Our Founder

Cathy began her teaching career in 1977 as an elementary early childhood educator. Nearing the end of her 30 years of teaching she faced a personal challenge that pushed her life in a new direction. Upon receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, she was encouraged to take a leave of absence by her oncologist to help her with treatments and to heal. Kindergarten is kind of like being in a petri dish, which was not a sustainable environment for the journey she was about to begin.

Although this decision made logical sense, it was an extremely difficult one for Cathy to make. Her physician’s kind words were a good reminder of what she had to look forward to if she made the difficult decision now and took the time to truly heal, stating, “You have the rest of your life to teach!”

The rest of her life was in fact ahead of her, which brings us to A Kid’s Place! After completing 30 years with Hillsborough County Schools, Cathy’s journey of teaching did not end there. She is standing before you this evening with 45 years and counting of time as an educator.

This life altering diagnosis made Cathy confront her own mortality and gave her an even greater sense of purpose. Having to take a step back from the very thing she has always loved to do made her evaluate this sense of purpose. Education is her ministry. A Kid’s Place is where her passion and purpose were able to meet!

Cathy believes that she gets to work with and witness acts of true earthly guardian angels each day. These moments and stories are woven into the fabric of who Cathy is. Her teaching goes far deeper than just the things we’ve all learned from the classroom. She cares so deeply to help children learn core academics, inspire curiosity and develop social-emotional skills to help them succeed in the world around them.

“A teacher’s greatest gift is believing in a student until the student believes in themselves.”

A Kid’s Place is so pleased to honor Cathy with the Guardian Angel Award this year. Her story and contributions speak volumes about the heart and character she possesses, and we are forever grateful to have this Guardian Angel supporting our kids and staff each day.

Cammie Chatterton is a long-time supporter of charities in the Tampa Bay area. Exposed to struggling populations while growing up in West Virginia, Cammie credits her generous parents with instilling in her a responsibility to help those less fortunate – especially children. Cammie has carried this lesson with her throughout life, and she encourages others to embrace it, as well. Cammie became a supporter of A Kid’s Place in 2017, when she volunteered at an event on campus and took a tour. She was instantly inspired by the great work the organization does to help local children who are dealing with immense struggles, through no fault of their own. Since then, Cammie and her company, Bay Food Brokerage, have been avid supporters of A Kid’s Place. Cammie currently serves on the Development Committee for A Kid’s Place, helping to direct strategic growth initiatives and to raise funds. Bay Food Brokerage has been a sponsor for numerous events, including the annual golf tournament and gala. They have also sponsored outings for the kids, such as trips to Busch Gardens, and hosted back-to-school, gift, food and clothing drives. Bay Food Brokerage also sponsored the basketball court in the new activity center. Beyond her support of A Kid’s Place, Cammie also serves on the board of directors for Feeding Tampa Bay, Jesuit High School and the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. She believes that if everyone were to do even a little to help kids – our future – the world would be a better place.

This award recognizes a person, persons, or organization that embodies the compassionate spirit, values and commitment to help abused and neglected children. Qualities include: passion, tenacity, perseverance, commitment, and advocacy – serving as a voice championing children’s rights and vision – seeing and leading. KeHE Cares KeHE Cares exemplifies an unwavering commitment to fostering positive change in the community, particularly at A Kid’s Place, a sanctuary for foster children. Their exceptional dedication is evident through extensive volunteer efforts, organized donation drives, and the hosting of end-of-summer bashes and ice cream socials, creating a strong sense of community and compassion for the children. As a dedicated community partner for over 10 years, KeHE Cares has played a crucial role in raising funds for daily essential needs, and larger projects like acquiring a new transport vehicle for A Kid’s Place, ensuring the safe and efficient mobility of the children to various activities and appointments and actively preparing for potential natural disasters, including trimming trees and installing generators on three homes. This multifaceted philanthropic approach reflects KeHE Cares’ genuine concern for the welfare of foster children, showcasing their commitment to creating lasting positive change. The employees at KeHE take pride in their daily work, driven by the higher purpose embodied in the motto: “We SERVE to make Lives Better®.” At the core of KeHE Cares is a transformative mission, where they walk alongside individuals on their journey to hope and wholeness, impacting and transforming lives one at a time.