TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hernando Today

Outreach Is Her Specialty

ADVERTISEMENT

By TONY HOLT

Published: August 25, 2008

SPRING HILL Patricia Walker had a strong support system at a young age.

It continued with the people she met along the way.

Her father was a Michigan police officer, whom she described as a "great man."

Later in life, she worked with Art Fleming – former "Jeopardy" host – on the syndicated show "Senior America." His impression on her was profound.

"He was like a mentor to me," she said of Fleming.

Her praise of both men caused her eyes to swell a little. They both taught her the importance of being selfless — focusing less on oneself and more on others.

Helping people, she said, "will take you anywhere you want to go."

Walker continues to press hard on that message to this day. That made her an easy choice to be the community outreach manager for the local Big Brothers Big Sisters.

"My feet hit the ground and I have not stopped running," she said since taking the job this summer.

Walker, 54, has owned and managed radio stations and served on the boards of the United Way and the Boys and Girls Club.

A few years ago, she took a break. It was supposed to last longer than it did.

"The truth is, I thought I was going to retire," Walker said. "I couldn't stand it. I couldn't just be at home."

Her outreach instincts came along years ago and never let go. It was time for the Citrus County resident to look at new opportunities.

"I've never seen so many loving, caring people in one agency," she said of Big Brothers Big Sisters. "They really care about the community."

She hopes when she is done, the community at large will be more aware of the organization. Her aim is to have more volunteers, hold more events throughout the year and raise the level of support in the business sector.

The population of Hernando County is more than 130,000 people. If 50,000 donated $20 each, Big Brothers Big Sisters would be able to serve 10 percent of the community's at-risk children — something Executive Vice President Lara Shane calls a "five-year vision."

Walker moved to Florida 21 years ago. She has four grown daughters, one stepdaughter and 12 grandchildren. Her husband, Johnny, is vice president of Pro-Line Boats in Crystal River, she said.

Every April, Big Brothers Big Sisters sponsors a Bowl for Kids' Sake in Spring Hill. Walker hopes events like that one will go a long way toward raising the group's visibility.

"What I would like to do is make the community more aware of our need as an agency," she said.

To volunteer, donate or get information, call Big Brothers Big Sisters at 352-684-7904.

The office is located at 15120 County Line Road in Spring Hill.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5823 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT