CLEARWATER, Fla., Sept. 21, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Church of Scientology is inviting the board and staff of Tampa Bay area charities to attend the first annual Charity Coalition Anniversary Banquet on September 30^th in the Church’s historic Fort Harrison in downtown Clearwater. The event will be a celebration of the partnerships established between like-minded organizations of the Charity Coalition.

Over the past year the Church of Scientology has hosted bi-monthly Charity Coalition luncheons for over 600 representatives of diverse charitable and like-minded organizations. The luncheon provides for the charities to network, share best practices and help each other with their humanitarian initiatives in the community.

Previous luncheons included representatives from nonprofits such as Citizens Alliance for Progress, Hispanic Outreach Center, Feeding America, the Rotary Club, United Way Suncoast, RCS Pinellas, Dunedin Fine Arts Center and the Boy Scouts of America.

The anniversary banquet will feature live presentations from humanitarian guest speakers including Tranette Engram, President of S.H.E. Helps To Empower and April Jones, President of Save Our Students Foundation of Tampa Bay.

"Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote that 'A community that pulls together can make a better society for all' and we, as a community, have a unique opportunity to do that here in Pinellas County," said Pat Harney, the spokesperson for the Church of Scientology's international religious retreat in Clearwater.

The Charity Coalition Anniversary Banquet is open to any executives, staff and board members from a non-profit organization. There is no cost to attend.

If you are interested in receiving an invitation to the event, contact Jennifer Webb at (727) 467-6860.

About the Church of Scientology:

The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard.  The first Church of Scientology was formed in the United States in 1954 and has expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups, with millions of members in 167 nations.  Scientologists are optimistic about life and believe there is hope for a saner world and better civilization, and actively do all they can to help achieve this.  The Church of Scientology regularly engages in many humanitarian programs, such as anti-drug campaigns, human rights campaigns and global education programs.  To learn more, visit www.scientology.org

THE FORT HARRISON:

Since its construction in 1927, the Fort Harrison has been the home to many charitable organizations. Its latest owner, the Church of Scientology, completed a top to bottom restoration of the Fort Harrison in 2009—and since then has hosted over 300 community events there.