RCMA was recently selected as one of three nonprofit beneficiaries for the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ Posters for Purpose program—a unique initiative that celebrates art, community, and giving back.

Now in its 50th anniversary season, the Rowdies launched Posters for Purpose to commemorate the club’s rich history while spotlighting local artists and raising funds for deserving organizations across Florida.

We’re honored that artist Alexandra Wuyke chose RCMA as the recipient of proceeds from her piece, “Rowdies Rule the Bay.” Her colorful design is a tribute to Tampa Bay’s culture and landmarks, creatively illustrated as a regional map. The artwork also pays homage to the two stadiums that have housed the Rowdies over the years—Tampa Stadium and Al Lang Stadium.

Alexandra’s design was printed as a limited-edition 11×14 poster, with only 100 prints available through the Rowdies’ online store, TheBayRepublic.com. Priced at $40 each—or $80 for a version signed by the current team—these posters quickly became collectors’ items. Most importantly, 100% of proceeds from Alexandra’s design support RCMA’s work with Florida’s farmworker and low-income families.

Thanks to this incredible partnership and the generosity of the Rowdies and Alexandra Wuyke, RCMA will receive $5,000 to support our educational programs for children and families in Hillsborough County.

We are so grateful to be part of this meaningful project that connects sports, art, and community impact. A huge thank-you to the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Alexandra Wuyke, and everyone who purchased a poster to support RCMA!

At RCMA, we love welcoming visitors—especially when they’re longtime partners in our mission to serve Florida’s children and families. This month, we were honored to host representatives from Head Start at two of our most exciting construction projects: the Lipman Family Campus for Children and Families in Immokalee and the Hopewell Child Development Center in Avon Park.

Both projects are powered in part by funding from Head Start, helping us meet the need for high-quality early childhood education in these vibrant communities.

The Lipman Family Campus, named in recognition of a generous gift from Lipman Family Farms, is shaping up to be a true cornerstone for families in Immokalee. When completed, the campus will include two new child development centers, a community center, two soccer fields and a new charter school. The campus is set to open later this year.

Equally exciting is the progress being made at Hopewell, which will expand access to early education in Highlands County and give local children the strong start they deserve. Highlights of that project include several classrooms, a full-size kitchen to serve the entire campus, a welcoming center office, and a safe, modern playground for little learners to grow and play. Construction is moving swiftly, with plans to open after the holiday break.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Head Start and the Lipman Family for investing in our shared vision. Together, we’re building more than buildings—we’re building brighter futures.

Philanthropy is often measured by one’s time, talent, and treasure. For Michael and Linda Leonard-Woods, their giving knows no bounds—they generously offer all three. Through their unwavering dedication, this compassionate couple has become pillars of support for RCMA, helping to strengthen and uplift Florida’s farmworker communities.

Linda’s journey with RCMA began in December 2015, when she and Michael visited Immokalee. Already deeply engaged with the Farmworker Association of Florida, the couple found a new calling within RCMA’s mission. This led them to introduce others to RCMA through immersive tours that share the organization’s powerful impact.

Beyond their advocacy, Michael and Linda have taken hands-on action to meet critical community needs. They have organized and delivered food and snacks for RCMA’s afterschool programs, ensuring children have the nourishment they need to thrive. In the wake of hurricanes, they have mobilized resources to provide essential cleaning supplies to families struggling to rebuild. Their giving extends far beyond monetary donations—it is deeply personal, fueled by an unyielding compassion for those they serve.

More recently, Linda has focused her efforts on supporting RCMA’s Mulberry Community Academy, working closely with principal Dani Higgins. During the pandemic, she and Michael took extraordinary measures to combat food insecurity. Every other week, they rented refrigerated trucks to transport government-packed food boxes from St. Andrew’s Gleaning Society to farmworker communities across Mulberry, Plant City, Dover, and Highway 27. Linda’s firsthand experience as a bilingual Human Trafficking Survivor Advocate has given her an intimate understanding of the hardships faced by Florida’s rural poor, making her efforts even more meaningful.

Michael and Linda Leonard-Woods embody the true essence of philanthropy. Their selfless generosity, tireless advocacy, and hands-on support have made a profound difference in the lives of farmworker families across Florida. RCMA is beyond grateful for their unwavering commitment—a testament to the boundless power of love, kindness, and community.