If you’re searching for ways to give back, the Catalyst’s Impact Connector is here to help. Each week, we feature five organizations in the Tampa Bay area that need your input, whether that’s time, talent, items, funding or simply awareness. We’re certain you’ll find something here that matches your interests and will positively impact the community.
Friends of Strays Wags & Whiskers: Cheshire Cat Ball
On Saturday, March 14 from 7 until 11 p.m., Friends of Strays Animal Shelter, whose mission is to end pet homelessness, is presenting the 7th annual Wags & Whiskers gala at The Lealman Exchange Center, 5175 45th Street N., St. Petersburg.
The 2026 theme, Cheshire Cat Ball, is based on Lewis Carroll’s classic novel, Alice in Wonderland, and guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion.
Tickets include hors d’oeuvres, dinner, two drinks, dancing, a silent auction and a travel auction. Theme-related surprises will be announced throughout the evening.
The Wags & Whiskers gala is Friends of Strays’ largest fundraiser of the year, and all proceeds will support its daily operations, programs and special projects.
For more information and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, click here.
Volunteer for Time to Paddy 5K/10K and half marathon races
Bodies Race Company’s mission is to build healthier, more active communities through fun, accessible and family-friendly race events.
On Saturday, March 14 from 7 a.m. until noon, the organization is hosting “Time to Paddy” 5k/10k and half-marathon races at Walsingham Park, 12615 102nd Avenue N., Seminole.
Volunteers are needed for various roles, including handing out water and picking up discarded cups, guiding runners on the right path and cheering them on, photographing special moments, and handing out medals and managing the awards table at the finish line.
All participants must be 16 years and older or accompanied by an adult. As a thank-you, volunteers will receive their choice of a $20 Amazon gift card or two entries to a future Bodies Race. Community service hours are accepted.
Click here for more information.
‘Empty Bowls’ benefitting Daystar Life
The Clay Center of St. Petersburg is presenting “Empty Bowls,” a global movement that raises awareness about hunger and food insecurity, Saturday, March 14 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit Daystar Life, a St. Petersburg organization that empowers the community to fight nutritional insecurity and financial instability by creating opportunities that lead to self-sufficiency.
Tickets include a bowl of soup or salad and bread, a silent auction and a handcrafted artisan bowl to take home. Participating establishments include Avocado, Gypsy Souls Coffee House, The Helm Seafood Parlor and more.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Volunteer for Health St. Pete’s Little Sunshine Pantry program
Healthy St. Pete’s Little Sunshine Pantry program is a collaborative effort powered by neighborhood associations, community members and local partners.
Building on the Little Free Pantry movement, it encourages neighbors and local organizations to take an active role in supporting food security.
Volunteers are needed to help keep the pantries stocked and accessible, to donate items to a specific location and to connect with a neighborhood sponsor to support ongoing efforts.
To learn more about volunteering and getting connected, contact Sarah Wiemert at sarah.wiemert@stpete.org.
More information about the Little Sunshine Pantry Program can be found here.
Seniors in Service seeks tutors for underserved children
Seniors in Service is looking for volunteers to provide academic and emotional support for underserved children in grades K-3 who attend schools and summer camps in low socioeconomic communities throughout Pinellas County.
Tutors assist children through hands-on assistance in the classroom, providing extra help to students with special needs, serve as a positive role model and help children build self-esteem and confidence.
Volunteers must be at least 55 years old, have an interest in mentoring children ages 5-8, and be dependable, consistent, patient, flexible and able to communicate through email and video-calling platforms.
Volunteers attend virtual training sessions to learn best practices in providing social, emotional and academic support to children.
For more information and to sign up, click here.
By engaging in these five impactful ways to give back, we can empower our communities and contribute to a more compassionate society. If your organization is seeking volunteers, donations or awareness, click here to submit your opportunity. We’ll get the word out to our readers.