Caterer, thrift store join Brandon scene

BRANDON — Sharon Silver has worked in some of the bay area's most popular private clubs: the Tampa club, Hunter's Green and the Palmetto Club.

Having logged more than 20 years working for others, Silver recently decided it was time to venture out on her own. She opened the Catering Co. in the spring.

"When we started the Catering Co., we bought Budget Catering, and now we are the third-largest catering company in the Tampa Bay area," Silver said.

Beyond catering, the company provides party planning, wedding planning and server staffing for events. It serves clientele from Sarasota to Brooksville.

"We do everything from in-home parties to events up to 1,500 people," Silver said.

Once a month, Silver donates meals to the needy. With help from other local restaurant owners, she formed a group that donates catering services to the Women's Resource Center, A Kid's Place in Brandon, Rotary's Camp Florida in Brandon, and Everyday Blessings in Thonotosassa.

"When I opened the Catering Co., I wanted to help the less fortunate by giving food to the less fortunate at least once a month," Silver said. "That's only 12 times a year."

The Catering Co. is at 9331 E Adamo Drive in Tampa. For information, call (813) 630-1447.

Another Lighthouse thrift store

Lighthouse Ministries started 32 years ago in an old Lakeland liquor store. The organization now has four stores in Polk and Hillsborough counties.

In August, organizers opened a store in Brandon. The nondenominational organization affiliated with the Association of Gospel Rescue Mission sells gently used items donated from the public.

During the economic downturn, many have turned to stores like the Lighthouse Ministries Family Store to help fill in the gaps, said Steve Turbeville, who works for the organization.

"However, we're also hurting because people aren't donating as much, and we have to work harder to get donations," Turbeville said.

The Lighthouse Ministries family stores started in 2004 with one in Lakeland. The next outlet opened in Lake Wales. Plant City is home to the ministries' third store. The new Brandon store is the largest of the four branches.

The stores fund Lighthouse Ministries' mission work.

"The profits from the stores helps staff the stores, help interns who at one time were homeless, (and fund) adult education and scholarships for our prekindergarten center," Turbeville said.

Lighthouse Ministries Family Store is at 535 E Brandon Blvd. in the building that once housed Clark furniture store. The store operates from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sunday. Donations can be made during store hours. For information, call (813) 377-3977.

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