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AMPA, FL, October 2021: GTE approaches philanthropy as a privilege and responsibility to support the community it serves. Each month GTE focuses on one organization to assist and collect donations through fundraisers, personal contributions, and volunteerism. For the first time, GTE Financial partnered up with Best Buddies Florida, a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In September, GTE Financial raised $10,091 for the organization.
Each year, GTE Financial asks its employees to submit a charity of their choice to include on its Monthly Charities list. Jeff Minaya, District Manager at GTE Financial and long-time volunteer at Best Buddies, made sure to enter Best Buddies as it is a charity close to his heart. Jeff has been working with Best Buddies for nearly seven years and was thrilled that GTE Financial chose to team up with the nonprofit.
“I first fell in love with Best Buddies back in high school when I was paired up with an amazing buddy, Lonnie, all four years,” said Jeff Minaya. “I am forever grateful that GTE Financial is supporting this great organization. To our members and my fellow employees, I thank you for opening your hearts to our friends at Best Buddies.”
Throughout September, Jeff organized multiple engaging fundraising activities for GTE employees. Activities included a dress-up spirit week to encourage GTE team members to donate to Best Buddies. Events like “My Team Monday” and “Tourist Tuesday” were among the spirit week fundraising efforts. Jeff made sure to include his Best Buddies mission partner, Jacob Swann, in the events and started a fundraising page to raise funds for Best Buddies and Jacob specifically.
Through Best Buddies, thousands of people with disabilities have successfully moved from isolation and loneliness to a new acceptance from their family and community. In turn, Best Buddies has created a new spirit of public service for thousands of middle and high school students, as well as college volunteers. That commitment often lasts a lifetime.
To learn more about Best Buddies Florida and contribute to Jeff’s fundraising page, go to
bestbuddieschampion.org/tampabay/supporting/#jacobspirit
To learn more about GTE’s monthly charities, please visit gtefinancial.com/charities.
About GTE Financial
GTE Financial is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than $2 billion in assets and 23 Community Financial Centers located throughout West Central Florida. Chartered in 1935, GTE Financial is locally owned and operated in the Tampa Bay area, serving more than 230,000 individuals and businesses. More information on GTE Financial can be found at gtefinancial.org.
For more information, interviews, or media requests, please call (813) 644-7443 or email Savannah Cruz at pr@bkncreative.com.
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