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Guv'na Campaign Helps Causes

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By B.C. MANION

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 3, 2008

LUTZ - Agendas for civic association meetings typically aren't terribly exciting, but there's one meeting that members of the Lutz Civic Association always enjoy.

It's the one where they dole out checks to local causes from the proceeds of the annual Lutz Guv'na campaign, and that's exactly what they did on Aug. 21.

This year's race yielded $22,045.59, which was divvied up to numerous community groups. Checks ranging from $250 to $3,000 were handed out for causes including food for the poor, care packages for the troops, insurance for the Old Lutz School and equipment for the Lutz Volunteer Fire Association.

The mock Guv'na election pits local candidates against one another in a friendly competition to raise the most cash. Whoever brings in the most money wins.

Terri Burgess, a second-grade teacher at Lutz Elementary, won this year's race. Other candidates were Sandy Elmore, Denise Hopkinson and Terri Williamson.

Despite the tight economy, the Guv'na candidates did a great job of pulling in donations, said Steve Polzin, president of the Lutz Civic Association.

"I am delighted," he said. "The work is on the shoulders of the candidates and their networks. All of the candidates did well."

"Our candidates just were terrific this year," agreed Auralee Buckingham, chairwoman of the Lutz Independence Day festivities.

In addition to the civic association, Terry Donovan, who coordinates the Lutz Independence Day Run, also gave out checks to local causes. He presented checks totaling $6,000 to various groups from proceeds from the run.

About 400 runners participated in the race.

Reporter B.C. Manion can be reached at (813) 865-1507 or bmanion@tampatrib.com.

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