Our Story

Built on Compassion,
Driven by Community

From a friendly neighborhood golf game to over $800,000 in direct family support — the story of how two neighbors changed Tampa Bay.

The Beginning

It Started in a Driveway

In the fall of 2002, Ralph Caputo and Dan O'Brien — transplants from Boston and Long Island, a Red Sox fan and a Yankees fan — sat in an Abbotsford driveway over beers. They hatched a simple idea: a competitive golf game pitting Abbotsford's golfers against those in Kingsford.

Then in 2003, everything changed. A Westchase couple, the Overstreets, were facing every parent's nightmare — their 8-year-old daughter Brooke was battling brain cancer. The community rallied. That first act of neighbors coming together to help a family in crisis became the seed for what would grow into the Westchase Charitable Foundation.

By 2004, the WCF was formally established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Two years later, they launched Santa's Pre-Flight Parade. Then came the Tampa Bay Woman of the Year gala, Casino Night, Courts for a Cause, and more. What began as friends helping a neighbor became a movement.

WCF
2002
Where it all began
Our Journey

Two Decades of Impact

2002
The Idea Is Born
Ralph Caputo and Dan O'Brien conceive a neighborhood golf challenge in a Westchase driveway. No money raised yet, just community spirit.
2003
First Act of Community
Fords residents rally to support the Overstreet family and 8-year-old Brooke's battle with brain cancer. The foundation's mission crystallizes.
2004
Official 501(c)(3) Status
The Westchase Charitable Foundation is formally established as a non-profit, launching the annual Westchase Cup Golf Tournament.
2005
Santa's Pre-Flight Parade Begins
Dan O'Brien launches what becomes Westchase's most beloved holiday tradition — Santa riding through neighborhoods on a vintage fire truck.
2010
Tampa Bay Woman of the Year Launches
The foundation's signature gala event debuts, celebrating women leaders while raising transformative funds for families in crisis.
2013
$250,000 Milestone
WCF surpasses a quarter-million dollars in direct grants. WTSP-10 and local media spotlight the foundation's growing impact on Tampa Bay families.
2019
Record-Breaking Fundraising
Shannon Hofmeister raises $32,000 as Woman of the Year. Candidates collectively raise $126,000 at a single event. Foundation surpasses $500,000 in total grants.
2023
Courts for a Cause Launched
Former ATP pro Alex Bogdanovic brings tennis and pickleball to the foundation's event lineup, opening new avenues for community fundraising.
2025
$800,000+ and Growing
The foundation surpasses $800,000 in direct grants to Tampa Bay families. The Freebooters Krewe partnership raises $12,000 in a single golf tournament.
What We Stand For

Our Values

Direct Financial Support

Every grant check is hand-delivered directly to families — covering medical bills, rent, utilities, groceries, and emergency needs during their most challenging moments.

100% Volunteer Leadership

No salaries. No overhead bloat. Our entire Board of Directors donates their time and expertise so that maximum funding reaches the families who need it most.

Beyond Our Borders

While rooted in Westchase, over 90% of families we serve live outside our community. Our mission extends across the entire Tampa Bay region.

Total Transparency

As a registered 501(c)(3), we operate with complete financial transparency and accountability. Tax ID #20-2113543.

Community-Powered Fundraising

Golf tournaments, galas, parades, and tennis events — we bring people together for a cause, creating experiences that fund life-changing support.

Compassion First

Every application is reviewed with empathy. Behind every request is a family facing their darkest hour — and we're committed to being their lifeline.