Sex and Tampa Bay

One way for young professionals to make an impact on Tampa Bay is by volunteering. Going out and helping the community is a great way to meet new contacts and to show that people our age really care about the place we live. Here are some of the volunteer opportunities coming up that are perfect for working people. They don’t demand a long term commitment or special training, and sometimes you can get some cool stuff!

The Gasparilla Festival of the Arts is looking for people to volunteer in a number of areas including set-up, clean-up, information booth, sales, and chek-in. Artists from around the world come to this annual event in downtown Tampa and it’s a great chance to meet creative people. All volunteers will get a free T-shirt and free admission. Some positions also include free meals and snacks. Sign up or get more information at http://gasparilla-arts.com/volunteer/index.htm.

The Humane Society of Pinellas is giving you two chances to help out their furry friends. On March 1st you can shop for a cause. Buy a $5 coupon at the Humane Society Office and get 20% of your purchase at Macy’s on Saturday. You can also buy the coupons at any Macy’s store on the day of the event.

They’ll also be hold their annual Mutt Strut, a fundraiser at Honeymoon Island on March 8th. T-shirts and prizes are being offered to those who meet certain qualifications. Mostly, it’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise with or without your doggie while helping to support the shelter. More details on the Macy’s coupon and the Mutt Strut are available at http://www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org/events.php

I recently pissed some people off by saying that I refuse to date people with kids. It’s clear that lots of you have no problems dating parents, so you could find your love match while volunteering as a Lowry Park Zoo Face Painter on March 1st. No experience needed and they’ll provide the supplies. You just need to be able to interact with kids and be available from 11AM to 3PM. Visit Volunteer Match to sign up or get more information about this opportunity.

Community Radio station WMNF is hold it’s annual marathon to raise funds for the station March 12-19th. WMNF serves as a counterpoint to the mass media stations like Clear Channel where you are stuck listening to the same top 20 hits over and over again by playing a wide variety of music, and also keeping the community up to date on news and events. If you want to donate some time to help keep the station going during this marathon you can check out WMNF.org. A one hour orientation is needed before you can volunteer, but after that you can pick any shift during the marathon. Best of all, great local restaurants will be donating food for the volunteers, so you can meet new friends and get free food. Those interested in working Data Entry, tally, and gift prep will need to attend the one hour orientation on March 1st at 11AM. Those who are interested in helping to answer the phones can come either to an orientation March 8th at 11AM or March 9th at 2PM. If you have questions you can email Carie Core at CarrieC@wmnf.org.

Finally, I’ve been told that there is a special group that is looking for volunteers. These are the amazing athletes of the Special Olympics.

Every year the Special Olympics hold events throughout the Bay Area that allows kids and adult to overcome their disabilities and shine. There is nothing as great as seeing the excitement on the participants and their families as they are able to reach their goals. Volunteering couldn’t be easier. There’s no special classes or orientations needed. Simply come early to one of the events and fill out a form. They’ll find a place for you right away with no need for a long term commitment, although you might find yourself hooked to helping out these inspirational and positive people.

Special Olympics of Pinellas County is hosting the Area 6 Summer Games March 1st at Lakewood High. You can pre-register for volunteering and get more information at http://www.sopinellas.com/volunteers/volunteers.html. Hilsborough’s Summer Games will be March 15th at USF. Those interested for volunteering at this event can pre-register online at http://www.specialolympicshc.org/volunteers. It’s a great cause and giving just a few hours out of your week will give these families memories that will last a lifetime.

Every Tuesday you can read the latest volunteer events in Tampa Bay that are good for singles professionals. These are ways you can give your time back after work and on weekends, without needing to make a long term commitment. If you have a volunteer opportunity that fits this criteria email it to me at 28intampabay@gmail.com.