TAMPA - Mixed emotions reigned over the Early Childhood Council of Hillsborough County's annual spring luncheon as the nonprofit honored a partner, and remembered a pivotal player who helped solidify the partnership.
The council saluted the Children's Board of Hillsborough County for its 30 years of work in supporting pregnant women and children at its April 4 event. In 2007, the Children's Board agreed to grant funding to the council, allowing it the infrastructure to become a full-fledged nonprofit.
But, someone was missing from the celebration.
Brian McEwen, executive director of Champions for Children, who co-wrote the funding proposal with Early Childhood Council executive director Stephen C. Martaus, died of brain cancer March 25 at age 65.
"It was kind of a bittersweet luncheon, definitely a celebration, but Brian was brought up a couple of times ... because he did so much in the community," Martaus said.
Each year at its spring luncheon, the Early Childhood Council honors one of its community partners. The Children's Board of Hillsborough County was honored for its "great leadership, particularly in the areas of prevention and early intervention efforts."
"They were honored, not just for what they did for us in 2007, but really for what they've done for the community in the past 30 years," Martaus said.
The Children's Board of Hillsborough County has served children and families by providing funding for services and supports, with an emphasis on pregnant women and children ages birth to 8 years old. The goal of the Children's Board is to work with other groups who share a common vision of supporting children so they can lead healthy, safe and productive lives.
The board was created in 1988 following a voter referendum that passed by a slim margin. The organization shows a track record of funding millions of dollars to those in need. Since its inception, it has given more than $500 million to about 30 local nonprofits.
"It's an amazing opportunity to meet the needs of families and children," said Kelley Parris, executive director of the Children's Board of Hillsborough County.
Parris credits all the praise toward the board's members and volunteers, who she said work tirelessly to make sure they're finding each area of need within the county.
"I have to give every bit of credit to the board. They have always been the visionaries in the community and see on the ground what the needs are. That's a rarity, that a board is willing to step out and take a chance to meet those needs," she said.
The executive director remembers a need that arose in 2015 following several town hall meetings held by the group. In South Hillsborough County, there was an emergency need for early learning and safe daycare centers. The Children's Board invested in data research and partnered with Enterprising Latinas, a small nonprofit, in recruiting women willing to become trained and licensed childcare providers. Thirty-two women received their licenses; 40 applied.
"Now the women down there have an opportunity to leave their children when they're at work and not worry about their safety," Parris said.
"If there's a crisis, we step up and help fill those needs."
For more information on the Children's Board or the Early Childhood Council, visit childrensboard.org and ecctampabay.org.
Contact Crystal Owens at hillsnews@tampabay.com.