2020
The 7th Annual Suit Up & Show Up Event is planned for January 17, 2020. This leadership retreat for young men ages 16-24 focuses on life skills, goal setting and financial literacy -- while providing each participant with a tailored suit, shirt, tie and dress shoes.
This Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service event aims to change the attitude of young men in the community through a discussion about "Suiting Up and Showing Up for the Roles in Your Life". Panelists encourage participants to set goals and make decisions that lead to productive, happy futures. Candid conversations between panelists and students center on how to achieve positive results by fostering personal responsibility.
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Every student meets with a professional tailor and with the assistance of volunteers, the young men select a suit, shirt, tie and shoes. It is a trans-formative day for students and volunteers alike. Watch 2020's video (below) to witness the excitement for yourself.
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Suit Up and Show Up conceived by the CDC of Tampa's CEO Ernest Coney, Jr., who is determined that a young man would not receive his first suit on the occasion of his funeral. The first Suit Up & Show Up was held after Ernest purchased a suit for a young man, an innocent victim of gun violence. John Singleton was a developing leader in the CDC of Tampa's Youth Leadership Movement program; it was the 17-year-old high school junior's first suit.
7th Annual Suit Up & Show Up Event (2020) Event Video
Courtesy Uncharted Video Productions:
2019 Event News Coverage
Courtesy WFLA NewsChannel 8:
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Courtesy Spectrum Bay News 9:
http://www.baynews9.com/suit_up_and_show_up
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Courtesy of our partners at Envision Construction Services
THANK YOU to our 2019 Sponsors & Partners!
With our sponsors and partners help we have served 450+ young men with this inspirational program. Their generosity is making a difference in our community! Help us provide guidance, mentor and opportunity to the next generation, by signing on as a Youth Workforce program partner!