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New event to benefit Connections job agency

SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: May 13, 2009

TRINITY - The inaugural Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, to be held this Saturday, May 16, will help raise money for Connections Job Development Corp., the nonprofit agency that aids more and more job seekers during the recession.

In 2008, Connections worked with more than 850 job seekers and provided more than 550 computer training sessions, Barbara Letvin said in a press release as a Connections volunteer board member and fundraising committee chairwoman.

"In the current market," Letvin said, "working with Connections is even more important than ever."

In the first quarter of 2009 alone, Connections met with more than 300 first-time clients.

Connections provides unemployed and underemployed individuals with job search skills, one-on-one counseling, computer training, resume assistance, outfits for job interviews and other aid, Letvin explained. All services are free.

The nonprofit organization has a 35-percent placement rate.

Based in New Port Richey since 1991, Connections receives funding from the Florida Agency on Workforce Innovation, the United Way of Pasco County, Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, and from donations by local churches and individuals.

Connections also operates Good Connections Thrift Shoppe, a resale store in the Davis Center Plaza at 6636 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

"This is going to be a wonderful event to assist a great organization," Letvin said.

The public is invited to the new fundraising event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Wine Loft at the Trinity Commons shopping plaza, 7813 Mitchell Blvd.

The tickets, $25 in advance or $30 at the door, include a raffle ticket for a drawing, tasting tickets for three various wines and a coupon for 10 percent off the price of wines at the Wine Loft. For couples, tickets are priced at $40 in advance or $45 at the door.

For tickets or more information, call Judith Tilton at Connections 727-849-4724 or send an e-mail to jtilton@connectionspasco.org.

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