By Suzy Wiesenhart
The Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon for April was held at the Regent and sponsored by the Riverview High School Athletic Booster Club, represented by president, Crissy Boyd. The colors were presented by the JROTC, led by Master Sergeant Clifton; the Sharks’ cheerleaders were there; and the lunch was prepared by the high school’s Culinary Arts Department.
On the menu was a salad, tasty pasta and dessert was provided by Sam’s Club in Riverview. With over 200 members in attendance, there were a lot of mouths to feed. The tables were festively decorated in Shark paraphernalia including stuffed sharks and sports props. The students did an amazing job throughout the luncheon, even helping to clean up.
Principal Bob Heilmann spoke to the crowd, stating that, “Riverview High School is the focal point of the Riverview community.” It participates in Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society and Trick or Treat Street, sponsored by the chamber, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department and Hillsborough Parks and Recreation Department. His focus was on the several different sports offered at the high school and how the community was supportive; but that he would love to see more residents attend games in the future. Heilmann was recognized by Al Higginbotham, on behalf of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, who read a proclamation in support and admiration of Riverview High School.
Over the past five years, Riverview students, staff, participating alumni and parents have generously given a total of 7,011 blood donations during 25 blood drives held on campus, winning Riverview High School an award as the national school in the country in 2012 for blood drives. Principal Heilmann, an eight-gallon blood donor, champions the blood drives and is always the first donor on one of eight bloodmobiles.
GRCC President, Donna Lee Fore, of P.F. Autoglass, Inc. and Mary Kay, introduced Joe Eletto, Century 21 Beggins, who read the list of new members, and Dr. Bryan Thatcher of Thatcher Properties, who called out the renewing members. The 50/50 raffle was won by Jim Johnson of Mosaic, who swiftly gave it to the booster club as a donation. The next luncheon will be Tuesday, May 28, and will be sponsored by Tampa Electric Company.
