BuzzWorthyitems of note
Sherry and Bob Rankine, board
members of the College Fund of
Pinellas County, report that the
fund has continued to financially
support disadvantaged college
students from the county during the
pandemic. The fund, established in
1965, has awarded more than $2.2
million to over 830 students based on
their grade point averages, financial
need and personal interviews. The
fund mentors these students so that
more than 90% of them earn a college
degree. One hundred percent of all
donations to the fund are awarded
as grants to the selected students.
To make a donation or to learn more
about the College Fund of Pinellas
County, visit collegefundpinellas.org.
Michael Dupre, son of public
relations expert Cindy Cockburn, has
been named chief marketing officer for
Seasalt Properties of St. Pete Beach,
a luxury real estate firm specializing
in buying, selling and managing
residential properties. Seasalt has a
global reach with 30 agents who speak
eight languages between them.
Teresa Hibbard, public relations
and development director for the
Salvation Army of Clearwater &
Upper Pinellas, has recertified as
a fundraising executive through
Certified Fund Raising Executive
International. To do so, Hibbard was
required to meet a series of standards
set by the organization and pass a
rigorous written examination testing
her knowledge, skills and abilities.
The Rev. Robert “Bob” Swick
and his parishioners at St. Francis
John Gilliss of Friendly Kia in New Port Richey was thanked for the
business’ generous donation to Habitat for Humanity by future homeowner
Rosita McCray.
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74 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JULY/AUGUST 2021
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF PINELLAS AND WEST PASCO COUNTIES
Dr. Maria Loulourgas, an optometric physician, who has provided eye
care services for 25 years, including over 20 at St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser
Institute, and her husband Philip Gaitan hosted a grand opening party,
complete with refreshments, music and door prizes at their new state-of-theart
Eye See Clear Vision comprehensive family medical eye care and optical
facility in the Caladesi Shopping Center at 928 Curlew Road in Dunedin.