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It's A Three-Way Race In Riverview

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By LOIS KINDLE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 17, 2008

RIVERVIEW - Look out, Mike Wick. Three people are clamoring to take your place.

Wick, the current honorary mayor of Riverview, was on hand Sept. 6 at the International Independent Showmen's Association for the kickoff of the annual race for the role, when Aaron Fredricks, Kevin Talbert and Christa Jerome announced they would seek to replace him.

The candidates will host events through the first week in January 2009 to raise money for the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce and charity. For every dollar collected, they receive a vote, and the person who turns in the most money wins. All proceeds are split 50/50 between the chamber and the candidates' charities of choice.

"The main reason I'm running is to raise money for the Bloomingdale Library attack victim," said Fredricks, the owner of East Coast Pizza. "Several of my employees know her.

"I'd also like to get more active with the chamber and in the community," he said.
Fredricks and his campaign manager Walt Vickers are cooking up some outings they hope will be cash cows. So far, they are committing to a golf tournament and a bachelors auction. Could the single, 27-year-old restaurateur be thinking of putting himself on the block? Fredericks said his goal is to raise $20,000.

"My objective is to raise as much money as I possibly can for my two charities - the YMCA and the Trey Curry Foundation - and the Riverview chamber," said Talbert, 37, owner of Southern Funeral Care. "Obviously, I'd love to win, but win or lose, we will be raising money for great charities.

"I'm on the board of the Y, and not too many people know that the Y is a charity," he said. The organization "helps build strong kids, families and community. The Currys are friends of mine, and their charity helps the less fortunate and children."

Talbert's campaign manager is Karen Wilson. So far, the two of them have planned a barbecue from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 27 at the funeral home. Details will be forthcoming, Talbert said. "I'm looking forward to a fun race."

Jerome, 34, a financial services professional with New York Life Insurance Co., said she is more than ready to be honorary mayor.

"As with anything, you have to be in the right place at the right time, not only personally, but professionally," she said. "I think I am there for this year's race. Also, the main goal is to raise money for charity, so that's what I will try to do.

Jerome's goal is to raise $10,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Riverview project scheduled for completion by the end of the year or early 2009 and $10,000 for the chamber.

"The organizers are very, very close to building a facility in our town and the need is so great here," she said. "Many families have children who have nothing to do, no place to go. It's always good to invest in the future - to reinforce the values parents are teaching - with community service."

With her campaign manager Mai Perez, Jerome is quick off the mark to announce several events that she feels will build a bundle. They include a wings-and-beer happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at The Beer Shed in Riverview; a Sex & the City Couples Night Out at Springhill Suites Tampa/Brandon Oct. 17; and a golf tournament at Summerfield Crossings in November or December.

The winner will be installed at the chamber's annual dinner in January.

"I think we have three really great candidates this year with three great charities," said Kitty Cunningham, the Riverview chamber's executive director. "Last year, our two candidates, Mike Wick of Serenity Meadows and Paul Northrop of The Tampa Tribune, raised $25,000. With the candidates we have this year, I think, as President Billie Gordon says, 'The sky's the limit!'"

For information about the candidates' upcoming events, contact the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce at (813)234-5944 or visit www .riverviewchamber.com.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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