In 1999, Jack Thompson, CEO and Founder of TAMCO (Telecommunications Asset Management Company), and his staff became involved, financially and emotionally, with The Children's Home in Tampa, FL. As a company, TAMCO adopted a "cottage" of 12-year-olds and for the next five years TAMCO's personnel was involved with the children's birthdays, pizza parties, back to school supply donations, art classes in the summer months, annual passes to Bush Gardens, tutoring, and an annual Christmas party held at the offices of TAMCO.
Continuing with the giving spirit, TAMCO adopted a platoon of Marines stationed in Korea in 2003 and for the following two years, Jack and his TAMCO team continued to contribute time and financial donations to Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties' Youth Soccer, Volleyball, Lacrosse and Crew teams, Back to School and Photo ID Programs, Kids Fire House Museum, Kiwanis Club, Kids & Cops, USF Foundation, Thanksgiving Food Programs, Big Brothers and Big Sisters Programs, Breast Cancer awareness and various other cancer awareness walks. In addition, Jack, a fishing enthusiast, had been the major sponsor of St. Jude's Hospital Annual Fishing Tournament.
In 2007, TAMCO coordinated and hosted its 1st of three annual Grand Slam Charity fishing tournaments, benefitting Easter Seals (2007 & 2008), Coalition to Salute America's Heroes (2008 & 2009) and The Children's Home (2009).
On September 24, 2008, TAMCO Foundation received 501(c) (3) status with the Federal Government and officially became a local, not-for-profit organization.
Soon after the 2009 Grand Slam Charity fishing tournament, Jack and the board of trustees agreed that the Foundation should concentrate on supporting severely wounded veterans, including their families, who were returning from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. A new mission was created along with programs that would help veterans and their families rebuild their lives. |
