For over 50 years, Camillus House has served the poor and homeless by providing a range of social and health services. They now assist over 12,000 men, women and children on an annual basis by offering access to a “continuum of care” that empowers clients towards personal rehabilitation and proactive integration as productive members of society.
“ I was introduced to Camillus House through volunteering opportunities at my high school. Their staff was so kind and really cared about the people they were helping. I did some research on them and they do a lot for the community. Camillus House is a really honorable organization that I can feel good about donating to.”
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities. Their tireless commitment gives underserviced groups a continuing opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. With the help of over 33,000 coaches and volunteers statewide, Special Olympics Florida has helped over 51,000 athletes train and compete in a variety of team and individual sports.
“ I was a professional soccer player back in my home country of Venezuela. When I moved to the States, I started a local organization with some buddies founded on our shared love of the sport. Every year, we do an event with a local charity. In 2019 we chose the Special Olympics. We thought it was really cool that they were using their organization to uplift those with special needs by showcasing and developing their athletic abilities. I learned so much and I really think that people with special needs are the most beautiful people of humankind.”
Showering Love restores dignity, hope and health to people experiencing homelessness by providing mobile showers, new undergarments, socks, and hygiene travel kits and other supportive services for people who are housing insecure. In collaboration with partners and volunteers, Showering Love encourages a healthy lifestyle, fosters community, and inspires the desire for self-sufficiency.
“ I have always had a soft spot for people experiencing homelessness. When I was in 5th grade, my mother took in a woman she met at a bus stop. She lived with us for a few weeks and there wasn’t anything that I could see that was different about her from any of the other women in my life. From what I could tell, she fell on hard times in a new state with her family hundreds of miles away. My mother became someone she could lean on. Showering Love is close to my heart not only because they provide an essential service to those who need it, they also understand all that separates us from someone who has found themselves without a home is a series of unfortunate events, a misguided decision and/or the absence of a social network or support. Showering Love aims to provide that support and I am proud to be a part of it.”
The Humane Society of Greater Miami is a limited admit, adoption-guaranteed facility dedicated to placing every dog and cat in their care into a loving home, and to promoting responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter programs. Their adoption guarantee means that every animal in their care is free from the threat of euthanasia due to time, space, or treatable medical issues. They provide shelter, food, veterinary care, and plenty of TLC to over 3,300 dogs and cats each year as they wait to find their forever home, no matter how long it takes.
“ Dogs have a special place in my heart. Especially pit bulls! Pits have such a bad reputation for being aggressive and disagreeable, but I’ve learned that it’s all about the owners and the environment provided for them. My first and college pet, Rome, was a pit bull and we did everything together. I had him for many years before, sadly, he passed away. Greenbox Capital did a charity event at the Humane Society and I met Brix, the most charming and friendly pit ever. After learning about his troubled past, I knew I had to give him a good home. I’ve had Brix now for 3 years and the Humane Society was our meeting place. I owe my new best friendship to the good work they do there.”
4Ocean was started by two Florida natives who grew up on the coast enjoying swimming, diving, fishing and surfing. On a once in a lifetime surfing trip to Bali, they discovered first-hand the extent to which the world’s oceans were being overcome with plastic. In that moment, they vowed to help put an end to the ocean plastic crisis by changing consumption habits. 4Ocean has since collected millions of pounds of trash from the ocean, and has helped to build an international infrastructure to fight the ocean plastic crisis.
“ Living on the east coast of Florida made me realize the magnitude of the plastics problem we have not just in South Florida but on a global scale. Our beautiful beaches and precious marine life are being threatened by the abundance of plastic flowing into our oceans. Founded by two Floridians, 4Ocean is dedicated to ending the plastics crisis worldwide. I support this organization by purchasing their recycled bracelets made from plastic pulled from the ocean and admire their dedication to making this a better planet for all.”
Launched in 2010 as the signature initiative of the Miami Dolphins Foundation, the DCC is a way all of us can be cancer fighters! 100% of participant-raised funds goes to innovative cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. DCC Participants have raised over $32 million dollars!
— Tom Garfinkel, Miami Dolphins President & CEO
“ 2020 is the tenth-year anniversary of the Miami Dolphins Foundation’s efforts to fight cancer. I have been participating with this event/charity for 8 years, 7 of which I have been a Heavy Hitting Ride Marshal, which means I’m out there keeping participants safe on their bike and committed to raising funds. Collectively I’ve personally raised over $30K and we as a collective Foundation have raised over $32.5MM. 100% of money raised goes to the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. There isn’t a single person I know who hasn’t been touched by cancer. I ride in memory of my grandfather Herbert Bales.”
