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BRIDGE BUILDERS

BUILDING HOPE ONE BLOCK AT A TIME

Constructing brighter futures for children experiencing homelessness April 16, 2024

WELCOME TO BRIDGE BUILDERS!

Gina and I are excited to lead this year’s Bridge Builders event as ChairCouple as we continue our meaningful volunteer work with Metropolitan Ministries. In serving on the Board of Directors, spending time volunteering as a family in the Holiday Tent, and visiting the Sullivan Partnership School, we have witnessed the tremendous impact of this organization.

When you think of homelessness, you may picture a homeless person on the street. However, we should also be thinking of families, including women and children, knowing that more children are under Metro’s care each night than adults!

Through our involvement with Metropolitan Ministries, we have seen the amazing work of the BrigAIDe mobile outreach team who are making great strides to alleviate suffering for our neighbors on the streets experiencing chronic homelessness. But as parents, we have been struck by the alarming number of children facing homelessness, as many as 5,000 in Hillsborough County, 4,000 in Pinellas County, with similar numbers in Pasco and Polk Counties, and it’s believed that the numbers are undercounted. These are the faces we do not readily see. That’s why this year’s Bridge Builder’s theme is centered around children, entitled “Building Hope: One Block at a Time”.

Your support has a direct impact in helping children feel safe again so they can begin to reach their full potential.

Together, we are a significant part of the work being done to he homeless children heal from their trauma, pouring into their future with education, improving their mental well-being, and investing in changing the trajectory of their lives…one block at a time! Thank you for your consideration to support Metropolitan Ministries.

With sincere appreciation,

ERIC & GINA BAILEY

2024 Bridge Builders Chair Couple

Dear Friends,

Thank you all for joining us today as we focus on our theme “Building Hope: One Block at a Time”. HOPE. What a beautiful thing to be associated with in a world which, at times, seems to have gone mad. Today, you are in a hope-filled room with hope-filled donors, staff, volunteers, and community partners. Together, we represent the building blocks of hope for homeless children and their parents throughout Tampa Bay.

Maybe this is your first time being at Bridge Builders. Maybe you’ve never been involved with our work. Let me share a little bit about us:

• We are a growth mindset organization.

• We believe in hard work.

• We believe in accepting new challenges.

• We believe feedback is a gift to make us a better organization.

• We believe setbacks are an opportunity to learn and do better next time.

• We believe in continuous process improvement—that we can be better today and even better tomorrow.

Recently, our education team was presenting their KPI’s focusing on what is going well, what could be better, and what they could do to achieve even greater results. One of the leaders from our Pasco location used the phrase, we can “make the best better”. I loved hearing from a leader leading with pride, but not arrogance, and with a passion to get even better.

Next year, you will learn about how we nearly doubled our education programs with a major investment in West Pasco to care for families on our new $20 million campus for homeless families with enhanced summer camp, afterschool, and preschool education programs for 48 families living on-site along with hundreds of children in the Holiday, Florida community who need a little help to get by.

Growth mindset is made possible by growth mindset board members, donors, staff, and community partners. For those of us who are blessed in this room, we can bring hope to others along the way who just might be barely holding on.

It is with immense gratitude that we share with you today the work you enable, each and every day, throughout Tampa Bay.

Tim Marks President & CEO Metropolitan Ministries

THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT

KELLY RING BULLEIT

EMCEE

Kelly Ring has been a special, long-time friend of Metropolitan Ministries throughout her time as a reporter and anchor at FOX 13 News. We are thrilled to have her serve as our emcee today. Over the years, Kelly has used her platform to help spread the word about the need at Metro Ministries and has shared countless stories of hope with the Tampa Bay community.

She has spent time volunteering at our holiday tent and is always willing to lend a helping hand with a smile for a child who needs it most. Kelly also serves as a member of our Board of Directors.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Carlos Baldor, Jr., Board Chair

President & Chief Technology Officer, BST Global

Eric Bailey, Vice Chair of Advancement

Principal and Financial Advisor, CAPTRUST

David Beshears, Vice Chair of Facilities

Executive Director, Cushman & Wakefield of FL, Inc.

Chris Christenberry, Vice Chair of Governance

President & Chief Operating Officer, Atlantic Health Solutions

Keri Eisenbeis, Vice Chair of Human Resources

Chief of Staff/SVP of Corporate Relations, BayCare Health System

Gerry Coughlin, Metropolitan Ministries Foundation Liaison

Managing Partner, Oakpoint Advisors

Josh Helms, Vice Chair of Programs

Chief Operating Officer, Physicians Partners of America

Jeff Marple, Vice Chair of Social Enterprise

Corporate Executive, Rooms to Go

Andy May, Past Board Chair

Executive Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield of FL, Inc.

Andrew (Drew) Pittman, Vice Chair of Finance & Audit

Co-Owner, ASAP Capital Partners, Inc.

Dan Rodriguez, Vice Chair of Strategic Planning

President & Executive Advisor, Next Path Career Partners

Rev. Stanley Evan Burrows

Pastor, First Baptist Church of College Hill

Chad Chronister

Sheriff of Hillsborough County

Michelle Clapper

Assurance Partner, Ernst and Young

Elizabeth Dvorak

Chief Executive Officer, Workscapes

Frank Ferreri

Managing Partner & Executive Recruiter

Ferreri Search

Scott Fink

Chief Executive Officer, Fink Auto Group

Volkswagen of Wesley Chapel and Subaru of Wesley Chapel

Nicholas Glover

Vice President of Advocacy & Public Policy

Tampa Bay Chamber

Rose Hester

Registered Nurse, BayCare Hospital

Client Advocate

Amy Hull

President, LAMPLighters

Kurt H. Hull

President, Diversified Asset Funding

Chad Keller

Chief Operating Officer, Clover Investment

Wealth Management

Tony March

Chief Executive Officer

Pay It Backward Foundation

Co-Founder, March Hodge Master Management

Kéto Nord, BS/MIS, MBA/MIS

Youth Success Grants Reviewer

United Way Suncoast

Consultant, Big Ideas Learning/Math

FL Advisory Panel

Willy Nunn

President, Homes by WestBay

Kelly Ring Bulleit

Former Anchor, FOX 13 Tampa Bay

Jerome Ryans

President & Chief Executive Officer

Tampa Housing Authority

William Schifino

Managing Partner, Gunster Law

Keebler Straz

President, Straz Family Foundation

Pedro Suriel

Senior Vice President Diversity & Inclusion

Raymond James Financial, Inc.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

Our Educational Programs are designed to help children and families with their educational needs from infancy to early childhood to school age and teen years. These services, offered to our residents as well as families through community-based programs, are fueled by donors and by local education boards.

Metro Ministries’ innovative program, CREATE (Children’s Recreational, Education, Arts, and Therapeutic Experience) gives children a nurturing, therapeutic environment to grow, process their challenges, and learn techniques to deal with their emotions. CREATE is uniquely staffed with a group leader, Therapeutic Specialist, and Registered Behavioral Technician. The curriculum is focused on fostering development and alleviating distress.

Teen programs include Dale Carnegie Leadership, Toastmasters, employment boot camp, and social awareness seminars. Therapeutic activities and interventions for parents include baby safety, emotion coaching, infant mental health, Parent/Child+ school readiness, reading, and FLIP IT!®, a strategy to address children’s challenging behaviors.

We are grateful for the partnership of the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, Hillsborough County Schools, Head Start/Early Head Start, Florida’s Early Learning Program, Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando, the LAMPLighters and many generous donors.

PATRICIA J. SULLIVAN PARTNERSHIP SCHOOL

In 1998, our charter school began with just one classroom, serving 28 children, making it the first school situated within a homeless shelter across the country. By 2009, it evolved into a partnership school with Hillsborough County Public Schools. Fast forward to 2016, the new Patricia J. Sullivan School was established at our MiraclePlace Campus in Tampa, providing a trauma-informed educational alternative for students from kindergarten through 5th grade. Through the collaborative efforts of parents, teachers, and committed staff, the school fosters academic achievement and nurtures social and emotional development in students.

Principal Dave McMeen and Patricia J. Sullivan

PARTNER OF THE YEAR LAMPLIGHTERS

Thank you for 37 years of steadfast support to the children and families residing at Metropolitan Ministries!

Established in 1986, LAMPLighters is a ladies auxiliary group that passionately works on behalf of the children at Metropolitan Ministries and Joshua House in Tampa. Their acronym, “LAMPLighters” (Ladies Assisting Metropolitan People), reflects an unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of homeless and at-risk children and symbolizes their deep-rooted desire to illuminate the path for displaced families and guide them towards a brighter future.

LAMPLighters has provided over $2 MILLION to support Metro’s children & families

E. EARL JETER, JR.

VOLUNTEER

OF THE YEAR AWARD HONOREES

Kathleen Good Jenkins – Hillsborough County

Kathleen, committed to serving since 2019, brings warmth and devotion to her service at Metro Ministries. Whether assisting at the Tampa Holiday Tent or cultivating fresh produce in our campus community garden for the Metro Market, her spirit shines bright through every task completed.

Lieutenant Zach Haisch – Pinellas County

Lt. Zach exemplifies unwavering commitment to service. Beyond his duties at Safe Harbor, one of our largest meal sites, he actively collaborates with our BrigAIDe team, bridging connections between homeless clients and connecting Metro to other community resources.

Meg Powers – East Pasco County

Meg has been a pillar of support, advocating tirelessly for families in need. As both a Volunteer Leader and Service Provider, she dedicates two to three days a week to helping families access vital resources and ensuring children grow up in safe, stable environments.

Scott Jackel – West Pasco County

Scott has been committed to serving since 2021, contributing over 3,000 hours of service. He is a Volunteer Leader in our Metro Market where he serves five days a week. Known for his compassion, hard work, and flexibility, he dedicates himself to serving the community, always lending a helping hand.

THANK YOU BRIDGE BUILDERS SPONSORS

HOPE

LAMPLighters

Carl and Lyda Lindell with Lindell Investments, Inc.

INSPIRE

Robert Campbell

Roy and Mary Edgerton

Analgesic Healthcare

The Andrews Family Trust

Triad Foundation

COMPASSION

Gina and Eric Bailey

Florida Blue

Raymond James Financial

RESILIENCY

Homes by WestBay

M Ryan Homes LLC

New York Life Insurance

Chris and Laura Schellman

NEIGHBOR

Amscot Financial

Ernst & Young

JPMorgan and Co.

McNichols Co.

MicroLumen, Inc.

UPLIFT

Frank and Tricia Hancock

ME Wilson

MUFG

ACTION

Adams Corp

Ataly Graphics

Atlantic Health Solutions

Baker McKenzie

Carlos and Kiki Baldor

Bank of America

Broadstaff Global

BST Global

Carlton Fields

Mike and Anne Carney

CassCap, LLC

Christopher Ligori & Associates

Cigna & Lockton

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP

Clover Investment Properties

ColDesi, Inc.

Creative Sign Designs

Brian and Erica Damasiewicz & Rob and Cassie Kane

Dimmitt Automotive Group

Ellison Development

Ferman Motor Car Company

LCG Advisors

Sarah Leduc and Tim Jones

Christine and Jerry Long

Tim and Valeri Marks

Jeff and Nancy Marple Masterworks

Andy and Maritza May

MBS Capital Markets

Metro Ministries Ambassadors

NextPath

Oakpoint Advisors

The Pantaleo Family

PepsiCo

Anjali Rajani and Jay Gosalia

Rays Baseball Foundation and Rowdies Soccer Fund

Rivero, Gordimer & Company, P.A.

Rooms To Go

William and Paola Schifino

Gunster Law

Sissine’s Business Solutions

Chris and Cindy Sofarelli

Susan and Frank Ferreri

GTE Financial

HealthEdge Investment Partners

Jaime and Josh Helms

Holland & Knight, LLP

iApartments

IC Mechanical

Molly and Hunt James

Johnson & Johnson

Bryce Kenny

Rob and Kim Lamke

*Donor/Sponsor list as of 4/12/24

Southern States Material Handling

Spectra

St. Michaels, Inc.

Bretta Sullivan

Suncoast Credit Union

Tampa Steel Erecting Co

Trenam Law

USAA

The Valdes Group Merrill

Private Wealth Management

Workscapes

WAYS TO GIVE

METROMIN.ORG/BBDONATE 1

TO PLEDGE (813) 360-1560 2 FILL OUT THE RESPONSE CARD. STAFF & VOLUNTEERS WILL COLLECT AS YOU EXIT

3 SCAN NOW TO GIVE

HIGHEST NATIONAL RATINGS

TRIPLE MATCH

$5,000 sponsors a quality Early Learning Classroom for 1 month

$1,000 sponsors 2 children to attend CREATE Summer Camp

HOPE FORCE MONTHLY SUSTAINER

$20/month provides 120 meals & healthy nutrition

$_________ A GIFT OF YOUR CHOOSING

THANKS TO COLLABORATIVE SUPPORT FROM:

Roy & Mary Edgerton with

ANY NEW OR UPGRADED GIFT YOU GIVE TODAY WILL BE MATCHED 3 TO 1 Lynn & Bill Andrews

A MESSAGE FROM MOLLY

One year of life equals 525,600 minutes. I am always moved to tears by the song that asks, “How do we measure a year in a life?” And then proposes we measure it in LOVE. This measure of LOVE is made real through Metropolitan Ministries Legacy Society members. The Legacy Society shares our belief in the power of LOVE to heal broken lives and build strong, caring communities. By including Metropolitan Ministries in their will or estate plan, this important group protects the future of our mission and leaves an enduring legacy of LOVE.

Today, I pause to honor the 232 Legacy Society members who have gone before us. It is the Foundation’s privilege and responsibility to steward their gifts in furtherance of Metropolitan Ministries’ mission. I also give thanks for the 287 Legacy Society members who consider us family and will leave what we consider the ultimate gift.

What a blessing to have you pass down your values of faith and family, today and tomorrow, and ensure Metro will always be here for hurting families! Your legacy can only be measured in LOVE.

With love,

Molly James CEO, Metropolitan Ministries Foundation

To view the Legacy Society Members, scan the QR code.

To learn more about the Foundation, please contact Molly James at Molly.James@metromin.org | (813) 209-1251

METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES FOUNDATION SUSTAINERS

This special group provides leadership gifts to support the Foundation:

Anonymous

Tom and Diana Cornett

Jim and Celia Ferman

Dorothy Thomas Foundation

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gerry Coughlin, Chair

Robert Basham

Preston Farrior

David and Millie Redmond

Dr. Martin and Ruth Silbiger

Straz Family Foundation

Bob Thomas Family Fund

Vinik Family Foundation

Elizabeth Fowler

David Redmond

Martin Silbiger, MD

Reverend Morris E. Hintzman, President Emeritus

PASCO COUNTY EXPANSION

Phase 1 of our Pasco expansion is near completion with the Volunteer/Family Services facility and Residential Housing planned to open in May. The new campus will double our capacity enabling us to serve even more children, families, and individuals in Pasco County and will include:

NEW CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CENTER

As we serve 48 families on our campus and many more in the community, their children will have a caring, therapeutic environment to learn, grow, and process challenges.

HOUSING FOR FAMILIES

More families in crisis will be safe and have access to services that help them find long term stability.

FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

By making essential resources more accessible to lower income families, we can ensure that our neighbors stay in their homes, preventing homelessness before it happens. Collaboration with partner organizations is helping us fill any gaps.

* Project funded in part by the State of Florida Department of Children and Families, Pasco County, and generous donors.

THANK YOU TO OUR PASCO COUNCIL FOR YOUR

LEADERSHIP

Connie Bladon

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel

Shane Donaldson

Pinnacle Home Care

Scott Fink

Fink Auto Group

Kurt Hull

Diversified Asset Funding

Kathy Hunt

Founder of Restored Hope

George Mitchell

AdventHealth Center Ice

& SUPPORT

Dewey Mitchell

Berkshire Hathaway

HomeServices Florida Properties

Willy Nunn

Homes by WestBay

Drew Pittman

ASAP Capital Partners, Inc.

Kathryn Starkey

Commissioner Pasco District 3

Gary and Nikki Ubaldini

Keller Williams

South Florida Region

METROPOLITAN MINISTRIES EAST PASCO

Metropolitan Ministries in Dade City continues to further our reach and services into the areas of highest need in East Pasco. Through our Family Support Center, we provide the following services:

• Rent and utility assistance

• Food and clothing assistance

• Holiday assistance

• Laundry and showers for the homeless

SPECIALTY SPONSORS

LUNCH SPONSOR

BayCare

AV SPONSOR

Pay It Backward Foundation

NETWORKING SPONSOR

Bayshore Title, a division of LandCastle Title Group, LLC

NETWORKING SPONSOR

Bruce and Cindy Tigert

DESSERT SPONSOR

Winters & Yonkers, P.A

BOOKS & BLOCKS SPONSOR

Inspired Living: Assisted Living and Memory Care

PROGRAM SPONSOR

Bay Food Brokerage

VALET/PARKING SPONSOR

Not Your Mother’s Haircare Brand

ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR

Tampa Laundry Company

MARKETING PARTNERS

We express our gratitude for the generous in-kind media support valued at over $1 million from our partners.

Effinity is a professional training program of Metropolitan Ministries that provides customized virtual and in-person trainings, retreats, and consultation for nonprofits, schools, governmental agencies, faith-based organizations, and businesses. We empower a more mindful community by supporting organizational efforts to become trauma informed and build a resilient workforce.

PATRICIA J. SULLIVAN ELEMENTARY STRING ENSEMBLE

The Patricia J. Sullivan Elementary String Ensemble includes violins, violas, and cellos. Students are focused on the development of orchestral performance techniques, musicianship, sight-reading, and ensemble skills.

The ensemble was created in November of 2023, and 10 students were accepted this year. Selection was based on demonstrated responsibility, commitment, discipline, and attendance. Students enrolled in this class have auditioned for the music teacher and have shown a real interest and motivation to be part of the orchestra. Students learn a wide range of repertoires consisting of original, classical, pop, love, and folk arranged for chamber-size ensembles. The philosophy of teaching for this program is the transformative power of music.

DR.

FRANCISCO DIAZ

Dr. Francisco Diaz, a Venezuelan musician, holds advanced degrees in violin and music education. Teaching in Hillsborough County since 2022, he’s known for his performances worldwide and roles in prestigious orchestras. Diaz has also served as a jury member and held key positions in music education programs. Recently, he conducted the All County Orchestra of Hillsborough County Schools. He resides in Clearwater with his family.

HONORING

DAVID PIZZO

His legacy will live on through the countless hearts he touched and the many nonprofit organizations he supported.

MISSION

We care for the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless in our community through services that alleviate suffering, promote dignity and instill self-sufficiency… as an expression of the ongoing ministry of Jesus Christ.

VISION

Metropolitan Ministries will be America’s most effective caregiver to poor and homeless people.

• Our programs will be known for their compassion and innovation in helping struggling families and individuals achieve their highest potential for self-sufficiency.

• Our approach to involving citizens in understanding and caring for their disadvantaged neighbors will serve as a replicable model.

• Our caregiving will be supported by an exemplary staff, high-quality facilities, dedicated volunteers, donors and collaborative partners.

• Above all, our witness will be to the power of love in healing broken lives and building strong, caring communities.

#HopeDoesMore

Break Stigmas. Start Conversations.

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