By Kathy L. Collins
Since 1959, The Community Roundtable has held the Honorary Mayor’s Race. The candidate who raises the most money from Saturday, June 1 to Wednesday, July 3 for selected non-profits is declared Brandon’s Honorary Mayor.
This year there are four candidates. While all four have planned fun and interesting events, they will hold movie events on the same evening. The movie event will take place on Tuesday, June 11 at the AMC Theater in Brandon from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Now, let’s meet each of the candidates and get more information on their charities and the events they have planned.
JACK BARTLETT
Bartlett, a resident of Lithia, has selected Brandon Sports and Aquatic (also his sponsoring organization) and A Kid’s Place. Barlett said, “I chose to run to support BSAC and A Kid’s Place because of how strongly my wife and I feel about children. Brandon has been my home for 36 years, and I consider myself lucky to have been able to raise two children here. These two charities provide the types of experiences that can make a difference in the life of a child.” Bartlett will hold four events (including the movie night). A clay shoot is set for Saturday, June 8 at 8 a.m. at FishHawk Sporting Clays. A Family Luau at BSAC is planned for Saturday, June 22. A Barnacles Bash is set for Saturday, June 29. For more information, please contact Julie Bird at 267-3784.
PEARL CHIARENZA
Chiarenza, a resident of Brandon, has selected GFWC Brandon Service League (also her sponsoring organization), Sylvia Thomas Center and Boy Scout Troop 1986. Chiarenza said, “I decided to run for Honorary Mayor so that I could bring more attention to the organizations I am involved in, and I feel this will enable our community to see what these great organizations do here in Brandon.” Chiarenza has several events planned including a Family BBQ at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse; Margaritaville Prom at The Loft Event Lounge in Brandon; KriSara Fashion Show at the Embassy Suites in Tampa and a Wine Tasting courtesy of PRP Wines in Tampa. For more information, please contact Pat Elam at 681-9094 or prelam0 1@aol.com.
DAWN GALIA
Galia, a resident of Valrico, is the Executive Director of Center Place, which is both her non-profit and her sponsoring organization. Galia said, “Since I started working for Center Place in 2007, it has held a special place in my heart. I feel that the community feels the say way. It is important that Center Place continue to grow and remain a vital part of the Brandon community.” Galia has six events (including the movie night) planned. These include Ladies Dance Night on Saturday, June 8, Ballpark Bingo on Thursday, June 13, Sketch & Sip: Masterpieces and Martinis on Friday, June 21 and Dawn’s Delectable Dessert, Tea and Fashion Show on Sunday, June 30. For more information, please contact JoAnn Shea at joann2027 @aol.com or Lisa Rodriguez at lisaad co@yahoo.com.
GRITA PERRY
Perry is a long-time resident of Valrico and was Honorary Mayor in 2003. Perry has chosen to raise funds for the local YMCA. Her sponsoring organization is the Brandon Sunburst Chapter of American Business Woman’s Association. Perry said in her application, “My immediate plan is to raise funds for the YMCAs in the greater Brandon area. Past Mayor, Tammy Holmberg, has inspired me by staying active after her Mayor’s term ended. I hope to stay more active in making Brandon a better place.” In addition to the movie night event, Perry will hold a Clay Shoot at FishHawk Sporting Clays in Lithia on Saturday, June 15 at 8 a.m. For more information, please contact Michelle Burgess at michey cards@gmail.com or visit www.vote4grita.com.
