True North Society Celebrates One-Year Anniversary and Impact on Tampa Bay Community 

TAMPA, FL – June 6, 2023 – The True North Society, a young professionals group developed in collaboration with Tampa-based non-profit Think Big for Kids, today celebrates its one-year anniversary and the impact the network has had on local youth through mentorship, career exploration, and scholarship opportunities.  

During the past year, True North Society has made a tremendous impact in the Tampa Bay community by providing guidance to the next generation and elevating kids to find their purpose – all while making meaningful connections with young professionals who share the same passion for giving back to others.  

During its inception, Think Big for Kids founder and tech entrepreneur Tony DiBenedetto challenged the group to get as many young professionals as possible excited and willing to help mentor the students in the Think Big program. His target demographic for the group wasn’t hard to come by given Tampa Bay’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem and national recognition as a growing city. 

Beginning with a networking dinner in April 2022, the society has now grown to 12 board members and over 100 active members – all of whom played an integral role in planning and hosting the society’s first event in November. The event raised nearly $12,000 for its Passion Scholarship – a fund established by the True North Society to offer students who demonstrate integrity, perseverance, and passion for their future career financial support at the trade school, community college or four-year university of their choice.  

This year’s scholarship was awarded to four students who were recognized at the Think Big for Kids Scholarship event on May 20.  

 “What’s so special about young professionals in our community is their willingness to dedicate their time, leadership, skills and talents to helping our kids,” said DiBenedetto. “We set an ambitious goal of having 1,000 True North Society members, and I’m so proud of the impact and growth over the past year and what they have planned for the future.”  

 The True North Society continues to increase awareness about Think Big for Kids’ mission and find creative and impactful ways to network with the community. Learn more about how to get involved in the True North Society or donate to its Passion Scholarship. 

Think Big for Kids is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty among middle and high school students by preparing them to excel in today’s workforce. Founded by tech entrepreneur Tony DiBenedetto, the organization works with business partners and likeminded organizations to develop kids’ untapped potential. Think Big for Kids has served over 3,500 students since 2016 by providing opportunities for career exploration, mentorship, and job readiness and placement. To learn more, visit https://thinkbigforkids.org.