Who, and what it takes to make a difference in South Pinellas

Many guests at the Juvenile Welfare Board’s Cooperman-Bogue Kids First Awards Luncheon teared up several times throughout the event hearing first hand of the struggles people in our community endure and the lengths that others go to help them. The JWB invested $48 million in 80 programs that help children in Pinellas County last year.

Employees who work in four of those programs were honored for their service.

Trudy Burch, a child and family consultant with R’Club Child Care helps parents find the best settings for children with special needs and educates the providers on how best to teach and care for the children.

Heather O’Keefe, was honored for her calm, quick and effective ways of helping families in crisis when they call the 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares.

Latoya Jordan is seen as a mother, sister, aunt and godsend to the families at risk for child abuse and neglect that she counsels though Healthy Families Pinellas.

As a case manager for the Florida Center for Survivors of Torture, Martha Kamagwera is also the unfading light of education and support in the lives of people who are trying to become self sufficient.

Three young adults who were once part of the local foster system were also recognized for their hard work overcoming tough obstacles as they transition into adulthood.

The audience of 440 people at the Hilton Carillon Park was filled with political, business and non-profit leaders. Students from Pinellas Park Elementary School who participate in the school district’s Lunch Pals were introduced as special guests.

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St. Petersburg Women’s Chamber of Commerce president Phyllis Powell offered good advice to everyone at the group’s recent luncheon at the Club at Treasure Island. She asked everyone to turn and speak to the person on their left and their right, then added: “If you don’t know their name say it twice in a sentence.”

Then six women discussed what drives them to support special charities during the luncheon titled Bridging the Gap Between Business & Philanthropy.

“I believe people think ‘If I’m going to spend my dollars I’m going to do it with somebody who gives back,’ ” said Julie Weintraub , who owns the Gold & Diamond Source with her husband, Steve. The company donates to numerous community causes. Her own nonprofit, Hands Across the Bay, helps families in need, especially those affected by domestic violence.

“Most of you probably think I’m at work playing with diamonds all day. Most of what I do would give you nightmares,” Weintraub said, adding that giving back is the best part of her job.
Julie Mastry said the cornerstone of the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation, started in her mother’s honor is simple, “the quality of health care shouldn’t depend on your ability to pay.” The former Pinellas County schools superintendent and president of the Bill Edwards Foundation For the Arts now serves on several boards. She said her family learned early on from her parents to share their time and money with those in need.

Jenn Halloway, anchor of News Channel 8 at 8 on Great 38, was also inspired by her parents, who started taking her with them when she was very young to deliver Meals on Wheels twice a week. She recounted her senior year in high school when she took meals to a man who had no legs, no electricity and no running water. Through emceeing more than 100 events a year, she has learned about many nonprofits in the community and promotes them whenever possible, but urged the crowd to be sure to research a charity before getting involved to make sure its money is spent wisely.
Reverend Cannon Katie Churchwell at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter told the crowd her job has placed her with people as they leave this world.

“Never have I heard the words ‘I really wish I’d made more money,’ ” she recounted, adding: “All of us are powerful agents for change we just need to believe it.”

The culture at Raymond James led by philanthropists Tom and Mary James strongly encourages employees to donate their time and money in the community, said Kristin Smith, a wealth management specialist at the company. As a board member for Project Prosper, she sees firsthand how a little bit of guidance and money can change a life of refugees who have fled their country through no fault of their own.

She described the new reality they must face: “Your work as a nuclear physicist is over but you can come here and get a job if you are lucky cleaning toilets in a hotel.” Help from Project Prosper might enable them to get a loan for a car so they can get to that job.

“A $1,500 no interest loan gives them the dignity of a hand up but not a hand out,” Smith said.
Angela Holmes-Rouson, president of the National Council of Negro Women, and a volunteer and mentor in other causes, said she loves seeing nonprofit groups work together on fundraisers or jointly getting the word out about their causes and needs.

“Helping others is really what it is all about,” she added, summing up the message of the whole day.

Marguerite Dawson, was honored for her contributions to St. Petersburg’s business and nonprofit communities. She entered the insurance business decades ago when few women were in the male-dominated field and made her mark. Over the years she was director of the city’s Economic Development Committee and one of the first female members of the Committee of 100. Dawson, who is “Aunt Marguerite” to her niece Julie Mastry, is also a huge Rays fan and organizes 30 to 40 people to join her at the team’s opening game every year.

The luncheon was emceed by Alvina Miller, branch manager of SunTrust Bank’s Northeast office and co-chaired by Gretta Paige Bellas and Roseanna Costa.

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