What started as a personal decision to support a good cause has grown to a team event that is sure to raise plenty of money with the help of the community. FishHawk resident Carrie Coppin recently saw a commercial on television about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital that moved her.
“It absolutely broke my heart,” said Coppin. “So I looked them up and saw that there is a benefit walk in Tampa.”
Coppin made the decision to walk with her husband, Glen, and 3-year-old daughter, Sadie. Carrie is also a public health major at the University of Tampa and after she mentioned her planned participation in the upcoming benefit walk to a few of her classmates, they wanted to help as well. Now Carrie has a whole team of people from the Public Health Student Association at the University of Tampa helping her fundraise for this cause.
The team has a current goal of $2,500 they would like to meet to donate to St. Jude’s Hospital. To help meet this goal they are having a silent auction fundraiser at Park Square Pizza located at 16132 Churchview Dr. in Lithia on Friday, November 1 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. All sales Park Square Pizza makes the night of the event will go toward their cause. Local 12-year-old FishHawk resident, DJ Jake Dela Cruz, will also be there providing live music.
“This is going to be a fun family event that is benefiting childhood cancer research,” said Carrie. “Donations that are received are helping to save lives and further research.”
Many local businesses have donated over 20 prizes worth biding on including horseback riding lessons at Hooves Up Farm, Blue Man Group tickets, a photo shoot with Austyn Lee Photography and much more.
“Since I am a public health major our focus is on prevention and awareness,” said Carrie. “I want people to know about childhood cancer research and that even the smallest donation helps.”
Carrie and her team will be donating all funds raise to the St. Jude’s benefit walk she will be attending with her team on November 23 at Al Lopez Park in Tampa, starting at 9 a.m. Individuals interested in signing up to walk themselves can visit the St. Jude’s website. For more information about donating a gift for the silent auction or upcoming walk, e-mail Carrie at carriecoppin@ymail.com.
