Five ways to make a difference in St. Pete

If you’re searching for a way to give back to your community, 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.

St. Pete Free Clinic dental volunteers needed

St. Pete Free Clinic (SPFC) is looking for volunteers 18 years and older at its dental center. The SPFC Health and Dental Centers provide primary and specialty health and dental care services for uninsured adults who meet income requirements. SPFC relies on volunteer physicians, specialists, nurses, dentists, dental assistants and dental hygienists to serve our neighbors in need.

Go to thespfc.org/volunteer to apply, and make sure to select Dental Center as an area of interest.

Golf for a good cause

Since 2011, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and Pasco Counties has hosted a golf tournament to raise funds to build more homes for families in the community. This year, the nonprofit is hosting a newly reimagined event: Golfing Fore Habitat Topgolf Challenge.

This event, to be held Monday, Oct. 21st at Topgolf St. Pete, will replace the traditional tournament held in previous years. The event has been redesigned to provide more opportunities for sponsors and players to network with one another, while being inclusive and inviting for those who do not participate in traditional golf tournaments. Learn more and secure your tickets before they sell out here.

Become a dog foster

Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida has rescued thousands of golden retrievers. The nonprofit operates in Florida with over 200 volunteers helping staff the organization. 

According to the Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida (GRRMF) website, one of their most precious resources is foster homes. Without an adequate number of foster homes, the organization is limited in how many goldens they can take in at one time.

The principle behind fostering is to provide a home environment for evaluating the dog’s habits and behavior and gathering any other information that will assist the new owner.

GRRMF needs caring, responsible golden lovers to join its foster home team by opening their hearts and homes to rescue goldens. Click here to view frequently asked questions about GRRMF’s foster program. If you have additional questions, email info@grrmf.org.

Volunteer with Fort De Soto Oktoberfest

You can support a local nonprofit by volunteering at the upcoming Fort De Soto Oktoberfest race on Sunday, Sept. 15. There are 15K, 10K and 5K races. A portion of the proceeds from the event benefit Tampa Bay Watch, a nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to the protection and restoration of the marine and wetland environments of the Tampa Bay estuary through scientific and educational programs. Founded in 1993, the Watch performs a variety of habitat restoration and protection activities throughout the year, utilizing thousands of volunteers to help the bay recover from its environmental threats. Sign up to volunteer 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.

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