P E R S O N A L I T I E S
The Incomparable
Dick Crippen
Serving the Community
By Hal Bodley
Dick Crippen’s tireless efforts for charitable causes has led to his placement on
11 nonprofit boards at the present time. After an emotional personal experience
at All Children’s Hospital 43 years ago with Dick and his wife Penny’s son Kevin,
Dick decided to dedicate much of his life to aiding children and the organizations that
assist them.
Among his favorite charities is the Charity Works’ Give Hope USA, a wellness-medical
aid program that, through its Holiday Gift Giving Fund, provides gifts for underprivileged
children and adults. The program involves the distribution of basic personal
hygiene products and other items to those in need. This organization has benefited over
25,000 families. Dick’s involvement in the Give Hope USA program began in 2010. Since
then, he has helped to raise more than $119,000 for this project. In 2015, he was named
Ambassador of the Year for the Give Hope USA program, and he will receive this honor
on November 19th during a ceremony at the Charity Works’ 13th Annual Golf Challenge
at Belleair Country Club.
Dick has also served as a spokesperson and advisory board member for Charity
Works for over 15 years. Charity Works’ president/CEO Chris Renfrow says, “Dick has
always been committed to making a difference and improving the lives of others while
consistently giving of his talents to raise awareness and much-needed funds for those
Florida Governor Bob Martinez and
Dick Crippen have both helped to make
Tampa Bay a great community.
76 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015