Diamond Donor Shows True Meaning of Philanthropy

When Gus Stavros’ parents arrived in America in 1913 from Greece, they wanted their son to have a quality education.

Nearly a century later, the junior Stavros heeded his father’s advice by excelling at both education and at life. He graduated from an Ivy League school, is a decorated WW II veteran, is an accomplished businessman, and is known as one of the top philanthropists in Tampa Bay- donating to United Way for 50 years.

Two schools are better than one

Stavros’ father washed dishes, became a chef, and eventually saved to purchase a diner. The elder Stavros worked 16-hour days seven days per week to support his family. Stavros attended American school during the day, then went to Greek school for three hours every night.

“The only solution to solving the ills of this world is education,” said Stavros, a Columbia University graduate. Over his 50 years of giving, Stavros has supported United Way’s efforts in the world of education. Today, thanks to United Way’s community impact efforts, children are getting more prepared to go to school, to achieve academic success, to develop strong life skills.

Stavros and his wife Frances have dedicated their lives to philanthropy, and more specifically education. From the Pinellas Education Foundation to the Gus Stavros Institute to the various Frances Stavros scholarships, the Stavros name has been synonymous with making positive change in Tampa Bay and Florida. His five decades of United Way support include co-founding of the United Way Tocqueville Society in Pinellas County, the creation of the Pinellas County Education Foundation, and the development of the Gus Stavros Institute featuring Enterprise Village and Finance Park.

He calls his real life journey the “American dream.” By positively affecting thousands of children and families, he is passing that dream to others.

An American hero lives for a purpose

Sixty five years ago, as a 19 year-old infantryman fighting under the legendary General George Patton, Stavros was one of 36 U.S. soldiers who captured 200 Germans in Germany during  World War II. As Stavros and four fellow soldiers escorted the Germans back from the front lines, they were hit by an enemy mortar shell. Stavros suffered a head wound that left him paralyzed in his left arm, losing all feeling in his left hand. He received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service to country and act of  bravery. But the physical loss he endured paled in comparison to the perspective and opportunity he was given.

“That shrapnel caused this plate in my head. And it’s been  65 years ago since I used my left hand. But that was not a bad thing. I have survived to do philanthropic work and meet so many good people.”

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give,”- Sir Winston Churchill

In the late 1950s, Stavros and wife Frances migrated to Florida, eventually starting Better Business Forms with three employees. He sold it in 1989 for millions of dollars.

During their life in Florida they began their dream. “Frances and I went to a summit on higher education. At that time, Florida was ranked 49th in the country in graduation rates. New Jersey, our home state, was ranked first.” Stavros attributed the reason for New Jersey’s success and Florida’s struggles to career education. “New Jersey didn’t give these kids the opportunity to drop out. We thought, ‘we have to send these kids to technical schools.’”

Lowering high school drop out rates is yet another reason Stavros has aligned with United Way for 50 years. The United Way has paralleled Stavros and France’s efforts in education through the Children’s Book Drive, Imagination Library, the Graduation Summit, and Summer Care .

Pushing the right buttons

The Starvroses met with Governor Charlie Crist and Frank Brogan, Chancellor of the State University System of Florida, to discuss the need for additional vocational training in schools.

Foundations have been established in Frances’ name at USF and Florida State to enhance career education. But it was a meeting with famous comedian Red Skelton that left an indelible mark on Stavros.

Skelton was doing a show at Ruth Eckerd Hall when Stavros had a chance to meet him. Besides being a top-level comedian and performer, Skelton was also an accomplished painter and music writer. “I told him that I knew he was an artist and it was wonderful to have so many talents,” Stavros said.

Stavros said Skelton told him, “I always said everybody has a button pointing towards his heart where the talent comes out. If you leave that button alone, it stays there untapped.”

After meeting Skelton and establishing scholarships for career and vocational education, Stavros met a young student at an education function who’d found her talent button. “She was living out of her car, with no direction. She was ready to give up.” Career education allowed her to get certified as an underwater welder. She has since earned over $100,000 per year and has found her passion.

Stavros agreed with Skelton’s belief that everybody has something to offer. “Young people are talented. Attitude is critical. We have 24 hours every day to use our God-given talents.”

Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand

In 1991 Pinellas County Superintendent J. Howard Hinesley approached Stavros about a real world economic environment that would show children the importance of financial management. The work led to the Stavros Institute, bringing together Enterprise Village and Finance Park. Enterprise Village is a hands-on center of real-life local companies. Finance Park teaches children such economic skills as saving, personal finance, and budgeting..

Stavros led the fundraising campaign for Enterprise Village, helping to raise $1.2 million for the project. More than 30,000 children from Pinellas County public and private schools attend the center each year. “So many people here have an interest in helping education,” Stavros said. United Way participates in a similar Junior Achievement program in Tampa called BizTown.

Stavros said the involvement of thousands of children with financial information is crucial. “Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand.”

The meaning of philanthropy

As Stavros sits in his office in downtown St. Petersburg, his legacy could be recognized by the dignitaries and celebrities he’s met, the awards he’s received, and the thank yous along the way. But he doesn’t look at it that way.

“We’ve had a wonderful time here in Florida and we’ve been very fortunate. That’s why we share what we have. To do everything and die poor. No reason to keep it, you can’t take it with you. Education is the end result of our work,” he said. “That’s what lured me to United Way in the beginning.”

He offered the true meaning behind a well-used word. A meaning that has become its mantra for helping people in need.

“You know philanthropy doesn’t mean giver of money. It’s derived from the Greek word, philanthropia. It means lover of mankind.”

Gus Stavros is a philanthropist in the truest sense of the word. And he has lived united for Tampa Bay for half of a century.