Shelter from the Storm_2023 Bridge Builders

April

HOPE DOES MORE

Dear Friends,

Thank you for being with us today for Bridge Builders – Shelter from the Storm.

When my two-year-old grandson and I get together, we have all kinds of fun, and he never wants that fun to end. He repeatedly says two specific words to me, “more again.” When I hear his cute little voice, it immediately puts a smile on my face. This year, I am reminded how the community does “more again” to help families in need. Our donors gave “more again” to help struggling families move towards self-sufficiency. Our volunteers gave “more again” of their time, and together, this enabled us to do “more again” in our community. This puts a smile on my face and warms grandpa’s heart!

Yet, there is “more again” for us to do in the community. A long-time employee in our outreach department shared with me how she has never, in all her years of being at Metropolitan Ministries, witnessed the alarming rate at which families are approaching the front desk telling us, with tears in their eyes:

“We have nowhere to go.” “We can’t afford to live in our apartment or pay our bills.” “We can’t keep our children safe.”

These families have resorted to sleeping in their cars, and at times, U-Haul trucks. We are faced with the need to do “more again” in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties. And during this past year, we were even drawn to Lee County to help those devastated by Hurricane Ian.

Today, we will share with you what “more again” looks like and celebrate the lasting impact of your support when we come together. Life change and self-sufficiency are possible for any child, any mom, any family.

I thank you all! In spite your own challenges, you have been faithful to allow us to do “more again.” We plan to celebrate, inform, inspire, and commit to be the best stewards we can be to help as many people as we can, for as long as we can, with your support.

The drive to do “more again” hits home for me. I pledge to do “more again” to care for our neighbors in need as do all the employees and partners of Metropolitan Ministries.

With gratitude,

Tim Marks, President/CEO Metropolitan Ministries

WELCOME TO BRIDGE BUILDERS!

My wife Kathy and I are honored to serve as this year’s Chair Couple for Bridge Builders. It was 13 years ago when we first supported Metropolitan Ministries and went out to buy toys to help struggling families in Pasco County at Christmastime. Like many of you, we have become more passionate about the work of Metropolitan Ministries to help struggling families throughout Tampa Bay.

We have shed more than a few tears hearing the difficult stories of homeless families featured on the news. Metro Min’s mission to Alleviate Suffering, Promote Dignity, and pour love into families to help them reach Self-Sufficiency is, in our minds, the benchmark for addressing family homelessness. It is a blessing to serve on the Board of Directors alongside past clients who are not only self-sufficient, but in turn, leading us in doing more to help families.

We hope you are inspired by today’s program and the future of Metropolitan Ministries’ work in Tampa Bay.

Together, as a compassionate, caring community, we can help change the trajectory of children and mothers who need our help. Thank you for your consideration to support Metropolitan Ministries.

Sincerely,

SCOTT & KATHY FINK

2023 Bridge Builders Chair Couple

THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT

KELLY RING BULLEIT EMCEE

Kelly Ring has been a special, longtime 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 Min and has shared countless stories of hope with the Tampa Bay community.

Out from behind the news desk, she has spent time volunteering at our holiday tent, always willing to lend a helping hand with a smile for someone who needs it, and most recently became a member of our Board of Directors.

WHY ALI MARPET WALKED AWAY FROM A $20M NFL CONTRACT IN HIS PRIME

As a stellar lineman for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ali Marpet protected Tom Brady, and served a pivotal role in the Bucs’ Super Bowl win in 2021. But he was happy to walk away from a $20M NFL contract and start his second act—pursuing his doctorate in mental health counseling.

Ali attributes his passion for the subject to growing up in a safe environment and being able to communicate in a “vulnerable, accessible way.” He also sees societal progress in how mental health is viewed.

As much as Ali enjoyed success as a football player, he never lost sight of his true purpose in life, which to him, was his longterm physical and mental health and overall well being.

In his down time, you can find Ali gaining hands-on experience volunteering at Metropolitan Ministries working with teens and elementary school children under the supervision of our Counseling and Resiliency Center.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Carlos Baldor, Jr., Board Chair

President & Chief Technology Officer, BST Global

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

Gerry Coughlin, Vice Chair of Advancement

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.

Preston Farrior, Metropolitan Ministries Foundation Liaison

Chief Operating Officer, Ferman Automotive Management

Eric Bailey

Principal and Financial Advisor, CAPTRUST

Rev. Stanley Evan Burrows

Pastor, First Baptist Church of College Hill

Karen Buesing

Partner, Akerman Law

Chad Chronister Sheriff of Hillsborough County

Michelle Clapper

Assurance Partner, Ernst and Young

Tina Dumar

President, LAMPLighters 2022-2023

Keri Eisenbeis

Chief of Staff/SVP of Corporate Relations

BayCare Health System

Frank Ferreri

Managing Partner & Executive Recruiter

Ferreri Search

Scott Fink

Chief Executive Officer, Fink Auto Group

Volkswagen of Wesley Chapel

Nicholas Glover

Vice President of Advocacy & Public Policy

Tampa Bay Chamber

Tricia Hancock

Past Chair

Rose Hester

Registered Nurse, BayCare Hospital

Client Advocate

Kurt H. Hull

President, Diversified Asset Funding

Bryce R. Kenny Executive Director, Morgan Stanley Private

Wealth Management

Tony March

Chief Executive Officer, Pay It Backward Foundation

Co-Founder, March Hodge Master Management

Willy Nunn

President, Homes by WestBay

Kelly Ring (Bulleit)

Former Anchor, FOX 13 Tampa Bay

Dan Rodriguez

President & Executive Advisor, NextPath Career Partners

Jerome Ryans

President & Chief Executive Officer, Tampa Housing Authority

Keebler Straz

President, David A. Straz, Jr. Foundation

Kéto Nord, BS/MIS, MBA/MIS

Youth Success Grants Reviewer, United Way Suncoast

Consultant, Big Ideas Learning/Math, FL Advisory Panel

Client Advocate

E. EARL JETER, JR. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

NEW PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

PATHWAYS TO HOPE

Pathways to Hope is a homeless prevention program that provides support to families who are experiencing economic instability and/or housing insecurity. The program is designed to provide support to families based on their personal, social, and community networks’ strengths and is specially tailored to each family based on their current situation and needs. The goal is to assist families with attaining housing stability.

At the 10 schools participating, we’ve discovered 5% – 16% of students are experiencing homelessness. Homelessness impacts children’s outcomes in many areas, including mental health and educational success. Pathways to Hope addresses three areas impacting families at-risk of homelessness which include:

1) Affordable Housing

2) Income

3) Overall Family Well-being

Learn more about the program at metromin.org/pathways-to-hope.

This program is funded through a grant provided by

“I CAN’T EVEN PUT INTO WORDS THE JOY I FELT IN MY HEART.”

-BARBARA

NEW PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT

The NeighborHOPE Project

The NeighborHOPE Project’s goal is to help transform highneed communities that are also the most under-served. We’ve identified the following zip code areas:

Hillsborough: 33610, 33619, 33605

Pasco: 34610, 34669

Pinellas: 33712, 33705, 33755

Many of these communities have higher rates of poverty, racial discrimination, and health inequities. Taking a community-based assets approach, The NeighborHOPE Project seeks to infuse resources that help residents address immediate needs and also provide future opportunities for economic mobility.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can become a sponsor of this important community program, please contact:

Cindy Sofarelli, Vice President of Advancement

and Community Engagement

Cindy.Sofarelli@metromin.org | (813) 209-1020

WAYS TO GIVE

TEXT TO PLEDGE (813) 485-4753

FILL OUT THE RESPONSE CARD. STAFF & VOLUNTEERS WILL COLLECT AS YOU EXIT

TRIPLE MATCH

ANY NEW OR UPGRADED GIFT YOU GIVE TODAY WILL BE MATCHED 3 TO 1

Help provide hot, nutritious meals + self-sufficiency shelter services.

$1,000 = 100 300 meals + self-sufficiency shelter services

$250 = 50 150 meals + self-sufficiency shelter services

$100 = 50 150 meals only

MORE MIRACLES ARE COMING TO PASCO…

With the increasing needs of struggling families, children, and individuals, we have launched a complete redevelopment of our campus in Holiday to bring even more life-changing programs and services to Pasco Countydoubling our capabilities and services.

CAMPUS UPGRADES WILL INCLUDE

New Family Support Center

New Residential Housing

New Early Childhood Center This

PASCO LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEMBERS

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

Joy Melton

Northwestern Mutual

George Mitchell

AdventHealth Center Ice

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

Will Weatherford

Weatherford Capital

THANK YOU BRIDGE BUILDERS

SPONSORS

HOPE

BayCare  INSPIRE

Roy and Mary Edgerton/Analgesic Healthcare

Fink Five Foundation

Mosaic

Triad Foundation

RESILIENCY

Florida Blue

Homes by WestBay

M Ryan Homes

Andy and Maritza May

New York Life

NEIGHBOR

George and Isabel Adams

Arbitration Forums

Ernst & Young

Gary & Nikki Team at Keller Williams Realty

UPLIFT

Paul and Suzanne Gabos

Frank and Tricia Hancock

HealthEdge Investment Partners

ACTION

Doug Adams

Atlantic Health Solutions

Eric and Gina Bailey

Carlos and Kiki Baldor

Bank of America

Banker Lopez Gassler, P.A.

Bay Food Brokerage

Bayshore Title

BST Global

Bob Campbell

Anne and Mike Carney

Cigna

Tom and Diana Cornett

Cushman & Wakefield

Brian and Erica Damasiewicz

Big Sea Design

David A. Straz, Jr. Foundation

Dimmit Automotive Group

Encore Bank

Ferman Automotive Management Services

Frank and Susan Ferreri

Fifth Third Bank

First Horizon Bank

Fox 13

Franklin Street/Ally Capital Group

FreshOne

Grow Financial Federal Credit Union

GTE Financial

Josh and Jaime Helms

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department

Kurt and Amy Hull

Hyundai of New Port Richey

IC Mechanical

Molly and Hunt James

Johnson & Johnson

Rob and Kim Lamke

Lockton Companies

Christine and Jerry Long

Tim and Valeri Marks

Jeff Marple and Nancy Myers

Masterworks

MBS Capital Markets

The Mills Investment Group

NextPath Career Partners

Oakpoint Advisors

Janet Pantaleo

Drew and Anne Pittman

Purple Square Management Co.

Questmont

The Rays Baseball Foundation and Rowdies Soccer Fund

Rivero, Gordimer & Company, PA

Sissine’s Business Solutions

Cindy and Chris Sofarelli

The Southern Group

Suncoast Credit Union

Ed and Teresa Sutton

Tampa Bay Ventures

Tampa Steel Erecting Co.

Bruce and Cindy Tigert

Karen and George Todd

USAA

Joseph H. Varner, III

Valley Bank

Weatherford Capital

Workscapes

The Metropolitan Ministries Foundation (a separate 501c3) ensures struggling families and children in our community find safety, relief, and hope today and into the future. By wisely investing its resources, the Foundation provides reliable, impactful support for Metropolitan Ministries and acts as a safety net during uncertain times. We are honored to serve as stewards of the estate gifts we receive from those who want to protect our mission and pass down their values of faith and family.

We are excited to announce that the Foundation has a new Chief Executive Officer, Molly James. She leads the Ministries’ planned giving program and nurtures relationships in the community on behalf of the Ministries.

The Foundation, with the past leadership of the Rev. Morris Hintzman, Molly, and over 250 members of the legacy society are making strategic investments and plans to sustain the long-term impact of Metro Min via the numerous generous planned and estate gifts given each year.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Martin Silbiger, MD

Robert Basham

Gerry Coughlin

Preston Farrior

Elizabeth Fowler

David Redmond

FOUNDATION STAFF

Molly James Chief Executive Officer

Reverend Morris Hintzman President Emeritus

Janet Pantaleo Donor Advisor

HONORING CYRUS W. SPURLINO

Your legacy of hope is inspiring and will continue to impact generations to come.

“I’M NOT SCARED OF MY FUTURE ANYMORE, BECAUSE I KNOW IT’S BRIGHT.”

-ASHLEY

MARKETING PARTNERS

SPECIALTY PARTNERS

Lunch Sponsor – Pay It Backwards Foundation

Dessert Sponsor – ReliaQuest Bowl

Program Sponsor – PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Umbrella Sponsor – Subaru of Wesley Chapel and Volkswagen of Wesley Chapel

Valet/Parking Sponsor – Questmont

CORPORATE PARTNER OF THE YEAR

SUPPORT OUR SOCIAL ENTERPRISES

Metropolitan Ministries’ social enterprises have a core purpose of creating social and environmental impact. All proceeds from each of these entities go directly into the Ministries’ programs to help homeless and at-risk families across Tampa Bay.

BloomAgainThrift.org

LET US CATER YOUR NEXT EVENT!

Lending a hand is what community is all about.

We are proud to support Metropolitan Ministries and applaud their commitment to providing shelter and services that help families in crisis make progress toward self-sufficiency.

jpmorganchase.com

We thank the staff and volunteers of Metropolitan Ministries for providing our communities with the greatest refuge of all...

© 2023 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

ANNUAL HOPE PARTNERS

The Allen Family Foundation Bill and Lynn Andrews  Barrett Family Foundation

Mark and Julie Curtiss  Dorothy Thomas Foundation

The Dreaming Brad and Terry Holcombe  Klein Family Foundation  Rick and Joanne Lyon  MacKinnon Family Foundation

William T. Morgan, III  Steven and Vicki Petersen  David Ruberg  Edward and Billye Simmons

Franklin and Barbara Carson Family Foundation

Anonymous

Danker-Basham Foundation Roy and Mary Edgerton Hettinger Foundation

James and Jean Palermo Spurlino Foundation Meed Foundation

David and Nancy Iben Jack and Kathy Hunt Thomas Family Foundation McNichols Company