One of the things I’m most proud to call myself (besides wife and mom) is the co-founder of High Hopes in High Heels. High Hopes is a Tampa Bay-based non-profit (401(c) 3) whose mission is to empower Tampa Bay women by improving their lives personally, professionally, and philanthropically through supporting our community.
We select one local charity each year that our volunteers support in various ways: fundraisers, donation drives, and awareness events. As well as offering them in-person support for their own affairs or personal needs. (For example, one year, we organized a Fall Festival for children at A Kids Place)
In addition, there are two charities that we support each year because they’re near and dear to our hearts: the Children’s Cancer Center and the Fighter Foundation. One event we organize, in particular, is one of our member’s favorite: a dance, or prom, for the children at the Children’s Cancer Center. We reach out to vendors all over Tampa Bay to donate their services so the children will have an over-the-top experience.
Flowers, sweet treats, hair and makeup services, even limousines! The generous support of our community, along with the time and talents of our volunteers, makes this an unforgettable evening for the children (and for us)! I personally think the BEST part about the dance is how local businesses come together to donate their goods and/or services to the children and families of the center. This incredible gesture shows there still is good in this unpredictable world!
“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”
― H. Jackson Brown Jr.
High Hopes in High Heels was founded over 12 years ago and has grown exponentially. We are currently redefining our mission and succession strategy so we can set ourselves up for even more success. In addition, and even more exciting, we are planning to extend the High Hopes brand. Our sister organization will focus strictly on children not within charities but outside of them. As a parent myself, I feel my kids should consider the importance of giving back at an early age. And, as I talked with some of my friends, who also have children, they agreed. This exciting new extension of High Hopes is coming soon, so please check our website often or follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Why did I start High Hopes in High Heels?
Years ago, I knew I wanted to start something that would bring together like-minded women passionate about making a difference. However, there were a few non-negotiables. It was important that the organization not require a specific time commitment since I understood the daily obligations that many women juggle with their careers and home. I also wanted to create volunteer opportunities with no age limit or specific requirements so our volunteers would remain diverse and help and learn from one another. I’m proud to say that we have stayed true to this for 12 years and counting!
A Puppy Shower for Kids and Canines 
Children’s Cancer Center Prom 
Fighter Foundation Check Presentation 
Glam Jam with Shriner’s Hospital
Why is giving back meaningful to Local Revival and to me?
I am fortunate to have loving parents, healthy children, and a warm home to live in. But, unfortunately, others aren’t. As a child, I was always involved with volunteering, and it has been an essential part of my life that I want to share with others. As much good as larger charities do in this world, there are a handful of smaller ones in your area that want to do just as much but don’t have the bandwidth, or financial means, to do so. That’s why I, and my partners at Local Revival, look for ways to get involved with not only High Hopes but other non-profit services as well. We have a page dedicated on LR Design Studio where you can learn more.
I encourage you to find a cause that you’re passionate about and get involved! Don’t have time to volunteer, see if you can organize a donation drive or small fundraiser. Have extra dress clothes in your closet because you’re now working from home? Donate them to Dress for Success, an organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and life. Pick up a few cans of non-perishable goods next time you’re at the grocery store, and drop them off at a homeless shelter or local food bank. I could go on… and on.
There are many ways to get involved and give back to your community, no matter where you live.
Food banks, domestic violence shelters, children’s organizations, homeless shelters, veteran’s assistance, beach clean-up days, animal shelters, and elderly care facilities. The list is long, and no matter where your interest lies, these charitable organizations thrive on the support of their volunteers.
I assure you that once you begin to give back, it will help you just as much as you’re helping others – if not more! Your heart will be full of JOY, and your community will thank you!
If you have any questions on High Hopes, Local Revival’s involvement within our communities, or want to bounce around ideas on how you can start getting involved, please feel free to email me at rachel@localrevivallifestyle.com, or connect with us on social media.
