Tampa, FL— On Friday, Sept. 27, the Franciscan Center will honor Tampa Bay area law enforcement and emergency personnel with its fifth annual St. Michael’s Day Luncheon for First Responders, at 12 p.m. in the dining hall of the Franciscan Center, 3010 N. Perry Ave, Tampa.
A special honoree of this year’s event is Sister Anne Dougherty O.S.F., who started the Franciscan Center’s Operation Restore as a support program for first responders dealing with stress and trauma acquired in the line of duty. Sister Anne, who recently retired as Franciscan Center CEO, has overseen and facilitated the program since its inception in 2015. Mayor Jane Castor will present Sister Anne with a letter of commendation from the City of Tampa.
Attendees are invited from the various emergency agencies throughout the Tampa Bay Area including police officers, fire fighters, EMT’s, as well as the sheriff and highway patrol offices. September 27 is the feast day of Saint Michael the Archangel, Patron Saint of First Responders.
Franciscan Center CEO Wendy Leigh notes, “The Feast Day of St. Michael is a fitting time to pause and honor our active law enforcement and firefighters. These are the heroes who risk their lives daily to protect our community. Although there is no way to fully repay their sacrifice, the luncheon is our way of acknowledging their dedication and saying, thank you.”
Anyone wishing to sponsor or donate to the luncheon should contact Vicky McCarthy, Franciscan Center community relations specialist, at 813-229-2695 or email vicky@franciscancentertampa.org.
The Franciscan Center is a non- profit, 501(3)(c), private retreat house sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY with dedicated laity who are committed in carrying out the mission. More information about the Center, upcoming retreat and events, and booking the venue is available by calling (813) 229-2695 and by visiting http://www.franciscancentertampa.org/.