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PACE award named after public defender's daughter

By CHRIS TISCH
Published February 17, 2007

Bob and Kay Dillinger have turned the death of their daughter into something inspiring at the PACE Center for Girls in Pinellas County.

The Dillingers' 32-year-old daughter, Beth, took her life in September. The death was a shock to many because Bob Dillinger, the Pinellas-Pasco public defender, has a history of advocating for people who are troubled or at risk.

The family asked friends and loved ones to donate to the PACE Center for Girls in Beth's memory. More than $35,000 poured in. The Pinellas Educational Foundation kicked in another $25,000.

On Friday, the center unveiled a scholarship program named after Beth Dillinger that will provide at least two $1,000 scholarships per year to PACE girls.

The center also unveiled Beth's Closet, which is packed with clothes, shoes, jewelry and accessories.

The clothes, some of which belonged to Beth Dillinger, will be used to reward girls in the program. The girls also can use the clothes for job interviews.

The large closet was painted pink, carpeted and decorated by the Dillingers and their daughter's fiance.

"We wanted to help girls that need help," Bob Dillinger said. "Those are at-risk girls, and the fewer at-risk girls we have, the better. I think the closet will help boost some self-esteem and some positive behavior. And the scholarships will reward the positive behavior even more."

The closet and the scholarships were unveiled Friday afternoon at a ceremony at the center.

The center also is looking for a women's organization or church group to assume management of Beth's Closet. Duties would include restocking clothes. Anyone wanting to help can call Development Director Bill Isaly at 784-3621.

[Last modified February 17, 2007, 02:07:30]