By Deborah Speicher

The TECO South Shore Community Center was packed on Saturday April 12. After several years of holding this annual pig roast at a smaller venue, the Nam Knights of America MC (Westside Chapter) moved their annual fundraiser. Not only was it large enough for all that showed up to chow down, but there was plenty of room for the Skybolts Parachute Demonstration Team to make their landings. Now that was really impressive! There was also ongoing music by two different bands – Single Malt Brothers Band and Stormbringer – as well as the Coyote Ugly Girls.

The proceeds from the barbeque, raffles and auction held that day benefitted two charities – the Haley House Fund and the Lynn Sowers Memorial Foundation. Tampa is home to the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. However, families of injured active duty and veterans cannot always afford housing to stay in the area. That is where the Haley House Fund steps in to assist with local living arrangements so families can stay close by. “No one left behind – including families” is their motto. Lynn Sowers was a local deputy who died in 1995. Her fellow employees took up a collection for her family and the family requested that the monies be used for Sheriff’s Office families in need. This foundation was set up in her honor and continues today to assist Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office employees who have suffered catastrophic events.

Great job Nam Knights!