Long Time Supporters of Junior Achievement Announce $5 Million Gift
TAMPA, Fla. (May 12, 2016) – Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay announced today that it has received a $5 million Legacy gift from Pam and Les Muma, the single largest individual gift in its history, to fund the future program expansion of Junior Achievement (JA) throughout the Tampa Bay region.
“This is a landmark day in the history of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay,” said JA Tampa Bay President Richard George. “Pam and Les Muma are truly inspirational philanthropists who love JA and are passionate to invest in our young people of Tampa Bay.”
The gift was also recognized by Junior Achievement USA CEO, Jack Kosakowski, as one of the largest gifts to a Junior Achievement area in the United States. “This gift continues to elevate JA Tampa Bay as a top performing JA area in the country, one where donors so strongly believe in the mission and vision of the local organization that they are willing to invest in a substantial and transformative way,” said Kosakowski.
“Pam and Les’ investment will have a tremendous impact on the educational experience for our future generations. They have a deep and real passion for Junior Achievement, its students, and its programs. This transformative gift for Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay exemplifies this, and we will forever recognize this legacy of support,” said George. Today’s Legacy gift of $5 million brings the couple’s total giving to $6.2 million, making them the largest individual donors in Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay’s history.
“With Junior Achievement, we are confident with each and every donation, we are working with an organization helping young people to value and prepare for their future in our American free enterprise system, “ said Pam Muma.
The Mumas have a long history of philanthropy. Pam is a past chair of the Junior Achievement of Wisconsin’s Women’s Association and a current member and past chair of the Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay Board of Directors. She is also leading Junior Achievement’s Building Our Future – a capital campaign for JA Finance Park. Beyond JA, Pam is a founding member of the USF Women in Leadership and Philanthropy organization. Pam serves as the chair of the Board of Directors of the Tampa General Hospital Foundation. Les served on the Junior Achievement of Wisconsin Board of Directors prior to his retirement and the couple’s move back the Tampa Bay area. Les served as both chair of the USF Foundation Board of Directors and as chair of the first phase of the USF: Unstoppable Campaign.
The Mumas’ previous giving to Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay has made a difference in several areas of the organization, including the Muma JA BizTown at the Bill Poe Family JA Center in Tampa, and hosting a number of premier Junior Achievement events including the US Business Hall of Fame.
About Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay
Junior Achievement is the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to teaching young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and provide relevant, hands-on experiences that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Last year, Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay reached 94,579 students in the Tampa Bay area. Visit jatampabay.org for more information.
