Impact
Five ways to give back and get involved in your community
Channel your energy into giving back to the community.
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.
Volunteer for the American Lung Association Bike Trek
The American Lung Association is recruiting volunteers for the Gulf Coast Bike Trek, Saturday, Oct. 17 beginning at 6 a.m. at the John R. Lawrence Park in downtown Dunedin.
The event brings together riders and the community for a day dedicated to supporting lung health and life saving research.
Various shifts are available between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. Roles include event setup, registration, starting line and finish line support, encouraging riders along the route, photographing the event, VIP support and event breakdown.
All volunteers must be 18 and older and will receive water and snacks throughout each shift and a complimentary event T-shirt.
John R. Lawrence Park is located at 420 Main Street, Dunedin.
Creative Clay fundraiser
Creative Clay helps people with disabilities achieve full and inclusive lives through expressive, educational and vocational experiences in the arts.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, Creative Clay is presenting “Good Folk Fest” at the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club from 6 to 9 p.m. The event, featuring a live performance by the Betty Fox Band, will also include an exhibit showcasing artwork created through Creative Clay’s employment and mentorship program, food trucks, merchandise and shuffleboard.
Tickets start at $50 for general admission. VIP tickets include a meet and greet with Betty Fox prior to the event as well as a drink ticket and food from Mickey’s Café and Organics.
The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club is located at 559 Mirror Lake Drive N., St. Petersburg.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Morton Plant Mease Health Care Gala
The Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation is holding its Illuminate Gala, Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Opal Sol on Clearwater Beach from 6 to 11 p.m.
The gala marks the start of a yearlong celebration of 50 years of philanthropy to deliver exceptional and innovative care to patients throughout north Pinellas and west Pasco counties.
The evening will include cocktails, a sit-down dinner and a live auction.
Opal Sol is located at 400 Coronado Drive, Clearwater.
Click here for more information and to register.
Vitas Healthcare of Pinellas County seeks administrative volunteers
Since 1978, VITAS Healthcare has empowered patients and families as they navigate end-of-life care decisions.
VITAS Healthcare of Pinellas County is seeking administrative volunteers to help with clerical assignments in the office, including filing, preparing mailings, computer input, answering phones, restocking supplies, making packets and special projects.
Volunteers are needed between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Hours are flexible. The minimum age to volunteer is 16. An orientation and training is provided.
The St. Petersburg VITAS Hospice office is located at 12425 28th Street N., Suite 201.
Fill out a volunteer form here.
SOUL Meadowlawn Community Cleanup
Stewards of Our Urban Lakes, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, the City of St. Petersburg and Meadowlawn Neighborhood Association are hosting their next cleanup of Meadowlawn Park Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. until noon.
Volunteers will assist with lake debris removal, neighborhood litter and debris pickup, invasive vegetation removal and native plant installation.
Volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes and clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a refillable water bottle are recommended.
Cleanup supplies, including gloves, pickers, trash bags, bug spray and safety vests will be provided.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be signed in by a parent or guardian.
Volunteers will meet near the playground area at Meadowlawn Park at 73rd Avenue N. and 14th Street N., St. Petersburg. There is no parking lot on site; only street parking is available. Carpooling is encouraged.
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.
