Library boosters plan fundraising run

Proceeds from the Great Westchase 5K walk/run and Children's 1K Fun Run will benefit the new Upper Tampa Bay Library.

By JANE BOKUN
© St. Petersburg Times
published September 8, 2002

WESTCHASE -- The Upper Tampa Bay Friends of the Library have set the date for a fundraiser that they hope will bring them even closer to a state-of-the-art library.

The Great Westchase 5K walk/run and Children's 1K Fun Run will start at 8 a.m. Oct. 26 near the Village Plaza at West Park Village off Linebaugh Avenue. It will be open to all communities, adults and children ages 8 through 12.

Application fees of $9 for children and $15 for adults will benefit the new Upper Tampa Bay Library, which is scheduled for completion by December 2004.

"It will be our second fundraiser," said chapter president Maureen Gauzza, who led the effort and lives in Westchase. "We've already had a book sale." Funds from that book sale will go toward buying new software and computers for the library.

For nearly two years, Westchase residents lobbied hard for a new library. They were rewarded last year when Hillsborough County settled on a site along Countryway Boulevard.

Gauzza's group also has formed a nonprofit corporation to help raise funds for the $3-million, 10,000-square-foot library. Their foundation will be headed by former U.S. Air Force Col. Brett Scharringhausen, who also lives in Westchase.

"It's a big task, getting the right people involved," Scharringhausen said. "But it's time to make things happen."

His Upper Tampa Bay Friends of the Library Foundation hopes to raise enough money for a 750-person auditorium and meeting center at the library site. The group's wish list also includes an outdoor gazebo.

The Upper Tampa Bay Library will serve Countryway, Citrus Park and other communities as well.

After the Great Westchase Walk/Run, the community's first Oktoberfest with Halloween activities will take place. It is organized by the Merchants Association of West Park Village. The 5K run for adults will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the children's 1K fun run at 9 a.m.

All racers will get T-shirts and sponsor packets with complimentary food and drinks at the finish.

To learn more

For more information about the race and fundraising efforts call Chris Barrett at (813) 920-9809.

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