DeBartolo Family Foundation Honors Friends of the Children Tampa Bay with $25,000 Spirit of Humanity Award
The DeBartolo Family Foundation is proud to present Friends of the Children – Tampa Bay with the Spirit of Humanity award. The award honors local nonprofit organizations that impact the Tampa Bay community in a meaningful way.
Founded in 2014, Friends of the Children – Tampa Bay, part of a national organization, has been a steadfast force in our community. They pair children facing challenges in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties with dedicated mentors called a Friend, who guide them from kindergarten through high school graduation. As a stand-alone chapter since 2018, they have grown to serve more youth in our area.
“We are honored to support Friends of the Children – Tampa Bay in their unwavering commitment to empowering the youth in our community. The dedication shown by their team aligns with our values at the DeBartolo Family Foundation, where we believe in fostering resilience and hope,” said Lisa DeBartolo, CEO of the DeBartolo Family Foundation. “Having a consistent friend in their life is pivotal for the growth and well-being of our youth. It forms a foundation of trust, support, and guidance that transcends challenges.”
“The DeBartolo Family Foundation has provided a generous award to Friends of the Children – Tampa Bay which will go to the heart of our mission: Employing trained, trauma-informed professional mentors to build relationships with kids facing personal and systemic obstacles and maintaining those relationships for 12 ½ years,” said Rick McClintock, Executive Director of Friends of the Children – Tampa Bay. “Friends are a reliable, resilient, long-term adult presence in a child’s life that can be the key to these youth avoiding the criminal justice system, completing high school, enrolling in college or obtaining meaningful employment. Thank you to The DeBartolo Family Foundation for recognizing the value this work represents to our community and to deserving children.”
Recipients of the Spirit of Humanity award create unity, demonstrate hard work, and extend their outreach by helping people in need overcome obstacles that are beyond their control. Since 2002, 60 recipients have been recognized with the $25,000 Spirit of Humanity Award, awarded three times annually.
Learn more about Friends of the Children Tampa Bay.
