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Launch Party at Mangroves SoHo
Jessica Grimsley (co-founder), Angela Harwell, Rachel J. Coleman (co-founder)
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A Special Message from Angela Harwell:
I first heard of HIgh Hopes and High Heels while volunteering at an event in Tampa. At that time it was only an idea by an impressive young woman with a deep desire to educate, recruit volunteers, and raise funds for many of the wonderful not-for-profit organizations in the Tampa Bay Area. The idea didn't just stop there, the vision also included bringing together women of all ages, races and social status in order to give them an opportunity to bond, build friendships, and give back to their communities. It absolutely thrills me that this concept is now a reality and thriving in Tampa Bay. I was honored to have been the guest speaker at the inaugural High Hopes in High Heels meeting in May 2009 and since that first night and have tried diligently to attend every meeting and event. As an advocate for volunteerism, I am in total support of this program and their mission. I encourage every woman to join this most enjoyable organization, working together, we can make a difference.
In every community there is work to be done. In every heart there is the power to do it. Ladies, open your hearts, volunteer.
Angela B. Harwell
Mrs. Florida United America 2009
Mrs. Florida United States 2008
Mrs. Florida Galaxy 2007 |
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Kids Charity of Tampa Bay
On behalf of Kids Charity of Tampa Bay and the children under our care at A Kid’s Place, thank you for the compassion shown during the Back to School Carnival hosted by High Hopes in High Heels.
I had an opportunity to speak to just about every member of your group and was truly inspired by their commitment and desire to make a difference in their community. I have met with many community service groups over the years and can honestly say that you set the standard for all others to emulate. It is exciting to know that there are caring people out there that look beyond themselves and take an interest in what is happening around them and more importantly to our little citizens. We have been entrusted with our most precious resource, children, and we need to make sure they are given every opportunity possible to succeed in life. High Hopes in High Heels has done just that through their selfless acting of giving. You all hold a special place in our hearts and we look forward to sharing our successes with you.
Warmest regards,
Kids Charity of Tampa Bay
Wayne Witczak
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Alpha House of Tampa
Rachel and Jessica called Alpha House of Tampa, Inc. in July to inquire about ways for High Hopes in High Heels to get involved with us. After a tour of the agency the wheels in their minds began turning and plans formed for the group to come and have a fashion show. By the time I was afforded the opportunity to speak to other members of the group, the fashion show had grown to an ice cream party and a dance competition! All of their plans sent a buzz of excitement through the staff and clients of Alpha House. High Hopes in High Heels came to Alpha House one Friday in August and made it a night to remember for our moms and babies.
In addition to providing entertainment for a group of girls who are healing from past hurts and pains, High Hopes in High Heels also provided some of the items they would need during the school year. Alpha House residents were blessed with folders, paper, rulers, calculators, pens and other school supplies. They also donated a box full of toiletries. Some of the ladies in the organization even offered to come on their own and volunteer!
The ladies of High Hopes in High Heels were a pleasure to work with and it is my highest hope that this relationship will last throughout the years.
Brandy Wilkerson
Community Outreach Coordinator
Alpha House of Tampa
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Children's Cancer Center
Thank you for your donation of the new toys to the Children's Cancer Center for the holidays.
Susie Wortham
Office Manager for Children's Cancer Center Inc.
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The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
We are so thrilled to be working with High Hopes in High Heels this year as one of the chosen charities! These women are energetic, passionate and motivated individuals who truly care about the concept of community. Many members came to visit the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for a tour of our services to find out more about us and how they could help. They were eager to learn more and captured the tour memories with photos and video to share with the members who were unable to come. Their service project was to volunteer for our Take Back the Night event in Hyde Park Village on April 17 for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. They all stepped up in a big way by leading a creative t-shirt art project during the event for the resource fair. You can see video of them here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IWMVhgZ8D0
HHinHH also spread the word about us to Tampa Bay Women After Work, who coordinated member donations for hygiene items for our families in need of economic assistance. We were so low on supplies, and that made a HUGE difference, along with the $55 in food cards.
We are incredibly thankful for their support as we need friends now more than ever to ensure everyone knows about us! We served over 158,000 individuals last year in our Tampa Bay community, and the Crisis Center really is this community coming together to support those who need a helping hand. Thank you, High Hopes in High Heels, from the very bottom of our hearts and in honor of all those we serve, for bringing help, hope and healing to so many through your kindness, dedication and support!
Our Sincerest Thanks,
Carissa Caricato
Director of Marketing & Communications at The Crisis Center
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Sexual Violence Task Force
Thank you so much for your participation in Take Back the Night. We are so grateful for High Hopes in High Heels, the volunteer commitment, and the effort you spent on the t-shirt message project. You have helped support survivors and spread awareness which are vital steps to ending sexual violence in our community. Thank you High Hopes in High Heels, your organization is wonderful!
Until the Violence Ends,
Marilyn Bray and the Sexual Violence Task Force of Tampa Bay
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