CLEARWATER, Fla., Feb. 22, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On Wednesday, February 21, 2018 about 100 guests representing 37 charitable organizations attended the first Tampa Bay Charity Coalition luncheon of the year in the Church of Scientology’s Fort Harrison Ballroom. The non-profit representatives networked and helped themselves to a buffet lunch prepared by the Fort Harrison’s five star chefs.

Dylan Pires, the Community Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization, was the MC of the event. Pires had each guest introduce themselves and the non-profit they represent to the rest of the group. Pires then spoke of the importance of working together to make a better community and how the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization sponsor humanitarian programs that partner with many organizations in the Tampa Bay area to do so.

Quoting Scientology Founder, L. Ron Hubbard, Pires told the coalition: “Your help is acceptable to us. Our help is yours.”

The featured charity of Wednesday’s luncheon was the Pinellas County Foster and Adoptive Parents Association (PCFAPA). Janine Lewis, President of PCFAPA told the attendees how they support foster parents in Pinellas County through training and activities that help them with whatever they need.

Pires then announced the Volunteer Recognition Dinner in April where the Charity Coalition will acknowledge deserving staff of the various charitable organizations in Tampa Bay.

Guests lingered after the event to network with each other, exchange business cards, and make new connections.

“It really takes you from one point to the next and you learn who’s in charge of what and how to do what,” said Ms. Margaret DeBellotte-Torres, a job coach and mental wellness advocate.  “When we get everyone together with the same purpose under one roof it makes things so much easier.”

About the Church of Scientology

The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher. L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 nations.

Based on L. Ron Hubbard’s words, “A community that pulls together can make a better society for all,” the Church of Scientology regularly engages in many humanitarian programs and community events.

To learn more, visit www.scientology-fso.org.

For More information
Contact:  Dylan Pires
(727) 467-6860

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d84b8aa0-78d4-4c4f-a4db-5656bf2da53a