February 21, 2019 marked my fourth Cup of Compassion breakfast as CEO for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Every year, I experience a wide range of emotions, but this year, the overwhelming feeling I had was one of gratitude. We had a crowd of over 400 people get up at the crack of dawn to support the Crisis Center. That alone would deserve my gratitude! But there was so much more that happened during our one-hour breakfast that touched my heart.
This year, we changed some things. For example, we held the Cup at Armature Works. The facility was fantastic and created a warm and inviting atmosphere. And, let’s face it, the parking was SO much better!!! Rod Carter from News Channel 8 acted as our Master of Ceremonies. Rod honored our long time MC, Brendan McLaughlin, noting he had some big shoes to fill. Rod did a beautiful job, and we thank him so much for his generous time.
Some things didn’t change! We had such an impactful video and speakers, and I am so grateful to Nikita Wilson and Denny Gallagher. Both of them spoke from the heart as they described how the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay impacted their lives. We had two amazing donors - Brian Prince and Bob Gries – who provided challenge grants that energized the room. And of course, we had incredible table captains who invited friends and business associates to attend and learn more about our organization.
This event takes a team to make it happen, and I am so thankful to Jennifer Moore and her incredible staff: Ken Gibson, Emily Weir and Katie Rockman. We also had amazing support from dozens of Crisis Center employees who donated their time before, during and after the event to make it so spectacular!
And finally, as I look back on the breakfast, I am most grateful for the tremendous support we received from our other amazing team. I’m referring to government officials who work together to allocate funding for the Crisis Center. I’m talking about representatives from numerous private agencies and foundations who are committed to our organization. And I’m referring to our donors who are members of the sustainer society and other giving circles who provide the $1.7 million in donations necessary to maintain the Crisis Center’s vital services through the year.
This is why I felt so much gratitude during the 16
th
Annual Cup of Compassion Breakfast because the room was filled with people who wanted to ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone.
