Article By Nanette Wiser
From St. Petersburg to Gulf Beaches, we are experiencing a kindness revolution making a difference in Paradise. Our first responders, military, health care professionals, educators, faith-based groups, essential workers, parents working from home and teaching their children, elected officials with a vision contribute to Pinellas County’s high Kindness IQ.
While this story isn’t long enough to congratulate all the do gooders, it’s a snapshot of some our favorite “do good” peeps. I love Congressman Charlie Crist’s ad honoring his mom who always taught him to say “please” and “thank you,” thanking everyone who voted, not just for him and his unwavering support for those in need, using his virtual and in-person town halls to listen and learn from our community. St. Pete Beach’s PR wiz Sarah Ervin Laracuente’s Kindness initiative wows us as well.
Achieva Credit Union donated a $20,000 gift to The Salvation Army of Clearwater and Northern Pinellas and has pledged to match funds raised by the Kettle Bells in their lobbies at three locations: Park Blvd., Pinellas Park; 4th St and 62nd Ave. N; and DTSP, 11th Ave. N. The Kettle Bell campaign runs through Dec. 23.
Phil Yost is a St. Pete-based entrepreneur with a big heart. The newest passion project for his company, Compass Land & Title, is COMPASS ARTIST SPOTLIGHT SERIES, in collaboration with St. Pete-based Scatter Brothers. Filmmakers Ben Daniele and Doug Tschirhart produced several profiles for social media (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube), a love letter to Tampa Bay artists. Featured are Alex Harris (musician/recording artist and co-founder of the Arts Conservatory for Teens), Rory Lawrence (playwright and creator of the Tampa Bay Theatre Festival), Geff Strik (internationally acclaimed French artist based in St. Pete), Michael Francis (Music Director–The Florida Orchestra & international conductor), Mark Cantrell (The Florida Orchestra President and CEO of The Florida Orchestra), Ella M. Fredrickson (Principal Librarian for The Florida Orchestra) and Yann Weymouth (internationally acclaimed architect and designer from the Dali Museum to the Grand Louvre Project in Paris).
Jackie Praciado of ECCO-VISION has developed a product made from the avocado pit, the only product in the world made out of agricultural-waste. The best part? This product decomposes in 240 days in the landfill. Another sustainability guru for the good is Tampa Bay Watch executive director Peter Clark. Rotarian and TI resident Mitchell Shenkman donates time, clothes, books and more to local organizations and events.
The Arts Alliance John Collins, Paul Carder, Liz Dimmitt, Bob Glaser, Stephanie Gularte, Alex Harris, Dr. Kimberly Jackson, Duncan McClellan, Chuck Prather, David Ramsey, St. Pete C of C’s Chris Steinocher and Deputy Mayor Dr. Kanika Tomalin are working on a five-year roadmap to help grow capacity in the St. Petersburg art community as part of CAS (Comprehensive Arts Strategy) and all have given tirelessly to grow DTSP as a world-class arts destination, touted by Conde Nast and others.
Haley Crum, chair of the Homeless Empowerment board of directors, and team have earned a four-star rating for HEP for the 10th year, by Charity Navigator. HEP, RCS, CASA, The Kind Mouse and Metropolitan Ministries are just the tip of the iceberg of non-profit groups providing help for those in need, homeless or hungry as does Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across America.
Four realtors stand out in helping our community. John Barkett is a sponsor for SHINE and Heel to Heel, part of Mayor Rick Kriseman’s PAWS initiative and helps out the St. Pete Free Clinic. SEASALT Properties’ Hendrik Bisanz lives in Treasure Island and is dedicated to eliminating childhood drownings with his Water Smart Tots, Inc., non-profit organization. Racking up oodles of philanthropic deeds is Jon Reno LaBudde (owner of Big Catch and Reno Beach Surf Shop).
Realtor Jamie “Bunny” McKnight’s Pawlicious Poochie Pet Rescue is a fave, as are all the pet rescue groups.
Southeast Guide Dogs get a “bark out” in our hall of fame.
More Kindness Ideas
- Reach out to the elderly. Deliver a meal, flowers, or visit through an open window and lend an ear.
- Shop local for holiday gifts and gift certificates from hair salons, nail salons, restaurants, bakeries, boutiques, and more.
Create holiday cards for assisted living residents - Clean out some closets and donate old clothes, books and other household items. CASA, RCS and others can use your donations.
- Make coffee and cookies for outdoor workers and your mail carrier.
- Foster a pet.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay can use your help. Visit bbbstampabay.org.
- Help someone find a job by helping with a resume, job leads or coaching on how to interview.