To say Oldsmar Cares’ growth has been on the fast track the last 8 years is an understatement. The growth spurt started when the all-volunteer, non-profit became a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in April of 2009. Since then there’s been seven Wine & Food Gala’s, a move to a small cottage on State Road 580 West in March 2012 and now the announcement of the ground breaking of the new building, planned for completion by the end of 2017.
“We are so excited about this new building. It makes it even more special to reach this milestone on Oldsmar Cares’ 20th anniversary year,” said David Wallace, Board Member and architect of the new building. Oldsmar Cares was created by Sharon Patch, pastor of Oldsmar Methodist Church in 1997 to meet the needs of Oldsmar residents for rent and utility assistance. Shortly after inception a food pantry and clothing closet were added. Since then Oldsmar Cares has grown to offer a total of 16 programs including, Weekend Food 4 Kids, Children’s Dental Care, PatchWork Grants, Education Grants and OldsmarWorks Career Counseling.
Presently, Oldsmar Cares operates out of a small cottage that is bursting at the seams. We need more space to better serve our community. Plans have been drawn up for a 3,000 square-foot building to be constructed adjacent to the present location on State Road 580 West. This new building will include an expanded food pantry, large food storage room, and Clothes Closet area. There will be an area for tutoring children and an office for Career Counseling. A shower and a washer/dryer will also be available.
The new building discussions began at the beginning of 2016 and through the hard work of the Oldsmar Cares board of directors things started to fall in place. Brenda Gaulin, Vice Chairperson explained, “The outpour of support has left us speechless on several occasions. Oldsmar is a unique community with a close-knit City Council, amazing businesses and Chamber of Commerce and so many caring individuals. It continues to amaze me how we provide this level of service with an all-volunteer staff.”
Gaulin continues, “We started reaching out to key members of the community for support and their response was overwhelming.” Three key events have made this project possible. First, the City of Oldsmar agreed to a 40 year lease of land that is currently valued at $350,000, at very little cost to Oldsmar Cares. Second, the Russell & Ruth Anderson Charitable Trust agreed to match our fundraising efforts 100 percent up to $75,000. And finally the generosity of corporate and individual donors with gifts of $10,000 or more. These donors include:
• City of Oldsmar
• Russell & Ruth Anderson Charitable Trust
• MicroLumen
• Tampa Bay Downs
• David L. Wallace & Associates, P.A.
• Bollenback Builders
• Northside Engineering
• The Rotary Club of Oldsmar/Eastlake
• Sorensen Family
• Sue & Sam Brandon
• Walter Fitzgerald
This premier group including the City of Oldsmar and Russell & Ruth Anderson Charitable Trust will have their names on a bronze plaque at the new building.
The building itself was designed by DLW Architect’s, owned by David Wallace, Oldsmar Cares board member. Construction will be completed by Bollenback Builders, responsible for numerous local and regional projects include the United Methodist Church’s sanctuary building.
The ground breaking event will be held Friday, June 16 from 5 to 8pm at 163 State
Road 580 West. A tent will be erected and food and beverage will be sponsored by
Suegra Tequila Cantina located at 4022 Tampa Rd #1, Oldsmar, FL 34677. The event will
be open to the public and members of Oldsmar Board of Directors, Oldsmar City Council,
Senator Jack Latvala and Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce will attend.
With $100,000 in funds still left to raise the sales of commemorative bricks, “Raise the Roof” t-shirt and building sponsorship are still available. For more information please visit www.oldsmarcares.org/building or contact Brenda Gaulin at 813-728-6968 or Brenda.Gaulin@oldsmarcares.org.
About Oldsmar Cares: Oldsmar Cares is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer organization providing stop-gap financial assistance, food and clothing – all at no cost – to those in need in the greater Oldsmar area. Oldsmar Cares is located at 163 State Road 580 West, Oldsmar, FL.
Contact:
Brenda Gaulin
brenda.gaulin@oldsmarcares.org
813-728-6968
Vice Chairperson Oldsmar Cares
Article Published 22 May 2017
