DEBARTOLO FAMILY FOUNDATION HONORS THE FREEDOM PLAYGROUND FOUNDATION WITH $25,000 AND THE SPIRIT OF HUMANITY AWARD

Tampa, Fl. (July 24, 2008) - The DeBartolo Family Foundation awarded the Spirit of Humanity Award and donated $25,000 Thursday morning to the Freedom Playground Foundation, which earlier this year built an accessible playground at Macfarlane Park, 1700 N. MacDill Ave.

The Freedom Playground Foundation said it would use the money to enhance the playground. It will add an interactive playhouse, information kiosk that explains the playground and a musical instrument.

"It's fantastic," Freedom Playground Foundation founder Stefani Busansky said of the award.”

Busansky was inspired by her daughter Sarah, 9, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

In 2001, the DeBartolo Family Foundation began giving out the award and $10,000 three times a year to local organizations. This year the foundation increased the award to $25,000.

"What we hope to accomplish with this is we want to bring attention to these smaller, grassroots organizations that maybe don't have a lot of funding," said Lisa DeBartolo, the foundation's executive vice president. "Maybe with us giving them some attention it will bring them more funding and support."

Busansky's friend Donna Bevis nominated the Freedom Playground Foundation for the award.

"For me, this is a marvelous place in this community," Bevis said. "It enhances our community."

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(Note: Attached photo: Organizers and representatives take a group photo before the DeBartolo Family Foundation presents the Freedom Playground Foundation with the Spirit of Humanity Award.)

DEBARTOLO FAMILY FOUNDATION HONORS FORCE WITH $25,000 AND THE SPIRIT OF HUMANITY AWARD

Tampa, Fl. (April 7, 2008) – FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered is a national non-profit organization based in Tampa, Florida whose mission is to improve the lives of individuals affected by breast and ovarian cancer. The DeBartolo Family Foundation recognizes the dedication and support that FORCE provides for women who suffer from these cancer-related diseases, by honoring the organization with a $25,000 donation along with the Spirit of Humanity Award.

Located in New Tampa, FORCE was established in 1999 to address the need for peer support and resources for women affected by breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and for those concerned about cancer risk. In 2000, the 501(c) 3 organization expanded their mission to include education, awareness, and outreach specific to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. What began as a small internet entity has grown to a nationally known non-profit organization. The organization provides resources to help people determine whether they are at high risk for cancer due to genetic predisposition, family history, or other factors. FORCE is a true grass roots organization that provides life saving medical and scientific information to women who are concerned with the risk of cancer.

“The DeBartolo Family Foundation is pleased to recognize FORCE as a local organization that not only makes a significant difference in our Tampa Bay community but also on a national basis as well. The awareness that FORCE provides for women and their families, who suffer from these cancerous diseases, will save lives and we are proud to support their many initiatives.” said Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings, LLC.

“FORCE is honored to be recognized with the Spirit of Humanity Award. Founded in 1999, FORCE has dedicated our full efforts towards providing life-saving information and advocating for the hereditary cancer community.” states Debbie Sokolov, Director of Development - FORCE. “Although our accomplishments have been great, we have been limited in our scope of services by funding constraints. The awareness and funding provided by this award will allow us to continue saving lives for another year. FORCE is such a grass roots organization that the SOH award provides a substantial impact on our financial stability in order to allow us to continue our mission.”

For more information on FORCE, please call Debbie Sokolov at 727.871.0366 or visit their website at www.facingourrisk.org.

The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation created by the members of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family to benefit local communities. The Foundation annually awards scholarships to high school students, provides grants to individuals and organizations with exceptional requirements, and presents the Spirit of Humanity Award, honoring non-profit, grass roots organizations that provide extraordinary assistance to Tampa Bay residents with special needs. For more information, visit the foundation’s website at www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com or call the Foundation office at 813.964.8302.

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(Note: Attached photo: DeBartolo Family Foundation Presents Spirit of Humanity Award to FORCE. Shown: (From Left) Debbie Sokolov, Director of Development, FORCE, James Paul, Treasurer, FORCE, Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings, LLC, Sue Friedman, Executive Director, FORCE and Dr. Rebecca Sutphen, Board of Directors, FORCE).

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Together, they hit the right note
A rock musician finds the love of his life in a photograph.

By Amy Scherzer Times Staff Writer - September 7, 2007

Pop singer Paul Anka sang for Lisa DeBartolo and Don Miggs and their guests at their May 10 wedding in Los Angeles.

PALMA CEIA - If a picture's worth a thousand words, then the first photograph Don Miggs saw of Lisa DeBartolo is priceless.

"It spoke to me," Miggs said.

The frontman for his self-named rock band, Miggs, chanced upon the photo while visiting her sister's home in Boulder, Colo.

Months later, when the two were finally face to face, DeBartolo felt the same instant familiarity.

"I never Googled her, had no idea about her family," he said. "I just knew she would change my life."

That she did. For instance, NFL greats Jerry Rice and Joe Montana were among the couple's wedding guests. Irish indie rocker Damien Rice played for them, and another legend, pop singer Paul Anka, sang, revising the lyrics to My Way that he wrote for Frank Sinatra to fit the Super Bowl of weddings.

"I saw him staring at me," DeBartolo said, "but it didn't make me feel uncomfortable. I thought he was kinda cute."

She could have grabbed a bodyguard - her parents Candy and shopping center billionaire Eddie DeBartolo Jr. - often travel with security. But Miggs didn't set off any alarms that September 2005 night.

He and the band played a college gig in Chicago, then drove 700 miles to New York. Miggs heard the girl in the picture was going to be there, at her sister's book launch.

Miggs spied her instantly, and hovered for the chance to tell her she had the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen. Finally, at the author's after-party, he introduced himself.

"I swore I wasn't hitting on her," said Miggs, 39. "I promised I wasn't a weirdo."

Miggs also told DeBartolo he was married.

The musician's sincerity intrigued DeBartolo, 37, who had just ended a 10-year relationship, partly because neither marriage nor children were on her agenda. She asked Miggs to put her name on the band's e-mail list.

Ten months passed before they saw each other again. In a July 2006 e-mail, DeBartolo saw the band's tour dates included a stop in Los Angeles. She let Miggs know she'd like to come hear them play, and he was waiting outside for her when she arrived.

"I played the whole show to her," Miggs said.

She told him she loved his music. He said he'd believe that if she came to hear them the following night, in Santa Monica.

"I knew then," she said. "It was love at second sight."

When she got home, DeBartolo sent Miggs a lengthy e-mail.

"I told him I already had a ridiculously wonderful life but that he filled a hole I never knew I had," she said.

When Miggs now ex-wife intercepted the e-mail, his "already-over marriage was officially over," he said.

A week later, he was on a red-eye flight to Tampa.

Lisa was at the gate at 6 a.m.

"Our first kiss," she said.

Ten days later, they booked Los Angeles celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss.

The couple discovered their backgrounds are as different as their values are alike.

Miggs grew up in Long Island in a blue-collar home where the music never stopped. He wrote his first song at 8 and often joined his father and four uncles on guitar, piano or drums. Their repertoire ran from Dion & the Belmonts to Bee Gees to Kiss.

After a decade working for a New York manufacturer of security systems, Miggs moved to Santa Cruz, Calif., to start a related business. That didn't take off, but a marketing position in San Francisco and his music career did.

DeBartolo lived in Youngstown, Ohio, until she was 18 and left for college in California. She remembers her first concert at age 7 when her mother took her to see Queen open for Shaun Cassidy.

After her father bought the San Francisco 49ers, DeBartolo ran the team's charitable foundation and organized the first AIDS Awareness Day in the NFL. Since moving to Tampa in 2000, she disburses about $300,000 in grants and scholarships for the DeBartolo Family Foundation annually.

The pair say they are inspired by their parents' marriages, 41 years for George and Kathy Meigel who retired to Largo, and 38 years for the DeBartolos who live in the Avila subdivision.

They wed on May 10, a Thursday, for various reasons, including that it was rock star Bono's birthday and an astrologist friend said it would be a lucky day for them.

Nearly 200 guests celebrated with the couple over four days in Los Angeles. First, a welcome party in the Beverly Wilshire hotel penthouse. Next came a rehearsal dinner at Wolfgang Puck's famed Spago restaurant. The ceremony took place at 5 p.m. at Hotel Bel Air.

"We didn't want it to be stuffy and it wasn't," DeBartolo said. "It was intimate and amazing."

Entertainment by longtime family friend, Paul Anka, and rocker Damien Rice made sure of that. In the end, photographers had taken more than 2,300 photos of the lavish festivities.

The invitation read: Dress romantic. She was married in a gown by designer Monique Lhuillier but was dancing in blue jeans at 3 a.m.Their honeymoon rocked: Athens, Santorini, Prague, Paris and London.

Now they divide their time between homes in South Tampa and Los Angeles, when they're not touring with the band. Miggs has three albums out and a fourth in the works.

In lieu of wedding gifts, the newlyweds suggested donations to PETA they have four dogs, the American Civil Liberties Union and Music in Schools Today.

"We want to start our own foundation," DeBartolo said.

"She's taught me so much about giving," Miggs said.

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DEBARTOLO FAMILY FOUNDATION PROVIDES $18,000 IN FINANCIAL GRANTS TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

Tampa , Fla. (August 9, 2007) - The DeBartolo Family Foundation today announced $18,000 in grants through its community funding program. This program, established in 2001, provides financial support to help organizations that applied for special assistance through the Foundation. Financial grants are provided twice annually. A group of six (6) humanitarian, medical research, healthcare and childcare organizations, within the Tampa Bay community, were funded in today's announcement.

2007 Spring/Summer DeBartolo Family Foundation Grant Recipients:

• Crown & Glory Ministries
• Excelsior Education and Training Foundation
• Kathy's Place, A Center for Grieving Children
• Resource Center for Women, Inc.
• Suncoast Harvest Food Bank, Inc.
• The Aids Institute Inc..

"On behalf of the entire DeBartolo family and the DeBartolo Family Foundation, it is with great sincerity that we recognize these dedicated and caring organizations for their tireless contributions to society." said Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President DeBartolo Holdings. "Each of these extraordinary groups and individuals exemplifies the mission of our family and Foundation…of which is to provide unwavering support, hope and the financial resources to deserving organizations within our communities."

The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation created by the members of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family to benefit local communities. The Foundation annually awards scholarships to deserving students, provides grants to individuals and organizations with exceptional requirements, and presents the Spirit of Humanity Award, honoring non-profit, grass roots organizations that provide extraordinary assistance to Tampa Bay residents with special needs. For more information, visit the foundation's website at www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com or call the Foundation office at 813.964.8302.

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DEBARTOLO FAMILY FOUNDATION HONORS 30 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS WITH SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

A Total of $75,000 Given to Tampa Bay Area Graduating Seniors

Tampa , Fla. (May 1, 2007) - The DeBartolo Family Foundation (DFF) announced today the 2007 recipients of the foundation's annual high school scholarship awards. The scholarship winners honored are Tampa Bay area high school graduating seniors.

The DeBartolo Family Foundation scholarship award was established in 2001 to recognize those students who have achieved academic excellence despite certain financial and personal obstacles. A $2,500 college scholarship will be awarded to each of the 30 graduating high school seniors (listed below) for a 2007 scholarship total of $75,000. In 2006, 25 students were awarded a total of $62,500 in scholarships from the foundation.

2007 DeBartolo Family Foundation Scholarship Award Winners (In Alphabetical Order):

"Our family is extremely pleased to honor these 30 exceptional high school scholarship award winners," said Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President of DeBartolo Holdings, LLC. "These students represent the future of our Tampa Bay communities and we are proud to recognize each of them with our scholarship for attaining both academic and personal excellence. The DeBartolo Family Foundation wishes each and every one of these students continued success as they embark upon their collegiate and professional careers."

The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation created by the members of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family to benefit local communities. The Foundation annually awards scholarships to deserving students, provides grants to individuals and organizations with exceptional requirements, and presents the Spirit of Humanity Award, honoring non-profit, grass roots organizations that provide extraordinary assistance to Tampa Bay residents with special needs. For more information, visit the foundation's website at www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com or call the Foundation office at 813.964.8302.

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DeBartolo Family Foundation Honors Quantum Leap Farm With The Spirit Of Humanity Award

Tampa , Fla. (Aug 30, 2006) - Quantum Leap Farm (QLF), Inc. is a non-profit community service organization providing therapeutic and recreational equestrian activities for adults with mental and physical disabilities. The DeBartolo Family Foundation recognizes Quantum Leap Farm for their tireless dedication to these disabled individuals by honoring the organization with a $10,000 donation along with the Spirit of Humanity Award (SOH).

Quantum Leap Farm, Inc., located in Odessa, Florida was founded in 2000. The organization's mission is to enrich and enhance the lives of handicapped adults by engaging them in a variety of equestrian activities designed to promote and improve physical, mental, and social well being. QLF was founded also to perform research documenting the many benefits of therapeutic horseback riding.

"We are proud to receive the Spirit of Humanity Award," said Edie Ebbert Dopking, PhD, President and Founder of Quantum Leap Farm. "This award in addition to the monetary donation is very meaningful to each of us. The award recognition will bring joy and put smiles on the faces of the people that participate in our program - because of the support from an organization such as The DeBartolo Family Foundation"

"Our future plans include the expansion of services to incorporate development of a vocational training program for participants who want to work in the equine industry and a summer camp program for handicapped adults," Dr. Dopking said. "The financial assistance given to us by the DeBartolo Family Foundation will also be dedicated in part to a covered riding area and observation deck for our riders."

"We are delighted to recognize such a special organization within our Tampa Bay community. The Quantum Leap equestrian riding and research programs further the physical and mental well being of the special people it serves." said Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President of DeBartolo Holdings, LLC. "The physically challenged adults that participate in the Quantum Leap Farm programs are extraordinary people, and we commend them for their strength and desire to gain greater independence within their lives."

For more information on Quantum Leap Farm, please call (813.920.9250) or visit the website at www.quantumleapfarm.org.

The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation created by the members of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family to benefit local communities. The Foundation annually awards scholarships to deserving students, provides grants to individuals and organizations with exceptional requirements, and presents the Spirit of Humanity Award, honoring non-profit, grass roots organizations that provide extraordinary assistance to Tampa Bay residents with special needs. For more information, visit the foundation's website at www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com or call the Foundation office at 813.964.8302.

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(Note: Attached photo: DeBartolo Family Foundation Presents Spirit of Humanity Award to Quantum Leap Farm. Shown: (Left) Dr. Edie Dopking President and Founder of Quantum Leap Farm, (Center) one of the several therapy horses at QLF and (Right) Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President, DeBartolo Holdings LLC.

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DeBartolo Family Foundation To Make $10,000 Donation To The Humane Society of Tampa Bay

Tampa , Fla. (Aug 2, 2006) – The DeBartolo Family Foundation today announced a $10,000 donation to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. The donation will be presented during The 7th Annual Humane Pet Telethon, to benefit The Humane Society of Tampa Bay. This year's event will be held on Saturday August 5, 2006 and can be seen locally on WFLA News Channel 8 from 1:00PM to 6:00PM.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is dedicated to the welfare of all animals because of their intrinsic value and rights. Its primary purposes are the prevention of cruelty to animals, the relief of suffering among animals, the extension of humane education and the provision of shelter-based services. The staff and volunteers at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay are dedicated to their goal of finding homes for all the adoptable homeless pets at the Humane Society during the Pet Telethon weekend.

"The DeBartolo Family Foundation is pleased to support the tireless dedication of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay," said Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President of DeBartolo Holdings, LLC. "All animals hold a special place in the hearts of the DeBartolo family and our foundation." DeBartolo concludes, "We are pleased to contribute to the humane society and their goal of raising the necessary funds to find loving homes for these special animals." Ms. DeBartolo will make the on-air check presentation during the telethon.

For more information on The Humane Society of Tampa Bay, please call (813.876.7138) or visit their website www.humanesocietytampa.org.

The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation created by the members of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family to benefit local communities. The foundation annually awards scholarships to deserving students, provides grants, such as these given today, to individuals and organizations with exceptional requirements , and presents the Spirit of Humanity Award, honoring non-profit, grass roots organizations that provide extraordinary assistance to Tampa Bay residents. For more information, visit the foundation's website at www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com or call the Foundation office at 813.964.8302.

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4th Annual DeBartolo Family Foundation fundraising spectacular brings in stellar contributions for Tampa Bay charities

All Star Charity Gala's stars shine brightly and raise nearly $500,000

Tampa , Fla. (March 3, 2006) – The DeBartolo Family Foundation confirmed today that this year's All Star Charity Gala raised nearly $500,000 to benefit the Bay Area's most worthy causes. The Gala, which took place on Feb. 24 of 7:30 p.m. at A La Carte Event Pavilion, boasted the attendance of 42 stars and celebrities from Hall of Fame athletes to decorated military personnel to Academy Award-nominated actors.

Confirmed guests included Linda Hamilton, Seymour Cassel, Ronnie Lott, Chris Berman, Wade Boggs, Jason Taylor, Joey Fatone and a number of other big names of their caliber within their industries.

More than 700 guests dined on steak and lobster, chocolate and Ed & Eddie's ice cream, and danced to the musical stylings of rhythm and blues group, Boyz II Men. The staple of the R&B genre kicked off the concert with their biggest hits, "On Bended Knee," "I'll Make Love to You," and "Motown Philly." The velvet-voiced songsters went on to sing some of Motown's most beloved hits.

According to the DeBartolo Family Foundation office, this year's Gala attendance significantly increased over last year's record total and is the fourth consecutive year the Gala has sold out.

The DeBartolo Family Foundation is a non-profit organization created by the members of the Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. family to benefit local communities. The Foundation annually awards scholarships to deserving students, provides grants to individuals and organizations with special needs, and presents the Spirit of Humanity Award, honoring non-profit organizations that provide extraordinary assistance to Tampa Bay residents with special needs. For more information, visit the Foundation's Web site at www.debartolofamilyfoundation.com or call the Foundation office at 813.964.8302.

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DeBartolo Family Foundation and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department Provide Christmas Gifts to Local Children

Tampa , Fla. (December 16, 2005) – The DeBartolo Family Foundation and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department recently held their annual Children's Christmas luncheon to support the Family Enrichment Center of Tampa. The luncheon was on Saturday December 10 th at St. Lawrence Parish's Higgins Hall, in Tampa . The Family Enrichment Center is a non-profit community based, minority owned, social services agency that provides a variety of family centered programs.

46 children from 15 Tampa Bay area families, involved with the Family Enrichment Center , were treated to a traditional holiday meal and given an assortment of Christmas presents from Santa Claus during the holiday event. This year's luncheon marked the fifth consecutive year that the DeBartolo Family Foundation has partnered with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department to support the Family Enrichment Center .

“The spirit of giving back to the community is one of the main goals of our Foundation,” states Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President of the DeBartolo Family Foundation. “To see the tears of joy and happiness on the children's faces make it all worthwhile for our family.”

The children's luncheon is annually planned and coordinated by Freddie Solomon, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers. Mr. Solomon and his wife Dee are active community liaisons with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department and the family of Mr. Edward J. DeBartolo Jr.

( Note : Attached photo: Deputy Ben Tillis (left), and Deputy Paul Alessandri (center), of The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office along with three (3) of the 46 children who participated in DeBartolo Family Foundation / Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office luncheon to support the Family Enrichment Center Christmas)

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DeBartolo Family Foundation Honors Missing Children Awareness Foundation with the Spririt of Humanity Award

Tampa, Fla. (December 8, 2005) – The Missing Children Awareness Foundation, a state registered 501(c)(3) child safety charity, was established to make our community aware of the circumstances surrounding missing children, child abuse, molestation, and developing programs to prevent these problems.  The DeBartolo Family Foundation recognizes The Missing Children Awareness Foundation for their commitment and tireless dedication to their foundation programs by honoring the organization with a $10,000 donation along with the Spirit of Humanity Award.

Based in Largo , Florida the Missing Children Awareness Foundation provides many services to the community concerning child welfare, safety, and security.  These programs, which include Child Identification Kits, are geared toward making the community safer for everyone and ensuring the safety of the children.  These ID kits are used by parents to document their children's physical description, personal information, photograph, dental record, thumb print and DNA identification.

“In addition to the Photo ID Kit program, one of our most popular programs that our foundation provides is The Kids Firehouse Museum,” said Maureen Gula, Director of The Missing Children Awareness Foundation. “Children touring the facility will receive fire safety information to take home with them.   The purpose of the Museum is to conduct fire safety tours for elementary schools, preschools, day care centers, mom's groups, home school groups and any groups interested in touring the facility and learning about fire safety.”

“The DeBartolo Family Foundation is proud to honor The Missing Children Awareness Foundation for its dedication to these worthy causes,” said Lisa DeBartolo , Executive Vice President of the DeBartolo Family Foundation. “The Child ID Kits and Fire Safety programs symbolize solutions to an ever-increasing problem facing our society today...the safety of our children”

For more information on The Missing Children Awareness Foundation, please call (800.741.SAFE) or visit the website at www.mcafinc.org .

( Note : Attached photo: DeBartolo Family Foundation Presents Spirit of Humanity Award to The Missing Children Awareness Foundation. Shown from left: Dawn Warren, President, Missing Children Awareness Foundation, Maureen Gula, Director of The Missing Children Awareness Foundation, Lisa DeBartolo, Executive Vice President, The DeBartolo Family Foundation, and Nikki DeBartolo Heldfond , Executive Vice President, The DeBartolo Family Foundation)

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