Annual Fundraising Dinner with NFL Star Mike Alstott on May 15th!
Join Us May 15, 2026
An Evening of Hope, Community, and Impact
With Special Guest, Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Mike Alstott, supporting our campaign to build affordable housing units for families with children experiencing homelessness.
About the Event
Tri-County Human Services invites the community to our Annual Fundraising Dinner, featuring special guest Mike Alstott. This year’s dinner supports a transformative capital campaign to build affordable housing units for families with children experiencing homelessness.
Event Highlights
- Keynote appearance by Mike Alstott
- Dinner Program
- Live Auction
- A first look at the Affordable Housing Initiative
May 15th 2026
Bonnet Springs Park Event Center
Cocktail Hour, Meet & Greet: 5:30
Dinner Program: 6:30-8:00
Dress Code: Business Casual
About Tri-County Human Services
For nearly 50 years, Tri-County Human Services has served Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties through accessible mental health and substance use treatment.
Today, we are expanding that mission to address one of the most urgent challenges in our community: housing instability among families with children.
This year’s fundraising dinner marks the launch of a new capital campaign to develop affordable housing in Lakeland to create safe, stable homes for families who need them most. Your partnership helps transform lives, strengthen communities, and build a future rooted in dignity and hope.
The need in our community
Housing insecurity continues to rise in Polk County, particularly for children and families.
Nearly 4,700 students in Polk County Public Schools are identified as experiencing homelessness or housing instability each year, according to Polk County Public Schools and the Florida Department of Education.
Homelessness in Polk County increased by more than 7% in 2025, reaching 804 individuals, according to the Homeless Coalition of Polk County’s Point‑in‑Time Count summarized by Central Florida Public Media.
Most children experiencing homelessness are not living unsheltered, but are doubled‑up with other families, staying in motels, or living in other temporary or unstable housing. These situations are included in the federal definition under the McKinney‑Vento Act, according to Polk County Public Schools’ HEARTH program.
The need for affordable housing is urgent. When Tri‑County and its partners opened Jersey Commons, a 68‑unit affordable housing community in Winter Haven, we received more than 11,000 applications for the remaining units—demonstrating the severe shortage of stable, family‑suitable housing in our region. (Tri‑County internal data.) These indicators make clear why this capital campaign focuses on developing new affordable housing in Lakeland for children and families. Stable housing is the foundation for health, education, and long‑term stability. Your support will help bridge a critical gap for local families. For background on our recent supportive housing work in Winter Haven, see Jersey Commons—our 68‑unit affordable community, developed with local partners.
About the Campaign: Building Homes. Strengthening Families. Changing Futures.
This year’s fundraising dinner directly supports our capital campaign to create affordable housing units designed for families with children experiencing homelessness in Lakeland, FL. These homes will provide stability, safety, and a pathway for families to rebuild their lives with dignity.
What this project will prioritize:
Family‑ready homes with a mix of bedroom sizes and child‑friendly design features. Access to support, coordinated by Tri‑County, to help families maintain stability. Quality and efficiency, focusing on safe, durable, energy‑conscious construction.
Mike Alstott – Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Player
Mike Alstott is one of the most celebrated players in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history. He is a six‑time Pro Bowler known for his strength, determination, and leadership on the field. His NFL career includes a franchise‑leading 71 total touchdowns and 58 rushing touchdowns, solidifying his place as a fan favorite and respected figure in the organization.
Off the field, Mike is deeply committed to service. Through the Mike Alstott Family Foundation, he supports children, families, and individuals facing significant challenges. His foundation partners with hospitals, youth programs, foster care organizations, and community agencies to provide hope and meaningful support to those in need. Mike’s dedication to uplifting the community aligns closely with the mission of this campaign, making his participation especially meaningful.
Reserve Your Seat or Become a Sponsor
Your attendance directly supports the creation of affordable housing units for local families in need.
Sponsorship Tiers
Title Sponsor — $20,000
- Two reserved tables (16 guests)
- Guest seating with Mike Alstott
- Recognition during opening remarks and throughout the program
- Premier logo placement on event signage, event program, and event webpage
- Recognition in all event-related communications
- Social media recognition
- One year of digital ads in Tri-County waiting rooms
Entertainment Sponsor — $7,500
- One reserved table (8 guests)
- Recognition as the Entertainment/Fireside Chat Sponsor
- Recognition during program remarks
- Logo placement on event signage, event program, and event webpage
- Social media recognition
Family Stability Sponsor — $7,500
- One reserved table (8 guests)
- Recognition as the Family Stability Sponsor
- Highlighted recognition during the campaign presentation
- Logo placement on event signage, event program, and event webpage
- Social media recognition
- Inclusion in one family impact slide during the program
Cocktail Hour Sponsor — $5,000
- One reserved table (8 guests)
- Exclusive signage during the cocktail hour
- Recognition during welcome remarks
- Logo placement on event signage, event program, and event webpage
Dinner Sponsor — $5,000
- One reserved table (8 guests)
- Recognition during dinner
- Dinner signage
- Program and website listing
Auction Sponsor — $3,500
- One reserved table (8 guests)
- Recognition during auction
- Logo placement on event signage, event program, and event webpage
Table Sponsor — $2,000
- One reserved table (8 guests)
- Listing in the event program and on the event webpage
Individual Tickets — $200
