LAMPLighters is a ladies auxiliary group that passionately works on behalf of the children at Metropolitan Ministries and Joshua House in Tampa. Our acronym, "LAMPLighters" (Ladies Assisting Metropolitan People), reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of homeless and at-risk children.

​

Mission:

Our mission at LAMPLighters since 1986 has historically centered around providing steadfast support to the children and families residing at Metropolitan Ministries. In 2002-03, in response to the growing demand for assistance to children in need, our membership made a collective decision to broaden our scope. Since then, we have been allocating a portion of the annual funds we raise to benefit Joshua House—a vital program and shelter catering to abused and neglected children in the Tampa Bay area.

​

Description:

Established in 1986, LAMPLighters originated from the dedication and compassion of a group of volunteers who joined forces to form a support group for Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa. Our name, "LAMPLighters," symbolizes our deep-rooted desire to illuminate the path for displaced families and guide them towards a brighter future.

2024-2025 Officers
Laura Maddalon, President

Debra Palmer, President-Elect

Joy Miller, VP Membership

Valerie Litschgi, Treasurer

Cheryl Jones, Assistant Treasurer

Amy Rosenthal, Recording Secretary

Amy Hull, Immediate Past President

Membership Chairs

Susan Stern, Membership Development

Evelyn Farfante, Membership Mentoring

Brooke Melendi, Membership Communications

Becky Kratz, Hospitality

Cheryl Young, Hospitality

Deb Zimkus, Corresponding Secretary

Jordan Thomas, Social Coordinator

Marsha Odor, Social Coordinator

​

Childrens' Party Chairs

Lisa Foster, Met Min Fall Festival

Silvia Wehling, Met Min Fall Festival

Debbie Greer, Met Min Valentine’s Party

Deb Zimkus, Met Min Valentine’s Party

Ciara Calitri, Met Min Easter Party

Sherrie Ngo, Met Min Easter Party

Carolyn Eastman, Met Min Summer Splash

Prada Zhang, Met Min Summer Splash

Daniela Quast, Joshua House Summer Splash

Charlene Bleakley, Joshua House Summer Splash

​

Fundraising Event Chairs

Dina Sheridan, Fall Into Fashion

Erin McWhorter Jones, Silver Coffee Co-Chair

Diane Geissler, Silver Coffee Co-Chair

Debra Palmer, LAMPLighters Fund Hope

Tina Dumar, Financial Advisor

Lisa Wolf, Click Bid Event Lead

Jeanne Doney, Click Bid Event Support

Debbie Greer, Excel Coordinator

Hilary Munson, Volunteer Coordinator

​

Publicity Chairs

Amy Hull, Public Relations

Debbie Trujillo, Marketing Advisor

Nicole Uithoven, Social Media

Yolanda Cielo, Newsletter/Emails

Nancy Leach, Website

Cynthia Timmons, Grants

​

Outreach Chairs

Cindy Sofarelli, Met Min Liaison

DeDe Grundel, Joshua House Liaison

Kari Adams, Outreach Mission Projects

Colleen Jones, We Care Kits

Anne Carney, Spiritual Development

​

​