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Group Makes Dream Come True For Plant City Woman

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 2, 2008

PLANT CITY - Few things are more rewarding in life than granting a youngster's wish.

The Kids Wish Network, a national nonprofit organization, gave Carissa Gore what the Plant City teenager described as "the best day of my life."

Her mom, Dianne, heard about the network and submitted her daughter's name, hoping she would qualify for a wish.

Carissa, born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, has severe mobility limitations, wears leg braces and sometimes uses a wheelchair. Carissa, 18, has always wanted to meet singer Kelly Clarkson, and Clarkson was scheduled to perform at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

Arrangements were made by Jill Atchison, Kids Wish Network wish coordinator, and before long, Carissa was whisked off for a relaxing spa treatment, followed by dinner at P.F. Chang's with her family.

A limousine drove them to Clarkson's concert, and Carissa was taken backstage to meet with the singer. The two chatted for a few minutes and mugged for the cameras. Clarkson signed a T-shirt for Carissa and in turn, Carissa gave Clarkson a tie-dyed blanket that she made for her.

Afterward, the family spent the night in Tampa at the Holiday Inn Rocky Point.

If you know a child who may be in need of wish-granting services, call (727) 937-3600 or 1-888-918-9004.

Black And White Theme Of Photo Archives Party

PLANT CITY - The Plant City Photo Archives Young Professional Division will hold A Party in Black and White from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 7 at the archives at 119 N. Collins St.

Attendees are asked to wear some combination of black and white.

The champagne reception, a wine tasting, hors d'oeuvre buffet, live jazz and a black and white photo exhibit is $10 for members and $25 for nonmembers. There will be door prizes and a prize drawing.

The Young Professional Division is named the Bailey-Eastman Group for Plant City historian David E. Bailey Jr. and George Eastman, the father of modern photography.

The group strives to reach ages 25 to 49, but an invitation is extended to all ages.

For information, call Candy Owens at (813) 754-1578.

Anyone with photos from the 1970s and '80s is encouraged to bring them to the archives' office.

Berry-Related Items Big Sellers At Gift Shop

PLANT CITY - Word is spreading that South Florida Baptist Hospital's gift shop, Gifts, Etc., is a favorite place to find unique presents, including plenty of items related to strawberries.

Nancy Clark, supervisor of Gifts, Etc., said 100 percent of the profits go back to the hospital.

Since 1971, the hospital volunteer auxiliary, which runs the shop, has contributed more than $740,000.

The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. For information, call (813) 757-1290.

Elks Honor Detective, Fire Rescue Captain

PLANT CITY - Plant City police Detective Barry Maurer and Fire Rescue Capt. James Wingo were honored Dec. 11 by Plant City Elks Lodge No. 1727.

Maurer was named officer of the year, and Wingo was named firefighter of the year.

Have an event you would like to see in this column? Send items to gabylee@tampabay.rr.com or mail to The Tampa Tribune, 101 N. Wheeler St., Plant City FL 33563 or fax to (813) 865-4441.

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