Unity Ride check presented to PCPD
Plant City Police Department received a $4,100 check Tuesday afternoon to help its officers be able to participate in the upcoming Police Unity Tour.
The money came from a Jan. 25 fundraiser hosted by the Wooden Spoon Diner. The Wooden Spoon served up barbecue chicken and rib lunches from a “drive-thru” station set up at the diner from 12 to 3 p.m. that day and worked closely with the Elks Lodge and Universal Tire and Auto Repair to make it all work.
“However we can help the community, we will,” Wooden Spoon owner Manny Roussos said. “Whether it’s police officers, veterans or anything, we’re here to help and to be a part of the community.”
Chief Ed Duncan said he and the police department were grateful for the help and that Wooden Spoon’s willingness to jump right in during its first year in Plant City was greatly appreciated.
“The Wooden Spoon was very supportive of this effort,” Duncan said. “Without the support of the community and our local business partners, (officers) would have to put that money out themselves. Being able to seek out the community’s support, it’s very helpful for everybody. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
The 2020 Police Unity Tour begins in Portsmouth, Virginia and ends 250 miles away at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. The annual event raises awareness about officers who have died in the line of duty and raises money for the memorial. This year’s ride starts on May 8.
Nonprofits invited to compete for grant funding
Social Venture Partners Tampa Bay and the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay are giving Tampa Bay-area nonprofits the chance to win unrestricted grant funding.
The third annual Fast Pitch is a unique take on a grant application. The SVP calls it “Shark Tank, but for nonprofits” in a nod to the TV show featuring Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Barbara Corcoran and more well-known entrepreneurs. Like in the show, nonprofits will get three minutes to make a “pitch” — sharing their stories — to a panel of judges that will then get four minutes of Q&A time with the nonprofits. It will be held on Feb. 20 at the Tampa Theater.
The event will feature a performance by Alex Harris, is open to the public and all ages are welcome to attend. For tickets and more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/2020-fast-pitch-tickets-78000582843?discount=2020.