Mahatma Gandhi once said,“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
On November 18, 2021, Gulf Management Systems had the pleasure to sponsor the yearly event, Be Thankful Lunch. This event took place just in time for Giving Tuesday. We all gathered on this sunny Thursday to share our mission and learn why non-profit organizations need our help now more than ever. There were many speakers from all different backgrounds – all equally important and beneficial to our society.
Life is a Beach!
Local challenges are happening that need our assistance now. We learned about how we can recover from and help prevent red tide in the future. One adult oyster can filter as much as fifty gallons of water a day. Tampa Bay Watch spoke about building more oyster reef balls to help keep Tampa Bay clean. Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce donated a $5,000 check to Tampa Bay Watch for the cause.
Let’s “Taco Bout” How Great Tampa Bay Is!
Over fifty attendees gathered to share tacos cooked by the talented staff at Postcard Inn. You had your choice of chicken, beef, veggies, and all kinds of toppings, like fresh guacamole. They served chips, desserts, tea, and more. The staff was attentive and welcoming. Postcard Inn surrounds you with surfer-chic décor sitting right on St. Pete beach. They offer more than just tasty meals! There is a pool, yoga in the garden, happy hour specials, hula hoop contests, a gorgeous patio facing the ocean, and so much more.
That day the conference room was filled with people with backgrounds in the arts, nature, and more trying to better our world.
Sanctuary on Indian Shores
We are lucky to have such rare birds in Florida. It is our job to keep them safe. Foundations like Seaside Seabird Sanctuary protect our feathered friends. Florida is the only state in the United States where you can find Snail Kite birds. Short-tailed hawks, Limpkins, and White-crowned pigeons are other breeds that are hard to find anywhere else.
We love the wildlife rehabilitation facility dedicated to the rescue and treatment of injured wild birds. Then there is the Florida Scrub-jay, only found here in the sunshine state. With all these beautiful birds, it is imperative to do our part to help maintain them. The sanctuary is located on Indian Shores open to the public and seeks volunteers to help care for all these unique birds.
Art Uplifts Humanity
Creative Pinellas supports local artists with grants so they can beautify Tampa Bay. Artists have added color to our parks with murals, like the Pinellas Trail and Lealman Neighborhood Redevelopment. They have projects going on all the time that create art beyond the walls!
Hands Build a House and Hearts Build a Home!
At our table, we sat with associates from Habitat for Humanity. We learned that even if you never picked up a hammer, you could volunteer to help build a home! ReStore is a retail center of gently used home furnishings sold at discounted prices. They are always looking for volunteers to do various jobs, like trim work, landscaping, framing, installing, and more.
Support Our Troops
One of the most impressive speakers was of Operation Military Matters. They remind us that anyone at any age can help the community. This organization was founded by a young student, only nine years old at that time came up with the idea of sending care packages to our military. She is now fifteen, and the program is still going strong!
There are many ways to contribute to your community. There was positive energy flowing in this room, that we will continue to spread. We are honored to be a part of this giveback community.
Gulf Management Systems gave $200 checks to each foundation to help be a part of the solution! There are many ways to give back. You can reach out to the elderly, support groups, animal shelters, families in need. You can pay it forward and do random acts of kindness. You can post a message of inspiration on social media. You can donate to these non-profits and so much more. How will you do your part on November 30, 2021, for Giving Tuesday?
Thank you to all who attended:
82 Degrees Bar and Grill
Advantage Business Partners
Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center
Chilis Restaurant and Bar
Creative Pinellas
EBI Law
Fit For Life
FreeFall Theatre
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas & West Pasco Counties
Hoffman’s Fitness
Hope Villages of America
Mitchell Insurance Services
Operation: Military Matters
PARC
Ready For Life
Residence Inn by Marriot, Clearwater Beach
Residence Inn St. Petersburg, Tierra Verde
Russel L. Cheatham
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary
Sirata Beach Resort
Smith & Associates Real Estate
St. Petersburg City Theatre
Tampa Bay Watch
Think Quik
Treasure Bay Resort & Marina
Waffle House St. Pete Beach
Waterfront Realty
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
