Peter Schorsch
Florida has a new governor … of West Pasco.
Shawn Foster has been recognized as the official Honorary Governor of West Pasco by the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce.
Foster is the winner of the 19th annual “Honorary Governor of West Pasco” fundraising competition. He was awarded the ceremonial governor’s top hat at a breakfast meeting held July 22.
The contest was sponsored by the Chamber and charities chosen by the candidates.
Foster, who serves as a government relations consultant with the Sunshine Consulting Group, had raised more than $28,000 in charitable donations, with just over $14,500 going to Pasco Kids First, his charity of choice.
Other finalists included Ken Watkins, representing SPCA Suncoast; and Mark Wickham, who raised money on behalf of Youth & Family Alternatives. Participants raised $48,300 in all and another $4,800 in labor and supplies for kennel renovations for SPCA Suncoast.
Among the events were a kickoff debate with all three contestants and a Governor’s Olympics.
During a three-month period, Foster held several fundraisers such as a kickball tournament, Ladies Night and Fashion Show event, and a Cinco de Mayo Mega Raffle drawing.
Founded in 1989 as the Pasco Family Protection Team, Pasco Kids First is a private nonprofit that advocates for children with assessment, therapy and prevention services. The group operates a fully accredited Children’s Advocacy Center.
As a lobbyist in Tallahassee, Foster represents the Pasco County Board of Commissioners, the City of Brooksville, and the Florida Blueberry Festival, among others.
Information about Pasco Kids First is available at pascokidsfirst.org.
