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 13th Annual Run for All Children
The 13th Annual Run for All Children, taking place Saturday Oct. 24 at Albert Whitted Park, is a family-friendly race
supporting the patients and families at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. The event was founded in 2014 by Brian Powers, inspired by his family’s experience with the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit.
The event begins with a welcome ceremony at 7:45 a.m. and concludes with an awards ceremony at 9:45 a.m. In between, event participants make their way through a 5K or 1-mile course along the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, ending back at Albert Whitted Park for a Finish Line Fest followed by a Kids Dash.
Volunteers are needed beginning Oct. 22 to assist with participant check-in, bib assignment and putting together group packets. On race day, open slots include helping with the Kids Dash, cheering on participants, distributing water along the course and assisting event teams with tear down and cleanup.
Albert Whitted Park is located at 480 Bayshore Drive SE, St. Petersburg.
To learn more about the race or to join a team, click here. Volunteer opportunities can be found here.
Brittany Bosson Hope for Huntington’s Memorial Golf Tournament
The 6th Annual Brittany Bosson Hope for Huntington’s Memorial Golf Tournament tees off Friday, Oct. 23 from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the East Bay Golf Club in Largo.
All proceeds from the event support the local chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by Huntington’s Disease through community services, education, advocacy and research.
Registration commences at 10:30 a.m., following by a 12 noon shotgun start. Dinner and an awards ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. Registration includes a spot in the scramble, lunch, dinner, two drink tickets and a swag bag.
The East Bay Golf Club is located at 702 Country Club Drive, Largo.
Click here for more information and to sign up.
Help clean up Fort De Soto Park
Mindful Action for Regeneration (MAR) is hosting a beach cleanup at Fort De Soto Park, Saturday, Oct. 24 from 8 until 10 a.m., and is seeking volunteers to join the effort. The morning will be spent clearing litter and helping to protect coastal and marine ecosystems and habitats.
Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toe shoes or sandals and comfortable clothing; sunscreen, a hat and a reusable water bottle are recommended.
MAR will provide gloves, buckets, grabbers, trash bags and cold water. Volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Fort De Soto Park is located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde. Volunteers will check in at the MAR tent in Shelter 11. Parking is available at the Gulf Pier parking lot.
Vertical Oyster Garden Prep Workshop
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Services Pinellas County Extension is hosting a vertical oyster garden (VOG) preparation workshop, Thursday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center.
VOGs are recycled oyster shells strung on a wire or rope that can be hung from a dock or pier. Eventually oyster larvae settle on the shells and grow into adult oysters.
Volunteers will use a drill press or hammer to punch holes in oyster shells to prepare them for future VOG assembly. Only those 18 and older are permitted to use the machines.
Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toe shoes and bring a refillable water bottle. Gloves and protective eyewear will be provided.
The Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center is located at 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Parking is free.
FAMCOS Food Bank volunteers needed
Fifth Avenue Mentoring and Community Outreach Services (FAMCOS) is in need of volunteers for its food bank in St. Petersburg. Hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. (the food bank is open Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m.).
Responsibilities include assisting with sorting perishable and non-perishable food items, organizing and stocking dry and cold storage areas, sorting fresh fruits and vegetables, moving food boxes and supplies, and maintaining a clean and organized food bank environment. Volunteers may also assist with food preparation and distribution.
Volunteers should be able to perform routine lifting and carrying tasks (approximately 10–15 pounds), and must follow applicable food safety and sanitation guidelines.
The food bank is located at 4200 5th Avenue S., St. Petersburg.
More information can be found 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.
