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Networking group goes to the dogs, hits the ground running

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Laura Frazier

lfrazier@tampatrib.com

Published: November 11, 2009

RIVERVIEW - A new networking group that aims to strengthen the bond between small businesses and their clients and potential customers in the greater Brandon and South Shore areas got off to a great start in October.

Spokeswoman Dottie Dunn said the group settled on the name Aliquity, which means "one" in Latin.

The idea is to organize fun, family-friendly, public events that benefit local nonprofit groups and help small businesses establish a rapport and name recognition with consumers.

During its first event, Dog Fest, held Oct. 3 at the Winthrop pole barn in Riverview, Aliquity raised $900 for Southeastern Guide Dogs, a nonprofit organization based in Palmetto. It's billed as the only facility in the southeastern United States to raise and train guide dogs to assist blind and visually impaired people. The school also trains dogs for placement in law enforcement and therapy careers.

To get in gear, Aliquity members brainstormed for a theme and came up with the Dog Fest concept. They knocked on doors and rang the phones of every pet-related business in the area, Dunn said. First, they secured two key sponsors - PETCO, a pet supplies store in Brandon, and Camp Bow Wow, a dog day care and kennel in Riverview.

Some businesses snapped up the opportunity to buy booth space at the event and showcase their wares. Others donated merchandise to use as prize giveaways.

During the fundraiser, dozens of dog lovers paid $5 each to enter their canine companions in silly contests such as Best Costume, Owner/Dog Lookalike and Ugliest Dog. A fair share of cash donations collected during the event further sweetened the pot.

The fledgling effort came together like the puzzle-piece graphic the group chose as its logo.

"We were really so pleased with the turnout, especially for our first event," said Dunn, a representative for Arbonne skin care and health care products. "This is a way for small businesses to give back to the community and, at the same time, develop some name recognition for themselves."

With one successful project under their collective belt, the group is ready to hit the ground running. They're planning a holiday-themed Jingle Run Dec. 5 to benefit A Kid's Place, a group foster home in Brandon.

Rodgers Middle School and the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department have stepped up to help. Now they're looking for sponsors, display vendors and participants to lace up for the 3K fun walk and 5K trail run at Bell Creek Nature Preserve in Riverview, at the end of Tucker Road, off Mulrennan Road.

The race-day entrance fee is $20 for walkers and $30 for runners. Participants can save $5 and get a free T-shirt by registering in advance by Dec. 3.

Race-day registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the go-flag drops at 8:15 a.m. for the run and 8:30 a.m. for the walk. Parking is available at Rodgers Middle, 11910 Tucker Road.

For information or to register in advance, call (813) 230-4719 or go to www.aliquity.com.

In addition to Dunn, Aliquity members are Leott Ferlita Wydetic, The Compounding Shop of Riverview; Gary Fry, Coggins Painting; J. T. Coggins, Coggins Plumbing; Naiteki Shinzui, Naiteki Shinzui Bonsai; Matt and Cori Wortman, Zaxby's (Valrico); Meredith Kurtz, Wine Shop at Home; and Kandice Helms, Kandice Helms Photography.

Local children's author tells Hannukah tale

Children's book author Irene Buggy, a Valrico resident, recently released "A Christmas Chanukah Wish," the story of Katie, a young girl who, every Hannukah, wishes for a baby brother or sister. After several years, Katie's wish comes true "in a very surprising and wonderful way."

For information or to buy the book, go to www.irenebuggy.com.

Salon trades services for toy donations

All About Beauty Salon and Spa in Brandon is sponsoring its third annual Pay It Forward Christmas project through Nov. 17. Customers who bring in a new toy or clothes to be donated to charity may receive waxing services equal to the value of the donation.

Walk-ins are welcome, or call (813) 661-7144 for an appointment. The salon is at 109 Mason Street, Brandon. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Group reaches out to the unemployed

Connecting Businessmen to Christ, a spiritual support and networking group, invites local men facing unemployment to attend one of its weekly meetings, held 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays at The Village Inn Restaurant, 1995 Lumsden Road. For information, call Dan Shock, (813) 299-9219, or Rich Bradford, (813) 240-4511, or go to www.tampabayprayerbreakfast.com.

Send business news at least two weeks before desired publication date to Laura Frazier, lfrazier@tampatrib.com or call (813) 627-4767.

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