'I haven't done enough'

Editorial

Richard Gonzmart was characteristically modest Thursday when he was named the Tampa Metro Civitan Club's Outstanding Citizen of the Year.

"I haven't done enough," he told the crowd at the Florida State Fair's annual Governor's Luncheon. "There is so much more to do."

It was typical of the Tampa native who is always looking for ways to help others.

As Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor made clear in her touching introduction, the president of the Columbia Restaurant sees a call to action in life's events.

The death of a childhood friend to leukemia inspired a lifelong commitment to helping cancer patients and championing cancer research. He has organized runs and sponsored wine-tasting events to help the cause. He also is a board member of the Moffitt Cancer Center.

Yet helping others is always personal for Gonzmart.

Recently when he learned of a 9-year-old girl who was about to lose her arm and shoulder to cancer, he arranged for her to travel to Tampa, where doctors replaced her shoulder, arm and elbow with a titanium and chrome prosthesis that can be expanded as she grows. She's back to playing the piano, thanks to Gonzmart's involvement.

It was a typical of Gonzmart. He cares about the people behind the causes.

In 1987, Gonzmart was ticketed for speeding by Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Jeffrey Young, whose professionalism and courtesy impressed Gonzmart. Not long after, Young was killed while attempting to arrest a drug courier.

Gonzmart promptly became involved in supporting law enforcement officers and raising money for the families of slain officers.

He is a major supporter of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa. But he doesn't just write checks; he mentors young people.

He coaches youth sports, and the veteran of 17 marathons created a program that helps elementary school children develop discipline, self-confidence and healthy habits through running. More than 700 children participate.

Gonzmart pursues his family business with that same passion.

The Columbia was founded by Gonzmart's great-grandfather, Casimiro Hernandez Sr., in 1905 in Ybor City. It is Florida's oldest restaurant and perhaps its most famous. Gonzmart oversaw its expansion to nine locations. He recently committed to renovate the historic Water Works building on the Hillsborough River and transform it into a gourmet restaurant.

Gonzmart, no doubt, is right that he has far more to do, but he has already left an indelible mark on his community and the lives of the countless people he has helped.