Kari Bahour runs the drowning prevention program “Water Smart Tots.” She teaches swim survival skills to kids under 4 years old.

This year, Bahour’s program was hurt by the pandemic. Still, she was able to offer scholarships to 24 children and that’s all because of a grant Bahour received from the NFL and the Tampa Bay Super Bowl Host Committee.

“With the grant, it pretty much saved us for the year,” Bahour said.

Parent Sara Jacobs is grateful. Her 2-year-old son is autistic and fixated with the water. The swimming lessons could be a life saver.

“This really gives us that peace of mind that we unfortunately would not be able to have if this scholarship wasn’t given to us,” said mother Sara Jacobs.

Meanwhile, Dr. Traci Thompson has been bringing her passion for books to youth in East Tampa. Thompson created, what she calls, a mobile reading nook where she reads to children. Most recently, her reading nook traveled to Oak Park Elementary.

“I got a treat out of it when I got hugs from the kids because they were so excited,” Thompson said.

But Dr. Thompson said a lot of the achievements would not have been possible so soon, without funding from the NFL and Tampa Bay Super Bowl Host Committee.

Through the initiative Forever 55, nearly 30 local charities received grants because of the Super Bowl’s visit to Tampa. Each non-profit was awarded $10,000. The groups must submit quarterly reports to the host committee to show the impact in the community..

“It’s really, really amazing,” said Claire Lessinger, Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee.  “Not just where the dollars have gone but the programs and community partners what they’ve done with their grants and the impacts that they’re continuing to have.”