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Couple Dedicated To Red Kettle Campaign

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By JASON GEARY, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 12, 2007

CARROLLWOOD - Sitting on his scooter outside a grocery store, Mike Bowen noticed a little girl struggling to find some coins for his red kettle.

Digging into a plastic container, the girl got nervous when she couldn't quite pull the money out.

"We got all night," Bowen assured her.

Patience is something the 45-year-old Carrollwood resident understands well.

For the past 16 holiday seasons, Bowen, who was born with cerebral palsy, has been sitting outside stores, ringing bells and watching kettles for the local Salvation Army.

He collects at a Publix store near Dale Mabry Highway and Linebaugh Avenue. His wife, Shawn, who also has cerebral palsy, keeps vigil at another nearby Publix store.

Mike Bowen jokes and chats with people coming and going.

"I hate to stay home," he said. "It's boring. I enjoy meeting people, talking to them. ... I know everyone in this store."

He has become something of a holiday fixture, spending up to 60 hours a week at his post.

"I just like to help people out," he said. "I leave early in the morning. I don't get in until late at night."

Over the years, he estimates that he has raised more than $125,000 for a variety of causes and charities, including those helping people with cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer's disease.

But he remains faithful every year to the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, which helps purchase gifts, clothing and food for needy children and families during the holidays and throughout the year.

Last year, the kettle program raised $117 million nationwide and about $350,000 locally, said Jaclyn Ward, associate director of development and community relations for the Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army has about 66 kettle sites throughout Hillsborough County and relies on thousands of volunteers, Ward said.

Ward described the Bowens as a "blessing" for the Salvation Army. The Bowens receive some payment for their fundraising efforts, Ward said.

Typically, people hired for the kettle drive are those who might receive Salvation Army assistance, and they receive minimum wage to help them through the holidays, Ward said.

"We try to staff kettle sites first and foremost with volunteers," she said.

Mike and Shawn Bowen met while attending Chamberlain High School.

They hung out together and talked on the telephone daily. Then one day, Shawn said she told her sister that they needed to find a girlfriend for Mike.

"My sister said, 'Why don't you? He's waiting on you,'" Shawn Bowen recalled.

Mike flashed his wife one of his big smiles. "I was waiting on you," he said.

After high school, they competed in games for the disabled. Mike Bowen also began helping with fundraising efforts - even pursuing a goal to raise $100 a day.

"I still try to get $100 before I go home," he said.

Reporter Jason Geary can be reached at (813) 865-1505 or jgeary@tampatrib.com.

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