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activism, featured, trending, wellness · August 24, 2021

A Passion For Giving Back: Rachel J. Luis, High Hopes in High Heels

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.  

In: activism, featured, trending, wellness · Tagged: high hopes in high heels, activism, giving back, community involvement, charity, volunteer, why I give back, non-profit

About Rachel

Rachel is a Partner and the Travel & Destination Management Director at Local Revival, Inc. A Tampa native, Rachel began her career in corporate America before deciding to branch out on her own. She’s now a travel consultant with Cruise Planners|American Express Travel, along with her involvement in Local Revival. She lives in Tampa with her husband, Frank, her children Alex, Julianna, Mila, and their dog ESPN. Have a question for Rachel? Email her directly at rachel@localrevivallifestyle.com.

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In case you didn't know, today is #givingtuesday! In case you didn't know, today is #givingtuesday! 🧡

At Local Revival, giving back and assisting those in need within our communities is an essential part of our business model. 

And as a board member for Empower Her Network (EHN), I've seen how a non-profit's support network can make a difference in people's lives. 

EHN is the only national program that ends generational cycles of violence, exploitation, and poverty of trafficking survivors by paving a path to economic freedom. 

After being on the board for over three years, I can confidently say - the program works. Why? 

✅ 100% of survivors graduate with stable housing

✅ The average annual wage at the start of the program was $18,015 BELOW the poverty line

✅ The average annual wage after they finish the program is $26,807 ABOVE the poverty line

✅ These results are often only the beginning. Many graduate as they complete a program with a promising career path

✅ 100% of donations go to programming because the NOVO Foundation covers operating expenses

This #givingtuesday, please consider donating to Empower Her Network and give the greatest gift of all: opportunity. 🧡

As a bonus, @the_changereaction has agreed to MATCH all donations up to $25,000! So when you give, your matched contribution allows us to reach our end-of-the-year goal faster - helping more survivors carve their path to fiscal independence! 🎉

Scan the QR code, or visit empowerhernetwork.org/donate for more information or to give to this impactful cause! 

xoxo, Summer
We are SO incredibly grateful for YOU this Thanksg We are SO incredibly grateful for YOU this Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁

Thank you to new friends and old, amazing new clients and previous ones - all the meaningful connections we've been fortunate to develop this year, making our already fun job that much more amazing! ✨

We hope you all have a joyous and safe Thanksgiving holiday! ❤️
Happy Monday, friends! 👏🏼 What are you dete Happy Monday, friends! 👏🏼

What are you determined to get done this week? How do you push through when you’re just not feeling motivated? 🤔

The weather cooking off in Florida a little keeps me motivated to chug along. If I feel like I’ve hit a rut, usually taking a quick walk to clear my head will do the trick 💪🏽

What about you? Comment below ⬇️ 

Here’s to a fantastic week! 👏🏼🎉
What tropical storm? Not even tropical storm Nico What tropical storm?

Not even tropical storm Nicole could keep us from helping the @sustanyfoundation with the 2022 Sustainable Business Awards and Buzz last evening 🎉

We appreciate everyone who attended, and the volunteers who helped us with all the details. 👏🏼

We also want to give a HUGE shout out to our new friends with @lynnscateringoftampa who stepped in to provide the delicious taste of Tampa to feed all the guests, and were able to provide two extra bartenders in a pinch ❤️

Thank you to all the other vendors who donated product or services for this event:

Native Plants: @butterfly_tampa 
Antique Furniture for VIP: @the.col.lec.tive 
Linens: @fancythatlinens 
Beer: @3daughtersbrewing 
Wine: @johnsonbrothersoffl 
Planning/Coordination: @localrevivalinc 

Can’t wait to see all the professional photos and footage from @pricelessstudiodesign (which I know will be SO much better than these 😊)

The @sustanyfoundation does some amazing things to educate and highlight sustainable businesses in Tampa Bay. The proceeds that were raised from this event are used to plant new trees in the area 👏🏼🌲🌴 To learn more about them or to donate or get involved, follow their social media pages or visit their website at Sustany.org. 🌿
At Local Revival, we love events of every size. Fr At Local Revival, we love events of every size. From dinner parties to large bashes, we aren't afraid to take on a client's to-do list so they can relax and fully immerse themselves during their important day. 💪🏽

One of our highlights every year is helping non-profit clients with their annual fundraising galas. ✨

In October, we had the pleasure of designing and coordinating Rock the Dock, a celebration of artists and music that rocks - all while benefitting Chapters Health Foundation's Hospice division. 💃🏻🕺🏻

Held in downtown Tampa on the Riverwalk, it's a stunning backdrop for music, dancing, and raising money to support their mission: to provide choices, education, and guidance for those affected by advancing age or illness. 💕

Colorful bright red and blue linens topped with centerpieces featuring a neon LED light of different musical instruments were the focus within the main event area. While in the pre-event function showcased custom records printed with printed lyrics and lifesized cutouts of famous musicians. 🎼🎤

It was a beautiful evening full of rock n roll while benefitting an incredible cause in Tampa Bay. 💛

Do you know a local non-profit that might need assistance with its gala planning? Tell them to contact us! 📞👏🏼

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