Greater Brandon Community Foundation

The Greater Brandon Community Foundation on Nov. 17 hosted its annual "An Evening of Hope, Angels Among Us" dinner at the Palmetto Club in Lithia. For a Gallery of Related Photos, visit: http://www.mypapernow.smugmug.com/.

FOUNDATION ANGELS
Bernie Dunn, A Caring Touch Massage
R.J. Fernandez, La Septima
Chuck Wiggins, Sharp Image Lawn Care
Betsy Dunn, Almost Home Pet Resort
Mary Boor, Whidden Florist
Rob and Sharon Silver, Dynamic Printing
Chuck and Terri Long, Ice Pro Mechanical
Nola Barrett
John Sullivan/Andy Dennis, Cheddars Casual Cafe
Mike Boyd, Ringpower Equipment
Bob Anderson, pastor, Bell Shoals Baptist
Calvin and Caroline Roe, CR Photo-Entertainment
Jennifer Hildebrand, Signature Elegance
Melissa Poage, The Tampa Tribune
Jason and Veronica Young, WQYK, Stover & Young
Scott and Michelle Whitt
D'Ann White, Brandon News & Tribune
Harry D. Vildebill, Brandon Veterinary Hospital
Christine Valdes
Chris and Shawn Trotti, Autoway Nissan of Brandon
Ilene Stubbs, Baylife Church
Kevin Stover, KLS Contracting
Bell Shoals Baptist Church
Lisa Ryan
Steve Roberto, Harc Special Events
Ed and Bonnie Pichette, Remax South Shore Realty
Marie Gilmore, Ospery Observer
Bill and Grita Perry
Tammy O'Neal, TKO
Scott Molner, Sharpe Mortgage
Christine Miller, Arbonne International
Ronald and Jessica Messer, RM Signs
Alan Salvo, ProScope
Tony and Kim Armellino, You're in Luck Concierge
Debbie Boyd, First American Title
Robbie Balton
Richard and Lisa Griner, Gel-EE-Beans Kids Salon
Cindy Hawkins
Pat McKinney
Dean and Melanie Graves
Cara and Brad Lanigan
Hal and C. Jeffery, Rising Star Creations
Cheryl Johnson, You're in Luck Concierge
Larry Johnson, The Nerds Group
Barbara Kelly
Melonie Hall
Lisa Hartley
Cass McColeman, Regions Bank
Leo Melton, Transcontinental Lending Group
Daniel and Lorrie McBride, New Covenant & Restoration
Natalie Brock, Bay Surety Title
Jeff and Liz Brewer, Patriot Arms
Betty Stack
Rose Batchelor
Cathy Jimenez, Star Distribution
Elyse Reinemund
Michelle, Westshore Pizza
Wendy Pettys, The Pottery Patch
Bernie Escobar and Bob Hensley, Famous Tate
Kitchen Creations
Brown Comfort Systems
Westfield Mall
Family Care Chiropractic
Pam McAuley
H&H Unlimited, Inc.
Doug Hermansen, Douglas Construction
Steve Kistler

Veterans Day At The Golden Corral

For A Gallery of Related Photos, visit: www.mypapernow.smugmug.com

The Golden Corral in Brandon on Veterans Day joined the nationwide chain in hosting veterans and their families for a holiday meal. James Young, owner and former honorary mayor of Brandon, had expected this year to be "an off year." It was anything but, as thousands of people were fed throughout the day, and most noticeably from 4 p.m. throughout the early evening. Awards were given and speeches delivered much along the lines of what you would come to expect from a nation at war. Remember the sacrifice, welcome home the veteran, and take to heart the plight of the wounded, and especially those with severe and multiple traumatic injuries. Young and his lifelong friend and business partner James "Jim" Nuzzo said they were heartened by this year's reponse, but humbled by the many expressions of gratitude. "It's not necessary, we need to thank you," Nuzzo told the veterans. Young said politics had no place at the Golden Corral's seventh annual buffet of thanks. "It doesn't matter to me if you're for the war or against the war," Young said. "Let's just get the job done and get them home." Reuben Perez, representing the Disabled American Veterans (Chapter 83), said tending to the wounded veteran should not fall by the wayside of "a political game of chess." As he put it: "A lost arm in 1943, a lost arm today. That arm will never grow back." And State Rep. Rich Glorioso, R-62, an Air Force veteran, made a plug for Sew Much Comfort, a group that takes out the seams of clothing and inserts Velcro to help the wounded vet retain a sense of dignity with clothes they can easily put on and take off.

For information, call Glorios's office at 757-9110.