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TV Ex-Bouncer Extends Tampa A Helping Hand

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By WALT BELCHER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 21, 2008

TAMPA - Steve Wilkos flipped burgers, posed for pictures and spread good will last week at a nonprofit Tampa facility that offers comfort to people affected by AIDS.

The former bodyguard from "The Jerry Springer Show" was a long way from the Chicago studio where he tapes his own "Steve Wilkos Show," seen weekdays at 3 p.m. on WTTA, Channel 38.

On Thursday, his bus and camera crew were parked outside the Francis House on North Florida Avenue while he helped grill lunch and met with about 25 to 30 people who were excited that he came by.

The former Marine and ex-Chicago police officer says the purpose of the visit was twofold: a chance to give back to those in need and a chance to promote his talk show, which has been renewed for a second season.

"We're making people aware that you can come to our show and get help," he says. "I feel very fortunate in my life so I want to help the homeless, veterans who need support, kids in inner-city schools and whoever deserves a hand.

"I always say it doesn't take a lot. Just a little thing like this helps brighten their day.

"I think it means something to these people for someone like me with a TV show to make the effort to come here and spend time with them," he says.

On this inaugural helping hand tour, Wilkos has delivered school supplies to urban schools in Milwaukee and Baltimore and visited homeless shelters in Chicago and Boston. He's headed to New Orleans this week.

Francis House Welcomes Attention

Joy Winheim, director of Francis House, says Wilkos' visit means a lot to the people who come there for support and to the small staff.

"This is such a small place that every little bit of exposure helps," she says. "We rely on donations, and this could help make people aware that we even exist."

Wilkos taped a segment on Francis House that will air on a future episode of his show.

Francis House opened in 1990. It is an interfaith respite center for men, women and children infected or affected by HIV/AIDS. Adults are provided numerous services including support groups; education; individual, group and substance abuse counseling; art and massage therapy; as well as recreational activities and field trips.

It also has a limited food pantry, and the house offers free hot meals.

Wilkos says his production company learned about Francis House through numerous contacts that it has developed among those involved in social work.

The tall, bald and brawny Wilkos says he never imagined that he would one day have his own TV show.

The 43-year-old Chicago native intended to "follow in his father's footsteps and be a cop for 30 years." His dad is a retired Chicago policeman who lives in Palm Harbor.

But one episode of Springer's show changed Wilkos' life. In May 1994, the producers hired some off-duty policemen to provide security for a show featuring the Ku Klux Klan. Wilkos had such natural charisma that he was invited back and soon became the head bouncer on the show.

"I went from one day to every day to co-host to having my own show," he says. "I still can't believe it myself."

Champion For Unfortunate People

Last year, he left the wild antics of the Springer guests to host his own show, where he helps the downtrodden, the mistreated and the misunderstood. He also stands up to bullies, deadbeats, abusive boyfriends and other assorted types of losers.

He says he doesn't miss the Springer show because he loves helping people.

"The thing I hear most is, 'It's about time that there's a show like this about helping people and going after the bad guy and hold them accountable,'" Wilkos says. "This is a lot of what I did when I was a policeman. I used to go on four or five calls a day where people needed help. Now I'm doing it on a national scale, and I get a thousand e-mails a day.

"It shows you how there's so many people that are at a disadvantage. And we're trying to inspire other people to get involved and help."

To learn more about Francis House, go to francishouse.org or call (813) 237-3066.

People interested in being on "The Steve Wilkos Show" can contact the producers through the Web site, stevewilkos.com. Or call the producers' hot line at 1-888-783-8307. Show tickets are available on the Web site or at (312) 836-3400.

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654 or wbelcher

@tampatrib.com.

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