APRIL 18, 2017 | St. Petersburg, FL – In February, the Leadership St. Pete® (LSP) Class of 2017 announced it had selected Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast (BGC) at the historic Royal Theater as the beneficiary of this year’s class project.
Through capital improvements, LSP plans to help restore the Royal Theater by refurbishing program spaces to increase their capacity to offer additional arts programming that provides an outlet for these Midtown children to relieve anxiety and aggression, improve learning, and encourage healthy communication…and of course, have some fun. Improvements to the facility include major electrical upgrades to interior and exterior lighting, refreshed curb appeal, marquee sign restoration, paint for the entire exterior and interior, and new interior furniture and storage solutions.
To help reach their $55,000 goal, LSP is seeking corporate sponsorships, cash, and in-kind donations. In addition, LSP is hosting some exciting events to connect the community with their mission, and their event lineup has something for everyone.
On April 20th, Rococo Steak (655 2nd Ave S. St. Petersburg, FL 33701) will be hosting A Royal Night of Illumination presented by Freedom Bank, featuring cocktails, tantalizing bites, a silent auction and art gallery of Boys & Girls Club artwork. Tickets are $35 in advance, or $40 at the door. Thanks to the event sponsors: Freedom Bank, Rococo Steak, USF St. Petersburg Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, Republic National Distributing Company, Pasadena Liquors, SnapThis!, In the Zone TV, and The MPetty Group.
For those looking for a family-friendly event, the Royal Shuffle will take place on April 30th, 2017 at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club (559 Mirror Lake Dr N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701) from 1-3pm and will be FREE for children 12 and under to attend (with the purchase of adult tickets). Adult tickets are $20 and include beer. Great Explorations Children’s Museum and Girl Scouts of West Central Florida will have kid-friendly activity stations, games and crafts! Tickets to both events are available now at stpete.com/royal.
The project will culminate in a Community Build Day on Saturday, May 20th, 2017, where LSP and the community will come together to renovate the Royal Theater. Two work days will be held in advance to prepare for this collaborative event. LSP is excited to bring the Midtown and greater St. Petersburg community together to support the growth and revitalization of not only an iconic landmark but also an important service organization in this neighborhood. More details of the May 20th Community Build Day will be forthcoming.
Send tax deductible funds in support of this project to Brittany Walsh, The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, 100 Second Avenue North, Suite 150, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Please make checks payable to “LSP Project” or donate online at www.stpete.com/royal. For in-kind contributions or corporate donation inquiries, please contact Ashley Ryneska, Fundraising Chair, LSP 2017 at aryneska@stpeteymca.org.
ABOUT ROYAL THEATER BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
Mission: To enable all young people living in Pinellas County, especially those who need us most, to reach full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Vision: To be the leading youth development agency in Pinellas County and the catalyst for community change and collaboration in youth development.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast serves youth ages 5 to 18 by providing guidance-oriented character development programs conducted by trained, youth development professionals. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast serves nearly 3,000 youth at 6 Club locations across Pinellas County. For more information visit online at www.bgcsun.org.
ABOUT LEADERSHIP ST. PETE®
The mission of LSP is to identify, recruit and develop leaders who represent the diversity of our city and who will assume future leadership roles in our community. The LSP program is made possible through the generous support of community partners like Duke Energy, Eckerd Leadership Development Institute and Collaborative Labs at St. Petersburg College, Patron Sponsors of the Class of 2017.
ABOUT THE ST. PETERSBURG AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE®
The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce®, originally founded in 1899, now serves over 1,300 member businesses and organizations. Continually identifying ways to create and enhance opportunities to do business in St. Petersburg, the Chamber works to improve the local economic climate and to build a thriving business environment. The Chamber represents perspectives of local business in St. Petersburg, providing and fostering leadership on important business and community issues. Information is available at stpete.com.
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