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.
“Rays on the Runway” befitting Children’s Dream Fund
The Children’s Dream Fund is a St. Petersburg-based 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 1981, that has granted more than 4,000 dreams to children with life-threatening illnesses throughout West Central Florida. Children can choose their own dream, whether it’s meeting a hero, taking a special trip, receiving something they’ve always wanted or being someone they’ve always wanted to be.
On Thursday, Aug. 27 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at The Floridian Social in St. Petersburg, Children’s Dream Fund is hosting “Rays on the Runway,” a fundraiser to benefit the organization’s ability to create lasting memories and make children’s dreams come true.
The evening will include a social hour with light bites and cocktails, followed by a fashion show where Tampa Bay Rays players, their significant others and 15 dream children will walk the runway in outfits curated by Tampa Bay area retailers.
The Floridian Social is located at 687 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Tennis instructors wanted – no experience necessary
ACEing Autism empowers children on the autism spectrum to build confidence, connection and lifelong skills through tennis. Founded in 2008, the organization currently serves over 6,000 children across 200 locations nationwide.
ACEing Autism’s Clearwater chapter is seeking volunteers to help teach tennis to local kids with autism. No tennis experience is required.
By volunteering, you will give children who often feel excluded a place to connect and grow, encourage confidence and new skills, and create an environment where everyone in the community is welcomed.
Volunteers receive training on how to engage participants through various drills and games. All volunteers must be 14 and older and complete registration and waiver forms.
Fall classes will take place on Wednesdays – Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Oct. 7 and 14 – from 3:30 until 4:30 p.m. at the LiFT Academy at 1005 S. Highland Avenue, Clearwater.
Click here to learn more about the program and to sign up.
Largo cleanup at Bayhead Action Park
The City of Largo, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, is holding a cleanup at Bayhead Action Park, Saturday, Aug. 22 from 8 until 11 a.m. Volunteers will help pick up litter and debris in the park and surrounding areas. All ages are welcome.
Closed toe shoes, weather appropriate clothing and sun protection are strongly recommended.
Volunteers under the age of 18 must be signed in by a parent or guardian, and anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Cleanup supplies will be provided and a water refill station will be available. Onsite parking is free.
Bayhead Action Park is located at 375 Seminole Blvd., Largo. Volunteers are asked to arrive a few minutes early to sign in.
Mercy Keepers seeks volunteers
Mercy Keepers, Inc. supports and promotes the welfare of people living in St. Petersburg by providing food pantry services, clothing, affordable housing and senior living accommodations. It serves approximately 500 households per month.
Mercy Keepers’ food pantry is funded 100% by in-kind donations. Food is supplied by Hope Villages of America and St. Petersburg Free Clinic, and is distributed every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Volunteers are needed the second and fourth Monday of every month for a few hours each day to help bag canned goods that were donated the week prior and which will be distributed later that week.
Mercy Keepers, Inc. is located at 2021 9th Avenue S., St. Petersburg.
If interested, you can fill out a form here.
Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas Volunteer Opportunities
The Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas, whose mission is to prevent, divert and end homelessness in Pinellas County, offers a variety of ways to help support its work.
Volunteer opportunities include translating documents, resource guides and forms for clients; administrative tasks such as website maintenance, document creation and data entry; creating and sharing social media content through various outlets; delivering documents, supplies and food to clients and partners; and other roles.
Volunteers must be at least 12 years old, and anyone ages 12 to 16 needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Click here to learn more and sign up.
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.