Women's club gives money to charities

The Tampa Palms Women's Club recently distributed $4,000 to local charities and to the University of South Florida scholarship fund.

The checks were presented at the club's annual holiday luncheon at Compton Park on Dec. 2.

Recipients were Rich House in Sulpher Springs; God's Pedal Power Ministry; Hillsborough House of Hope; Wheels of Success; Kids & Canines and OASIS (Outreach Assisting Students in Schools).

Club president Meg Collins said members recommend charities, and the board votes on them.

"We pretty much go with grassroots organizations. We get involved with them, too, providing volunteers and going to their events," Collins said.

Representatives from the organizations gave updates on their groups and thanked the members for their donations.

"We are struggling. The funding is down, and the need is up," said Susan Jacobs of Wheels of Success.

She said the organization, which provides cars, repairs and insurance to working families, plans to award 26 cars this month.

Collins said the scholarship money will be given to the USF Foundation "where it will be matched dollar for dollar from the state."

Money presented to Haley House

TAMPA - The Riverview Detachment of the Marine Corps League and its auxiliary unit presented a check for $4,000 to the Haley House Fund at a recent joint meeting of the organizations.

The detachment and the unit raised the money at the third annual poker run for the Haley House on Sept. 19. The Haley House Fund provides living arrangements for families to spend needed time with the recovering current duty injured and veterans.

Participants in the presentation included Debra Steel, Marine Corps League Poker Run chairwoman; Ruth Fisher, Haley House event volunteer; Mary Ellen Harlan, Haley House chairwoman; Mary Ann Kerkler, Haley House fundraiser; Dave Braun, Haley House treasurer; Mary Zolna, Marine Corps League Auxiliary president; and Jack Skelding, Marine Corps League Detachment commandant.

Beckles' party benefits families

DOWNTOWN - Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ian Beckles and AS.I.BE magazine will host a holiday party and fashion photo shoot benefiting Metropolitan Ministries from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday at RawBar Sushi, 777 N. Ashley Drive.

With each $10 donation at the door toward Metropolitan Ministries, guests will receive complimentary libations. The event also will include models in outfits from funky fashions to elegant evening wear, DJ Lino on the turntable and complimentary hors d'oeuvres.

Ministry presents gifts Saturday

UNIVERSITY AREA - Heaven273Ministry will distribute toys, blankets and jackets Saturday for children newborn to 10 years old.

The 4-year-old ministry serves the homeless, single families and other residents of North Tampa. The distribution, from 3 to 5 p.m., will be in building 14301 of Avalon Village Apartments, 14350 Hensel Lane.

Manny R. Soler Jr. is the founder of the ministry.

Rotary plans general meeting

HUNTER'S GREEN - The New Tampa Evening Rotary will have a Rotary Club Assembly at 6:15 p.m. Thursday at Hunter's Green Golf & Country Club, 18101 Longwater Run.

For information, call Sherri Ferguson at (813) 892-9782.

Rotary Club president to speak

Mac Anderson, president of the Rotary Club of New Tampa, will address the group at its 7 a.m. meeting Friday at Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, 5811 Tampa Palms Blvd.

For information about the organization, contact Karen Frashier at kmf@greattripstick ets.com or (813) 375-2663.