Brandon Celebrates 30 Years of Joy for Special Needs Children

News Summary

The community of Brandon gathered on February 18 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Alice Storms Very Special Arts event, honoring special needs children from Eastern Hillsborough County. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, the event saw cheerful participation with activities such as craft-making and magic shows, showcasing the community’s dedication to inclusivity and joy for children with special needs.

Brandon Celebrates 30 Years of Joy for Special Needs Children

On February 18, the vibrant community of Brandon came alive with laughter and creativity as the Alice Storms Very Special Arts event celebrated its 30th anniversary. This heartwarming occasion drew in a crowd of special needs kindergarten and prekindergarten children from Eastern Hillsborough County, bringing smiles and joyful memories back after the challenges posed by the pandemic.

A Tribute to a Local Hero

The event honors Alice Storms, a dedicated champion for special needs children who played a pivotal role in bringing this initiative to life. As a charter member of the GFWC Brandon Service League, Alice’s passion and commitment set the stage for the very first Very Special Arts event back in 1991. Her contributions have created a lasting impact and fostered a caring community, one activity at a time.

Reviving a Beloved Tradition

The last gathering prior to the pandemic took place in February 2020, seeing an impressive turnout of 267 children. Fast forward to 2023, and despite a smaller attendance of 145 children at the newly chosen venue—New Hope Church—the spirit of the event shone brightly. Kids engaged in a rich variety of activities, including craft-making, face painting, bubbles, and even magic shows. A delightful lunch capped off the day, ensuring the children left with happy hearts and full bellies.

A Community Effort

This event is not just organized by the Brandon Service League but is a beautiful collaboration that brings together various people and organizations. Fifty high school volunteers from local institutions, including Brandon Academy, Hillsborough County Virtual High School, and Durant High School, stepped up to help create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees. Their time and energy were invaluable in making the day run smoothly.

Additionally, the Linus Project joined in by providing cozy blankets for each child. These blankets served as perfect picnic spots during lunch and can be taken home as sweet keepsakes, reminding the children of a day filled with joy. Meanwhile, magicians Bob Klase and Rudy Hernandez dazzled the children with their captivating tricks, ensuring that no moment was dull. The GFWC Brandon Junior Women’s Club also added to the fun by organizing crafts for the little ones, allowing them to unleash their inner artists as they decorated hats—a longstanding tradition of the event.

In another generous gesture, Publix Charities lent their support by donating $250 towards food, showing how community spirit thrives when everyone pitches in.

The Mission That Unites

The GFWC Brandon Service League was established on May 9, 1960, and its members—diverse and dedicated—share a common goal: to improve the lives of individuals in areas such as Brandon, Bloomingdale, Limona, Lithia, Riverview, Seffner, and Valrico. Monthly meetings serve as a space for these women to connect and brainstorm new ways to serve their community, held on the second Thursday of each month from September through May (with December being an exception).

For those interested in becoming a part of this incredible organization and continuing this tradition of giving back, information can be found on the GFWC Brandon Service League’s website, where you can learn how to get involved in the coming days. This anniversary celebration is a testament to the impact one person can have, and the way a community can come together to make magic happen for its children.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Weekend Events in Tampa Bay: Your Fun-Filled Guide!
Punta Mita Recognized as Premier Golf Destination
Tyler Barrett Promoted to North America Sales Manager at Foley Company
Srixon ZXi LS Driver Claims Top Spot in 2025 Golf Tests
Jon Rahm’s Unexpected Drop in World Golf Rankings
State Parks to Be Protected with New Preservation Bill
Florida Senate Advances Bill to Protect State Parks
Unveiling the Golf Paradise in Scottsdale
Join the Fun at the Pete Carlson Golf Expo
Miami Welcomes Avenue Z’s Expansion

Additional Resources

• Osprey Observer: GFWC Brandon Service League Hosts Very Special Arts Program
• Chicago Tribune: Mayor Brandon Johnson Touts Investment in Minority Business
• Des Moines Register: Central College Grad Gets Big League Shot
• Google Search: Brandon Service League
• 6abc: Phillies vs Mets NLDS Schedule
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Brandon