Suncoast Chapter of Jack Jill honors community leaders at fundraising gala

ST. PETERSBURG — The Suncoast Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. in partnership with the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc. recently celebrated its annual Fall Fundraising Gala, Champions of Children: Hearts Afire at St. Petersburg Country Club.

A host of family, friends and honored guests attended the pink carpet affair to recognize outstanding members of the St. Petersburg community and raise funds to support the chapter’s many community service projects. The gala also featured a silent auction and entertainment by the Lakewood High School Jazz Ensemble.

The evening began with a warm welcome by immediate past Chapter President Vikki T. Gaskin-Butler followed by an invocation from the Chapter Chaplain Brooke Taylor.  Nicole Richardson, the chapter’s teen president, also had the honor of introducing the mistress of ceremony WTSP Channel 10 news anchor Tammie Fields.

There was much excitement in the room Fields gracefully spoke from the podium highlighting each of the Champions of Children: Hearts Afire honorees.

Awards were presented to three outstanding community leaders who are committed and work tirelessly to improve the lives of children: Manitia Moultrie, AKA AKAdemy director, Dr. Christopher Warren, National Institute of Health Project Coordinator and Dr. Phillip Harris, Hillsborough County Government Director of Children Services.

“We are proud to recognize and highlight the array of contributions that our honorees have made and continue to make in their respective communities,” said Chapter President Cheryl Bradbury.

The program culminated with special recognition to event sponsors including AKA AKAdemy/Youth Development Foundation of Pinellas County, Inc., BDE Florida, LLC, John Hopkins Medicine and Manatee Cardiovascular Wellness Institute.

Proceeds from the event will benefit charitable community programs that support youth and families in Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties.

About Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Jack and Jill is a national organization with over 230 chapters in 35 states and the District of Columbia, representing over 30,000 family members. The core of the Jack and Jill of America philosophy is that every child – if given the proper guidance and opportunity – can be developed into a leader.

For more information, please visit JackandJillSuncoast.org.