Tonya Lewis
BY MONIQUE STAMPS
Sentinel Staff Writer
Children With A Vision, Inc. will hold its 25th Annual Back To School Giveaway /Community Partners and Health Fair on this Sunday, August 18, 2024. The huge BTS event was originally scheduled for Sunday, August 4, 2024, but due to Hurricane Debbie it had to be postponed.
As with every year for the past 25 years, the community celebration will have scholarships, information, and a huge backpack giveaway.
Founder and CEO, Tonya Lewis said the event will take place at Ragan Park Community Center on Sunday, August 18, 2024, from noon until 6:00 p.m.
Because of Ms. Lewis’ recent fight with a rare and invasive form of cancer, she wants to thank Hooters, Aetna, R.I.S.E Tampa, Hillsborough County Commission, Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office, and Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, City of Tampa, and Kay Andrews Educational Foundation, for stepping up on short notice,
“Our title sponsors were so supportive, and they immediately responded to us, and we are so thankful.”
While this is the 25th Anniversary of the Children With A Vision’s working with community partners, Lewisstated that she has been doing this for 31 straight years.
“This year is particularly special after my cancer diagnosis, I was battling for my life. When I was through with the most significant procedures and the cancer appeared to go into remission, I knew I had to do our BTS event.”
“So, with about 30 days’ time, I have pulled this together for the children and families of Tampa. God allowed me to see that I am significant benefit to the community, so I answered the call,” states Mrs. Lewis.
The 2024 event will feature the Tampa Fire Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff, Tampa Police Department, and other community partners.
Suncoast Credit Union will be opening up free checking accounts for high school seniors to establish financial literacy, while there will be 12 barbers on site to give free haircuts to young men.
Involved teens from Men with Vision and Gentlemen’s Quest will be there volunteering, along with the Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Haram Court 96.
The Buffalo Soldiers will ride through and volunteers from Tampa Kind will be present,
Mrs. Lewis stated that the supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
