By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
The South Shore Legacy Fund is bringing people together — longtime residents, new families, young adults and retirees — to help strengthen the heart of South Shore. Backed by energetic founders and a growing base of volunteers, the new not-for-profit organization is pushing forward projects that make neighborhoods look better, feel safer and grow economically. Whether it involves cleaning up streets, supporting small businesses, or improving parks and other public spaces, the Fund gives residents a direct way to make a visible difference.
The new South Shore Legacy Fund core team gathers for a photo after meeting Aug. 11 in Sun City Center. From left are Rose Alexander, Kody Calitri, Leigh Ann Gaudette and Christie Frankenstein. Missing is Angel Nolasco.
Apollo Beach resident Angel Nolasco and Keller Williams South Shore agents Christie Frankenstein of Ruskin and Kody Calitri of Apollo Beach founded the group in late May and were joined by their colleagues, Rose Alexander of Apollo Beach and Leigh Ann Gaudette of Sun City Center, to form the Legacy Fund’s core team. Its Federal 501(c)(3) application is pending, and once approved, current donations will become tax-deductible retroactively.
“Our mission is simple: to invest in the future of our community,” Frankenstein said. “Through partnerships, donations, volunteer efforts and community involvement, we aim to support beautification projects, community cleanups, recreational and public space improvements, youth initiatives, environmental stewardship and other projects that enhance the quality of life throughout South Shore.
“We believe that small improvements can create a lasting impact,” she said. “By bringing together residents, businesses and community leaders, we hope to leave
a legacy that future generations can be proud of.”
You’re invited to the group’s next community cleanup on Saturday, Aug. 29, from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will gather next to the Dollar General store at 610
Apollo Beach Blvd., Apollo Beach. Trash grabbers, gloves, safety vests, buckets, trash bags, water, coffee and sunscreen will be provided by Keeping Tampa Bay Beautiful. A free, light breakfast and lunch party at Apollo Pizza are included.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring along your friends and neighbors!
A number of South Shore businesses are making the cleanup possible: Finn’s Dockside Bar & Grill and Apollo Pizza, Knights Air, Kimi’s Ice Cream, Hillsborough Title and Paramount Title companies. The Vineyards, Apollo Diner, Apollo’s Bistro, Sunset Grill, San Remo’s Pizza, Ruskin Fresh Produce and others have donated gift cards for three raffle baskets. Tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/243wtxw2/.
Moving forward
The South Shore Legacy Fund sustains its projects through community donations, local sponsorships and creative fundraising initiatives. These include gifted estate sales managed by Legacy Fund team members, where 100% of the proceeds are donated to fund local projects benefiting the community; showcase raffles, featuring prize drawings like the South Shore Showcase Raffle on Zeffy; and Legacy Partners — individuals and corporate donors who contribute to the Fund’s active fundraising goals through a secure Zeffy Donation Portal at www.southshorelegacyfund.org/.
The Fund itself started with an estate donation from one of Frankenstein’s clients, and there have been two more since. Depending on what they are, leftovers go to area nonprofits like Nearly New, Mary & Martha House; Angel Attic Food Pantry; Sun City Center Emergency Squad; and C.A.R.E.
“Everything is repurposed, so it doesn’t end up in a landfill or by the side of a road,” Calitri said.
To make a donation of any amount to the South Shore Legacy Fund, visit https://tinyurl.com/3b8d8r6d/. All donations benefit the organization directly; there are no handling fees involved.
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