Education & Philanthropy
Latest coverage, analysis and business news from Tampa Bay Business and Wealth.
Nearly half a century after first pledging their support, Pat and Charlene Neal have completed a $500,000 gift to New College of Florida, an investment that fulfills a commitment made in 1977. Pat Neal, a former state senator and homebuilder, and Charlene, who briefly served as a New College admissions counselor, pledged to contribute the … Read more
When the Tampa Bay community comes together, meaningful change can happen. Jaime and Tami Kent, co-founders of The No More Foundation, see that firsthand. Their latest project, Harbor House, is a prime example. Designed to serve women who have survived human trafficking, the home will provide an initial safe space where survivors can be assessed … Read more
Attorney, civic leader and public education advocate Sean Shaw has been named chairman of the board for the Hillsborough Education Foundation, stepping into the role on May 29. Shaw, who previously served in the Florida House of Representatives and was the state’s first African American nominee for attorney general, brings decades of legal experience and … Read more
More than 400 children across Hillsborough County will have access to summer camps this year, thanks to new funding from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. In response to increased demand, the Children’s Board has approved $471,329 to expand summer camp offerings at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay. The additional support … Read more
Calvary Church, a faith institution in Clearwater, is expanding its educational mission with the launch of Calvary Christian College. The higher education institution will open its doors on August 18, 2025, offering Christ-centered academic programs designed to prepare students for ministry and leadership roles, both locally and globally. “Calvary Christian College helps students fulfill God’s … Read more
The Franciscan Sisters of Allegany have committed $1 million to support the creation of a dedicated chapel at the future Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s, set to open in 2030. The gift will help fund a central spiritual sanctuary within the new, freestanding pediatric facility offering patients, families and caregivers a peaceful place for … Read more
Fifth Third Bank employees joined Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman C.J. Brewer to help pack more than 12,000 meals at Feeding Tampa Bay, part of the food bank’s annual “Fifth Third Day” celebrations. The event was one of many held throughout May, across Fifth Third’s 11-state footprint, aligning with the bank’s 5/3 calendar-themed day of … Read more
Coca-Cola Beverages Florida is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside as the organization’s first home sponsor in Hernando County. The partnership marks a milestone for Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside, which expanded into Hernando County in 2024. While this is Habitat’s first build in Hernando, it will be the 19th home sponsored by Coke … Read more
The University of South Florida has received a $3 million estate gift from alumnus Mike Crew, to support students and initiatives within the College of Engineering. The gift includes $1.5 million to expand an existing scholarship Crew established in 2017, $1 million to create the Michael W. Crew Professorship for Industrial and Management Systems Engineering … Read more
Power Design raised more than $60,000 for local and national charities during its annual Pirates & Pitmasters celebration, at the company’s headquarters, in St. Petersburg. The event brought together more than 1,200 employees for an afternoon of barbecue cookoffs, trade skills competitions and a themed treasure hunt—all aimed at supporting causes such as Joe DiMaggio … Read more
