More than 200 families gathered to honor the vital role of grandparents with activities, health resources, and lasting memories.
TAMPA, Fla. – Over 200 Tampa-area families came together Saturday to celebrate Grandparents Appreciation Month at a community event focused on connection and well-being. The “Legacy of Love” event, hosted by Volunteers of America of Florida and UnitedHealthcare, offered a day of no-cost fun to honor the extraordinary contributions of grandparents.
The event was a lively mix of activities, with families enjoying hula hoops, bouncy houses, and face painting. Attendees could also get creative with necklace-making and art projects. Live music filled the air as families munched on healthy snacks, Kona Ice, and other refreshments.
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The fun even included an appearance by UnitedHealthcare’s mascot, Dr. Health E. Hound, who danced and posed for photos with kids and grandparents.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate grandparents and all they do for their families,” said Janet Stringfellow, president and CEO of Volunteers of America of Florida. “These community events remind us of the importance of celebrating grandparents and fostering stronger family relationships.”
Beyond the fun, the event also provided valuable resources. Hillsborough County Aging Services offered health and wellness information, while the Junior League gave away books to encourage reading time. Corin Tomasello, Miss Florida Continental Worldwide, a Junior Leaguer, shared a personal story about her grandmother, highlighting the deep impact these relationships have.
Marlene Pierce, executive director of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Florida, emphasized the dual purpose of the event: creating lasting memories and connecting families with health resources. Grandparent Denese James echoed the sentiment of love and connection. “All I can say about becoming a grandparent is just love, love, love ’em,” she said, adding that she now has more time to “spoil” her grandkids.
The celebration comes as Grandparents United reports that nearly 8 million children in the U.S. live in homes headed by grandparents or other relatives. In Florida alone, over 140,000 grandparents are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. These numbers underscore the critical, loving role grandparents play in providing stability and support.
To further support these families, UnitedHealthcare has created a website, celebrategrandparents.com, offering resources, activities, and information to celebrate grandparents all year long.
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