Mom in the news, Part Two

Holiday Cheer and Goodwill Towards Others Unveiled Through Holiday Stroll

By Carisa Biesecker

“This is our way of saying thanks to the community – our supporters,” states Women’s Resource Center of Tampa, Inc. Event and Finance Chair Sandi de Laski in regard to the upcoming Palmer House Bed & Breakfast Christmas Stroll.Taking place on Saturday, December 5, from 7-9 p.m., Lithia’s Palmer House Christmas Stroll will be one of good times and socializing, led by the infectiously jovial Gail Palmer, who co-owns the residence with her husband Bob. Here, each one of the five suites as well as the main house at the bed and breakfast will be adorned with holiday décor, transformed into a wonderland of glimmering ornaments and prickly garland, candescent with lights and the smells of the holidays. A Christmas tree will take precedence in the main house, posing a striking entrance to onlookers. While hearing the tunes of local carolers throughout the grounds, guests can sample the Christmas drink wassail and palate delectable desserts. Having coordinated home tours in the past with her co-chair Ella Chadwell, de Laski mentions that the Christmas Stroll was forged as a nonprofit event to rid residents of the “hustle bustle feeling” of the season. Comments de Laski, “It’s an evening where a bunch of girlfriends or a husband and wife can come after dinner and really enjoy Christmas and all its wonders.” Supporting the Women’s Resource Center of Tampa, Inc. - a shelter serving some 100 women and their families monthly who have faced job loss, addiction, domestic violence, divorce and traumatic events – the stroll is hoped to welcome some 200-250 attendees. All will have the chance to enter a drawing for goodies and a stay at the Palmer House. Also, guests will be able to learn more about the shelter through a continuously run video seen on the Palmers’ flat screen as well as through attending Executive Director Cheryl English. “My commitment was to put the Women’s Resource Center on the Brandon map. We are doing awesome things,” adds de Laski, who mentions the nonprofit’s future groundbreaking for 21 additional cottages to house 21 more families.Choosing a charity annually to aid, Gail says, “WRC is an outreach so needed this day and age, when things are tough and family and support are not enough. WRC is truly a spirit-led ministry. Come and be blessed as we support this cause.” Residents can purchase tickets to the Christmas Stroll for $10, with proceeds going towards refreshments and paper goods, by calling 220-1829. To learn more about the Women’s Resource Center of Tampa, Inc., visit www.wrctampa.org. Besides special events, the Palmer House is available for vacationers, weddings, baby showers, holiday parties and more. Located at 2221 Hinton Ranch Rd., residents can call 654-0961 or visit www.Palmer-House.com for more information.

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Mom in the news!!!

Bells Shoals concert to help needy.
By YVETTE C. HAMMETT

yhammett@tampatrib.com

Published: November 18, 2009

BRANDON - In just more than a year, pleas for help at the Women's Resource Center of Tampa have tripled.

The number of people making their way to the small nonprofit agency, tucked behind BayLife Church in Brandon, has grown from 2,000 in 2008 to 6,000 this year.

The agency has given out $30,000 in aid to pay utility bills and rent, doubled the size of its food pantry and expanded its clothes closet to serve mostly single moms and their children.

"We're working with about 165 families a month," said Cheryl English, executive director of the resource center, which works with a core group of 10 volunteers.

This month, volunteer Ella Chadwell, who has been working with the center for several years, will perform in concert at Bell Shoals Chapel to raise money for the growing charity.

"My heart is not about being a jazz singer. It is about doing something for someone in need," said Chadwell, a Valrico resident.

She and her friend, Sandy de Laski, first came to the resource center in 2007 with an idea for a fundraiser - a dinner theater. They and a group of dedicated volunteers will perform their third dinner theater in April to benefit the center.

And de Laski is helping coordinate the concert.

"I don't know how to do anything simple," Chadwell said. Her work with Rick Steuart, who has arranged music for the dinner theaters, led her to record and perform a new album, called "A Night to Remember," a disc filled with jazz songs from the 1940s.

Among the songs Chadwell has recorded are "The Shadow of Your Smile," "Besame Mucho" and "Sway." "They're songs a lot of people know," she said.

She will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the chapel with the 20-piece Rick Steuart Orchestra. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at www.ellachadwell.com or at the door.

The chapel is at 2102 Bell Shoals Road, Brandon.

Every bit of money raised for the Women's Resource Center goes to help the needy, English said

"We've had an overwhelming number of normal people, where things have happened in their lives and now they're homeless."

Although the center typically caters to single women with children who are working to overcome adversity, such as drug addiction, domestic violence and financial crisis, that role has expanded lately.

The resource center offers counseling, financial assistance, groceries and guidance on where to go to get even more help in times of crisis.

English is also continuing her quest to build a cluster of 950-square-foot homes behind the office where women and children could stay for up to 30 days.

The University of South Florida mass communications department will market the housing project, seeking corporate donors willing to contribute $15,000 and name a house.

Meanwhile, the center is now a partner with the Hillsborough County Health Department and has signed a memorandum of agreement with Metropolitan Ministries to get donated food for clients.

To learn how to contribute, volunteer or get help from the resource center, go to www.wrctampa.org or call (813) 661-3696, ext. 242.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 627-4763.

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