award project called “Define Yourself, Don’t Be Defined”. Gabriella is incredibly grateful for A Kid’s Place allowing her to help and get involved in the foster care community. Her experience working with children at A Kid’s Place continues to inspire Gabriella to look for new opportunities to both grow personally, as well as provide support to others in need.
GABRIELLA Gabriella Gillen Sanchez grew up in Tampa, FL, with her mom dad, three siblings and her dog Tyko. She has been in Girl Scouts for 10 years and is currently a senior chool at Liahona Preparatory Academy. During her chool years, Gabriella completed a project for her ard the second highest award in Girl Scouts. She ed and donated 50 Tender, Love, and Care (TLC) bags h bedtime essentials to help children get through t night at A Kid’s Place. project, Gabriella was awarded the Community Tomorrow from the Tampa Bay Lightning and
What is your favorite subject in school? I like Writing and Art
SUMMER FUN
I would give out gummy candy If you could create any food in the world, what would it be?
I don’t like taking out the garbage because it’s too stinky. If you wanted to make everyone smile, how would you do it?
I would make Cruncherella Sticks: cheese rolled in Hot Cheetos or Takis and then you fry them. What makes you happy? My grandma makes me happy. I love when she takes me to the store to get Pokémon cards. If you could create a new animal, what would it be? I would create a "gare", which is a mix between a gator and a bear or humanoid bugs that can walk around on two legs.
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What is your least favorite food? I don't like the jellybean that tastes like puke.
WITH COOPER TAKE FIVE enthusiastic and spunky 10 year old artist He loves Pokémon, dinosaurs, reading, and all things drawing Cooper is funny, talented, and has a smile that will brighten your day Check out our Take and learn more about this awesome kid!
What is your least favorite chore?
What is your favorite thing to draw? I like drawing animals What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a cook and an artist so I can decorate my food with glitter.
Your support is essential to our continued success in providing a safe home to our community's most vulnerable children Now that summer has come to a close and everyone is back in school, we are all looking forward to a fun and successful school year Thanks to the support of donors, volunteers, and staff, the children in our care have been able to create long lasting memories they can share with their friends. We are grateful for your generosity, thoughtfulness, and support throughout these difficult years. As we move forward, we need your continued support to make a meaningful difference for the children in our care. Please make a gift today to continue our great work together. OUR CHILDREN NEED YOU! NO GIFT IS TOO SMALL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE GIFT OPPORTUNITIES $2,700 Can sponsor a safe home, child care, nutritious meals, clothing and educational programs for a sibling group of two (2) for a month $1,380 Can sponsor one (1) month of personal hygiene items for 60 children. $500 Can sponsor four (4) children to attend two (2) weeks of Summer Camp and Discovery Club $234 Can sponsor new clothing, undergarments and shoes for one (1) child $90 Can sponsor one (1) child’s new backpack filled with new school supplies G I V E A G I F T O N L I N E WWW.AKIDSPLACETB.ORG 60 Children depend on us for love, support, safety and a HOME. 83 Workers have gone above and beyond to support our children $2.39 Provides 3 nutritious meals and 2 snacks for one child. 84% of every dollar supports program services at A Kid's Place OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT Prefer to shop at home? Shop our Amazon Wish List and don't forget to look up A Kid's Place on Amazon Smile! https://bit.ly/AKPWishList $16.73 Can feed one (1) child for one week. $5,377 Can feed our entire campus three (3) meals and one (1) snack for an entire month CLICK TO SHOP
BACK TO SCHOOL A BIG THANK YOU FOR A huge thank you to everyone who helped send our kids off to school in fresh new kicks, clothes, backpacks, and school supplies! Their first week of classes were a huge success and everyone is looking forward to a fun successful school year! Thanks for being part of our village! save thedates A K I D ’ S P L A C E A N N U A L G O L F C L A S S I C P R E S E N T E D B Y H O M E S B Y W E S T B A Y Monday, October 17, 2022 @ Avila Golf and Country Club 7:30 am 3:00 pm A K I D ’ S P L A C E H O L I D A Y S T R O L L Friday, December 9, 2022 @ Tabellas at Delaney Creek 6:00 pm 10:00 pm A K I D ’ S P L A C E F O S T E R I N G H O P E G A L A P R E S E N T E D B Y H O M E S B Y W E S T B A Y Saturday, April 1, 2023 @ Tampa Marriott Water Street 5:00 pm 11:00 pm
