Dear Friend and Supporter,

For over 50 years, the Kiwanis Club of Tampa has sponsored one of our most beloved fundraisers – the “Chicken Barbecue” for the benefit of many charitable organizations in our area. Last year we took a new direction by partnering with Metropolitan Ministries for greater community outreach. This collaboration brought our event to the next level where we were able to make an even greater impact on meeting the needs of our community. The 2020 Chicken Barbecue will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2020, between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.  We need your support to continue this very worthwhile tradition, and offer you two invitations to consider, either by becoming a BBQ Sponsor/Donor or by purchasing BBQ dinners. All proceeds and direct donations go directly to the Tampa Kiwanis Foundation.

As a BBQ Sponsor/Donor:

You or your company can contribute directly to the Tampa Kiwanis Foundation (a 501c3) to increase the reach of the BBQ dollars we earn. This year, you can also commit your sponsorship online at https://tampakiwanis.org/bbq-sponsor/. For checks, please note “BBQ Sponsor/Donor.” Last year, we distributed more than 10,000 meals in Tampa and the surrounding areas. A $100 donation will get you listed on the sponsor flyer included with each meal.

As a BBQ Customer/Meal Donor:

Each barbecue meal ticket is $12.00. With each ticket, you will receive a meal including one-half chicken with bbq sauce on the side, potato chips, cookie, and bread.  Many businesses purchase BBQ meals for their employees.  We offer free delivery for 20 or more meals. You can also donate your meals, and working alongside Metropolitan Ministries, you can be assured that your meal will feed a person in need. If delivery is not desired, details on when and where to pick up your BBQ chicken dinners are on the meal ticket. This year, you can order or donate your meals directly online at https://tampakiwanis.org/bbq/. For checks, please note “BBQ Dinners.”

Where does the money go?

Each year, the Tampa Kiwanis Foundation gives more than $120,000 back to our local community in grants to local charities, we build ramps for the disabled, reading rooms for children, support senior centers of Hillsborough County, local service leadership programs at USF, nine local high schools, seven elementary schools, among other great organizations. The Kiwanis Club of Tampa hosts an annual Children’s Christmas Party for approximately 150 of Hillsborough County’s most vulnerable children. In addition, we sponsor two “back to school” immunization events serving more than 500 children, and award several college scholarships to local students.

As this has been a very challenging year for many that continue to struggle through the COVID-19 Pandemic, now is a pivotal moment for us to do everything we can to help those in desperate need. The partnership between the Tampa Kiwanis Foundation and Metropolitan Ministries will make a positive and direct impact right here in our local community.

It is people like you that make it happen and I hope you will join us this year.

Thank you for your kindness and support,

Eric Statzer – Tampa Kiwanis Vice-President, 2020 BBQ Chair

ABOUT THE KIWANIS CLUB OF TAMPA AND THE KIWANIS FOUNDATION

The Kiwanis Club of Tampa, often referred to as the Downtown Club, was organized in 1919 as the first Kiwanis Club in Florida. Membership is comprised primarily of business, political and professional leaders in the area and we pride ourselves on our “hands-on” philosophy of civic involvement.

Throughout our history, the Kiwanis Club of Tampa has maintained an outstanding record of supporting and encouraging a variety of social programs for the betterment of the community. In keeping with the Kiwanis International Theme “Young Children Priority One” the Downtown club has shown special support to the children and young adults of our community.

We sponsor and work with youth at the Junior High, High School and College levels, including
• 10 area Key Clubs at High Schools
• University of Tampa Circle K Program
• University of South Florida Circle K Program
• K-Kids (Pre School)

A Children’s Christmas Party is sponsored each year by the Kiwanis Club, treating the area’s most needy children to a special visit with Santa and piles of gifts. One of our members initiated a public health program that is nationally recognized, providing free immunizations within the community in conjunction with the Hillsborough County Immunization Task Force.

In addition to our work with children, we have monthly projects for the construction of ramps for the handicapped of all ages. Birthday Parties, Thanksgiving dinners, Easter and Christmas bags are a few of the services we provide for local elderly and nursing home patients. As a result of all of our efforts, we were named Civic Organization of the Year for 2000 in Hillsborough County.

All proceeds of our annual October BBQ and the Incredible Duck Race sales go directly to our service programs and our April Golf Tournament proceeds are designated strictly for scholarships. Without the commitment and dedication of our members, their families and friends, and our sponsored youth groups, we would not be able to provide all these successful programs in our community.

Membership Information
Thank you for supporting our efforts. For membership information, join us for a lunch meeting any Wednesday noon at the Tampa Club in downtown Tampa or visit TampaKiwanis.com.