Founded in 1996, the SEED Foundation is a non-profit 501c(3) organization. It is
volunteer and donation based. Carl J. Pizzo founded the organization on the
philosophy that communities can make the world a better place. The idea came to him
when he noticed how many people who suffer from illness or personal tragedy qualify for government support.
A few years ago, the organization moved to Hernando County, where it began sowing
the SEEDs of love, leadership, and hope. Judy Mastro, the current President, assumed
the reins of the organization in 2015. Not all help is monetary, some help is in the form of gas cards, food, auto repairs, even housing for a night or two Ms. Mastro states.
The organization’s goal is to help people who have fallen on hard times and need some
assistance. These people may be families or individuals, from single mothers to Senior
Citizens to a teenage gunshot victim.
Recently, the SEED Foundation helped a disabled senior Armed Forces veteran who had
been scammed by a so-called handyman. Joe (not his real name) had paid the
handyman all the money for a flooring job, but the man wound up in jail, leaving the
job unfinished. The organization purchased the additional flooring needed to finish the
job from Lumber Liquidators and volunteers finished the installation.
The SEED Foundation is a relatively small organization with about a dozen active
volunteers who on a daily basis help plan upcoming events, do marketing and make
flyers. However, there are other volunteers who step in as needed. They provide such
services as handyman work and shopping for people who can not get out and do it for
themselves.
To heighten community awareness, as well as raise funds, the organization hosts a
number of family-friendly community events. These funds are used not only to help its
own projects, but also other local organizations such as Toys for Tots and the Hernando
Education Foundation.
One of the upcoming events is a Community Garage Sale on May 4. You can drop off
unwanted household goods, clothing, and other items, as well as purchase a few
bargains. You can also set up your own table and sell your items. For more information email [email protected].
Another of the SEEDs projects is Closet. This is a shop that offers designer clothing
and accessories at thrift store pricing. Most items sell for $5 or less. To find out more
about Closet email [email protected].
The organization is planning a Masquerade Ball on June 7 to help benefit a local
teenager with inoperable brain cancer. More details will be released on their Facebook
page: www.Facebook.com/TSFSouth
.
