Staff Report
Let’s make a difference; that is the goal of the GFWC Valrico Service League, Inc. (VSL) group of ladies.
For the last several years, VSL, a 501 (c)(3) organization, has been partnering with the Campo YMCA by funding swimming lessons for children whose families cannot afford lessons.
“If just one child is prevented from drowning, all of our efforts are worthwhile,” said VSL member Sue Hadden.
Hands-on activities of the group include art, speech and educational activities, and providing clothing and shoes for children at area Title I elementary schools, Bunco and bingo at area retirement homes and also participating in Center Place’s Cards for the Troops and Halloween Horribles trick-or-treating at Center Place.
Member Claudia Yake noted, “It is so special and rewarding to have a group of ladies who have fun together raising money to be able to give back to our community.”
The group’s main fundraiser for the year is the Harvest Dinner & Auction to be held Sunday, November 1 at Center Place, which is located at 650 Vonderburg Dr. in Brandon. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at Center Place through Friday, October 23. The Wells Fargo Advisors sponsored event starts at 5:30 p.m. with a catered dinner at 6 p.m.
The live auction will begin at 6:45 p.m. Thanks to the generosity of last year’s auction patrons and donations from the business community of tickets to events, rounds of golf, restaurant gift certificates and unique items from area artists, VSL was also able to support ECHO, Brandon Outreach Clinic, Center Place, Metropolitan Ministries, the Mary and Martha House, Champions for Children, 1Voice Foundation and summer activities at A Kid’s Place.
For more information, call 685-7998 or 685-6160.
