LAMPLighters is a 501(c)(3) volunteer organization dedicated to supporting homeless and at-risk children and families served by Metropolitan Ministries and Joshua House in the Tampa Bay area. Since 1986, our members have shared their time, talent and treasure to provide funding, volunteer support, educational opportunities and special experiences for those who need them most. Our name, LAMPLighters - Ladies Assisting Metropolitan People - reflects our longstanding commitment to “light the way” for children and families toward a brighter future.

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Mission:

For 40 years, LAMPLighters has worked to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families at Metropolitan Ministries. In 2002–03, our members expanded that mission to include Joshua House, a safe haven for abused, abandoned and neglected foster children in the Tampa Bay area. Today, we continue to support both organizations through fundraising and hands-on volunteer service, responding to their changing needs and providing resources, opportunities and encouragement to the children and families they serve.

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Description:

Founded in 1986 by a small group of caring and dedicated volunteers, LAMPLighters has grown into a vibrant organization with a proud tradition of service, friendship and philanthropy. Over four decades, our members have contributed millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours while supporting educational programs, special events and essential needs. Education remains a particular focus, including the establishment and funding of three LAMPLighter Learning Labs at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa, Joshua House and Metropolitan Ministries’ MiraclePlace Pasco campus.

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In 2026, LAMPLighters proudly celebrates 40 years of lighting the way — and remains committed to bringing hope, opportunity and brighter futures to children and families throughout our community.

2026-2027 Officers
Yolanda Cielo/Elena Marerro, Co-Presidents

Lisa Foster, Vice Pres.

Tina Dumar, VP Membership

Prada Zhang, Treasurer

Kay Cunningham, Assistant Treasurer

Jenny Rutz, Recording Secretary

Debra Palmer, Immediate Past President

Membership Committee

Kari Bradley, Membership Development

Joy Miller, Membership Development

Valerie Litschgi, Membership Development

Brooke Melendi, Membership Administrator

Rhonda Young, Membership Coordinator

Melissa Voelker, Membership Coordinator

Deb Zimkus, Hospitality

Deb Greer, Hospitality

Anne Carney, Corresponding Secretary

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Fundraising Event Chairs

Tina Dumar, Fall Into Fashion

Amy Hull, Fall Into Fashion

Danielle Albanese, Silver Coffee Co-Chair

Ashley Gray, Silver Coffee Co-Chair

Sherri Ngo, LAMPLighters Fund Hope

Amy Demers, LAMPLighters Fund Hope

Robyn Sajeski, Light the Way Golf Classic

Donelda Gallagly, Light the Way Golf Classic

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Childrens' Party Chairs

Bernie Smith, Met Min Fall Festival

Morgan Conry, Met Min Fall Festival

Lisa Wolf, Met Min Valentine’s Party

Silvia Wehling, Met Min Valentine’s Party

Amanda Hartley, Met Min Easter Party

Amanda Flores, Met Min Easter Party

Angela Oehler, Met Min Summer Splash

Kim Hunter, Met Min Summer Splash

Anne Jetmundsen, Joshua House Summer Splash

Claudia Cockrell, Joshua House Summer Splash

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Event Consultants

Debbie Trujillo, Marketing & PR Advisor

Amy Hull, Sponsor Relations/Grants

Lisa Wolf, Financial Oversight

Nancy Leach, Website

Robyn Sajeski, Newsletter/Emails

Erin McWhorter Jones, Social Media

Daniela Quast, ClickBid Event Lead

Crystal Hoecker, ClickBid Event Support

Laura Maddalon, Chief Basket Officer

Tina Dumar, Seating Chart Coordinator

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Outreach Chairs

Cindy Sofarelli, Met Min Liaison

DeDe Grundel, Joshua House Liaison

Kari Adams, Outreach Mission Projects

Becky Kratz, Outreach Mission Projects

Colleen Jones, We Care Kits/New Mom Program

Jeannie Nicholson, Spiritual Development​​