TAMPA, Fla. – Five people have been treated to a holiday shopping spree by GTE Financial.
Amongthem, the Lewis family, who lost everything they owned after a generator fire burned down their home following Hurricane Irma. The matriarch of the Nunamaker family took in her four grandchildren after her daughter passed away and other members of the family faced serious health problems.
It’s all part of their annual promise campaign, Make Hope Real, which aims to deliver a dose of holiday happiness to families struggling during the season. GTE Financial will escort the families on an adventure that includes a shopping spree and dinner.
“We host many fundraisers throughout the year, but this one is among those closest to our hearts,” says Brian Best, president and CEO of GTE Financial. “We are here to serve our community, whatever their need may be, and when you have member families that are struggling, grieving and adjusting to major changes during what’s supposed to be the happiest time of the year, you rally your team to make holiday miracles come true.”
GTE employees are raising funds throughout the month. Members have also been invited to donate and to help support the families. This year’s families will shop at Target for their wish list items and then enjoy a complimentary holiday dinner at Cena Restaurant in Channelside. During dinner, GTE Financial’s “elves” will wrap all the gifts so the families can take them home and begin their own celebration of the season.
This is the fourth year that GTE Financial has adopted families for the holidays.