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Project Taps Generosity

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN

gnewman@tampatrib.com

Published: March 25, 2009

PLANT CITY - The wife of a state representative has been crusading in recent weeks in support of the United Nations Children's Fund's efforts to provide clean drinking water in developing countries.

Judy Glorioso, wife of state Rep. Rich Glorioso, persuaded two local restaurants to participate in UNICEF's drive to help poverty-stricken children. Under the Tap Project, participating restaurants encourage patrons to donate $1 or more for the tap water they usually enjoy for free.

UNICEF hopes to collect more than $1 million in the United States to help end preventable deaths of children because of a lack of clean water.

The fundraiser ends Saturday.

Glorioso said she learned of the Tap Project during a Woman's Club meeting in Orlando earlier this year.

"We don't know how much response we will get this year, but it is a start," said Glorioso, a Plant City resident.

Fred's Farmers' Market Restaurant at 1401 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and the Whistle Stop Cafe at 102 S. Collins St. are the two participating restaurants in Plant City.

Fred Johnson, owner of the Farmers' Market Restaurant, said that in spite of the tough economic times, the Tap Project is something worth doing.

"It's sad to think that some children in the world don't know what clean water even tastes like," Johnson said. "This is a worthwhile project to be involved in. Judy wanted to get us to join the cause, and we're glad to be a part of the effort."

Jerry Lofstrom, the owner of Whistle Stop, called it a worthwhile project.

"That water that we serve our patrons, make our meals, bread and drinks with, would be a precious commodity to children in developing countries. UNICEF is making a big effort to help those children find what we are privileged to enjoy, namely a clean glass of water," he said.

Glorioso was one of 3,000 volunteers across the country who worked to recruit 2,500 restaurants for the Tap Project.

"Other cities have been involved and are having a big impact on donations for the Tap Project," Glorioso said. "This is just the beginning for us."

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451.

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