Karen Thompson, the new president of the Sonia Plotnick Women’s Health Fund, accepted the organization’s award.
Photo by Trei Johnson
The Gulfport Merchants Chamber (GMC) celebrated its annual Annual Holiday Party & Grant Check Presentation Dec. 4.
Three nonprofit organizations received Gecko World grants for consistently giving back to the community through service, education, and hands-on support.
During the presentation, Chamber President Scott Linde emphasized that each recipient met the requirement of being a 501(c)(3) that actively serves Gulfport.
“These people are rock stars,” Linde said, noting that several groups have earned Gecko World grants year after year.
Sonia Plotnick Women’s Health Fund
Karen Thompson, the new president of the Sonia Plotnick Women’s Health Fund, accepted the organization’s award and highlighted its 28-year commitment to helping women access essential health care.
“We have been doing what we do for 28 years now,” she said.
The fund assists women with medical expenses, supports lesbians pursuing college, and provides community education focused on women’s health. Thompson explained that after COVID, the organization expanded into behavioral-health support. As a result, the stories they hear often move the board to tears. She thanked the Chamber for its ongoing partnership and this year’s increased support.
The Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation also received funding to expand its work on pollinator conservation.
Photo by Trei Johnson
Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation Expands Pollinator Corridors
The Tampa Bay Butterfly Foundation also received funding to expand its work on pollinator conservation.
Foundation President Anita Camacho expressed gratitude and outlined plans to use the grant to build more pollinator corridors throughout Gulfport. The organization engages both youth and adults in environmental education and plans to return in February for the annual Arts Festival to bring back its popular butterfly exhibit.
CANDL Corps, represented by youth mentor Alexa Griffin and Dru Rabin also received a giant check.
Photo by Trei Johnson
CANDL Corps Highlights the Power of Arts-Based Leadership
Griffin described how their arts-based leadership workshops help young participants develop social, emotional, and early professional skills. She said watching students grow — both on stage and off — has been a meaningful experience for the teen mentors as well.
Alexa, an 18-year-old senior at St. Pete Collegiate High School, plans to graduate in May with both a diploma and an A.A. degree. She will spend the following year abroad before pursuing her bachelor’s degree and future creative projects.
Commitment to Community Support
The GMC closed the evening by reaffirming its long-standing commitment to strengthening Gulfport through partnerships with nonprofits that continue to uplift the community year after year.
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