Seven Schools Receive Donation from CABA

Over the last 10 years, the Carrollwood Area Business Association, or CABA, has given away over $40,000 in scholarships and grants as well as charitable donations to non-profit organizations.

This year’s focus was on the seven CABA member schools: Carrollwood Day School, Learning Gate Community School, Independent Day School: Corbett Campus, Morning Star Catholic School, Tampa Day School, Hillel Academy, and Citrus Park Christian School.

“We raised funds through one fiscal year by selling 50/50 raffle tickets to members and guests at our CABA meetings, and a donation from the CABA Golf Tournament," said Maria Patterson, executive director of CABA.

With the 50/50 raffle, half of the cash raised went to the winner, while the other half was used for scholarships. Jean Fuller, CABA board chairman of schools committee, was responsible for collecting the funds.  

The $1,000 raised was divided equally between the seven member schools.  

“It’s not a whole lot, but it will allow them to buy supplies for some of the kids," said Patterson. "Maybe a musical instrument or bring in a speaker or something to that extent."

Paul Reed, who is in charge of admission coordination at Morning Star Catholic School, said, “We were thrilled with the donation.”

The money donated to Reed's school was matched by the Catholic Foundation, and will benefit a student.

“It will be used to help a student at school facing financial challenges be able to stay in school,” said Reed. "It will also allow the child to continue to participate in an after-care sports program at Holy Redeemers Catholic School and take a class to mainstream into the school.”

Patterson said that CABA was grateful to be able to donate the funds.

“Our main mission is business networking,” said Patterson, “This was something extracurricular we did to give back to the community.”