This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

University Area CDC Partners with Ryan Nece Foundation for Power of Giving Thanksgiving Celebration

The University Area Community Development Corporation (UACDC) helped serve 200 families on Tuesday, Nov. 19 as part of the 2013 Power of Giving Thanksgiving Celebration. The Ryan Nece Foundation teamed up with many partners, including Winn-Dixie, Metropolitan Ministries, Feeding America Tampa Bay, TECO Energy, Junior League of Tampa, and the UACDC to feed approximately 800-1,000 individuals.

Families enjoyed a hot Thanksgiving meal and listened to a performance by local band Phase 5. Courtesy of Shutterbooth, families had the opportunity to take a photograph, which was printed for them to take home that evening. The Feeding America Tampa Bay mobile pantry also provided each family with a box of food items, including fresh produce and frozen meats, to take home thanks to support from TECO Energy. 

“We're so thankful to all of the community partners who again helped to make the Power of Giving Thanksgiving Celebration a powerful experience, not just for the families who attended but for the volunteers as well,” said former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ryan Nece. “There's nothing better than the feeling you receive when you give something to another person, knowing that you've helped brighten their day.”

Nece, along with Buccaneers linebacker Dekoda Watson and Miss Florida 2013 MyrrhandaJones, greeted families, signed autographs and took pictures. Over 150 volunteers, led by the high school students who are part of the foundation’s Student Service Program, were also on hand to serve food and distribute the boxes.

“There are so many families in need throughout the year, but the holidays can be especially hard for them,” said UACDC CEO Dan Jurman. “It was truly an honor to be a part of this celebration and provide hope when people need it most.” 

The Power of Giving Thanksgiving Celebration is part of the Ryan Nece Foundation’s annual scope of programming. The mission of the Ryan Nece Foundation is to be a beacon to teens by empowering them to impact giving in their communities. 

About UACDC
The University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc. (UACDC) is a 501(c)(3) public/private partnership whose mission is children and family development, crime prevention, and commerce growth. Its primary focus is the redevelopment and sustainability of the at-risk areas surrounding the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida. The UACDC was named nonprofit of the year for public and societal benefit by the Tampa Bay Business Journal in 2011 and 2012. It is headquartered in the University Area Community Center Complex, owned by Hillsborough County and operated by the UACDC, which is located at 14013 North 22nd Street in Tampa. For more information about UACDC, please visit www.uacdc.org or call Dan Jurman at (813) 558-5212 ext. 208.

Join UACDC’s Social Network: 
http://www.facebook.com/UnivAreaCommunityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/university-area-communityhttps://twitter.com/UnivAreaCommhttp://www.youtube.com/user/UnivAreaCommunity

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?