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Building A Better Life For Local Children

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 15, 2008

After spending 41 years in education - as a teacher, administrator and ultimately superintendent - I have come to recognize what it takes for children to succeed.

I have found that the lessons children learn outside the classroom are just as important as those they learn at school. Essential life skills, such as leadership, responsibility and compassion, are not solely learned from a book or lecture, but also from human interaction and experience.

Unfortunately, there are thousands of children in our community who do not have a positive place to acquire these life skills outside of school. These very children will soon grow up to be adults in our community. They are destined to become the parents, employees and leaders of our Tampa Bay area.

Therefore, it is imperative that we provide all the opportunities necessary to mold our young people into productive, caring, responsible citizens.

I became involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay more than 20 years ago, and I have witnessed firsthand the benefits this organization provides. That is why I am leading the campaign to build a Boys and Girls Club in Riverview.

The need for the club in this rapidly growing community is great. Most club members come from hard-working single-parent families, and the club is like a second home for these children. This project will make a significant difference in the lives of children and families in the South Shore area, which will positively impact the entire Tampa Bay community.

To accomplish this goal, we need to raise $2.5 million for the construction, equipment and to begin an endowment to support the ongoing operation.

Recognizing this need, the late Ray Campo jump-started this effort by donating $750,000 of matching funds through the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay.

We are proud to say that this challenge has been matched by the generosity of the Wes and Joanne Kearney family. We are indebted to these two outstanding families whose generosity will help make the Riverview Club a reality.

The Diocese of St. Petersburg is providing a site for the club at the beautiful Resurrection Catholic Church campus in the heart of Riverview.

It such generous contributions that are helping us provide a better life and future for the children of Tampa Bay.

Earl Lennard is the former Hillsborough County school superintendent.

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