HCBA Lawyer Magazine Vol. 28, No. 6 | Page 30

tHaNkS to aLL wHo Supported tHe CommuNity ServiCeS Committee tHiS year Community Services Committee Chair: Lara LaVoie - LaVoie & Kaizer, P.A. T he Community Services Committee (CSC) enjoyed another amazing year, due to the support and generosity of our wonderful volunteers and donors. On behalf of the CSC, thank you to all who so generously donated your time and money to help support the incredible causes below! After the success of the Adopt-a- Veteran event in October (led by Tristan Wolbers of Tajer Wolbers PLLC and Lara LaVoie of LaVoie & Kaizer, P.A.), where volunteers gave their time and donations so generously to fulfill the wish lists of veterans in need, countless volunteers and donors stepped up once again to support the CSC’s Elves for Elders event in December (led by Head Elf Lisa Esposito of the Law Offices of Lisa Esposito P.A.) to help make the holidays brighter for these inspiring seniors. We were able to get every one of the 350 elders adopted and raised an additional $7,000! We would be remiss if we also didn’t thank Jennifer Hamey of Jennifer L. Hamey P.A. for baking over 1,000 holiday cookies to give to every resident of the Whispering Oaks Nursing Home at the event. In March, the CSC once again hosted Dining with Dignity Week (led by Lara LaVoie) where volunteers spent quality time at Trinity Café, serving sit-down, 28 three-course new dunk tank, meals to which was you might just find Hillsborough sponsored by that you gain more County’s Drew Daddano homeless and and Anchor Trust than you give! working poor. Management. The It was truly a kids loved dunking rewarding their social workers experience for all. Many members and house parents – and Drew! of the local judiciary volunteer The awesome company Best Choice at this annual event, and it is Software sponsored a petting zoo, truly inspiring to see the positive and the kids absolutely loved the interactions between our judges donkey and miniature horse. and those residents who are less The toys were a hit, thanks to fortunate in our community. many, including the Law Offices Our final event of the year took of Lisa Esposito, P.A.; the law place in May at A Kid’s Place in firm of LaVoie & Kaizer, P.A.; Brandon, which is an amazing Mary Simmons, CPA, PA; Yvette nonprofit center for abused and Hammett; Lee Everett; The abandoned children. To help these Horgen Family; and the Olsen wonderful children feel like kids for Law Firm. The barbecue was a day, the CSC threw them their awesome, thanks to BubbaQues fifth annual Pirate Plunder Party and donations from South Tampa this year. Once again, it was a Dermatology, as well as Maria resounding success thanks to all Maranda and her State Farm who donated or came out to help! Agency. The desserts also were A big thank you must be given to absolutely delicious, thanks to our two main sponsors this year – Petite Madelyn’s Bakery in Valrico, Stingray Chevrolet and its finance Sandra Puerta (who owns CSB manager John Whaley and Fernando Healthcare Solutions), and Publix Rodriguez and his company, (who donated some lovely treats National Construction Services. as well — thanks to the help of Everyone had a blast — the kids Tristan Wolbers). & the CSC’s volunteers included. The bouncy house and candy We played pirate games, dressed the machine were hits as well, thanks to little buccaneers as pirates (thanks King of Bounce (which does a lot to a donation from Advanced of charity work), and a generous Diagnostic Group), and let them donation from Jennifer L. Hamey, make their very own treasure chests P.A, which made the bouncy house (thanks to donations from Anton possible. The candy machine was Castro Law, as well as Arturo sponsored by Helen Ashley and and Vienna Fuentes and Tampa The Coffeys. Thanks also to Sweetheart Cigars). The photo Lizzette Marisol Penrod with booth from Mr. Photobot and DJ Stravino Penrod Research Partners Brian Ferrito rocked the house. The and Evolve Professional Landscape face painter and balloon artist from Management, each of the 60 little Glitterbug were hits again this year pirates at A Kid’s Place received gift thanks to Mary Simmons, CPA. certificates for meals at DairyLand. At this year’s Pirate Party, the kids were lucky enough to enjoy a Continued on page 29 SUMMER 2018 | HCBA LAWYER