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Tony DiBenedetto to Receive Horatio Alger Award in Tampa

Tony DiBenedetto celebrated for his incredible achievements and contributions to youth development.

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News Summary

Tony DiBenedetto, CEO of Appspace and founder of Think Big for Kids, will receive the prestigious Horatio Alger Award in April. His inspiring journey from struggles to success highlights resilience and community support, making a significant impact on young lives through his nonprofit. DiBenedetto’s story is a beacon of hope for many.

Tampa’s Tony DiBenedetto Set to Receive Prestigious Horatio Alger Award

In the heart of Tampa, there’s a remarkable story of perseverance and success unfolding. Tony DiBenedetto, the dynamic CEO of Appspace and the heart behind the nonprofit Think Big for Kids, is getting recognized in a big way. Come this April, he will receive the coveted Horatio Alger Award, a trophy not just for his entrepreneurial achievements but also for his meaningful contributions to the lives of young people.

A Journey from Struggles to Success

DiBenedetto’s life has not been a walk in the park. Growing up wasn’t easy for him, as he spent his early years living with his grandparents due to his parents’ youth and financial struggles. The loss of his grandmother marked a turning point in his life, pushing him to become independent. During those formative middle and high school years, he relied heavily on the support of friends and community members. Life lessons were learned—and tough ones at that—as he bounced between more than ten different homes and juggled several jobs just to keep afloat.

But here’s where it gets inspiring. Despite facing so many challenges, DiBenedetto found the support he needed in his community. This led him to excel academically, earning him a spot among the top graduates in his class. He went on to earn a business degree from Florida State University and began crafting his career from there.

A Business Trailblazer

After kickstarting his career at Arthur Andersen, DiBenedetto ventured into entrepreneurship by founding the IT firm Tribridge back in 1998. Under his leadership, Tribridge flourished, eventually being sold to DXC Technology in 2017. This monumental success paved the way for his current role at Appspace, where he continues to make waves in the tech industry.

Think Big for Kids: A Mission to Inspire

But DiBenedetto didn’t stop at personal success. He recognized the importance of giving back and made a meaningful impact through Think Big for Kids. This nonprofit is his brainchild, intended specifically to guide children and adolescents toward discovering their passions and ultimately finding jobs. Its well-structured program follows three main pillars: career exploration activities, mentorship, and job readiness and placement assistance.

Initially, Think Big for Kids focused its efforts on the local Tampa community. However, the program’s success has allowed it to expand its reach across the nation, now serving young individuals in cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey. Now that’s what you call making a difference!

Community Moments and Updates

Florida This Week, Rob Lorei is gearing up for a new chapter at WEDU. Furthermore, the Save The Kids Foundation recently hosted an enchanting Gatsby Gala to boost pediatric cancer research and honor the remarkable Dr. Mildred Duncan.

In environmental news, Kristina Moreta has been chosen as the new executive director for Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, setting her sights on sustainability efforts for the community. Also noteworthy, One Stop Cares welcomed Audrey Abraham as the new executive director to champion affordable housing initiatives.

Shifting gears into the local business scene, Hooters’ Clearwater-based brand, as reported by their CEO Neil Kiefer, is reportedly stronger than ever. Looking ahead, the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art plans to reopen its bistro, now dubbed The Canyon by Catering by The Family, come spring 2025—a delicious development for art and food enthusiasts alike.

In a fantastic initiative to support local student-athletes, Thirsty Buffalo Brewing has rolled out the Brahman Golden Ale, which promises to be as delicious as it sounds! This brewery’s contribution will benefit the Fowler Avenue Collective at the University of South Florida.

Business Spotlight

Tampa Bay Business & Wealth magazine remains dedicated to delivering in-depth coverage of local business topics. Its reporting shines a light on vital issues that impact our region and showcases our amazing investment ecosystem.

As Tony DiBenedetto prepares to accept his Horatio Alger Award, it serves as a beautiful reminder: no matter where you start, it’s where you go that counts. The resilience and dedication he showcases are not only commendable but also inspiring to everyone in the Tampa community and beyond!