MyTampaLife » Charity Events

Comedy For A Cure, benefit for Pediatric Cancer Foundation

Denis Baldwin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Tampa’s own NBA rising star, Tarence Kinsey will be hosting his First Annual TK’s Celebrity All-Star Weekend, June 26 and 27. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Hyatt Regency Downtown is where events kick off June 26 with Comedy’s the Cure, Tampa’s funniest show this summer. The comedian all-star cast includes: Joe and Guy Torry, Gary Owen of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (TBS), and Doug Williams – Host of Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment Stand Up (Starz). The laughing commences at 8pm. General Admission tickets are $25; VIP tickets are $40.

Tarence and his friends will return to the Hyatt Regency Saturday, June 27 for part two with his Cloud 9 All-White Affair. This will be an event for the truly grown and sophisticated. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their finest all white attire and mingle with the stars as they party with the likes of NBA players; LeBron James, Mo Williams, Joe Smith, Rudy Gay and many more. Doors open at 10pm, but guests must be 21 to enter. Tickets are $15 in advance online and $20 at the door. VIP reservations are also available online.

To purchase tickets to either event, visit www.TKallstars.com.

Date/Event: Friday, June 26th – Comedy’s the Cure
Venue: Hyatt Regency Downtown Grand Ballroom
Time: 8:00pm – 10pm
General: $25 VIP: $40
Red Carpet Entry

Date/Event: Saturday, June 27th – Cloud 9 All White Affair
Venue: Hyatt Regency Downtown Courtyard
Time: 10pm – 3am
General: $15 (Advance) / $20 (Door) VIP: $100
Red Carpet Entry

For more information, visit www.TKallstars.com.

More Relay for Life photos

Denis Baldwin — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:50:00 +0000

On the night of May 8th, I went to the Relay for Life for North Tampa. A much smaller event than the Bartow Relay for Life that draws in tens of thousands of people, this Relay was actually more fun. It focused on science fiction as the theme, and everyone who was there seemed to be having a really good time.

Here’s some photos of the various teams doing what they do.

1st Annual Beat Cancer with a Paddle event

Denis Baldwin — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:19:00 +0000

As a supporter of cancer causes, I got a kick out of the “Beat Cancer with a Paddle” event, held Saturday on the Hillsborough River’s Seddon Channel. This was the first event of it’s kind in Tampa, drawing hundreds of kayak and paddle craft enthusiasts to the river to raise money for cancer research. The weather was absolutely perfect. At 8AM, it was a warm 77 degrees and the open sky made for a beautiful view of the river.

Riverfront Park played host to the event, bringing out paddlers of all skill levels. Two runs were made, the first a 5 mile race from Riverfront Park to Marjorie Park and back. The second, a 2 mile family friendly paddle from Riverfront to the convention center brought even more paddlers looking to beater cancer with a paddle. All proceeds from sponsors and donations went to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Here’s some photos I took of the event.

For more information, see their site:
http://beatcancerwithapaddle.org/

My photo montage of Relay For Life

Denis Baldwin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:53:00 +0000

I went to Relay for Life this weekend, the American Cancer Society’s organized event to educate, promote awareness and accept donations for cancer research. Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity. It offers everyone in a community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. Teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Relays are an overnight event, up to 24 hours in length.

This is an event Kara’s work has been involved in during previous years at Bartow High School, so I decided to join Kara for the walk and to use this as an opportunity to take pictures.

Ashland’s Grill Team keeps the dogs and burgers going, refueling hungry relay walkers.

Nothing says “walking for life” like the booze tent.

The theme was “Western”, so there was a lot of cowboy decorations about.

Cancer Can’t Tucker Us Out donated $30,000 to research. That’s awesome.

There were games and fun for the whole family.

Lots of cool prizes to raffle off too. If there wasn’t a 1200:1 chance of winning this TV, I would have bought a $10 ticket.

The local elementary had these cool cowboy cutouts that people were posing with between laps.

Gambling for a good cause.

This chopper is another one of those “man, I wish I could win this prize” prizes. Too bad the tickets were more than I could afford.

I wish I could have gotten a photo of this without the flash and had it turn out right. All along the course there were these candle and sand filled bags that lit up the track. It was neat.

This poor kid. People kept asking him about his “Corn Hole Tournament”.

Everyone kind of moved at their own pace..

They spelled out “CURE” in those same glowing bags. Once again, I wish I could get a photo of them glowing, as this was a cool effect.

The relay was a great success. Preliminary numbers found that donations were very high, even in a bad economy. It’s good to see so many people there, sharing stories and making a difference.

Rock For Hope Concert and Shriner’s Benefit at Wild Wing Cafe

Denis Baldwin — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:33:00 +0000

Yesterday, we attended the Rock For Hope Concert and Shriner’s Benefit at the Wild Wing Cafe (9210 Anderson Rd, Tampa, FL 33634, (813) 890-9453). This benefit went to help physically challenged children, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my Sunday. Put on by Maximum Entertainment’s Rich Rubin, this show featured several musical acts, hundreds of people and a bike/chopper show, all for a good cause.

Bands started early, pouring in around noon. Outlaw country stars Hundred Proof were playing when we rolled up. This is the kind of country I like, a mix of the nasty attitude of Johnny Cash and Hank the Third with whaling guitars and rockabilly sensibility. They were followed by Adrian Ray, another country band.

Later on, Blind Rage came up to do a set of classic rock songs.

Blind Rage took a bit of a break to let Francillia of Beatnik Castle come up and o her hit, “Will U B Mine?” While this isn’t her ideal crowd, she did a great job and everyone cheered for her.

We left shortly after Blind Rage continued, but I hear Bark at the Moon, the premiere Ozzy Osbourne Tribute band continued to tear up the stage.

This really was a great benefit show, and it was awesome seeing so many people out to support the Shriners Hospitals. They do great work to save lives and improve lives for kids that wouldn’t have had a chance otherwise. It was totally worth the wicked sunburn I got to be there and support the cause.

Relay for Life this Weekend in the Bay Area

Denis Baldwin — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:17:00 +0000

A fun-filled overnight activity that mobilizes communities across the country to celebrate survivorship, remember those who lost their lives to cancer, and raise money for the fight against cancer. This is an American Cancer Society signature event.

If readers can’t make it to the Relay events, they can donate at the 3 bay area American Cancer Society locations.

Greater Tampa Unit
2006 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: (813)254-3630
Fax: (813)349-4431

Hillsborough/Polk Area
2006 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: (813)254-3630
Fax: (813)349-5953

SE Hillsborough Unit
1462 Oakfield Dr
Brandon, FL 33511
Phone: (813)685-0670
Fax: (813)689-1320

http://www.relayforlife.com/

Relay For Life of North East St. Petersburg
3/27/2009 6:00:00 PM
5101 1st Street North East – St. Petersburg

Relay For Life of Temple Terrace
3/27/2009 6:00:00 PM
6925 E Fowler Ave – Tampa

Relay For Life of Zephyrhills
3/27/2009 6:00:00 PM
6335 12th Street – Zephyrhills

World’s Largest Candlelight Vigil at Dunedin Stadium

Denis Baldwin — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:05:00 +0000

Miles for Hope, the 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Clearwater who’s mission it is to raise funds for brain tumor research will be attempting to break the record on April 10th at 6PM for World’s Largest Candlelight Vigil at Dunedin Stadium (373 Douglas Ave. Dunedin, FL 34698). This record attempt will drive awareness to the cause and will support research that could help you and your children survive one of the world’s most misunderstood diseases.

They are dedicated to raising funds to improve current treatments for brain tumors, and to assist brain tumor patients with travel expenses for their treatment.

The goal at Miles for Hope is to provide a complete source for cutting edge treatment and support for both the patient and care givers. There are many wonderful sources of information on the internet for brain tumors, and their goal is to compile these resources at one location.

http://www.milesforhope.org/

You will find a large support forum full of information, the most current clinical trial information, breaking news regarding brain tumors, and other support and awareness tools for your use in combating and fighting brain tumors.

Please support their efforts by attending the Candlelight Vigil. Help them support those who are affected by brain tumors, and fund current research leading to a cure for this disease.

Register for the Event Here:
http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1694505&assetId=09589e73-79f6-4cc8-8968-a2b0c9798e61

Looking for Girl Scout Cookies in Tampa?

Denis Baldwin — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:34:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again, and the Girl Scouts have set up a number of areas throughout Tampa Bay to serve your cookie needs. Whether you’re after Thin Mints or Samoas, Tagalongs or Do-Si-Dos, the Girl Scouts will have plenty of boxes of each.

For the most updated list, see the Little Brownie Baker’s Website:
http://cookielocator.littlebrownie.com/council_sales/find_list?radius=10&zip=33605

Greyhound Rescue of Tampa Bay

Denis Baldwin — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:18:00 +0000

Even before I moved to Tampa Bay, I had met and conversed with the organizers over at the Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions organization. You’ve most likely seen them, hanging out in parks, at fairs or in front of your favorite doggie-hut, including Petco and Pet Supermarket. They’re always set up with a table talking about their work and with a half dozen or so of their lovable, adoptable ex-race dogs. To say the least, these people do good work.

The more I talk to them, the more I feel for the plight of these dogs. While they’re bred for the burst of speed that lines the coffers of their owners, trainers and those who bet on them, these dogs live in uncomfortable conditions while they are race dogs. While not necessarily cruel, the conditions are not something you would like for your beloved pet. But remember, says a member of the greyhound rescue, these aren’t pets to those who race them, “these are athletes. how do you expect athletes to perform well when they are housed in such conditions?”

She brings up a good point, which is why I feel like their work is so important. At the end of what is consider a normal race dog’s useful life, they are often cast aside. Some are put down. Some are abandoned. The lucky few end up in the care of the Greyhound Rescue.

From here, through the help of both donations and out-of-pocket from the rescuers, the dogs are revitalized and cared for until they can be adopted out. The adoption process is strictly non-profit. All fees you pay for your slightly-used adoptee cover it’s medical bills and what little overhead goes into caring for the dog. Adoptions typically run about $250, all included.

Why would you want a greyhound? “They really do make wonderful pets”, says our greyhound rescue contact. “… and unlike what most people think, they don’t need a lot of exercise. They make good apartment or house dogs as long as you let them out and walk them a couple times a week.”

Aside from being good pets for the low maintenance, they are also good with other dogs and are very friendly, as they are used to being handled constantly by their trainers, breeders and race personnel. A few of these dogs come with minor issues, but all are sweet, well behaved and would make wonderful pets.

I encourage everyone who is looking for a great dog, or who just wants to help out a wonderful organization through a donation, to check out the Greyhouse Rescue and Adoptions of Tampa Bay.

Bay Area Greyhound Adoptions, Inc.
http://www.bayareagreyhounds.org
P.O. Box 21641
Tampa, FL 33622
(813) 272-2332

Besides, who could turn down faces like these:

Gasparilla Marathon, Sunday March 1st

If you see the bum in the straw hat at 22nd and I-4, give him a burger…

Denis Baldwin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 05:35:00 +0000

I’m usually pretty friendly to bums/the homeless. I know what it’s like to suffer and have very little, and I’m thankful for what I have. Because of this, I’ll often try to find something for them to do to earn some food or something. Other times, if I have money, I’ll give it to them. If I honestly feel like they’re going to buy food with it and not drugs/booze, I’m all for a little charity.

I pulled up to the light off the I-4/Exit 1 Ramp where it crosses over 21st and 22nd going into Ybor. A bum at the light came up to my car and said, “Hey, man, I’m really hungry. Can you spare anything?”

Luckily for him, I had a taco bell bag with a few burritos left in it from a half hour before.

Not so luckily for me, I had put my wallet in this bag and forgotten about it. I hand him the bag and drive away.

About 10 streets away, I realize what happens and I panic. OMG, I just gave a homeless man my wallet! Full of money! and credit cards! and my I.D!

I race back to the scene, going the wrong way down 22nd, hoping I don’t hit anyone. Luckily, it’s late at night and no one is around. I see the man in the straw hat and I pull into a driveway next to the lot he was sitting in. He’s waiting there, my wallet in his hand, waiting for me.

I jump out of my car to explain and he said, “Here’s your wallet. It was in the bag. We didn’t take anything from it.” I pulled it from his hand, quickly checked to verify it’s contents and his story. Sure enough, cash, cards, the whole deal left in it. “I don’t steal. I’m thankful for you feeding me.”

I pulled the $20 out that was in the wallet and handed it to him. “Listen, man, that was really honorable of you. I appreciate it. Here, you take this. Buy yourself some more food tomorrow. Get yourself some place warm. For that matter, If you ever see me or my car out here and you want lunch, you let me know. I’ll hook you up.”

To me, seeing that much honesty in someone who has nothing, and thus nothing to lose, was humbling. I shook his hand and thanked him for being a good man. My mistake could have cost me a lot of trouble, but now it’ll only cost me a cheeseburger when I see him. So, for the good hearted homeless folks out there, I thank you. If anyone else sees this man (who said he lives in a bush near that corner), I highly recommend you hook him up. He’s a very honorable man.

Free Food @ Five Guys Burger and Fries Today