Institute For Community Development -- Statement regarding the Purchase of the El Centro Building in West Tampa

Officials of the Institute for Community Development (ICD) will not pursue the acquisition of the El Centro Building, former home of the Tampa Hillsborough Urban League.

TAMPA, FL - December 7, 2006 -- Officials of the Institute for Community Development (ICD) will not pursue the acquisition of the El Centro Building, former home of the Tampa Hillsborough Urban League.

The ICD had faced opposition from developers of the area who were uncomfortable with the plan to dispense social services from the building, despite the need of the community residents. It was also uncertain whether the BOCC would forgive an outstanding lien on the building in order to allow the ICD to acquire the building.

At a meeting held with the organization's advisory board and legal counsel, it was determined not to be in the best interest of ICD to continue negotiations relative to purchasing the prominent historic building located in the heart of West Tampa.

The Institute for Community Development, a not-for-profit organization was created by social service advocates associated with Without Walls International Church, a multi-cultural non-denominational congregation with a membership of over 24,000. The intent of the organization was to provide social services to a broader base of constituents in a non-religious environment, as well as launch a Community Center for the Arts.

For the past 14 years Without Walls has successfully served the Tampa Bay community by providing, food, clothing, and medical access to underserved populations in the area. Notwithstanding the decision to forgo the acquisition of the El Centro building, the strategic initiatives of the organization will go forward.

Paula White, Senior Pastor of Without Walls International Church has expressed her excitement of the many strides that Randy has taken over recent years to pursue his life passions, including but not limited to ventures in real estate life coaching, and his success as an entrepreneur. Paula said "he has purposely utilized his successes in business to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged through extensive humanitarian contributions and philanthropy locally and abroad."

The Institute for Community Development would like to thank the West Tampa community leaders and residents, the Urban League, and our many supporters in the business community and local government who embraced the initiative to bring a proven brand of community revitalization to West Tampa through education, enlightenment, empowerment, and entertainment.

Local Media Contact:
Sheila Withum
Paula White Ministries
813-909-2299 OR 813-892-8110                        
                                                                    
National Media Contact:
Krystal Collazo
WDC Media PR
1-786-566-2452
KrystalCollazo @ wdcmedia.com

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