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DEBARTOLO FAMILY FOUNDATION HONORS FORCE
WITH $25,000 AND THE SPIRIT OF HUMANITY AWARD
 Tampa, Fl. (April 7, 2008) – FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered is a national non-profit organization based in Tampa, Florida whose mission is to improve the lives of individuals affected by breast and ovarian cancer. The DeBartolo Family Foundation recognizes the dedication and support that FORCE provides for women who suffer from these cancer-related diseases, by honoring the organization with a $25,000 donation along with the Spirit of Humanity Award.
Located in New Tampa, FORCE was established in 1999 to address the need for peer support and resources for women affected by breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and for those concerned about cancer risk. In 2000, the 501(c) 3 organization expanded their mission to include education, awareness, and outreach specific to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. What began as a small internet entity has grown to a nationally known non-profit organization. The organization provides resources to help people determine whether they are at high risk for cancer due to genetic predisposition, family history, or other factors. FORCE is a true grass roots organization that provides life saving medical and scientific information to women who are concerned with the risk of cancer.
“The DeBartolo Family Foundation is pleased to recognize FORCE as a local organization that not only makes a significant difference in our Tampa Bay community but also on a national basis as well. The awareness that FORCE provides for women and their families, who suffer from these cancerous diseases, will save lives and we are proud to support their many initiatives.” said Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings, LLC.
“FORCE is honored to be recognized with the Spirit of Humanity Award. Founded in 1999, FORCE has dedicated our full efforts towards providing life-saving information and advocating for the hereditary cancer community.” states Debbie Sokolov, Director of Development - FORCE. “Although our accomplishments have been great, we have been limited in our scope of services by funding constraints. The awareness and funding provided by this award will allow us to continue saving lives for another year. FORCE is such a grass roots organization that the SOH award provides a substantial impact on our financial stability in order to allow us to continue our mission.”
For more information on FORCE, please call Debbie Sokolov at 727.871.0366 or visit their website at www.facingourrisk.org.
The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation created by the members of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family to benefit local communities. The Foundation annually awards scholarships to high school students, provides grants to individuals and organizations with exceptional requirements, and presents the Spirit of Humanity Award, honoring non-profit, grass roots organizations that provide extraordinary assistance to Tampa Bay residents with special needs. For more information, visit the foundation’s website at www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com or call the Foundation office at 813.964.8302.
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(Note: Attached photo: DeBartolo Family Foundation Presents Spirit of Humanity Award to FORCE. Shown: (From Left) Debbie Sokolov, Director of Development, FORCE, James Paul, Treasurer, FORCE, Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings, LLC, Sue Friedman, Executive Director, FORCE and Dr. Rebecca Sutphen, Board of Directors, FORCE).
Click Here to download a PDF of the press release.
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DEBARTOLO FAMILY FOUNDATION HONORS TRAVERSE WITH THE SPIRIT OF HUMANITY AWARD
 Tampa , Fla. (November 12, 2007) - TRAVERSE (Trauma Resolution And Victims' Essential Recovery Services) operates a therapeutic horsemanship program ("equine assisted psychotherapy") for at-risk children, specifically, children who have experienced severe trauma or personal loss. The DeBartolo Family Foundation recognizes the humanitarian initiatives of Traverse and their dedication to these special Tampa Bay area children and their families, by honoring the organization with a $10,000 donation along with the Spirit of Humanity Award.
Located in Thonotosassa, Florida, TRAVERSE encourages the at-risk children to participate in group therapy and riding instruction twice weekly, and are required to set personal, family, horse, and school goals. TRAVERSE professional staff members conduct the riding classes, group therapy sessions, and monitor each child's progress carefully. Parents also participate in weekly group sessions that ultimately improve the child's self-esteem while simultaneously eliminating personal pain and social isolation.
"The DeBartolo Family Foundation acknowledges the exceptional and inspirational therapeutic assistance that the TRAVERSE organization provides for these at-risk children. The TRAVERSE staff and child counselors truly embody the essence of what a grass-roots charitable organization stands for." said Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings, LLC. "We congratulate and commend them for their devotion to these special children and their families."
"Because we work so intensely with only six children and families every year, we receive very little recognition for our work from outside constituencies. It is, therefore, truly gratifying to be honored by such a prestigious organization as the DeBartolo Family Foundation. We get to see the kids grow and change and we get the "thank you's" from their parents but it is rewarding to be recognized by a truly prominent organization." states Joseph Callan, Clinical Director, TRAVERSE. "The $10,000 donation has been earmarked for repairing or rebuilding the stable and the arena. In fact, the arena has just been completely re-fenced thanks to the DeBartolo donation and to the United Way Hands On Tampa Volunteers from the City of Temple Terrace. Our kids and horses are now much safer. Renovations will begin on the stable and paddocks soon. All of this work will facilitate our reaccredidation as a NARHA Premier Center this year."
For more information on Traverse, please call (813.980.3488) or visit their website at www.traversekids.org..
The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation created by the members of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family to benefit local communities. The Foundation annually awards scholarships to deserving students, provides grants to individuals and organizations with exceptional requirements, and presents the Spirit of Humanity Award, honoring non-profit, grass roots organizations that provide extraordinary assistance to Tampa Bay residents with special needs. For more information, visit the foundation's website at www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com or call the Foundation office at 813.964.8302.
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(Note: Attached photo: DeBartolo Family Foundation Presents Spirit of Humanity
Award to TRAVERSE. Shown: (From Left) Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice Presiden
t, DeBartolo Holdins LLC, Joseph Callan, Clinical Director/Co-Founder, TRAVERSE
, and Glenda Henderson, Equestrian Director/Co-Founder, TRAVERSE.
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DEBARTOLO FAMILY FOUNDATION HONORS MARY LEE'S HOUSE WITH THE SPIRIT OF HUMANITY AWARD
Tampa , Fla. (August 23, 2007) - Mary Lee's House, scheduled to open in April 2008, will be a child-friendly environment where professionals from all areas of child protection and advocacy plan to work together to achieve the best protection for children. The DeBartolo Family Foundation recognizes the vision of Mary Lee's House and their dedicated devotion to these children within our community, by honoring the organization with a $10,000 donation along with the Spirit of Humanity Award (SOH).
Mary Lee's House will be located on N. Armenia Avenue in Tampa, and shall provide a safe, protective, nurturing place that will make sure that children who have been abused are not traumatized again by the systems designed to protect them. The professional staff at Mary Lee's House, intend to ensure that legal, medical and emotional needs of children who have been abused are met so that healing can begin and cycles of abuse can be broken.
"The DeBartolo Family Foundation recognizes the sincere future support and generosity that the Farrior family and Mary Lee's House will provide for these special children. This unique organization has established a blueprint for other support organizations to follow as we continue to assist the children of our community." said Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings, LLC. "These children may now rest assured that the abuse that marked their past will be forever removed through the many protection programs of Mary Lee's House."
"Receiving the Spirit of Humanity Award provides important recognition of the value of the work being done by Mary Lee's House" states Peg Reese, Executive Director, Mary Lee's House. "Obtaining this honor early in the life of the organization gives us added credibility and helps demonstrate to the rest of the community that creating a new child protection and advocacy center is an important goal. All of our partners and board members thank the DeBartolo Family Foundation for supporting Mary Lee's House, and look forward to continuing to work together to protect children."
For more information on Mary Lee's House, please call (813.253.0657) or visit their website at www.maryleeshouse.org.. Working Together to Protect Children
The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation created by the members of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family to benefit local communities. The Foundation annually awards scholarships to deserving students, provides grants to individuals and organizations with exceptional requirements, and presents the Spirit of Humanity Award, honoring non-profit, grass roots organizations that provide extraordinary assistance to Tampa Bay residents with special needs. For more information, visit the foundation's website at www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com or call the Foundation office at 813.964.8302.
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(Note: Attached photo: DeBartolo Family Foundation Presents Spirit of Humanity Award to Mary Lee's House. Shown: (From Left) Peg Reese, Executive Director, Mary Lee's House, Rex Farrior, Chairman of the Board, Mary Lee's House, Nikki DeBartolo Heldfond, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings, LLC and Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings LLC.
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DEBARTOLO FAMILY FOUNDATION HONORS THE CHILDREN'S HOME WITH THE SPIRIT OF HUMANITY AWARD
 Tampa , Fla. (December 29, 2006) - The Children's Home is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that creates an environment of opportunities for children to be successful, valued, and respected in safe nurturing families. Their vision transcends into one where all children are safe and free to pursue a happy childhood in caring and loving families. The DeBartolo Family Foundation recognizes The Children's Home for their steadfast dedication to these children and families by honoring the organization with a $10,000 donation along with the Spirit of Humanity Award (SOH).
The Children's Home, located in Tampa, Florida was founded in 1892 and is the oldest charity on Florida's west coast. Accredited by the Council of Accreditation, The Children's Home operates a variety of child-focused and family-centered programs throughout the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee and Polk counties.
"The DeBartolo Family Foundation recognizes the enduring commitment that Mr. Veneman and his organization have for these special children. The Children's Home truly exemplifies what a grass-roots charitable organization represents in our community." said Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings, LLC. "These children have now been given a solid, loving foundation in which to build their lives upon."
"Being awarded the 'Spirit of Humanity' award by the DeBartolo Family Foundation is very meaningful at several levels," states Gerald H. Veneman, President/CEO of The Children's Home. First of all, to be recognized by this stellar family foundation is an honor in and of itself. The fact that we competed with many other deserving charities and were chosen is also heartwarming. Last but not least, we never take what we do for granted, as the well-being of children is always uppermost in our minds and hearts. Having the efforts of our staff, Board, volunteers and donors validated by getting this award is testimony that we are making a difference in kids' and families' lives, our whole reason for being here the last 114 years."
For more information on The Children's Home, please call (813.855.4435) or visit their website at www.childrenshome.org.
The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation created by the members of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family to benefit local communities. The Foundation annually awards scholarships to deserving students, provides grants to individuals and organizations with exceptional requirements, and presents the Spirit of Humanity Award, honoring non-profit, grass roots organizations that provide extraordinary assistance to Tampa Bay residents with special needs. For more information, visit the foundation's website at www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com or call the Foundation office at 813.964.8302.
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(Note: Attached photo: DeBartolo Family Foundation Presents Spirit of Humanity Award to The Children's Home. Shown: (From Left) Nikki DeBartolo Heldfond, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings, LLC, Gerard H. Veneman, President/CEO, The Children's Home, Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings LLC., Merideth Newman, 2nd Vice Chair, Board of Directors, The Children's Home and David Mastrorio, Chair, Board of Directors, The Children's Home.
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DeBartolo Family Foundation Honors Quantum Leap Farm With The Spirit Of Humanity Award
 Tampa , Fla. (Aug 30, 2006) - Quantum Leap Farm (QLF), Inc. is a non-profit community service organization providing therapeutic and recreational equestrian activities for adults with mental and physical disabilities. The DeBartolo Family Foundation recognizes Quantum Leap Farm for their tireless dedication to these disabled individuals by honoring the organization with a $10,000 donation along with the Spirit of Humanity Award (SOH).
Quantum Leap Farm, Inc., located in Odessa, Florida was founded in 2000. The organization's mission is to enrich and enhance the lives of handicapped adults by engaging them in a variety of equestrian activities designed to promote and improve physical, mental, and social well being. QLF was founded also to perform research documenting the many benefits of therapeutic horseback riding.
"We are proud to receive the Spirit of Humanity Award," said Edie Ebbert Dopking, PhD, President and Founder of Quantum Leap Farm. "This award in addition to the monetary donation is very meaningful to each of us. The award recognition will bring joy and put smiles on the faces of the people that participate in our program - because of the support from an organization such as The DeBartolo Family Foundation"
"Our future plans include the expansion of services to incorporate development of a vocational training program for participants who want to work in the equine industry and a summer camp program for handicapped adults," Dr. Dopking said. "The financial assistance given to us by the DeBartolo Family Foundation will also be dedicated in part to a covered riding area and observation deck for our riders."
"We are delighted to recognize such a special organization within our Tampa Bay community. The Quantum Leap equestrian riding and research programs further the physical and mental well being of the special people it serves." said Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President of DeBartolo Holdings, LLC. "The physically challenged adults that participate in the Quantum Leap Farm programs are extraordinary people, and we commend them for their strength and desire to gain greater independence within their lives."
For more information on Quantum Leap Farm, please call (813.920.9250) or visit the website at www.quantumleapfarm.org.
The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation created by the members of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family to benefit local communities. The Foundation annually awards scholarships to deserving students, provides grants to individuals and organizations with exceptional requirements, and presents the Spirit of Humanity Award, honoring non-profit, grass roots organizations that provide extraordinary assistance to Tampa Bay residents with special needs. For more information, visit the foundation's website at www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com or call the Foundation office at 813.964.8302.
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(Note: Attached photo: DeBartolo Family Foundation Presents Spirit of Humanity Award to Quantum Leap Farm. Shown: (Left) Dr. Edie Dopking President and Founder of Quantum Leap Farm, (Center) one of the several therapy horses at QLF and (Right) Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings LLC.
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Sydney’s School for Autism, located on the grounds of Great Beginning’s Preschool provides services to autistic children and those with similar disorders. It is the first school of its kind in Hillsborough County. The DeBartolo Family Foundation recognizes Sydney’s School for their steadfast devotion and dedication to these special children by honoring the organization with a $10,000 donation along with the Spirit of Humanity Award (SOH).
Located in south Tampa, Sydney’s School develops an individualized program for each child based upon the principals of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is a structured teaching program which relies on behavior methods. During all ABA sessions the Sydney’s School therapist/student ration is 1:1. This enables the children to receive dedicated assistance and required educational training and instruction.
“It is very gratifying to be recognized for the hard work and dedication we have for our children,” said Kathy Swenson, Founder/Director of Sydney’s School of Autism. “As a parent of an autistic child I will forever be committed to the continuing education and training of our children and best prepare them with practical social skills”
“Our future plans for Sydney’s School call for moving to a larger facility that will enhance the education of our children,” Swenson said. “The financial assistance given to us by the DeBartolo Family Foundation will be dedicated to a new Occupational Therapy Room (OTR). The OTR will afford the children of Sydney’s School the equipment to assist them with much needed sensory-based therapy exercises through one-on-one personal instructors.” Swenson concludes, “The in-house OTR will provide the children and parents one location where they will receive their educational therapy…without leaving the facility.”
“The DeBartolo Family Foundation is pleased to honor Sydney’s School for Autism with our Spirit of Humanity Award,” said Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President of the DeBartolo Holdings, LLC. “Kathy Swenson and her staff of dedicated professionals totally exemplify the spirit of the award.” “When our family chooses an SOH recipient we look for grass roots organizations that truly represent our foundations ideals. Sydney’s School, without a doubt represents those ideals.”
For more information on Sydney’s School for Autism, please call (813.495.5670) or visit the website at www.sydneysschoolhouse.com.
DeBartolo Family Foundation Presents Spirit of Humanity Award to Sydney’s School for Autism. Shown from back left: Kathy Swenson, Founder/Director of Sydney’s School for Autism and Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings LLC. Seated below are members of the Sydney’s School professional staff and some of the children of Sydney’s School for Autism. |
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The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to the care of the aging and displaced non-human primates and other animals, zoological education and community outreach programs. The Sanctuary has become a haven for primates to live their lives with peace and dignity. The DeBartolo Family Foundation recognizes The Primate Sanctuary for their unwavering commitment and dedication to these special programs by honoring the organization with a $10,000 donation along with the Spirit of Humanity Award.
 Based in Palm Harbor , Florida the Primate Sanctuary participates in many collaborations with educational organizations that support the well being of all animals and the environment and helping students pursue a career in zoological education. The Sanctuary also has a deep commitment to working with both young individuals and seniors, in at-risk and community service programs. The Sanctuary provides a natural setting for both the animals that reside there and the people that dedicate their time to the care and enrichment of their lives.
"One person can make a difference in an animal, child or senior's life," said Debbie Cobb, Director of Outreach Programs at the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary. "You just have to do it."
"We are humbly grateful for this recognition and award," Cobb said. "The DeBartolo's impact on the community has changed so many lives. On behalf of all the animals, children and seniors who have found a home at the sanctuary, they would like to thank the family from the bottom of their hearts. Our lives have been changed by their generosity."
 "The DeBartolo Family Foundation is pleased to honor The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary for its dedication to helping these very special animals," said Lisa DeBartolo , Executive Director of the DeBartolo Family Foundation. "The Sanctuary's strong commitment to assisting the troubled children and seniors of our area also speaks volumes toward the relentless dedication of the staff and volunteers."
For more information on The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, please call (727.943.5897) or visit the website www.suncoastprimates.org .
The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a non-profit corporation created by the members of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family to benefit local communities. The Foundation annually awards scholarships to deserving students, provides grants to individuals and organizations with special needs, and presents the Spirit of Humanity Award, honoring non-profit corporations that provide extraordinary assistance to Tampa Bay residents. For more information, visit the Foundation's website at www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com or call the Foundation office at 813.964.8302.
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Since 1927, Brookwood Florida has provided troubled adolescent girls with an alternative living environment throughout the state of Florida . Residents, ages 11 to 21, who come to Brookwood are victims of abuse, neglect, violence, family dysfunction, or homelessness. The DeBartolo Family Foundation recognizes Brookwood Florida for their commitment to building a circle of independent young women by honoring the organization with a $10,000 donation along with its Spirit of Humanity award.
Based in St. Petersburg , Brookwood Florida is a licensed therapeutic program encompassing education, employability skills, independent living training and mental health counseling. Brookwood's treatment philosophy is a combination of cognitive, behavioral and reality therapies. The program goals is to assist troubled young women and to help them develop skills, self-concepts and a maturity level sufficient to successfully return home or move on into independent living.
"We are truly honored to accept the Spirit of Humanity award," said Dr. Pamela J. Mesmer, executive director of Brookwood Florida . "The recognition and support received from the DeBartolo family speaks volumes to smaller organizations like us and the memory of their kindness will remain far beyond this moment."
Brookwood Florida is a licensed therapeutic group home for 52 adolescent girls in the St. Petersburg facility (Central), and 14 girls in the Coral Springs facility (East). They are placed by Department of Children & Families after removal from abusive and/or neglectful home settings, or are placed privately by parents experiencing stressful parent-child relationships. Brookwood Florida also provides care for a small population of young women rescued from homelessness. Program goals focus on independent living preparation, i.e. education, employability skills, money management, and personal problem solving. Staff-client ratios are 1:6 with staff working in teams providing 24-hour coverage. Individual psychotherapy and group therapy are provided by licensed therapists. A psychiatrist is on campus one to two days per week to administer psychiatric evaluations, prescribe and monitor medication, and assist in treatment plan development.
"The DeBartolo Family Foundation is pleased to honor Brookwood Florida for its dedication to helping young women rebuild their lives," said Lisa DeBartolo , Executive Director of the DeBartolo Family Foundation. "Brookwood's therapeutic program provides young adults the skills and confidence to embark on a new life, an independent life." The goal of this program is to assist troubled teenage girls develop skills, self-concepts and a maturity level sufficient enough to successfully return home or move into independent living. This is exemplified by program alumna living and functioning independently in the community and establishing healthy families of their own. For more information on Brookwood Florida , please call (727) 822-4789.
 The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a non-profit corporation created by the members of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family to benefit local communities. The Foundation annually awards scholarships to deserving students, provides grants to individuals and organizations with special needs, and presents the Spirit of Humanity Award, honoring non-profit corporations that provide extraordinary assistance to Tampa Bay residents. For more information call the Foundation office at 813.964.8302. |
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