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Feature of the Month:

Set Sail with Alliance for Independence

Wow! It is hard to believe that almost a year has passed since the 53^rd Annual Community Recognition Dinner.  It seems like just yesterday that Alliance for Independence was announced as the new name for the former Polk County Association for Handicapped Citizens. On September 16, 2008 AFI will celebrate with its supporters and friends the past year of achievements, as well as thank those who helped to make the year great.

We are very proud to be working with the President of Publix Supermarkets, Todd Jones and his wife Suzette, as they will serve as the Honorary Chairs of the Dinner. Mr. Jones was recently on site at AFI, visiting with staff, interacting with the individuals served and learning a little more about the importance of what AFI offers. Needless to say, we are very excited to work with the Joneses.

This year the 54^th Annual Community Recognition Dinner will “Cruise In” to the Lake Mirror Center and welcome everyone to Come Aboard with AFI and will again feature a Silent Auction with all proceeds benefitting the programs offered at AFI. Members of the Sunshine Chorus will also sing an array of songs that are sure to get everyone in the cruisin’ mood. Sound intriguing? If so, stay tuned to the AFI web site for more information regarding this great event or simply contact us at 863.665.3846. We hope to see you there.

Just a few of the Auction Items that you can choose from:

• Charles Barkley autographed items
• Golf packages
• Restaurant Gift certificates
• Electronics
• Autographed Tampa Bay Rays and Lightning items
• Wine and spirits
• Attraction Tickets
• Automotive services

There will also be a raffle that will give away two amazing prizes:

• Country Boy Cookout, by Bill & Donovan Tinsley and sponsored by State Representative Seth McKeel and Senator Paula Dockery
• Two round trip tickets from Southwest Airlines

It’s time to Stuff the Bus!

The AKtion Club will be participating in a project known as Stuff the Bus. This project will begin right after the Independence Day Holiday.

Stuff the Bus is a project that was initiated by the Lakeland Kiwanis Club back in 2002 to collect school supplies for the neediest of kids in Lakeland.

Stuff the Bus is more than just a back to school drive that reaches students at all 29 public elementary schools, it is a program that helps provide students that little extra self esteem needed when returning to school in the fall.  It has been said by educators that when kids don’t have the necessary school supplies to return to school, they often develop low self esteem and miss those first few days of school, falling behind before the school year even gets underway.

A rather large box will be placed in the AFI lobby for the collection of school supplies for this project.  AKtion Club members will be collecting the following items until August 12, 2008:

• Wide rule paper
• Spiral binders
• Composition books
• Pencils
• Pens
• Crayons 16 or 24 count
• Colored markers 8 count
• Colored pencils 12 count
• Scissors
• Folders with prongs
• Kleenex
• Hand sanitizer
• Eraser caps

AKtion Club members will also be helping to sort and deliver these items to local elementary schools on August 13th, 2008.