Local Business

Nonprofit Spotlight: Live for 24 Foundation

Posted on by Tricia Sportsman
Tampa Bay Moms Blog will be spotlighting one local nonprofit each month. Our goal is to bring awareness to our readers with nonprofit organizations that are making an impact in Tampa Bay through their connection and work in the community.

The Live for 24 Foundation is dedicated to supporting youth community outreach and funding student scholarships in Tampa Bay.

The Live for 24 Foundation was created to celebrate the lives of University of Tampa (UT) student-athlete, Melissa Vanderhall, her mother Lynn Vanderhall, and dear friend Janel Simpson, who were tragically lost on August 12, 2017.

Melissa was the first in her family to graduate from college. She excelled not only in academics but in athletics as well. As a student at The University of Tampa, she accomplished her dream of graduating from college and becoming a physician assistant. While she was one of UT’s most accomplished student-athletes, she will be remembered most for her generous heart, infectious smile and ability to make everyone feel loved.

Lynn was a happy, loving mother devoted to her children. Her altruistic nature also shined through in her work caring for children at Hempstead’s Family and Children’s Association in New York. Her giving and kind nature were prevalent in her life and her roles as a mother, friend, co-worker, sister, wife, and daughter.

Janel graduated from The University of Buffalo with a Business Administration degree. She worked as a secretary for a healthcare services company. Janel was a beacon of laughter and happiness to all around her. She is greatly missed.

Give light to a tragedy.

~JULIE STOVALL, TEAMMATE, FRIEND, LIVE FOR 24 BOARD MEMBER

Nine of Melissa’s friends/teammates established the Live for 24 Foundation. They created a Melissa Vanderhall Memorial Fund Foundation through the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay to help provide student scholarships.

Mel lived life fearlessly. Through Live for 24, we will continue to live life for her.

~ MARGEAUX SINIBALDI, TEAMMATE, FRIEND, LIVE FOR 24 BOARD MEMBER

During Melissa’s time at the University of Tampa, she was a big sister to a young boy in Tampa. As a result, Live for 24 is dedicated to supporting youth and community outreach by funding student scholarships. These scholarships will help children from the Tampa Bay Big Brother/Big Sister program participate in athletic camps as well as provide college scholarships. Live for 24’s goal is to ensure that Melissa, Lynn and Janel’s light continues to shine and they continue to impact others in their passing.

Live for 24 5K/Mile Fun Run
Saturday, October 20, 2018, 8:00 AM

Who: Live for 24 Foundation and The University of Tampa Athletic Department
When: October 20, 2018 at 8:00am
Where: The University of Tampa campus in Downtown Tampa, FL
Proceeds: Race proceeds will help The Live for 24 Foundation
Pricing: 5K Registration between September 20- October 19, 2018: $30.00
Mile Fun Run Registration September 20, 2018- October 19, 2018: $20.00
5K Registration on Race Day: $35.00 Mile Fun Run on Race Day: $25.00
The 5K race is 3.12 miles throughout the UT campus including portions bordering the Hillsborough River.
A separate 1-mile fun is available for those looking for a shorter distance or wishing to include young children. Jogging strollers are welcome.

Participants receive a T-shirt and certificate when registering.

The top three male and female finishers in each age category will receive a metal and recognition. There is a family friendly post-race event at Pepin Field immediately after the race. The post-race event includes food, refreshments, music, bounce houses and local vendor tents to enjoy.

Promotion Code for Tampa Bay Moms Blog Readers: TBMOMS for $5 off registration.

To sign up for the 5K run go to this website! Live for 24 5K/Mile Fun Run  https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Tampa/TheLivefor245KMileFunRun

To find out more about the Live for 24 Foundation go to their website: Livefor24.org or follow them on social media.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *