About Us
Creating a Legacy for the Community They Love
Over many years, the paths of two long-time Oldsmar residents crossed routinely as one achieved success in commerce, while the other became a local public service legend, serving multiple terms as Oldsmar mayor and city council member. Roger Kumar and Jerry Beverland played important roles in the growth and development of their beloved community and the Upper Tampa Bay region, and in the process, formed an indelible bond of friendship.
Strong believers in the importance of education, Roger & Jerry envisioned a permanent scholarship endowment that would serve to support the dreams of deserving high school seniors in the region who lack the means to finance a college education. The only thing missing was the people power, and for that, they turned to their friends and colleagues in the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce. Their concept involved grassroots local support, and what better organization than the region’s most influential Chamber to facilitate such support. In 2005 the UTB Chamber Education Foundation was born.
A Long History of Supporting Education
The formation of the UTB Chamber Education Foundation provided a perfect opportunity for the Chamber to transition long-standing, but limited-scope programs to an organization completely dedicated to education and well-positioned to expand such programs.
A decades-old recognition program for students and teachers in two local elementary schools now serves more than 15 schools in Oldsmar, NW Hillsborough and Town & Country, and a scholarship program serving one high school is now a permanent endowment fund rewarding outstanding college-bound graduates from Alonso, East Lake, Leto and Sickles high schools.
The Chamber, its staff, and member businesses have led the way toward broad-based community support for these programs through sponsorships, financial contributions and contributions of time and talent. We urge all members of the community to follow their shining example.
Education ” The Key That Unlocks a Bright Future”
To sustain a thriving, diverse community, we must all recognize the role of education in the development of tomorrows leaders. If we join hands as a community in support of our youngsters quest for knowledge, we will not only ensure their future, but our own.
35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy stated, Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.
There is No Contribution Too Small
Did you know that individual sustained giving programs can be established for as little as $5.00 per month? Please contact us today to learn how you, your company or civic organization can support the work of the UTB Chamber Education Foundation. No contribution is too small.