By Kathy L. Collins
The greater Brandon area is steeped in history and traditions. One tradition is the annual Honorary Mayors’ Race, a fundraising competition with the winner being declared mayor, held each June. Jack Bartlett of Lithia was declared the 2013 Honorary Mayor of Brandon on Thursday, July 4 just prior to the start of Brandon’s Annual 4th of July Parade. The Community Roundtable sponsors both the Honorary Mayor’s Race and the Annual 4th of July Parade.
Janine Nickerson, Vice President of the Community Roundtable said, “We were excited to have four candidates enter the Honorary Mayor’s Race. Rather than diminishing the donations available, each of the candidates tapped into different contributors based on each applicants’ contacts, which increased the monies collected. This event embodies the commitment to our local non-profits, who are the true winners of the Race.”
Bartlett raised an amazing $47,556.31. His non-profits were Brandon Sports and Aquatic and A Kid’s Place. Bartlett said, ” Being a part of this wonderful event has not only given much- needed awareness to these charities, but to all of the charities represented by all four candidates.”
Bartlett added, ” As Mayor, I will serve as a Community Roundtable board member and try to help Brandon become an even better place to live. In addition I will attend ribbon cuttings and represent the Community Roundtable at functions and attend events such as: Cards for Troops, the Lighting of the Christmas Tree and more. I look forward to participating in many events this coming year.”
The other candidates included Dawn Galia who raised $25,068.80. Galia’s non-profit was Center Place. Pearl Chiarenza raised $5,000, and her non- profits were GFWC Brandon Service League; the Sylvia Thomas Center; and Boy Scout Troop 1986. Grita Perry, who was declared Honorary Mayor previously in 2002, raised $2,257. Perry’s non-profit was the Brandon Family YMCA.
The Community Roundtable, established in 1957, assists local non-profits. The Community Roundtable meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Center Place of Brandon. For more information, please visit www.communityroundtable.org.
