STATE FARM INSURANCE HELPS JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF FLORIDA TO FUND PROGRAMS FOR AT-RISK YOUTH

Imagine a town where young entrepreneurs organize and operate a business. The business manages a personal bank account and creates a business plan with their staf Displays are created, items are priced and sold, reporters interview local business leaders to get the most up-to-date stories and CEOs and CFOs work together as a team. This describes a day at Junior Achievement (JA) BizTown.

This past June, the Junior Achievement Florida Foundation announced that it received a $70,000 grant from State Farm. The statewide initiative will support Junior Achievement learning experiences in eight localities throughout Florida, enabling thousands of young people to participate in JA’s nationally recognized financial literacy and career readiness learning experiences.

“State Farm believes that financial literacy education is critical to building stronger and more resilient communities,” said Jose Soto, State Farm corporate responsibility analyst. “Part of our education funding is directed toward initiatives and programs that support K-12 financial literacy and pathways for college and career success. We are proud to support Junior Achievement financial literacy and career readiness programs across Florida.”

Each of the eight Florida-based JA areas will use the support to advance learning experiences most needed in their region.

TICKETS FOR TAMPA THEATRE’S 11TH ANNUAL BEERFEST, BEERASSIC PARK, ARE NOW ON SALE

By Libby Hopkins

JA Tampa Bay, which includes Hillsborough, Polk, Highlands and Sarasota counties, will use the support for JA BizTown, a capstone learning experience that introduces fifth graders to economic concepts, workplace skills and personal and business finances. They act as employees and consumers, from paying bills to handling customer service, and experience what it’s like to earn and work in a community.

JA Finance Park, another capstone learning experience that is a real-life simulation, is where students enter the game of life and apply financial concepts to balance their personal budget and learn to make choices that support their future goals.

3DE Schools by Junior Achievement, the newest JA learning experience, teaches students in high school relevant business skills and core competencies through business case methodology. “In the past six years, Junior Achievement of Florida has received over $370,000 from State Farm to support all JA chapters across Florida,” Soto said. “In 2022, State Farm provided over $700,000 in charitable grants to JA nationwide in support of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy education program in 43 regions.”

If you would like to learn more about Junior Achievement and the programs it ofers, you can visit its website at https:// jatampabay.org/.

Tampa Theatre will present its 11th annual BeerFest on Saturday, July 29 beginning at 7 p.m. This is a 21-and-older event. Participants will enjoy an evening of craft beers and local brewers, plus snacks and samples from some of the city’s top independent restaurants. This year’s theme is Beerassic Park.

Breweries and local restaurants that are participating include Coppertail Brewing Co., Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Independent Bar and Cafe, Motorworks Brewing, On the Go Gourmet, Woven Water Brewing Company, King of the Coop, BarrieHaus Beer Co., Common Dialect Beerworks, Corner Club, King State, Late Start Brewing and Ulele Spring Brewery. This list is sure to grow.

As with previous beer-infused, tonguein-cheek BeerFest events, Beerassic Park is chaired by one of Tampa Theatre’s favorite independent restaurant owners, Veronica Danko of Independent Bar and Cafe.

Jill Witecki with Tampa Theatre said, “Though the theme may be silly, BeerFest’s purpose is most serious: the 11th (almost) annual event benefits the theater’s artistic, educational and community programs, as well as the ongoing preservation of the 97-year-old historic landmark.”

Tampa Theatre is a remarkably beau -

By Kathy L. Collins

tiful theater, and if you have not had a chance to visit it, this is a great opportunity.

Over the past decade, Tampa Theatre’s signature summer fundraiser, BeerFest, has raised more than $100,000 for the nonprofit movie palace with events like Barley’s Angels, The Brews Brothers and last year’s Pee-Wee’s Beer Adventure.

Witecki added, “BeerFest guests are invited to don their dino duds, dress as their favorite Jurassic Park character or come in a costume inspired by the movie.”

All are welcome to attend Beerassic Park, but you must be 21 or older to attend, and a valid government-issued ID is required for entry.

There are several categories of tickets.

A limited-capacity premium sampling begins at 7 p.m., and advance-sale tickets are $75. Grand-sampling ticket holders can enter at 8 p.m., and advance-sale tickets are $55. Tampa Theatre members save $10 o f advance-sale prices. Tickets are available at the Tampa Theatre Box O f ce or online on the theater’s website (convenience fees apply). Tickets will sell out, so get your tickets early.

Tampa Theatre is located at 711 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://tampatheatre. org/. You can also call 813-274-8981.