NEWS
October 3, 2023
THE PEPIN FAMILY PARK PREMIERE
August 14, 2023
ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE LAUNCHES MENTAL HEALTH COURSES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
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March 14, 2022
ADVENTHEALTH FOUNDATION WEST FLORIDA ANNOUNCES PEPIN FAMILY AS 2023 STARLIGHT GALA CHAIRS
The AdventHealth Foundation West Florida is excited to announce the Pepin family will chair its 2023 Starlight Gala, with proceeds funding leading-edge cardiovascular care and equipment throughout Pepin Heart Institute and AdventHealth West Florida Division hospitals.
For more than 30 years, the Pepin family’s commitment to the community has paved the way for innovative cardiac care, close to home. As the first accredited Chest Pain Center in the region, the AdventHealth Pepin Heart Institute is nationally recognized for heart and chest pain care by the American Heart Association, the Joint Commission and the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. It was the first in Tampa Bay to offer the WATCHMAN device to reduce stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and today performs more than 12,000 surgeries and procedures every year.
What started in 1986 with Art “Pep” and Tom Pepin’s passionate focus to bring advanced heart care to Tampa Bay, is now continued by Tom, his daughter Tina and Tom’s entire family. As Starlight Gala chairs, they will champion fundraising for the Pepin Heart Institute and AdventHealth West Florida’s heart health services, encouraging others to contribute to new treatments, research and innovative technology that will make an impact on future generations and for years to come.
“The Pepin Family is honored to chair the 2023 Starlight Gala,” said Tina Pepin, Executive Director of The Pepin Family Foundation. "Growing up with the Pepin Heart Institute, I formed a passion and commitment to carry on my family’s legacy of making our community a better place. As a granddaughter and daughter of loved ones who have battled heart disease, I understand the importance of expert heart care close to my home. We are excited to join the AdventHealth Foundation West Florida team in creating a night full of camaraderie and cuisine to continue the legacy.”
Taking place on Sunday, October 1, at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, AdventHealth Foundation West Florida’s Starlight Gala will bring nearly 900 compassionate community members together to support Expert Care for Every Heart. Having raised more than $888,000 in 2022, this year’s event will seek to achieve an even greater impact, benefiting world-class, individualized cardiac care in Tampa Bay.
“The Pepin family’s legacy has positively impacted countless lives in our community,” said Kristen McCall, AdventHealth Foundation West Florida President. “When Art Pepin needed open-heart surgery, Tom had to take him out of Tampa to receive care. Now, thanks to the dedication of Tom and his family, our neighbors don’t have to travel far to receive the heart care they need. We are honored to announce the Pepin family as this year’s Starlight Gala chairs and we look forward to working with them to heal more hearts.”
February 10, 2022
PEPIN FAMILY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $10,000 HANDS ACROSS THE BAY DONATION TO SUPPORT THOSE IMPACTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING
The Pepin Family Foundation announced today its $10,000 donation to Hands Across the Bay to benefit Mackenzie’s Empowerment Zone. This year-long sponsorship will go toward hosting empowerment classes for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, first responders and law enforcement suffering from PTSD, and parents of chronically ill children.
“We are unbelievably grateful to the Pepin Family Foundation for partnering with Hands Across the Bay and providing its generous support of Mackenzie’s Empower Zone in our new Donation & Empowerment Center,” said Julie Weintraub, founder of Hands Across the Bay. “This sponsorship will allow us to hold meetings to support, guide, and empower survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, families facing hardship and first responders who have experienced trauma.”
Founded by the President of Gold & Diamond Source, Julie Weintraub, Hands Across the Bay opened a month ago to positively impact the lives of Tampa Bay residents. The organization’s goal is to inspire the community to become more compassionate, empathetic, and charitable by assisting and mentoring families in need and advocating for change.
“By supporting the quality programs from Hands Across the Bay, the most at-risk members of our community will have additional resources to work through their trauma and learn skills that will help them throughout their lives,” said Tina Pepin, director of the Pepin Family Foundation. “Our foundation strives to build lasting friendships with like-minded partners, like Hands Across the Bay, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to present this donation and establish a meaningful relationship that benefits the local community.” The Pepin Family Foundation’s works to partner with and support organizations that work to improve access to quality healthcare services and educational programing.
October 19, 2021
PEPIN FAMILY FOUNDATION AND PEPIN DISTRIBUTING COMPANY ANNOUNCE DONATION MATCH CHALLENGE TO FUND BREAST CANCER TREATMENT CENTER
Up to $50,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar to benefit the Simpson Breast Health Center at AdventHealth Zephyrhills during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Pepin Family Foundation and Pepin Distributing Company announced they are matching up to $50,000 in donations to benefit the Simpson Breast Health Center at AdventHealth Zephyrhills throughout the month of October. The donations will allow AdventHealth to install Serena Bright software, an advanced mammography and biopsy tool.
“The decision to support the Simpson Breast Health Center was an easy one. Our family recognizes the ferocious battle against breast cancer, and we know firsthand just how important quality care and treatment is in battling this disease,” said Tom Pepin, founder of the Pepin Family Foundation.
The Simpson Breast Health Center is the only facility in East Pasco to offer a patient-assisted mammography device that puts women in control of their mammograms. Under the supervision of a Certified Mammography Technologist, the technology allows women to manage their own compression during their exam and minimizes the perceived pain and discomfort often associated with a mammogram.
The breast center’s skilled physicians use some of the most advanced detection tools available, including 2D and 3D digital mammography, contrast enhanced mammography, breast ultrasound with 3D shear wave elastography, and breast biopsy capabilities to support a quick and early cancer diagnosis.
“We are grateful for the Pepin Family Foundation’s generous donation to support our Simpson Breast Health Center at AdventHealth Zephyrhills,” said Kristen McCall, vice president of AdventHealth Foundation West Florida. “Our Simpson Breast Health Center provides patients with a full spectrum of breast care services – from diagnosis to treatment, surgery to rehabilitation, and ongoing patient education and recovery. The Pepin Family Foundation’s gift will positively impact those in our care, helping more of our family members, friends, and neighbors feel whole.”
The Pepin Family Foundation’s philanthropy extends through both the health care and education space, with Pepin Academies and the Pepin Heart Hospital, two of its top recipients. The organization recently added Tina Pepin as director of the Pepin Family Foundation, as it moves to increase its community partnerships and support more organizations across the region, including the Simpson Breast Health Center.
“The Simpson Breast Health Center provides exceptional care to the moms, sisters, daughters, and friends in our community, and we are proud to help them expand their services to support even more women in their fight against breast cancer.” said Tina Pepin, director of the Pepin Family Foundation. “The goal of our donation and match campaign is not only to encourage others to give, but also to raise awareness of the disease and remind women how important regular screenings are for early detection.”
The month-long match campaign coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, during which the Simpson Breast Health Center also celebrated their 10th anniversary.