Tampa Trifecta

TJFS Scores Big

High school senior Jennifer Kleiner cleaned up at the Tampa Jewish Family Services Trifecta fundraiser. Kleiner won a college scholarship check for $1,800 on Sunday, April 26th, after being chosen from among eight high school finalists who have all excelled in community service. Stacie Linsky, TJFS Board Chair, read to the guests the amazing amount of volunteer services each of the students had either initiated them selves or were involved in through their synagogues, schools, or senior centers. Upon hearing the incredible work of the teens, one TJFS guest, Virginia Barnett, commented, “I have to go home and enroll my four and seven year olds in some volunteer activities – they need to get busy!”

Kleinner was not the only winner at the Tampa Trifecta event held at Rodeph Shalom. Approximately 250 Tampa Jewish Family Services supporters raised over $21,000 to support the work of TJFS including their Food Bank and the counseling services available to all on sliding-scale fees.

Lee Roy Selman kicked off the evening at the private reception, speaking to a select group of donors. Selman told them about his childhood growing up in Oklahoma and the experiences that made him successful both in life and in football. Following his presentation, all the TJFS donors joined the event enjoying sliders, French fries and hot dogs while bidding on silent auction items and socializing. The supporters moved into the sanctuary where they heard Miray Holmes from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, David Mishkin from the Lightning and the Dick Crippen from the Rays as they discussed their teams and how their teams play an integral part in the community. The evening concluded with recognition of eight high school finalists and their significant contributions to the community along with the $1,800 college scholarship given to Kleiner.

The award really tied the evening together as it was an evening dedicated to the importance of community service. David Scher, former President of Tampa Jewish Federation, spoke about the newly created Hebrew Loan Program of Greater Tampa (available through TJFS) where fourteen generous donors have stepped up and helped secure a line of credit with BB&T. For those in need, emergency loans between $500-$2,000 are now available interest-free. The TJFS Food Bank has seen a 300% increase in demand since last year, counseling is available to children, adults and seniors all on a sliding-scale based on ability to pay. The evening demonstrated that even teens – as busy as they are with school, applying to colleges and socializing – can dedicate their time to helping others.