DE BERNARD WOODIE: FOR THE PEOPLE

            From that title, you would think that De Bernard Woodie is an elected official or running for an office.  But Woodie is making a difference in another way: giving back to the community to support families, youth and children.  He has been relentless in his efforts to make Manatee and Sarasota Counties a great place to live.

A native Floridian, Woodie is deeply rooted in his community. Working closely with lawyer referral mogul, 1-800-ASK-GARY, and serving as a Field Representative for Congressman Vern Buchanan, Woodie founded the Back to School Give Away and the Holiday Celebration which has been running for over a decade.  From helping the homeless to visiting the elderly in nursing homes, Woodie donates his time and resources to the D.L. Randall Foundation and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

“I try to make the best use of what God has blessed me with to be a blessing to others,”

Woodie said.

During the summer months he supports different organizations by holding fundraisers such as all you can eat crab parties which benefits the organization.  “At back-to-school time, with the help of donors, we provide school supplies throughout the community to those in need as well as to those making an impact in the lives of children,” he said.  At Thanksgiving, you will see Woodie hosting turkey give-a-ways to those who may not be able to afford to feed their families; during the Christmas holidays, also with the help of sponsors, toys, produce and turkeys are provided to the less fortunate.

So why does Woodie work so hard for his community? 

“It is important for me to give because that’s what God has blessed me to be able to do,” he said.  “It’s one of the most rewarding feelings ever to know that someone who would have gone without won’t have to,”

he said.  In keeping with his desire to give back to his community, earlier this year, Woodie embarked on a new venture, Woodieville World of Events and More LLC, which provides affordable entertainment needs to the people he holds close to his heart.  His work has not gone unnoticed.  In 2019, Woodie received the Man of the Year award from Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church for his community work.  Earlier this year, he received the Mover and Shaker Award for 2020 from the Manasota Black Chamber of Commerce.

            Giving back has always been Woodie’s philosophy. It’s what he was meant to do.  Being an example and role model for others, his advice to our youth is simple: “The most important things I can pass on to young people today is to have respect for others and themselves, always do what is right even when no one is watching, and any time you’re in a position to help, YOU HELP!!!