YMCA Partners Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA was proud to welcome volunteers from Raymond James Financial and the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation to Sulphur Springs K-8, a YMCA partner school, on Friday, May 8th, in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week.

More than 20 volunteers dedicated their day to recognizing and uplifting the teachers and faculty who make a lasting difference in the lives of students every day. Volunteers assembled thoughtful teacher appreciation gifts, decorated hallways with inspirational messages and served a catered lunch to faculty and staff as a special thank you for their commitment and care.

The day was coordinated by Senior Program Director Kathy Cubbage, whose leadership helped create a meaningful experience for both volunteers and school staff. Brock Guice, a member of the Tampa YMCA Urban Board and Chief Financial Officer, PCG at Raymond James Financial, played an instrumental role in organizing the volunteer effort and bringing the partnership to life.

“Teacher Appreciation Week is an opportunity to recognize the incredible educators and staff who pour so much into the lives of their students each day,” said Kathy Cubbage, Senior Program Director for the Tampa YMCA. “Seeing our community partners come together to celebrate and support the teachers at Sulphur Springs K-8 was truly meaningful and a reminder of the impact we can make when we work together.”

“For us, this was about showing appreciation for the people who make a difference in the community every single day,” said Brock. “Serving on the Urban Board has given me the opportunity to see firsthand the impact the YMCA makes in schools and neighborhoods across Tampa. Bringing volunteers together to celebrate the teachers and staff at Sulphur Springs K-8 was a meaningful way to live out that mission and give back to a school that is making such a difference for students and families.”

Through the support of community partners like Raymond James Financial and the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation, the Tampa YMCA continues to strengthen communities and support educators who help shape the future for children and families across the Tampa Bay area.