September 1, 2022
A Note from CEO Kim Jowell

I am excited about our upcoming EmpowerED luncheon on September 14th. We are looking forward to sharing how the power of collective commitment has accelerated academic success and helped students in ways that will last a lifetime. I hope you can join us for this impactful event. If you haven’t registered already, you can sign up here by September 7th.
 
With the 2022-23 school year now underway, it’s been great to see teachers filling our Teaching Tools Resource Center. In the first five weeks that the store has been open, we’ve served nearly 900 teachers. Our shelves are stocked, thanks to growing support from our incredible partners who have been hosting drives this summer. Collections continue throughout September and we can’t wait to share the final donation total with you. 
 
This school year, in addition to our existing programs, we are looking forward to the launch of new initiatives to support our youngest students in literacy and prepare high schoolers for the next steps after graduation with a college and career center. Our Board and HEF staff remain committed to providing the additional support and resources our teachers and students need for academic success.
HEF in the News: TV Stations Drive Supply Donations
It has been a successful start to our supply drive season! Local television stations have been helping to rally support from viewers who have generously donated money and much-needed school supplies for Hillsborough County students and teachers.
If you shopped at Publix this summer and gave a little extra at the checkoutthank you! Publix and Fox 13 joined forces for the annual "Tools for Back to School" register campaign.

Thanks to all the support from Publix customers, HEF received $100,245.90 to go directly toward purchasing school supplies for classrooms and families in need!
For the first time this year, HEF teamed up with Pinellas Education Foundation for the Tampa Bay School Supply Drive.

As part of the effort, 10 Tampa Bay and Target hosted drives at store locations in Riverview and St. Pete to collect school supplies for students in need on both sides of the Bay.

WFLA and the Tampa Bay Rays also stepped up to the plate and hit a home run at supply drives they hosted at News Channel 8 and Tropicana Field. Viewers and fans packed three school buses with supplies!
We are grateful for the 155 companies and community partners who have already volunteered to host supply drives!
Join Us for This Year's CEOs in Schools
Registration Opens September 7th
HEF Welcomes New Board Members
Hillsborough Education Foundation is proud to share that five new community and business leaders have joined our Board of Directors.
Jackie Gilbert
Suncoast Credit Union
Senior VP/Chief Risk Officer
Dr. Anne Lenz
Pediatric Endocrine Associates
Pediatric Endocrinologist
Chon T. Nguyen
Newgentek Founder
Tech/Hospitality Entrepreneur
R. Anthony Rolle, PhD
University of South Florida
College of Education Dean & Professor
Mandy Weitknecht
Skanska
Vice President of Business Development
We also had some members transition off the board this year, who we would like to thank for their time and commitment to education:
  • Sue House, Community Activist
  • Kevin Johnson, Suncoast Credit Union CEO
  • Dave Pickles, TECO Vice President
  • Royce Reed, PNC Wealth Management Senior Vice President, Retired
Visit our website for a complete list of all our amazing volunteer Board of Directors.
Our work doesn't happen without the generosity of our donors. That's why we dedicate a section in our monthly newsletter to showcase the individuals and companies making our mission possible. This month, we are featuring Strategic Property Partners (SPP)!
For nearly a decade, commercial real estate development firm SPP has been investing in education, students and teachers through its contributions to HEF's programs and events.

“SPP is dedicated to supporting and celebrating our community, and we are honored to do our part to serve Tampa," said Sonya Little, EVP Chief Administrative Officer.
SPP's current project, Water Street Tampa, has a vibrant vision for the future of downtown as an urban neighborhood. The firm aligns with one of our core beliefs that education is key to building tomorrow's workforce and a prosperous community for us all.
"We continue to support HEF because of their commitment to educate, empower and strengthen our public schools, which helps create a bright future for our incredible community.”
Over the years, SPP has hosted a supply drive to collect essential tools for students to ensure they can reach their highest potential, helped deliver supplies directly to classrooms, donated $10,000 to HEF's relief fund after a devastating fire at what is now Tampa Heights Elementary and is a recurring sponsor of our annual EmpowerED fundraising luncheon.
We are proud to shine a spotlight on Strategic Property Partners and appreciate the firm's support to help change the lives of the students and teachers we serve!