Tampa Tribune | December 16, 2009

Women's club gives money to charities

TAMPA PALMS - The Tampa Palms Women's Club recently distributed $4,000 to local charities and to the University of South Florida scholarship fund.

The checks were presented at the club's annual holiday luncheon at Compton Park on Dec. 2.

Recipients were Rich House in Sulpher Springs; God's Pedal Power Ministry; Hillsborough House of Hope; Wheels of Success; Kids & Canines and OASIS (Outreach Assisting Students in Schools).

Club president Meg Collins said members recommend charities, and the board votes on them.

"We pretty much go with grassroots organizations. We get involved with them, too, providing volunteers and going to their events," Collins said.

Representatives from the organizations gave updates on their groups and thanked the members for their donations.

"We are struggling. The funding is down, and the need is up," said Susan Jacobs of Wheels of Success.

She said the organization, which provides cars, repairs and insurance to working families, plans to award 26 cars this month.

Collins said the scholarship money will be given to the USF Foundation "where it will be matched dollar for dollar from the state."

Money presented to Haley House