Fundraising Gala for Tampa Bay’s New Thought CommUNITY of GULFPORT’s Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative: Uniting Hearts for a Brighter Community Future.
TAMPA BAY, FL – 10/01/2023 – The Tampa Bay community is invited to join hands and hearts in a grand celebration of compassion and unity at the Step Inside the Box Gala, hosted by the New Thought CommUNITY of Gulfport. This exciting event promises an evening of glamour, goodwill, and giving back, all in support of the Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative—a comprehensive community outreach program with a vision of transforming lives through Backpacks for the homeless, Holiday Angel Tree for Children and Seniors, Food Pantry for food-insecure families with children, and housing for homeless and displaced veterans.
The Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative, founded by the New Thought CommUNITY of Gulfport, is a testament to the unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of Pinellas County and Tampa Bay residents. The program is built on four pillars, each addressing a pressing issue within the community:
1. Backpacks for the Homeless: Too many of our neighbors find themselves without the basic necessities required for daily life. The Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative aims to provide love, hope and warmth to the homeless by distributing backpacks filled with essentials such as clothing, toiletries, and non-perishable food items. As we go out into the parks and streets to personally deliver the backpacks, we see first hand the impact on the community and how better to serve.
2. Holiday Angel Tree for Children and Seniors: The holiday season is a time for joy and giving. However, for many children and seniors in our community, it can be a time of loneliness and need. The Holiday Angel Tree program will brighten their holiday season by fulfilling their wishes and spreading love and joy throughout Gulfport, St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay. Ensuring not providing necessary clothing and shoes but also wish list dreams come true.
3. Food Pantry for Food-Insecure Families with Children: Food insecurity affects countless families in our community, including children who often go to bed hungry. The Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative is committed to alleviating this issue by providing nutritious food options and support to food-insecure families, ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry in collaboration with Love Thy Neighbor, Florida (501c3).
4. Housing for Homeless and Displaced Veterans: Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedom, yet many find themselves without a place to call home. The Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative is dedicated to providing stable housing solutions and support services for homeless and displaced veterans, ensuring they regain their dignity and security in partnership with Heaven On Earth for Veterans (501c3)
The Step Inside the Box Gala, set to take place on November 4th at the Historic Gulfport Casino, promises an evening of elegance and community spirit. Attendees can look forward to a delectable strolling dinner, live entertainment throughout the Casino Ballroom, a silent auction featuring exclusive items, and heartwarming stories of the lives transformed through the Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative, as you stroll through the vignettes for each pillar.
“We believe that by coming together as a community, we can create a brighter future for all our neighbors, while honoring our mission and vision to ‘Create a world that Coexist in Unity through love and peace.’” said Rev. Kimberley Harrell, Spiritual Leader. “The Step Inside the Box Gala is not just a fundraising event but a celebration of love, commUNITY and hope. We invite everyone to join us in this noble cause and be a part of something truly special.”
The funds raised at the gala will directly support the New Thought CommUNITY of Gulfport’s mission and the Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative, ensuring that their vital programs continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the Greater Tampa Bay area.
Tickets for the Step Inside the Box Gala are available now at www.unityofgulfport.com. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and individuals looking to demonstrate their commitment to building a stronger community.
For more information about the Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative, the gala event, or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Bill Thomas at unityofguflportboard@gmail.com.
About The New Thought CommUNITY of Gulfport: The New Thought CommUNITY of Gulfport is a vibrant and inclusive spiritual community dedicated to serving the Greater Tampa Bay area with love, compassion, and a commitment to social justice. Through its Neighbor to Neighbor Initiative and various community programs, the community strives to make a positive impact on the lives of its neighbors in need.
Press Contact: Kimberley Harrell [unityofgulfport@gmail.com] [727-337-0117]