Third Annual Tampa Bay Charity Coalition Event Celebrates Partnerships at the Church of Scientology’s Fort Harrison

CLEARWATER, Fla., Nov. 16, 2017 -- On November 15th the Church of Scientology hosted the Tampa Bay Charity Coalition’s 3rd Anniversary Banquet in the Fort Harrison Auditorium. Seventy different non-profit organizations, including Children with a Vision, PACE Center for Girls, Pinellas County Foster and Adoptive Parents Association, the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center and the Council on American-Islamic Relations were represented.

On November 15th, the Tampa Bay charities came together to celebrate 3 years of partnerships with the Charity Coalition in the Historic Fort Harrison. Pictured here are some of the non-profits who have participated including Second Chance Life Skills, Hard2Guard, the MLK Jr. Community Center, The Refuge and the Haitian Mission Par La Foi.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76aafd88-9a9e-4091-afa8-aa582344df93

The Community Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology in Clearwater, Dylan Pires, opened the event and gave the history of the Charity Coalition, including its growth from 38 organizations at the first luncheon to 200 who have since participated. 

Mr. Robert Dooley, Founder of the Butterfly Effect of Golf non-profit, spoke about his relationship with the Charity Coalition since being introduced to it two years ago. Mr. Dooley attributed his success to the Charity Coalition when he said, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the invaluable partnerships I have made through the Charity Coalition.”

Julieta Santagostino, President of Foundation for a Drug-Free World Florida, shared her story of growing up in Juarez, Mexico, once the murder capital of the world, and how that led her to get involved in non-profits and specifically fighting drug abuse.

“With the results your non-profits create, you are changing this world for the better. No matter the scope of your organization, one life helped means everything,” said Mr. Pires. “Just as Mr. L. Ron Hubbard wrote, ‘The pebble, dropped in a pool, can make ripples to the furthest shore.’”

The event was concluded with a concert performance by the Flag Band, featuring vocalist Michele Henderson.

For more information about the Charity Coalition or to attend future events, please call (727) 467-6860 or email [email protected].

About the Church of Scientology:

The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 nations. Based on L. Ron Hubbard's words, "A community that pulls together can make a better society for all," the Church of Scientology regularly engages in many humanitarian programs and community events. To learn more, visit www.scientology-fso.org.

Dylan Pires
(727) 467-6860