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 or join St. Anthony’s Triathlon
St. Anthony’s Triathlon is the fourth largest Olympic distance triathlon in the country. Athletes from across all 50 states and more than a dozen nations have participated in the triathlon over the years due to its race day experience and picturesque course. This year’s triathlon, taking place Saturday, April 25 and Sunday April 26, will celebrate its 43rd anniversary.
All proceeds support the health-related programs and services of St. Anthony’s Hospital, one of 16 hospitals that make up BayCare, a community-owned health system in Tampa Bay.
A variety of opportunities are available for volunteers who want to get involved. These include medical clinicians to assist in the medical tent at the finish line, checking in athletes, handing out goodie bags, distributing food and drinks, helping guide athletes to various transition areas, and assisting with passing out medals and water at the finish lines.
There are also many community volunteer groups seeking to fill spots.
Look for all volunteer categories and availabilities here.
There’s also still time to register for the event. Choose from the Olympic Triathlon (swim 1.5K, bike 40K and run 10K); the Sprint Triathlon (swim 750m, bike 18K and run 5K); or the Meek and Mighty Triathlon for children ages 7-10 (swim 100 yards, bike 3.6 miles and run .5 miles) and children 11-15 and adults 16+ (swim 200 yards, bike 5.4 miles and run 1 mile).
To learn more about the event, including the race schedule, course maps and how to register, click here.
Blackthorn Memorial cleanup
Keep Pinellas Beautiful, in partnership with the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions at St. Petersburg College and Tampa Bay Watch, is hosting a special Earth Day cleanup at the Blackthorn Memorial Sunshine Skyway rest stop, Wednesday, April 22 from 8:30 until 11:30 a.m.
Volunteers will assist with cleaning the mangroves and shoreline. This event is free and open to all ages. Participants under the age of 18 need to be signed in by a parent or guardian, and anyone under the age of 15 needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the event.
Closed toe shoes are required and it is recommended for volunteers to wear sun protection and weather appropriate clothing. All cleanup supplies will be provided and a water refill station will be available on site. Free parking is available.
Casting for Cardiac Kids
Casting for Cardiac Kids is a team of volunteers, donors and community partners who are committed to supporting children born with heart defects. Through their annual events — the Hooked on Hearts Gala and the Hooked on Hearts Classic Fishing Tournament — they raise awareness, funds and hope for pediatric cardiac care at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
Now in its fifth year, the fishing tournament, appropriate for all ages, will take place Friday, April 24 at Tiki Docks St. Pete Bar & Grill, 3769 50th Avenue S., St. Petersburg, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
The event will be preceded by the Hooked on Hearts Gala, Thursday, April 23 at Coastal Creative, 2201 1st Avenue S., St. Petersburg, from 6 until 10 p.m. Guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar and live and silent auctions.
For more information about both events or to donate, click here.
Volunteer with the Jackson Copeland Foundation
The Jackson Copeland Foundation (JCF), a St. Petersburg-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in memory of Jackson Rees Copeland, a St. Petersburg native and Northeast High School graduate who fought a tough battle against high-risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
The foundation is 100% volunteer-run and dedicated to improving outcomes for those facing the most aggressive forms of the disease while eliminating the financial concerns that often follow a diagnosis.
JCF offers volunteer opportunities, particularly for local students through its Bright Futures service-learning program, including organizing blood and platelet drives, helping to register donors for bone marrow donor programs, and creating fundraising drives in local schools and communities.
For more information about volunteering, click here.
Harbor Dish seeks volunteer chef
Harbor Dish, a Safety Harbor nonprofit organization, transforms donated food into refined cuisine for 70+ community nonprofits that service the homeless, the underserved and impoverished, home bound seniors, veterans and more.
The organization is seeking volunteer chefs to manage food service volunteers in the kitchen, ensure goals for the day (prepping, cooking, buffet line set-up) are achieved, train volunteers on how to serve meals and make sure proper safety requirements are followed.
Qualifications include one to two years in the food service industry and the ability to plan and organize meals. Volunteers must be ages 18 and older and able to commit to approximately four hours per week.
The Harbor Dish kitchen is located at 3380 SR-580 E., Safety Harbor.
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.
