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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 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.

Girls Inc. Sneaker Gala

Girls Inc. of Pinellas is hosting its annual Sneaker Gala, Saturday, April 25 at The Fort Harrison in Clearwater.

Founded in 1864 to serve girls and young women who were experiencing upheaval in the aftermath of the Civil War, Girls Inc. supports and empowers girls to become strong leaders and prepares them for lifelong success. Professionally trained staff and volunteers provide mentorship, supportive spaces and programming that address the challenges girls face and encourage them to take risks, learn from experiences and grow..

This year's event, titled Fuel Her Fire, will include live entertainment, dancing, cocktails, best dressed awards and exclusive live and silent auctions. Guests are encouraged to pair their favorite gala attire with stylish sneakers. All proceeds will directly support Girls, Inc. of Pinellas programs.

Registration opens at 5:30 p.m. and the main event begins at 7 p.m. The Fort Harrison is located at 210 S. Fort Harrison Avenue.

For more information and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, click here.

Wine Tasting benefits Dive Care, Inc.

Dive Care is a St. Petersburg nonprofit founded in 2007 that offers scuba and snorkeling programs for disabled children, adults and veterans. The programs are designed to help build confidence, independence and the ability to face life’s challenges and begin to overcome barriers.

Run by a group of instructors certified by Scuba Diving International and the Handicap Scuba Association, the corporation provides regularly scheduled scuba classes and training and dive trips.

Dive Care is hosting a wine tasting Thursday, April 23 at Vino Simpatico in South Pasadena to benefit its programs. Tickets include two glasses of premium wine or craft beers, hors d’oeuvres and a raffle.

Vino Simpatico is located at 722 Pasadena Avenue S.

Tickets are available here.

 

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