Nonprofits

Growing up, Tony DiBenedetto experienced firsthand what the common phrase “it takes a village” really means. At a young age, DiBenedetto found himself, essentially, caring for himself. When others his age were planning for homecoming he was couchsurfing, grateful for a place to sleep. He was, what he describes, a little “rough around the edges.”

Think Big for Kids, a non-profit organization that helps underprivileged youth discover their untapped potential by providing opportunities for career exploration, mentorship and skills development, will expand into the Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas markets. The organization was developed, in 2016, by tech entrepreneur, and former Tribridge CEO, Tony DiBenedetto – after working with teens at

The Mike Evans Family Foundation has launched the “13 Pillars of Strength” campaign to 13 people, throughout the Tampa Bay area, who have overcome adversity and made a difference in their communities. Starting in September, the foundation will share a story about an individual who has made a difference spanning 13 weeks, meanwhile raising money

Children’s Dream Fund celebrated the ribbon-cutting of its new office, at 1600 23rd Ave. N., in St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman and dream recipient Ryder Karppe were in attendance to cut the ribbon together. The Children’s Dream Fund is a wish-granting organization for children with life-threatening illnesses, living on Florida’s west coast. Through

► Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been selected as a correspondent academician to the Royal European Academy of Doctors. (Pictured above)  ► Florida Southern College will move its graduate nursing program into the former campus of St. Joseph Academy, a private K-8 school that the Catholic Church’s Diocese of Orlando shuttered

Gina Wilkins knows sometimes small acts of kindness reap the biggest rewards. In 2012, Wilkins’ work as a self-employed, certified, architectural draftsman was hit hard by the recession. But it was nothing compared to the struggles faced by her friends in the business, the contractors and craftsmen she interacted with daily. As she explains, “A

For the fourth year in a row, MarineMax partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco County to present a deserving Tampa Bay area family a new home in Pinellas Park. On the morning of June 15, 2021, the family arrived at their new home. As an added surprise, Warrick Dunn Charities, Aaron’s

Walk into the newly opened Dental Boutique in Westchase and get ready to experience the next level in dentistry. Andrew Vallo’s community-focused ethos brings dentistry into the 21st century of service with thoughtful amenities and detailed extras. As Vallo recently explained, “For years, and years, people looked at going to the dentist as awkward or

► The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods, an independent and assisted living community in Sarasota, completed a nearly $150,000 renovation of its independent living community. ► Construction on the Metropolitan, a 200-unit apartment community on the site of the former Manatee Inns, in Bradenton, by developer Pearl Homes, is expected to begin in the second

By Shelley Fisher, regional executive, east region and Brent Wright, head of institutional consulting Many nonprofits and foundations –including charitable and philanthropic organizations–have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. While economic problems have caused demand for their services to increase, these same issues have created funding and operational issues for the organizations themselves. Many

Boulevard Burgers & Tap House and Pet Pal Animal Shelter are throwing a “Doggie Date Night” event on June 17. The event will be held all day with a complimentary dog slider, or bacon strip, with any purchase. There will be raffles and prizes, including $100 restaurant gift cards. And the best part, lots of

► Buddy Brew Coffee opened a new café, at Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., in the Heights Public Market. ► The University of South Florida board of trustees voted unanimously to elect Will Weatherford as its new vice chair.    ► Franklin Street arranged the sale of Georgetown Apartments and Cynthia Gardens, two adjacent