Clearwater's Fort Harrison Hosts Historic Lunch for Non-Profits

Tampa Bay's Charity Coalition saw attendance from 91 guests, representing 45 different charities at their bi-monthly luncheon. End Quote

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL (1888PressRelease) March 29, 2015 - 91 guests, representing 45 charitable organizations, enjoyed the fifth Charity Coalition luncheon in Clearwater at the historic Fort Harrison, owned by the Church of Scientology. The highlights included a short talk from Diana Lugo of Religious Community Services (RCS) and a group discussion led by Dr. Avery Slyker of the University of South Florida.

Nonprofits represented included Boy Scouts of America, Leadership Pinellas, Hispanic Outreach Center, Outdoor Arts Foundation, Community Learning Center, Police Athletic League and Homeless Emergency Project.

Lisa Mansell, Community Affairs Director of the Church of Scientology, welcomed attendees and recapped the luncheon's goal from its formation by the Church in September of last year. She said, "The Charity Coalition Luncheons began with the purpose to unite non-profit organizations and create collaboration."

To that end, she showed three Public Service Announcements inspired by L. Ron Hubbard's "The Way to Happiness" including 'Flourish and Prosper.'

Ms. Diana Lugo, Director of RCS shelter, Grace House, and guest speaker for the event, highlighted her emergency shelter and how they provide help and hope for the needy, abused and homeless. Attendees donated to the shelter in the form of dish and laundry detergent, totaling 54 bottles.

Dr. Avery Slyker's 40-minute educational program engaged all attendees in a collaborative table discussion. Each table had a preselected topic that attendees discussed for 8 minutes before shifting on to another table. Topics included: "Best Practices"; "Funding"; "Joint Programming"; "Mergers and Alliances" and "Shared Services".

The program concluded at 1pm and attendees stayed an additional hour to network. One attendee commented, "I loved being able to share ideas with other groups that are also interested in improving conditions. The program by Dr. Slyker was a great conversation starter! Lots of great viewpoints and ideas".

The next Charity Coalition luncheon will take place on May 27th.

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