The Lewis family lost everything they owned after a generator fire burned down their home following Hurricane Irma. The matriarch of the Nunamaker family took in her four grandchildren after her daughter passed away and other members of the family faced serious health problems. These two local families are among five that will be treated to a holiday shopping spree by GTE Financial. It’s part of their annual promise campaign, Make Hope Real, which aims to deliver a dose of holiday happiness to families struggling during the season. GTE Financial will escort the families at 3:30 p.m. Friday, December 15, on an adventure that includes a shopping spree and dinner. The escapade begins at the GTE Financial South Tampa center located at 711 S Dale Mabry Hwy.
“We host many fundraisers throughout the year, but this one is among those closest to our hearts,” says Brian Best, president and CEO of GTE Financial. “We are here to serve our community, whatever their need may be, and when you have member families that are struggling, grieving and adjusting to major changes during what’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year, you rally your team to make holiday miracles come true,” added Best.
GTE employees are raising funds throughout the month. Members have also been invited to donate and to help support the families. This year’s families will shop at Target for their wish list items and then enjoy a complimentary holiday dinner at Cena Restaurant in Channelside. During dinner, GTE Financial’s “elves” will wrap all the gifts so the families can take them home and begin their own celebration of the season.
This is the fourth year that GTE Financial has adopted families for the holidays.
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About GTE Financial
GTE Financial is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $1.8 billion in assets and 22 Community Financial Centers located throughout West Central, Florida. Chartered in 1935, GTE Financial is locally owned and operated in the Tampa Bay area and serves more than 255,000 individuals and businesses. More information on GTE Financial can be found at www.gtefinancial.org.