Bright House Networks Business Solutions signs on as premier sponsor
Tampa, Fla. (July 24, 2013) – TechStart Tampa Bay, the philanthropic arm of Tampa Bay Technology Forum that aims to create a better future for at-risk youth of Tampa Bay by providing inspiration, education and opportunities in technology fields, hosts its 12th Annual Tech Jam to raise money to fund scholarships for students pursuing degrees in STEM careers. This year’s Tech Jam, sponsored by Bright House Networks Business Solutions, takes place August 22 at The Ritz Ybor, and will feature a Speakeasy Soiree with entertainment by Late Night Brass, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, an incredible silent auction, a VIP casino, a prize for best-dressed 20s apparel, and much more.
“Every year hundreds from the tech community gather for our ‘summer party with a purpose’ to help raise funds for TechStart’s educational programs,” said Chuck Papageorgiou, TechStart’s chairman. “Over the past 13 years, we have awarded more than 50 scholarships to youth pursuing degrees in STEM. Tech Jam has played a huge part in making those scholarships possible, so we encourage our tech community to gather again this year for a great time, but also for a great cause.”
The Tech Jam committee is currently in need of sponsorships, volunteers and silent auction items. Sought after donations include vacation packages, hotel stays, restaurant and retail gift cards, sporting and entertainment tickets, spa packages, the latest gadgets and electronics and much more. To donate an item, fill out the silent auction form at http://www.tbtf.org/?TJAuctionForm. Companies or individuals interested in sponsorship or volunteer opportunities can contact Melodie Hillier at mhillier@tbtf.org.
In addition to Bright House Networks Business Solutions as the premier sponsor, Brightline has signed on platinum sponsor and will host the VIP teaser party being held on August 14 at Mandarin Hide. Other sponsors of Tech Jam include Bloomin’ Brands, Mattison’s, MedHok, Nielsen, Rock Brothers Brewing Company and Tampa Bay Business Journal.
“Bright House Networks is a proud supporter of TechStart and its mission to expose at-risk youth to technology,” said Craig Cowden, vice president, network engineering and operations and enterprise solutions, Bright House Networks. “The scholarship program is extremely important since it identifies students who already express an interest as well as show promise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, and it helps them stay on track to pursue a career in these necessary fields. Sponsoring Tech Jam is the perfect way for us to support this much-needed program and to partner with other business and technology leaders in our community.”
Individual tickets for Tech Jam are $50 and provide entry into our roaring 20s party including silent auction, free beverages from Rock Brothers Brewing Company, hors d’oeuvres by Mattison’s, signature cocktail specials, entertainment by Late Night Brass jazz band, dancing and photo ops. VIP tickets are $95 and include general admission plus attendance to a VIP teaser party on August 14 and access to the VIP only speakeasy casino at Tech Jam that features an hour of open bar, jazz pianist, cigar roller from Ybor’s La Faraona Cigars, raffle prizes and more. Tech Jam tickets can be purchased at https://www.clickbidonline.com/techjam/sim/tickets.php.
About TechStart:
Founded in 2001 as a 501 (c)3 organization, TechStart, formerly the TBTF Foundation, is the philanthropic arm of the Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF) and provides a method for TBTF members to give back to the community. TechStart’s mission is to create a better future for at-risk youth of Tampa Bay by providing inspiration, education and opportunities in technology fields. TechStart’s initiatives, Computer-rific, Scholarship Program, Technology is in IT… and Tech Jam are all funded entirely by donations and support from corporate sponsorship.
For more, visit http://techstarttampabay.org/.
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