The Tampa Bay Chapter of the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA)  in partnership with Computer Mentors Group Inc, (CMG) and Lives Under Construction (LUC) is hosting a youth charity awards breakfast at the Intercontinental Hotel on W. Kennedy Blvd, Saturday, September 12, 2009.  

Tampa, FL (PRWEB)  27, Sep, 2009 –  The Tampa BDPA youth charity event, to support the training and motivation of underprivileged Tampa Bay youth in computer technology, entrepreneurship and health and fitness, will include an appearance and keynote by Warrick Dunn of the Warrick Dunn Foundation.  

The former NFL running back will give a personal account of his struggles as a child growing up in a single parent household and how faith, discipline and perseverance launched his 12-year NFL career. Mr. Dunn is the 2009 winner of the NFL's prestigious Bart Starr Award for his community outreach efforts.  "This event is an extension of my personal mission to offer opportunities for positive growth and development to disadvantaged youth and their families," said Warrick Dunn.  

Proceeds of the event will go to benefit the four non-profit organizations and send a group of teenage youth to the Tampa Bay Technology Bowl on October 24, 2009 and the 2010 BDPA National Technology Conference.  At the national conference youth will compete against other teens  from around the nation using the computer and business skills gained in the programs.  Top performers will be given awards and college scholarships. 

CMG, which provided the training facilities and computers for the 2009 BDPA High School Computer Competition, will be hosting the Technology Bowl.  "It’s an honor to be affiliated with the likes of BDPA, Lives Under Construction, Warrick Dunn and others who want to impact and encourage youths toward excellence," concluded Ralph Smith, executive director of CMG.  BDPA, CMG and LUC are 501(c)3 tax-deductible charity organizations  committed to training the next generation business and technology professionals, focusing on disadvantaged communities.  For more information visit http://tampabdpa.org/html/warrick_dunn_youth.html .

 
To register for the event , provide sponsorship or make a donation, please visit www.TampaBDPA.org and click on the Donate button.

 About the Organizations:

The Warrick Dunn Foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities for economically-disadvantaged single parents and children who have demonstrated a commitment to achieve financial independence and stability. The Foundation’s Homes for the Holiday’s program, established in Tampa, Fla. in 1997, has assisted 86 single parents and 233 children achieve first time home ownership in Tampa and Tallahassee, Fla., Atlanta, Ga. and Baton Rouge, La. For more information, visit www.warrickdunnfoundation.org

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 Tampa BDPA is a non-profit professional association which advances diversity in technology and business by providing training, development, networking and motivation to undeserved communities.  Its vision is "advancing careers, from classroom to boardroom."  BDPA is a 32-year old organization which advocates for diversity in technology.

Lives Under Construction, Inc. is a  non-profit organization which uses youth sports as a platform for building character, discipline and focus on community service.

Computer Mentors Group, Inc. is a "digital divide" non-profit organization comprised of computer professionals, and others interested in the future job opportunities of disadvantaged youths.  The groups primary program is called the Youth Computer Certification & Ownership Program. Youths in the program build a computer to take home and have the opportunity of earning a college credit by completing the 6-month course and passing the certification test. The group also provides scholarships, through the Eckerd Family Foundation, and has a summer internship job program for the youth that have achieved certification.

Contact: 

Frank Shines, President

Greater Tampa Bay BDPA

Tel: (813) 454-5325

Email: FPShines@gmail.com