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Liz Kennedy cried Monday, almost the same way she cried decades ago when she read the book Sybil.
The child abuse detailed in that 1973 best-seller by Flora Schreiber was one of the reasons being a child advocate became a passion for Kennedy more than 25 years ago.
"I was so horrified by it, that anybody could hurt a child, that I really thought I'd like to do something about it," Kennedy said.
Kennedy did a lot. She helped establish the Child Abuse Council, the Healthy Start Coalition and Baby Bungalow. In recent years, she played a significant role in helping child welfare services privatize its work into Hillsborough Kids Inc., and her latest baby is the Ophelia Project, an effort to improve the lives of young women.
Friends say Kennedy has never sought headlines, but the headlines are going to find her after she received the Tampa Metro Civitan Club's 2003 Citizen of the Year Award on Monday at the Florida State Fair Governor's Luncheon. On hand were various dignitaries, including nearly every elected official representing this county.
One need only look at the names of past recipients to understand the magnitude of the award: Al Austin, George and Leonard Levy, Olin Mott, Jim Ferman (Sr. and Jr.), George Steinbrenner, Monsignor Laurence Higgins, the Rev. Abe Brown and the late Shirley Ryals.
"It's very humbling," said Kennedy, whose husband, David, managed to gather friends and family at the luncheon without letting Liz know. "When you think of these people and all they've done, I'm stunned. It's a tremendous honor."
Of course, it's not the first honor for Kennedy. Other organizations, including Guardian Ad Litem and the Hillsborough Bar Association, have saluted her passion for kids.
"It's unbelievable what she's done, and she's just been such a strong advocate," family friend George Levy said. "I just don't know anybody who has given that kind of time to kids who are in need and in trouble. All you have to do is call and ask."
Kennedy said her work pays tribute to her father, who grew up in foster care.
"She thinks big in terms of the system," David Kennedy said. "Her work hasn't been about just helping individual kids; it's been about developing a system of care that can really make a difference."
Despite the praise, Kennedy does not revel in the spotlight.
"I am uncomfortable receiving accolades because I think so many people do their own bit to make this a great community," Kennedy said.
"It really does take all of us. We need to do that, and we have a history of working cooperatively, collectively and collaboratively together because no one person can do it all."
So let me do my little bit and mention a project near and dear to Kennedy's heart. The Ophelia Project is committed to making Tampa the best community in the nation for young women by helping them build self-esteem and steer clear of bad choices through their preteen years.
The inspiration for the local Ophelia Project comes in part from Mary Pipher's book Reviving Ophelia. Pipher will be here March 5 for two speaking engagements.
A 10 a.m. community coffee at A La Carte Pavilion will focus on "Strengthening Young Families: Parenting Tips to Navigate Today's Toxic Culture." For a lot of us parents, things are pretty toxic, between Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson and the roach-eating contestants on Fear Factor. Tickets cost $25 per person.
The project's annual luncheon will follow at 11:30 a.m. with Pipher's remarks on "Hunger Pains: Staying Healthy in an Appearance-Obsessed Society." Tickets cost $50 per person and $1,000 per table.
It sounds to me that, even if you don't have daughters, Pipher's advice will prove beneficial. You never know when you might get the chance to share some wisdom as a mentor or friend.
That's all I'm saying.
- Ernest Hooper can be reached at 226-3406 or hooper@sptimes.com