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Supporters rain accolades on Angel Foundation at nonprofit's annual gala

 
Tampa Bay Times
Published Nov. 21, 2018

RIVERVIEW — Alicia and David Rice of Ruskin met about three years ago and instantly fell in love.

In a first-ever marriage for both — she at age 39, and he at 42 — they wed on June 26 of this year on Ft. Desoto Beach.

While she describes their union as "a match made in heaven," their new lives together has come with challenges.

David Rice has a rare and aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a disease he's battled for several years and has required him to travel frequently in recent months to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville for treatment.

Because he's unable to work and relies solely on Alicia's income to pay for their living expenses, the added fuel, lodging and vehicle repair costs for the trips create a financial burden.

Thanks to a request for help by someone who remains anonymous, however, the Angel Foundation (formerly known as the Greater Brandon Foundation), stepped in to put their minds at ease.

For that, couple say there are forever grateful.

Alicia Rice was among the speakers to express her thanks during the Angel Foundation's dinner and silent auction at the Regent earlier this month.

In partnership with local businesses and other groups and individuals, the foundation assists families throughout the greater Brandon community faced with life threatening illnesses or catastrophic events. The organization's wide range of assistance comes in the form of financial gifts as well as goods and services.

"They are a light at our darkest times," she said.

Another guest spoke appreciatively about the good deeds performed by some teens from the organization' Junior Angels program who entertained a young girl while her mom, who suffers from ALS, and dad could spend some alone time together.

A third testimonial came from a single mother of three who told of how they lost all their belongings in an apartment fire but, with the help of the foundation, put their lives back together.

In addition, a father expressed his gratitude for the hot meals and other acts of kindness his family received while his daughter underwent treatment for a brain tumor that fortunately is now in remission.

The evening's auction garnered at total of $18,365.

"We're very appreciative of those who participated in the auction and also very, very appreciative of the families who shared their stories," Brewer said.

Contact Joyce McKenzie at hillsnews@tampabay.com.