Computer Mentors Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Computer Mentors Group celebrated its 10th anniversary on Nov. 10th with an Anniversary Bash at the Grand Prix Tampa on North Nebraska in Tampa. The occasion was to celebrate 10 years of service "Bridging the Digital Divide" in the Tampa Bay community. Sixty-five ex-participants, employees, volunteers and board members registered for free pizza and an all-day ride pass at the attraction.

CMG also used the occasion to honor several distinguished parties. The first was to honor the top sponsors who have been responsible for sustaining the organization for the last 10 years. Three sponsors were named as Platinum sponsors for having donated over $100,000 each over the past 10 year. They were Eckerd Family Foundation, the organizations largest sponsor, Conn Memorial Foundation, the organizations most steadfast sponsor, and Microsoft, even though they have only been sponsors for the last two years have already distinguished themselves as a platinum sponsors.

Platinum awards to Eckerd Family Foundation, Conn Memorial and Microsoft.

Also honored were Gold sponsors who included Verizon, Bailey Family Foundation, the Children's Board of Hillsborough County and JPMorgan Chase, all who have provided more than $50,000 each in support over the last 10 years.

The Mentors also used the occasion to honor it's Volunteer of the Year, Board Member of the Year, and Employee of the Year.

Volunteer of the Year was won by Sam Christy with Marc Herbert serving as the 1st runner-up. Sam and Marc had both been volunteers, then worked as employees facilitating short-term contracts for CMG, and when the contracts expired became volunteers again — all with the past year. "These are both two of the most flexible people that we have around," said John Corsell, CMG Program Director.

Program Director, John Corsell, presents Volunteer of the Year award to Sam Christy.

This year's winners for Board Member of the year was Juan Davis of Fastlane Clothing with David Omlor of Interface Network Systems as the runner-up. "Both of these gentlemen exemplify everything an organization needs in a board member," said Ralph Smith, Executive Director. Juan is currently acting board chair and makes donations of time, networking in the community for CMG, and finances, donating both personally and from his business. David sponsored a Technology Bowl team where he personally performed as coach and helped spearhead CMG's expansion into Pinellas County earlier this year.

Ralph Smith and Board Member of the Year Juan Davis.

As for employees, this year's Employee of the Year was won by Meghan Fish-Stuhl with Christian Silva being the runner-up. Meghan is a 'home grown' product of the CMG program who now assists the organization as a trainer and a web designer. Meghan is in her second year as an employee at CMG and is currently attending Hillsborough Community College.

Ralph Smith presents Employee of the Year award to Meghan Fish-Stuhl.

Christian was previously an intern from Gulf Coast College. He became a full-time employee earlier this year and is Program Manager of in Hillsborough County. Both these employees were set aside for distinction because of their flexibility and dedication to the CMG mission.

Christian Silva, Program Manager, received honorable mention Employee of the Year.

Fun at Grand Prix Tampa

"On your mark, get set . . . GO!"

"And the winner is . . ."

Sharing refreshments on the outdoor patio at Grand Prix.

The Springfield College team, who helped put 10th Anniversary Bash together.
left to right: Tammie Wright, Ralph Smith and Sheila Walthor-Walker.