By LOIS KINDLE
lekindle@aol.com
Girls of the World Inc. kicks off its 5th Annual Sneaker Ball on Oct. 3 with a dress code that pairs formal attire with your favorite sneakers. It’s a fun night of dining, dancing and raising funds for a mission-driven nonprofit serving girls and young women.
“This is even more than that,” said Lea Manningham, founder and CEO. “It’s a celebration of 17 years of mentoring and empowering our girls, teaching them life skills and helping them reach their full potential. This evening the focus will be on them and their accomplishments, while we raise funding for our life-changing programs and scholarships.”
The community is invited to come make a difference by being part of the celebration.
“I get a table for my business every year,” said Wimauma resident Makeda DuBoise, owner of MAQ Travel. Her daughters are both Girls of the World members.
“It’s definitely a fun outing for adults and, above all, an opportunity to support the mission of an organization that positively impacts the lives of girls.
“It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about what Girls of the World offers,” she said.
Lea Manningham, Girls of the World Inc. founder and CEO, recognizes Albert Soto, owner of Chick-fil-A in Riverview, left and Amazon General Manager Gabe Porrata for their community leadership and ongoing support of her organization.This year, she’s recognizing Jason Newmyer, of Advent Health Riverview, and Melissa Moore, of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Manningham said college girls and long-time members will be on hand to answer questions and “impress the crowd.”
The fundraiser will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Kings Point Veterans Theater, 1900 Clubhouse Drive, Sun City Center. This year’s theme is “Masked for a Mission.”
The event features a full meal, cash bar, dance music by DJ Stephen Dorfield, photos by Ralph Jaboin and a silent auction. The evening’s emcee is WTSP-TV Channel 10 morning news anchor Frank Wiley.
Tickets are $60 per person. Table sponsorships featuring increasing levels of perks start at $600. Otherwise, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For secure ticket purchases and sponsorship information, visit https://tinyurl.com/mwbf7jaj/. You can also call Manningham at 813-810-1396.
Attendees must be 18 and older.
All proceeds from the Sneaker Ball event go directly to Girls of the World. Last year’s event raised $50,000. Other funding for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit comes from Community Foundation Tampa Bay and Interfaith Social Action Council grants; business partners like TECO, Chick-fil-A, Advent Health Riverview and Amazon; and private donations.
Once again, for the holidays, Girls of the World members are collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys for Doby Elementary School and Inspira Tampa Bay grade-school-aged children in need. If you’re attending the ball, just bring your donation with you. If you can’t attend, you can drop off a toy or two at the GOTW office, 300 Frandorson Circle, Apollo Beach, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
For more information on the Girls of the World Inc. or this year’s Sneaker Ball, visit www.girlsoftheworldinc.com or call 813-810-1396.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every person, business, sponsor and community partner who’s coming out to support Girls of the World Inc. at our upcoming annual sneaker ball,” Manningham said. “It’s an investment in the future of our girls. Every dollar we raise helps us funds programs that help our young ladies believe in themselves and become successful women.
“When you support Girls of the World Inc., where she starts does not determine where she can go, she continued. “I’m truly grateful our community continues to stand beside us and believe in our girls.”