St. Pete Midtown Rotary Club 3rd Annual Awards Gala
Allen Collins on far left with his wife Theresa Lynn Collins “TLC”, an Allen Collins Realty Broker Associate -Realtor® , in blue.
St. Petersburg’s Midtown Rotary Club held its 3rd Annual Awards Gala “A Soul Music Celebration” at the Historic Manhattan Casino. Allen Collins Realty Broker/Owner, Allen Collins, is the Assistant District Governor of Area 1 Rotary District 6950. The event featured several speakers who highlighted the projects taking place in the St. Petersburg community. Midtown Rotary Club President, Dr. J. Robert (Bob) Ross started off the event, followed by an invocation from club board member Gershom Faulkner and recognition of the event’s special guests by the Midtown Club’s immediate past president, Joseph Smith. The club’s President-elect, Carole K. Alexander, gave an enlightening introduction to the night’s keynote speaker, Leah McRae, newly appointed Director of Education and Community Engagement for the city of St. Pete. One of the major initiatives of the St. Pete Midtown Rotary group was providing housing for homeless veterans in St. Petersburg. McRae expressed her appreciation of the Midtown Rotary Club for their partnerships in service projects that benefit city residents and communities.
There was much excitement in the room as Club President Bob Ross presented awards.Grand Villa of St. Petersburg was recipient of the Business Award; the Non-Profit/Community Award was awarded to the Bayboro House and the “Service Above Self” Rotarian of the Year Award went to Gershom Faulkner.
Moving forward, the Midtown Rotary Club is continuing its support of community organizations such as Academy Prep, The Next STEPP Life Center and The Rotary House, a St. Petersburg shelter for homeless families trying to get back on their feet. The club partners with six other Rotary Clubs in St. Petersburg to provide funding for the house and service projects such as annual Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the resident families.
