On January 17th, more than 100 of the nation’s finest college football players spent several hours visiting with kids who receive care at Shriners Hospitals for Children Tampa. The athletes joined the children in enjoying various games and sports, face painting, music, dancing and autographing East-West Shrine Game jerseys and footballs.

Nearly 300 teenagers from Tampa Bay Technical High School made the pledge not to text and drive this morning.  Students left their thumb print on a 16 foot banner traveling across the country on a 30 city tour.  The event is part of X the TXT, Allstate’s public awareness campaign which is aimed at minimizing one of the most dangerous distractions facing teens today, texting. 

On June 27th, the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope held their 13th annual Celebrating Faces of Hope gala and fundraiser at the A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa.

The black tie dinner and awards show, which was emceed by Kathy Fountain and Frank Robertson, formerly of FOX 13, honored 17 previously at-risk high school seniors who graduated this year and are now going on to higher education, as well as the “unsung heroes” of 2009 who made a difference in the lives of Tampa’s children and families in the past year.

In the wake of the untimely death of entertainment icon Michael Jackson, amid allegations of drug overdose and in commemoration of the June 26th United Nations’ “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking”, young volunteers from the Foundation for a Drug Free World stepped up their activities in bringing home their anti-drug message to Tampa Bay.

Since 1996, The Tampa Bay Academy of Hope has provided at risk youth in Hillsborough County with exactly what is promised in their name: hope. On Saturday, June 27th, the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope will be holding their 13th annual “Faces of Hope” black tie awards banquet.

The evening’s keynote speaker will be Michelle A. Robinson, the President of Verizon’s Southeast Region, and entertainment will be provided by the Empyreal Chinese Acrobats.  An awards ceremony will be hosted by local television personalities Kathy Fountain and Frank Robertson from FOX 13. Awards will be presented in honor of the involvement of local individuals and companies that are making a difference in the lives of Tampa Bay’s youth through contributions, civic efforts, or direct involvement in their communities.

All proceeds from the Faces of Hope event will benefit the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope’s “Leadership Through Education” program, which helps “defeat illiteracy among disadvantaged and at-risk students.”

The Tampa Bay Academy of Hope was founded by former football player James Evans. Through his leadership and dedication, thousands of at risk youth and their families have been changed for the better. The Academy “offers counseling to inner city youth to put them on the path to become productive citizens.” Governor Charlie Crist says of the organization,  “With the help of…organizations like Tampa Bay Academy of Hope, together we can provide a better future for our children.”

The event will take place at A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa. Tickets are available for $100 per seat, or $1,000 per table. The reception will begin at 5pm, and be followed by a dinner at 7:30. For more information on the Tampa Bay Academy of Hope and the banquet, or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.tampahope.com/ or call 813-277-0464.