Longtime Brandon resident Connie Smaldone, who works at South Shore Group Real Estate, recently won the title of Brandon Honorary Mayor by raising more than $16,000 for three local charities. The three candidates raised a total of $22,500 for their charities.
Before the Brandon Fourth of July Parade, Smaldone was announced the winner inside of B. Lee Elam, P.A. on the corner of Parsons Ave. and Lumsden Rd., where the parade starts every year. “It is very humbling to have that many people step up to the plate to help me accomplish something like this,” Smaldone said. “I am very grateful to have and to use this platform to help charities within our community.”
All of the monies raised at Smaldone’s events will benefit the Brandon area YMCAs, All Children’s Hospital Specialty Center, Brandon Guild and A Kid’s Place. The Brandon Honorary Mayor’s race is a fundraising effort established by The Community Roundtable, formerly The Presidents’ Roundtable, which also coordinates the annual Brandon Fourth of July Parade. The honorary mayor will represent his or her community at events and as a dignitary throughout the year.
Smaldone said, “My goal would be to continue what Tammy Holmberg started with her term and to continue to raise awareness and funding for many different charities in our community. I would also like to bring organizations together collectively to have different events to accomplish the same.”“I would be remiss if I did not use this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in my campaign, the vendors, the media and, most importantly, the volunteers who gave up countless hours and time away from their families to help achieve our goal,” she said. “This opportunity has allowed me the ability to meet some more outstanding people that give their heart and soul to these causes, which will, in turn, enrich my life even more.”
All monies must be raised between June 1 and July 4 of each year with 80 percent of funds raised going to designated charities, 10 percent to the sponsoring organization and 10 percent to The Community Roundtable.“I hope to serve proudly and do the best for my community,” she concluded. More information on the Brandon Honorary Mayor’s Race is also available by calling The Community Roundtable at 661-4350 or e-mailing roundtable2008@aol.com
