The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority employees – Bus Operators, Maintenance Personnel, Customer Service Representatives, etc. - donated their own money in an effort to adopt a room at a local Ronald McDonald House for children and their families receiving treatment at John Hopkins Children’s Hospital.
Leadership PSTA is an annual leadership development program for high potential employees. Each year the class is required to use the skills they’ve learned toward a community project that will make a positive impact. The 2018 Leadership PSTA class chose to set a goal of fundraising $5,000 in order to adopt a room in the Ronald McDonald House St. Pete West for five years. PSTA CEO, Brad Miller offered to be “pied in the face” if the employees met this goal.
Not only did they meet the goal, they exceeded it by staff donations of $6,050 and therefore, will be sponsoring a room for six years.
“I am incredibly proud to work with such amazing and generous men and women who consistently come together, support one another and contribute to improving our community and the lives of others,” said Brad Miller.
In addition to sponsoring a room, PSTA has provided free bus passes for the families to use for transportation during their stay.
“Many of our families come from out of state,” said RMH Charities Tampa Bay Executive Director, Lisa Suprenand, “Caring for a sick child while far away from home is difficult, expensive and unsettling. [The bus passes] make it possible for them to get to doctor appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores as well as opportunities to enjoy downtown and even our peaceful beaches”.
