St. Petersburg College Forms 100 Strong Philanthropic Society

4/4/2024

The St. Petersburg College Foundation announced today the creation of a new philanthropic society, 100 Strong, Women Empowering Women. Formed as SPC begins preparations for its centennial celebration, this new giving society celebrates the role women play in the life of the college they love.

100 Strong, Women Empowering Women focuses on the power of philanthropy to change the course of the lives of SPC students through support of two college-wide initiatives, Titans Care, and the SPC Promise Scholarship. Membership to 100 Strong is available by making a charitable gift of $500, $1,000, or $5,000. Donors at each level earn membership perks, but every member has the satisfaction of knowing they are making a difference for SPC students.

100 Strong Co-Chair Bertha Burruezo is excited to lead a new giving society that was created by and for women philanthropists.

“As a proud Co-Chair of the 100 Strong initiative, I am deeply committed to the transformative power of philanthropy. Through our support for Titans Care and the SPC Promise Scholarship, we are not just funding programs; we are investing in futures. Becoming involved is a declaration of the potential of every student and the communities we serve.”

The two initiatives supported by 100 Strong are student-focused and provide opportunities for a higher education to those most in need of support.

Titans Care helps students on every step of their SPC journey, from middle school through to graduation. Titans Care consists of over 30 programs that provide mentors, mental health services, food pantry, veterans’ programs, and Brother to Brother and Women on the Way (WOW).

The SPC Promise Scholarship stands to empower a new generation of young people. It is a revolutionary step in honoring our commitment to ensuring economic opportunity and mobility for every community in Pinellas County. The scholarship represents a promise to every student at eight Pinellas County high schools that if they graduate high school and maintain their grades, they can earn an associate degree from SPC for free.

100 Strong Co-Chair Phyllis Powell says the student focus is what drew her to give and to lead the group.

“As a retired middle school teacher, I know the commitment SPC is making will make a difference in our community for every student who can’t afford college,” said Powell. “By providing assistance to these students, 100 Strong provides them with an opportunity to develop themselves beyond high school and ensure they have a brighter economic future.”

To learn more about how you can be one of 100 Strong, and make a difference in the SPC women, contact Debbie Swink, Executive Director of Development, at Swink.Deborah@spcollege.edu.