Networking & Giving Back

On April 5^th, 2012, High Hopes in High Heels hosted its annual Kick-Off Party at the Centre Club in Tampa, Florida, and all we have to say is…. WOW! We were so excited to see so many new faces of inspired women who want to join our efforts in bettering Tampa Bay!

The evening started as most of our socially-awesome events do, with cocktails and females. (Note: I am well aware that I may have just made up the adjective “socially-awesome”). Soon after, President and Founder Rachel Coleman announced our new mission: To empower Tampa Bay’s women to improve their lives personally, professionally and philanthropically through supporting our community.

 What does this mean? It means we’ve got another great year ahead, continuing to meet regularly and discuss the missions, needs and volunteer opportunities for various, local nonprofit organizations or worthy causes. Each project brings us a new opportunity to offer service and support to a group in need as well as network amongst other professional women.  Our “Charities of Choice” this year, as announced at the Kick-Off, are Alpha House, Children’s Cancer Center, and Kids and Canines – All unbelievable Tampa-based organizations that are making a difference in so many lives each and every day.

And today, we also have a more refined focus: Empowering today’s women and mentoring tomorrow’s. Through our new mentorship opportunities, we inspire a second generation of women, to ensure Tampa Bay continues to improve for years to come!  Oh, AND we have a fabulous calendar of “socially-awesome” events planned for the year ahead including Yappy Hours, Spring Soirées, a Weekend Beach Break and more! 

So, WELCOME new members and WELCOME BACK returning members! One high-heeled step at a time, our group of dynamic women is exceeding goals beyond our own generation while branching out into the next.

See you in a few weeks, as our first event for members is a LinkedIn Training with Tracy Kennard on Thursday, April 26 at The Centre Club at 6 p.m.  Following that, our first community event is Saturday, May 5 from 4-7pm at Gaspar’s Grotto in Ybor. We are hosting a “YAPPY HOUR” to benefit Kids and Canines. Bring your pups!

Michelle Boyd, Board Member

Please feel free to email us at hhinhh@yahoo.com for additional information or questions you may have about membership.

Two years ago I sat where many of you are probably sitting today: A young adult, with a demanding job, a hectic family life (even though they live 1500 miles away), a new boyfriend (now my fiancé), and an active social calendar. But part of me still wanted more—I wanted to make a difference in our community, but was there time for that?

Throughout college I volunteered on numerous occasions, and it was then I learned of the rewarding experiences that “giving back” entails. Post-college I have to admit I got a little tied up in “arranging my life,” yet oddly enough I still found time to complain about all the things that need improvement in our community and all the people that need our help.  A light bulb must have turned on, because I eventually realized that if you want change, you have to do something.

Today, I stand tall, even at 5’2”, in knowing that one person can make a difference. Sure, together we all make great strides, but sometimes it only takes one person to change one person’s life. For me, High Hopes in High Heels was the perfect fit and it has allowed me to do this a countless number of times.

I can honestly say that I have my own personal life, and have a life dedicated towards giving back, and more often than not they pleasantly overlap. Right now, it’s our most wonderful time of the year, our annual membership drive, and as I talk to more and more friends about joining they all ask the same things: How much money is it? What is the minimum commitment? What do you expect of me?

I’m not sure when non-profit involvement and giving back became so demanding, because any effort, big or small will make a difference. If I had to sell High Hopes in High Heels to someone, I’d sell them on the following (my favorite attributes):

• WE ARE FLEXIBLE: Busy with work, family, everyday life? Don’t have time for another commitment? We’re all busy, and we do what we can. When women in numbers “do what they can” that adds up to A LOT, even when the contributions are small. With so many different opportunities to give back, network and even mentor, I’m sure you’ll find a niche that fits right into your schedule.
• SELF: Individuals in our organization can’t help but grow personally, professionally and philanthropically. I’m a better person than I was two years ago, and sometimes all it takes surrounding yourself with positive people, and putting yourself second after someone in need.
• REWARD: If you’ve volunteered before or supported a non-profit, you already know the personal gains. There truly is no replacement for the feeling one gets from helping someone else and knowing that you made a difference. (For an annual membership of just $65, it will come back tenfold, with new friends, new experiences and improved self-worth).

Our Annual Kickoff Party is on April 5^th, 6PM at the Center Club. We would LOVE to have you as our guest and I’d personally like to elaborate on the list above if you’re still having second thoughts. Just find me!  Or, if you would like to jump the gun and register today that would be awesome! Just visit this link: http://www.highhopesinhighheels.org/getting-involved.html and we look forward to meeting you on April 5^th!

~Michelle Boyd, Dedicated Member & Board of Directors Member

Debbie Lundberg, of Debbie Lundberg, inc. Life & Business Coaching, recently spoke at our Annual Holiday Part and shared “A Top 10 List of Grabbin’ Life with Gusto!”  Our members surely enjoyed her presentation of positive improvements that offer tremendous results.  We wanted to share some of her ideas with you:

10. Take care of yourself physically and mentally.  Eat, drink and be merry…as long as you are respecting your body and giving it rest and nourishment inside-out! Being selfish is healthy – you cannot give what you do not have – take care of yourself well and then give to others. Prioritize YOU!

9. Have what I call “moxumility”™.  It’s a word I have trademarked, meaning have the moxie to go for what you want and the humility to be a life-long-learner. Meet people where they are and lead them where they are willing and able to go! Know you are more than what you do for a living. Resist defining yourself as your industry or job title, and start thinking of yourself as all you are.

8. Think first, answer later.  You will respond instead of react, and say yes to what you want and no to what is not of interest. Change your thinking/talking/acting from “have to” or “should” to “want to”… and focus on results and not just tasks. Control the Control-able(s), including you, your environment and your stress-ers. Prioritize by determining what things, for you/your family are the 1) essentials, and 2) the extras.

7. Love fully.  Regret is a useless emotion. Give of your love and expect nothing in return. Make the small decisions with you head and the big ones with your heart!. This was no doubt demonstrated through your work at Kids Charity of Tampa Bay when you shared with the other concerned individuals whose mission is to improve the quality of life for foster children and foster families. Imagine all the love that was felt!!!

6. Make mistakes & dare to dream.  Don’t take yourself too seriously. Own your errors and learn from the opportunities you get. Take action and focus on Progress NOT Perfection. Know that Failure = Feedback – Listen to the feedback, and just don’t make the same mistake repeatedly.

 5. Plan time to rejuvenate.  Whether it is true “down time” or just whatever works for you to get rejuvenated, make time for it. Schedule it, respect it, do it! Focus on productivity instead of busy-ness. Whether it is work or pleasure, get something out of it…something you desire.

 4. Have a true, trusted confidant.  Know that someone is on your side…your brother, your sister, your friend, your spouse…someone.  And, be that for someone else as well!  Trust teaches and empowers. Ask 6-10 people who you like, admire, respect, and/or trust to give you feedback on you’re 1) top three strengths, and 2) top three opportunities to improve. When you get the information/traits, appreciate the input and do not defend the information the people were kind enough to share.  (The High Hopes ladies LOVED this recommendation!)

 3. Enjoy the moment, and believe people’s compliments.  Let things be, and be in that time, that experience. When someone compliments you, reject the “who me?” approach, and simply take it, thank then, and believe it!

2. Own your style, your life, your outcomes.  Be true to you and your choices and know that not everyone will agree or appreciate you and that is okay. Move from “why” questions to “what” or “how” questions.   Take responsibility for your own happiness.   Nobody else can be responsible, will be responsible or should be responsible for making you happy.  Assess people in your life and those who enhance your happiness are to be brought in and embraced, where those who hinder it are kept at arm’s length. Enjoy life.

1. Be grateful, let go, and give back.  Show appreciation. Speak appreciation. Exude appreciation for you and others. Love yourself and let go of judging harshly others and letting harsh judgment impact you. Give of yourself for others and for you, and enjoy the journey. And certainly you are all doing that through your High Hopes in High Heels!!!

To become a fan of Debbie Lundberg, inc. Life & Business Coaching, please visit her Facebook page at:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/DebbieLundbergLifeandBusinessCoaching

Thanks Debbie for taking the time to share your advice with our members!

We received a very sweet Thank You card from one of the families we helped last year and wanted to share with you.  Last year, we hosted a bowling fundraiser, Pins 4 Pierce, for the Peddy family and we were able to raise over $4,300!!  Here is what the Peddy’s had to share:

Dear High Hopes in High Heels Friends,

Thank you so much for Pins 4 Pierce.  The event was extra special and meant so much to Pierce, our family, and friends.

High Hopes in High Heels is a great group, doing wonderful things and we are grateful to have been blessed by your kind works.

The very generous donation to assist Pierce , the education & awareness for Epilepsy, and good times enjoyed by all are gratefully appreciated.

Thanks again for everything!

Sincerely,

Alysia, David, Grace, & Pierce Peddy

For more information about Pierce’s story, please visit his website:  Pierce Peddy’s Story

On July 30, 2011, the ladies of High Hopes in High Heels put on Glam Jam for the young ladies of Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Everyone in attendance that day had an incredible time.  We wanted to share the nice Thank You that we received for our efforts:

“The smiles on the faces of the beautiful young ladies on Saturday was proof of the success of Glam Jam!  Our thanks to each of you for the part you played in encouraging growth and positive self-esteem in these precious young women.  Thank you so much!”

-Kindest Regards, Bethanne Demas, Director of PR for Shriners Hospitals for Children Tampa

Looking forward to the 2012 Glam Jam event!

We were delighted to receive this thank you note from Joshua House after our community project last Friday and wanted to share:

To all of the awesome ladies making up “High Hopes in High Heels,” thank you so much for coming to Joshua House.  The kids had a blast and I think the staff had just as much fun as the kids

You’ve provided these kids with some fun and positive memories.  It’s people like you who will teach them life can be filled with laughs and silliness…and cookie crumbs on their noses (ladies who volunteered…remember the cookie game!)!

Thanks again,

Christine, Joshua House Tampa

Who knew September was such a popular month? While the women of High Hopes in High Heels are busy supporting and increasing awareness for local non-profit organizations, volunteers all over the world are also busy supporting some pretty unique causes in the month of September.

DID YOU KNOW:

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. With several national opportunities and various events across the country, it’s easy to join the battle against childhood cancer. Cancer is the number one disease killer of children under the age of 15 in the United States. You can make a difference through numerous volunteer opportunities including running or walking for the cure, hosting a lemonade stand, raising online contributions, or even sky-diving for the cause! More information at: http://plum-oakmont.patch.com/articles/september-is-childhood-cancer-awareness-month-2.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.  In recognition of the fight against childhood obesity, President Barack Obama has deemed September National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. One-third of American children are overweight and are at risk for health problems such as hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Good news: over 1200 schools met the “Healthier US School Challenge” this year by providing students with more opportunities for exercise and eating nutritious meals. Keep it up!

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. If there’s an important man in your life, make him get tested—early detection is critical! Zero, the project to end prostate cancer, understands that busy schedules make it hard to fit in regular doctor visits. That’s why Zero offers the Drive Against Prostate Cancer, the only nationwide mobile prostate cancer-testing program. The drive tours across the country to offer free prostate cancer testing. More than 100,000 men have been tested since 2002, saving as many as 11,000 lives by alerting men with abnormal test results to go see their doctor! Find out where the important men in your life can get tested by visiting www.zerocancer.org/events/free-testing.

 September is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. Health professionals and advocates from across the country are reminding families that newborn screening, parental education and comprehensive care can markedly reduce this debilitating illness.  Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States, affecting 70,000 to 100,000, and millions more worldwide!  

September is also: Infant Mortality Awareness Month,National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month, Life Insurance Awareness Month, and OvarianCancer Awareness month.

We always encourage our members to reach out and lend a helping hand. While many of these organizations may not necessarily be local, there’s plenty of ways to get involved. And remember, simple knowledge is key! You can help today just by letting your friends and family know what you’ve learned!

~Michelle Boyd, Member of High Hopes in High Heels

As many of you know, High Hopes in High Heels is joining forces with Working Women of Tampa Bay to raise money for the Susan G Komen Suncoast Chapter. We’re walking as a team on October 1 in support of the Race for the Cure in Downtown St. Petersburg. 

What you may not know, is that GM in the Southeast is helping out by sponsoring us, and some of us were given brand new Chevys to test drive for the week.  We posted our experiences on social media networks and shared our reviews with our personal network of friends and co-workers. 

I’m going to do my best to give you the very first High Hopes in High Heels “Woman’s Review of a Car.” A parade of Chevys pulled up at my place on Tuesday. I stared at the bright orange Chevy Camaro and panicked. While it’s an amazing looking car, it’s way too bright for my style. I enjoy flying under the radar each day in my plain gray car. Then I stared at the Equinox. I immediately liked it, because I could picture myself driving around town, pretending to be a trendy young mom. Yes, I enjoy pretending that sometimes. And then, the verdict……… I would get the 2011 bright red Chevy Cruze.

To be completely honest, I would never drive a red car. As mentioned before, I’m more of a plain jane when it comes to cars. However, I was pleasantly surprised with how high-end the interior was. Black leather, XM radio, On-Star, doors that lock immediately upon putting the car in drive… I could get used to this! I drove the car all week and if it were black, or gray, I would have had trouble returning it!

Thank you GM in the Southeast for giving me a chance to test drive the new Chevy Cruze, but more importantly thank you for supporting our cause!! It was so much fun to drive around and share my thoughts with everyone. And don’t worry; I did not take any pictures or upload anything while driving!