Tampa Bay’s Child expresses its sincere appreciation to the many individuals and families who have already signed up to sponsor one or more children in our community - and to those who are signing up to do so each month.  Without the early and continuing support of its committed sponsors, Tampa Bay's Child would not be possible. We would also like to acknowledge and thank the businesses in our community, listed below, that are stepping up to provide sponsorships or commercial support in this young but growing effort. Together, these individuals and businesses are making a difference in the lives of our local children most in need.

Wagner McLaughlin

Wagner McLaughlin, is a law firm with a reputation for excellence and a renowned commitment to clients and the broader community. Founded in 1967, its practice is focused on plaintiff's personal injury and wrongful death claims in state and federal courts. The firm has earned the highest rating available from the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory and provides a full scope of services, including investigation, mediation, arbitration, settlement, trial, negotiation and appeal. You can find more information about this charter sponsor at www.Wagnerlaw.com.

Bruce M. Scarola, D.M.D., M.S.D., P.A., A Practice Limited to Orthodontics

This outstanding orthodontist, one of the area’s finest, has offices in both Brandon and Tampa. For more information, contact Dr. Scarola at 213A Kingsway Road North, Brandon, Florida 33510, or call (813)654-6310.


Sears Optical at Tampa's Westshore Mall has graciously offered to perform eye exams and provide needed eyeglasses for children sponsored through Tampa Bay's Child, at no cost to the program or the children's families.  Tampa Bay's Child wants to thank, in particular, Marilyn H. Jones, Optical Manager, and Dr. Lori Werthmiller, Doctor of Optometry, for their commitment to Hillsborough's children in need.  Sears Optical is located on the second floor of Sears at 347 Westshore Plaza, Tampa 33609. For more information, call (813) 288-6068.

The kind folks at south Tampa’s Burlington Coat Factory Warehouse provided great help in outfitting our sponsored children with new backpacks and other needed back-to-school items during July and August of 2006.  We want to thank, in particular, store manager Stacey Duchnowski for her interest and ready assistance.  Burlington is located in the Britton Plaza mall at 3950 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa 33611.


We would like to thank Sharon A. Micek and Sam’s Books for providing helpful assistance and discounts on the purchases of books for our sponsored children. Sam’s Books is located in the Antique Village at Oldsmar Flea Market, 180 Racetrack Road, and is open Fridays through Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.


Tampa Bay’s Child extends its deepest appreciation to the professionals and staff at Lenscrafters in Brandon’s Regency Square who, through the “Give the Gift of Sight” program, gave generously of their efforts and personal time to serve the vision needs of our families and children. We thank, in particular, Dr. Philip K. Winkler, optometric physician; John Thrasher, licensed optician; Leigh Burdine, optometric manager; and Martha Aquino, technical assistant, as well as office manager Amy Lou Arcand and her family (Neal, Grant, Jon, Emily, and Jeremiah), who performed invaluable pre-office screening of our children. Lenscrafters is located at 2416 W. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511.

We would like to thank the Waldenbooks located in Westshore Mall – and, in particular, Tracy and Carolyn – for the store’s generous discounts and assistance for the benefit of our sponsored children.