The DeBartolo Family Foundation Honors Tampa Military Family Through ThanksUSA ScholarshipMcLean, VA (September 8, 2020) – ThanksUSA today announced a scholarship funded by Tampa’s DeBartolo Family Foundation has been awarded to a local resident. Taisja Williams, daughter of a retired Navy Chief, was awarded a $3,000 Heartland 4 Heroes/ThanksUSA scholarship to the University of South Florida.
ThanksUSA needs-based scholarships for the spouses and children of America’s military are life-changing now more than ever with added financial uncertainty during the pandemic. “This program eases the financial burden for college students, especially during these rough and uncertain times,” said Taisja. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity.” Taisja will major in Environmental Science. Because of her father's Navy career, her family moved often during elementary and middle school, and during these times of change and uncertainty her love of nature blossomed. By high school, she was determined to dedicate her life to wildlife biology and environmental issues. Taisja also plans to pursue a Master's in Environmental Science and become a Certified Wildlife Biologist. She hopes to magnify her impact through others, saying, “I will use my skills to help preserve our ecosystems and educate the world on how actions impact the natural world around us.” The DeBartolo Family Foundation is proud to honor this military family by supporting Taisja’s academic and career aspirations. Chief Executive Officer Lisa DeBartolo said: “The value of a Foundation to its community goes beyond financial contributions. A Foundation provides faith and supports the dreams of its recipients.” ThanksUSA and the DeBartolo Family Foundation have partnered in supporting the dreams of America’s students to develop brighter futures and stronger communities. The Foundation serves the less fortunate individuals and groups in the Tampa Bay area and beyond. ThanksUSA is a national non-profit organization that reflects appreciation for U.S. service members through the gift education for their families. “ThanksUSA is grateful for support from the DeBartolo Family Foundation who represent the values that our men and women in uniform risk everything to protect,” said ThanksUSA President & CEO Jon Rosa. “Together, we can lessen the burden on military families who so often put their own dreams on hold while supporting their service member.” The partnership originated through support for the Heartland 4 Heroes Golf Tournament – now postponed until 2021 – which will take place at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Heartland 4 Heroes has hosted an annual tournament in the Nashville area since 2013 and has raised more than $300,000 to support military families through ThanksUSA. |
Contact
Jon Rosa 202-643-6175 Jon@ThanksUSA.org About ThanksUSA ThanksUSA is a 501(c)(3) organization that honors the men and women of the United States Armed Forces by providing need-based scholarships and pathways to employment for their spouses and children. Since 2006, ThanksUSA has awarded nearly $16 million to military families in all 50 states and every branch of the military. About the DeBartolo Family Foundation The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of the Tampa Bay area’s most underserved populations. By providing educational scholarships, supporting grassroots organizations, and creating financial assistance programs like the Spirit of Humanity Award, we offer hope and a helping hand to the members of our community who need it most. |
