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A Stretch To Help Charity

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 15, 2007

Updated: 12/13/2007 05:45 pm

VALRICO - A Valrico company is offering residents a chance to ride in style to visit the area's best holiday exhibits.

Through the end of December, residents can observe lavish lighting displays via a luxury limo and help out a Brandon charity at the same time. Jake and Debbie Piascik, owners of Dream Limousine in Valrico, are offering limousine holiday light tours and donating 10 percent of the proceeds to the Emergency Care Help Organization.

ECHO, at 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon, is a nonprofit, community-based organization that provides food and clothing to residents facing emergencies.

"We just thought it would be a nice way for people to get into the spirit of the holidays," Jake Piascik said. "They not only enjoy the sights of the season but help out one of Brandon's charities.

"Out of all the charities in Brandon, ECHO's the one that's most touched my heart," he said.

Piascik said he became acquainted with ECHO while participating in the yearlong Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Leadership Brandon program, designed to identify and mentor community leaders.

This year, after his business was named one of the chamber's 2007 small businesses of the year, Piascik - a former flight engineer for Air Force Two, the plane that transports the vice president of the United States - said he wanted to do something to express his gratitude for ECHO's work.

Residents can choose any size limousine, from a two- to five-passenger stretch limo starting at $205 to Dream Limousine's 18-passenger limo bus with a five-screen DVD player starting at $350.

"You can make a party out of it. Bring your own drinks - maybe some hot chocolate - put a fireplace DVD into the machine, bundle up and enjoy the holiday displays," he said, noting that the average tour is two hours. "People can rent them for office parties, family outings or just a romantic evening for two. You have a good time, and the charity wins."

Piascik said customers can choose the route or pick one Dream Limousine has mapped out. That tour includes traditional hometown favorites, such as Barrington Oaks East in Brandon and Christmas Lane in Dover.

To reserve a limousine or for information, call (813) 662-7300 or visit www.dream limollc.com.

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524 or dlwhite@tampatrib.com.

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