CLEARWATER, Fla., April 10, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- “Hey Caleb, look what I won for you!” said Caleb’s grandmother, Wanda, pointing to the large basket. Seven-year old Caleb couldn’t believe his eyes – the $250-valued basket filled with games and toys at Easter Sunday’s 23 rd Annual Church of Scientology-sponsored-Easter Egg Hunt in Clearwater’s Coachman Park, was almost as big as he was and it was his. Wanda turned in the winning ticket along with those of the thousands of parents and guardians who brought their children from all across the Tampa Bay area and even Orlando. Tourist families from Texas, Michigan and Colorado also joined in the hunt for the 25,000 eggs. The 275 Golden Eggs found among the loot were turned in by eager children for squishy bunnies.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/Attachm...5d9849c635
Pam Ryan Anderson, Executive Director of the Clearwater Community Volunteers of the Church of Scientology, said, “The joy that this event brings to children like Caleb is the reward we get for the thousands of hours of work we put into organizing the event.” Ryan Anderson said that she and her team get their inspiration from L. Ron Hubbard’s The Way to Happiness precept: “Love and Help Children.”
In addition to the main event, there were pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, a gyroscope, rides on the "Bunny Express Train," a giant inflatable slide a bouncy house and “Elvis” who couldn’t help commenting, “This is the biggest Easter Egg Hunt I have been to in my life.”
Foundation for a Drug Free World, Author Services Inc., Citizens Commission on Human Rights and the Community Learning Center were some of the organizations which distributed some 2,000 pieces of literature to adults at the park.
The Clearwater Community Volunteers (CCV), was established by parishioners of the Church of Scientology. CCV has raised tens of thousands of dollars, food and toys for family and children's charities such as The Shriner's Hospitals for Children, Inc., Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida ® , The Children's Home, Inc., the Boys & Girls Club, Everybody's Tabernacle's Homeless Emergency Project, and the victims of Hurricane Katrina. CCV also raises money to feed homeless and hungry children in Pinellas County through Public Defender Bob Dillinger's program, Nourish to Flourish and The Sheriff's Youth Ranch in Clearwater. For more information, visit www.ccvfl.org .
Pat Harney 727-467-6860
