SPC President Tonjua Williams was the keynote speaker at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic’s annual Hunger Free event on Oct. 6 at The Coliseum. The #HungerFreeStPete is an event where local leaders and community members gather to bring awareness of hunger in Pinellas County. For Williams, the cause is close to her heart.
As a child growing up in poverty, Williams recounted how various people, whom she called “gap-fillers,” had invested in her life.
“Before we leave this world, you will invest in something,” said Williams. “Let us invest in the underdog; let’s invest in hope; and let’s make a difference. Some people are hidden figures who need us.”
At the end of the luncheon, the clinic raised a record-breaking $105,000. This will provide 420 families with food pantry visits for a year.
The St. Petersburg Free Clinic is a multi-service, independent, not-for-profit human services agency providing community neighbors assistance with food, shelter and healthcare. Since 1970, the organization has cared for under-served people facing temporary emergency needs throughout Pinellas County. The clinic provides eight programs, including:
- Community Kitchen
- Food Bank
- We Help Services
- Beacon House (men’s residence)
- Family Residence
- Women’s Residence
- Dental Clinic
- Health Center
