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.
Hero To A Child Unsung Heroes Brunch
For more than 35 years, Hero To A Child has transformed the lives of children and youth in the child welfare system. Through strong partnerships with service providers throughout the community, it works hard to address the challenges of foster care and meet the needs of children in its care.
On Thursday, May 7 from 8 until 10:30 a.m. in the Margarete Heye Great Room at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Hero To A Child will host its 5th annual Unsung Heroes Brunch – an event that raises funds to support children in foster care, as well as to honor those who help them grow and thrive.
The event will include a plated brunch, live auction, games, prizes and the opportunity to hear stories about children and families whose lives have been transformed.
Ruth Eckerd Hall is located at 1111 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. Complimentary parking is available onsite.
For more information and to donate, click here.
Champions for ACT Breakfast
Arts Conservatory for Teens (ACT) is holding its 15th Annual Champions for ACT Breakfast, Thursday, May 7 at the USF St. Petersburg Grand Ballroom, 200 6th Avenue S., St. Petersburg.
Guests will experience live performances from ACT students and hear how community support helps impact lives through the arts.
The program begins with a red carpet and founders reception at 8:30 a.m., followed at 9 a.m. by breakfast, performances and a live auction. Special cameos and surprise appearances from community leaders, musicians and philanthropic partners are expected.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
Trolley Market Square cleanup
Fusion 49th District, in partnership with Keep Pinellas Beautiful, the City of Gulfport and the City of St. Petersburg, are hosting a cleanup at Trolley Market Square in Gulfport, Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. until noon.
Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes and weather appropriate clothing. All cleanup supplies will be provided and a water refill station will be available.
Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be signed in by a parent or guardian. Volunteers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Trolley Market Square is located at 4900 Tangerine Avenue S., Gulfport. Limited parking is available.
To sign up, click here.
Sharkapalooza seeks volunteers
Sharkapalooza is a nonprofit that celebrates sharks, art and ocean conservation. It was founded by artist Jessica Adanich, who wanted to raise awareness about sharks and create meaningful change through visual storytelling and community action.
First held in 2022, Sharkapalooza is a place where artists, conversationists and ocean fans come together to share their love of sharks and the sea.
This year’s event takes place Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Coachman Park in Clearwater. Volunteers are needed to help with setup and breakdown, greeting guests, artist support, raffle assistance and more. In exchange, volunteers will receive a T-shirt, snacks and drinks.
Coachman Park is located at 301 Drew Street, Clearwater.
Participants must be ages 14 and older. Click here if interested.
Pet volunteers needed
AccentCare Hospice & Palliative Care seeks certified animals to visit with patients and families of Pinellas County. Pets can be certifiable through any agency as long as it provides a behavioral assessment, liability insurance and annual certification.
Patients are located throughout Pinellas County and visits can be coordinated close the volunteer’s home or office. The schedule is flexible.
Pet owners must 18 and older, have a driver’s license, submit to a background check and attend an orientation. Proof of the pet’s certification and vaccination updates are required.
For more information and to apply, 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.
