Impact
Five ways to give back and get involved in your 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.
CASA Pinellas 2025 Scavenger Hunt
CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) Pinellas is hosting a Scavenger Hunt, Saturday, Oct. 25 in St. Petersburg, as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. All funds raised will support CASA’s mission to stand up to silence to create a violence free Pinellas.
Tickets are $35 and include entry to the scavenger hunt, lunch, a Cristi López T-shirt, and an after party with a live DJ. You can register as an individual or build a team. Prizes will be awarded for the top fundraising team, top scoring team and best team costume.
The event kicks off at 12 p.m. at Welcome to the Farm, 242 1st Avenue N., and the after party and award ceremony begin at 3 p.m. at Good Night John Boy, 16 2nd Street N.
Folly Farm Invasive Species Removal
Take MAR and the City of Safety Harbor are hosting an invasive species removal at Folly Farm Nature Preserve, Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 until 11 a.m.
Volunteers are needed to remove invasive plant species that threaten the health and biodiversity of the preserve, including Primrose Willow, Brazilian Peppertree, Air Potato, Skunkvine and Caesarweed. The restoration work will prepare the site for native plantings and support long-term ecological health.
Folly Farm Nature Preserve is located at 1562 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street N., Safety Harbor. Volunteers should bring tall rainboots, long pants, gloves, hat, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Gulfport Gets Lei’d Island Fundraising Party
The Gulfport Lions Club Foundation, Inc. is hosting Gulfport Gets Lei’d Island Fundraising Party, a night of dancing and dining benefitting local and Lions Club charities, Saturday, Oct. 18 from 6 until 10 p.m.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and includes a cash bar and food, raffle baskets, a 50/50 raffle, live music by Trop Rock Junkies and live hula dancing.
The event takes place at the Gulfport Lions Club, 4630 Tifton Drive S., Gulfport.
Roots and Shoots Coastal Habitat Restoration
Keep Pinellas Beautiful is partnering with Roots and Shoots Tampa Bay, City of Treasure Island, Treasure Island Adopt a Beach, Run for the Beaches and Wilcox Nursery for a morning of conservation and habitat restoration at Treasure Island Beach, Saturday, Oct. 25 beginning at 9 a.m.
This event is intended for youth involvement (K-12) along with their families to learn about the importance of environmental stewardship. Volunteers will assist with planting native vegetation to restore our coast and provide habitat for local wildlife. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteers will meet at the Gulf Front Park Lot, 10400 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island and are asked to arrive a few minutes early. Parking is available.
All supplies will be provided including gloves, tools, sunscreen, bug spray and hand sanitizer. Closed toed shoes, long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, hat and sunglasses are recommended. A water refill station will be available.
To register, click here.
Volunteers needed for food donation pick-up
360 Eats, a Clearwater 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to end hunger and food waste in the community, is seeking volunteers to pick up food donations from one of their food partners in St. Petersburg every Monday at 11 a.m.
Donations are usually one to five 2′ x 1′ cardboard boxes filled with lettuce, each weighing up to five pounds. Volunteers are in charge of picking up donations and transporting them to Trinity Presbyterian Church in Clearwater.
Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and access to a car, and are free to bring a friend or family along.
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.
