Chamber drums up money with raffle

The gulf beaches chamber spiffs up while giving members a chance at dinners. Members also have donated or bartered goods and services to get the capital improvements done.

By SHARON L. BOND

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 18, 2000

ST. PETE BEACH -- The Gulf Beaches of Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is using a raffle to raise money for needed items, such as new roofs and computer systems.

Executive director Debbie Stambaugh sent chamber members, who number about 1,200, a letter recently asking them to buy raffle tickets for $10 apiece.

"Our existing offices need the following: Indian Rocks Beach, additional signage; Madeira Beach, a new roof, paint job and signage; St. Pete Beach, a sprinkler system, landscaping, new roof and paint job."

Stambaugh said the new kiosks planned for John's Pass Village and Treasure Island need to be built and have signs and computers installed.

Membership is growing, Stambaugh said, and the chamber wants to improve its appearance and expand services. It has four buildings, the three mentioned above and one in Treasure Island. The Treasure Island office will be replaced by one of the kiosks, she said. Computers are needed in the kiosks so tourists can drop in and get to the chamber's Web page.

Since the raffle was announced last week, $1,000 worth of tickets have been sold, Stambaugh said. The raffle prize is dinner for two once a month for a year, more than a $600 value, according to Stambaugh.

Members also have donated or bartered goods and services to get the capital improvements done, Stambaugh said. The Tides Golf Club in Seminole got a new computer system and donated the old one for one of the kiosks. Bay Area Roofing will put a new roof on the St. Pete Beach building at cost, and sign, sandblasting and painting companies have offered to trade their services, Stambaugh said.

The chamber, which represents 12 beach communities, asked members last year for donations for a new main computer system. Members kicked in enough to pay for it, Stambaugh said.

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