Local woman presented her very own toyota corolla at fulfill your destiny’s 2017 spring chari-tea thanks to wheels of success and fulfill your destiny
Fulfill Your Destiny donated $3,000 to Wheels of Success and through their ‘Build a Car’ program, presented Lyda H. with the keys to her very own ‘new to her’ Toyota Corolla at Fulfill Your Destiny’s 2017 Spring Chari-Tea this year presented by American Momentum Bank.
For the third year in a row, Fulfill Your Destiny and Wheels of Success have partnered to present a local woman with a car at Fulfill Your Destiny’s annual Spring Chari-Tea.
As you read Lyda’s story, I think you’ll agree that three themes resonate. 1) Bad things happen to good people, 2) There by the grace of God go I, and 3) Triumph through Tragedy.
“I just moved back to Florida due to a member of my family being murdered. I have an 8 month old son and found an excellent job but I don’t have any transportation. I’m a preschool teacher for 2 to 3 year olds and my job picks me up on their school bus. I do have one family member that helps for some trips to the doctors, etc. It’s difficult to travel with an infant so a car would be a great help.”
“Thankfully my son is able to come to the preschool where I teach. He’s in the infant room next to my class so I get to see him throughout the day. But, on weekends, and what not, if I have to go somewhere, I usually have to have my mom watch him since my fiancée, Brian is working. Before I got this job, I cared for my son at home which was why I couldn’t afford to go back to work so when I found this opportunity I was greatly appreciative!”
Please read the Thank You letter Wheels of Success wrote to Fulfill Your Destiny here.
‘NEW TO HER’ MERCURY MARINER PRESENTED TO LOCAL WOMAN AT FULFILL YOUR DESTINY’S 2018 SPRING CHARI-TEA THANKS TO WHEELS OF SUCCESS AND FULFILL YOUR DESTINY
Sylvia has been working three jobs to make the ends meet. Locally, she’s working as a tax preparer and plans to start over and grow her personal fitness coaching and teaching business but without a working vehicle, that would be nearly impossible.
Wheels of Success and Fulfill Your Destiny proudly presented Sylvia Allen with a ‘new to her’ Mercury Mariner. We want to help Sylvia achieve her goals and we know that this ‘new to her’ car will make that happen!
Sylvia shared, “I am so grateful. Thanks again for making it possible for me to fulfill my destiny.” ~ Sylvia Allen, ‘New to Her’ Car Recipient at 2018 Spring Chari-Tea
FULFILL YOUR DESTINY HELPS WOMEN IN TRANSITION WITH ANSWERED PRAYERS PROJECT BY HAVING THEM MAKE CUSTOM ‘WELCOME HOME’ PILLOWS FOR THREE LADIES ATTENDING FULFILL YOUR DESTINY’S 2018 SPRING CHARI-TEA
LOCAL WOMAN PRESENTED HER VERY OWN HONDA ACCORD AT FULFILL YOUR DESTINY’S 2016 SPRING CHARI-TEA THANKS TO WHEELS OF SUCCESS AND FULFILL YOUR DESTINY
Fulfill Your Destiny donated $3,000 to Wheels of Success and through their ‘Build a Car’ program, presented Teri A. with the keys to her very own ‘new to her’ Honda Accord at Fulfill Your Destiny’s 2016 Spring Chari-Tea this year presented by C1 Bank.
For the second year in a row, Fulfill Your Destiny and Wheels of Success have partnered to present a local woman with a car at Fulfill Your Destiny’s annual Spring Chari-Tea.
As you read Teri’s story, I think you’ll agree that three themes resonate. 1) Bad things happen to good people, 2) There by the grace of God go I, and 3) Triumph through Tragedy.
Here’s Teri’s story in her own words:
“In 2003, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer and told I had 2 years to live unless my kidney was removed immediately.
I ended up becoming addicted to the pain meds I was prescribed. I tried to quit on my own and even reached out for help but found none. We moved to Pasco and I learned about the methadone clinic and thought they would help me. Instead I simply traded one problem for another. I spiraled downward until I landed in jail
Thanks to an insightful judge, I was sentenced to a program called Ace Opportunities in Dec, 2011. At Ace, I learned about the three “R’s” – respect (for myself and others), responsibility, and a repetition of recovery. While I was at Ace, I obtained employment at United Way of Pasco. I began the long process of rebuilding my life, my relationships, making financial amends and also attending a 12 step program.
I successfully completed all the requirements of my sentence and was able to terminate my probation early. I write to the judge that sentenced me every year on my anniversary, update him on my progress and thank him for giving me the chance to recreate my life. I was truly at an unspeakable bottom when I first faced him in court.
I loved working for United Way of Pasco but it was a part time position and I needed more hours if I wanted my son, CJ back as he was living with his dad. I got a position with Good Samaritan in May, 2013. Since then I have been promoted twice to my current position of Assistant Director. I got my own place in July, 2013 and by that December my son was living with me again.
I remain active in my recovery, sponsoring other women and giving back to Ace Opportunities. The women who were hired for my previous positions at Good Samaritan are also Ace alumni. I recommended them both. It’s beautiful to watch another woman’s life transform, to watch her grow and become confident in herself. I will continue to pay it forward!
I have learned a different way of living life and it involves gratitude, a positive attitude and being of maximum service to everyone. That’s why I love my job so much; it allows me to help people.”
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“I have gained a much better relationship with my son. He is an honor roll student and I’m so excited for the opportunities this car will mean for us. He starts high school next year and I know there’ll be many activities and things he’ll want to be a part of. Finally I’ll be able to tell him YES!!! For many years I’ve had to tell him no because there wasn’t money or a car to do the things he wanted. He has not once complained. It’s for my son CJ as much as me that I’m so grateful for my new life.” ~ Teri A.
Wheels of Success and Fulfill Your Destiny are very happy to present single mother Teri A with a car so she can continue to get promoted in her career and provide for her son. Congratulations and best wishes, Teri A! We’re proud of all that you have overcome and are happy to help your future be even brighter.
LOCAL WOMAN PRESENTED HER VERY OWN HONDA ACCORD AT FULFILL YOUR DESTINY’S 2016 SPRING CHARI-TEA THANKS TO WHEELS OF SUCCESS AND FULFILL YOUR DESTINY
Karen Mertes, our founder, met Sidney at a local craft fair and was impressed with Sidney’s entrepreneurial spirit and desire to help Fresh Start for Kids. So Fulfill Your Destiny presented Sidney with a $580 donation check (WIN for Sidney as this gesture validated her idea and ingenuity) and supported her desire to help foster children by making the check directly payable to Fresh Start for Kids (WIN for Fresh Start for Kids). For this act of kindness, Fulfill Your Destiny received 29 blankets. Fulfill Your Destiny then donated these blankets to Blankets of Tampa Bay who will distribute them to members of our local homeless population on Christmas Eve, Dec 24th (WIN for Blankets of Tampa Bay).
Hopefully sharing this act of kindness warms your heart! Karen is always interested in creating Win-Wins. Kindly contact her should you have ideas.
FRESH START FOR KIDS RECEIVES $580 GIFT FOR FOSTER CHILDREN FROM FULFILL YOUR DESTINY
Camp Fresh Start is a week long sleep over camp for children ages 7 through 11 and ages 12 through 14 that are in the foster care system. The camp ratio is one counselor to one camper, and that doesn’t include the staff nurses, camp directors, activity leaders and additional support staff. This safe and protected environment allows these children to break down the walls that they have built around them and connect in a healthy, positive way with mentors and other children.
Fresh Start for Kids is run 100% by volunteers. Over 100 members of the Tampa Bay community come together for a common goal: to make a difference in these children’s lives. Most of the volunteers are working full time jobs, but unselfishly take a week or more of their vacation to come to camp as counselors, nurses, and support staff.
When each child arrives at camp they are amazed to see that their beds have been decorated with personalized pillows or blankets. They each have a duffel bag filled with supplies for camp.
Realizing that when family life is unstable, birthdays are sometimes forgotten, Camp Fresh Start celebrates each child’s birthday with a big party. Imagine a child’s joy when they realize that someone cared enough to carefully select presents just for them.
The entire Camp Fresh Start program is designed to build each child’s self esteem. Children select daily activities that interest them such as archery, crafts, music, outdoor survival, sports, and more. With the encouragement of their counselors, children set and reach goals in each activity.
One foster father wrote, “We sent Michael to this camp … the child that came home after that week of camp was changed forever. Michael was no longer cowering around strangers. What we noticed most was the relationship that he developed with his counselor was amazing and healthy. For the first time since Michael had entered our home he displayed excitement for what was happening around him. He was no longer ‘hiding behind us’ when we went out. He seemed more at ease with himself and others.”
To learn more about Camp Fresh Start and how you may be able to help, please call 813-814-1128 and visit www.freshstartforkids.org.
FULFILL YOUR DESTINY SELLS MACY’S SHOP FOR A CAUSE SHOPPING PASSES AT NETWORK OF EXECUTIVE WOMEN MONTHLY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS TO BENEFIT TWO OTHER LOCAL CHARITIES – MIRACLES OUTREACH AND THE CRISIS CENTER OF TAMPA BAY
An excerpt from The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay shares,
“You’ve done a wonderful thing. Your recent support of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay helped the family of a wife and mother battling breast cancer. Juanita’s diagnosis and treatment had a severe negative effect on her family’s finances. She was unable to work while undergoing chemotherapy and her husband took unpaid leave to care for her and their two daughters.
When they realized they couldn’t pay the electric bill, Juanita and her husband turned to the Family Stabilization program at the Crisis Center. A Case Manager helped them not only pay the electric bill, but also develop a household budget that reduced their monthly expenses. The Case Manager also recognized Juanita was qualified for training as a Child Development Associate (CDA) – a promising new career path.
Thanks to your generous gift, this family made it through a crisis.” ~ Clara A. Reynolds, President & CEO and Sandy McLaughlin, Vice President of Development
FULFILL YOUR DESTINY HELPS PARC BY HAVING THEM PROVIDE CUSTOM MADE TEAPOT AND TEACUP ORNAMENTS FOR ALL GUESTS ATTENDING FULFILL YOUR DESTINY’S 2016 SPRING CHARI-TEA
The PARC Mission is to provide opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities to exercise their independence and experience life to the fullest Fulfill Your Destiny commissioned PARC to make custom Teapot and Teacup ornaments. 
PARC’s developmentally disabled clients were employed to make the custom Teapot and Teacup ornaments. These clients received compensation for their work through an appropriate donation that Fulfill Your Destiny made to PARC.
By attending our 2016 Spring Chari-Tea, we helped a number of PARC clients by giving them fulfilling and meaningful work which positively impacted their lives!
Thank you to our title Teapot Sponsor, C1 Bank and the other 37 Sponsors of Fulfill Your Destiny’s 2016 Spring Chari-Tea as well as all of this year’s attendees for supporting our work of helping others in our greater Tampa Bay community.
FULFILL YOUR DESTINY CREATES NEW INITIATIVE WITH WHEELS OF SUCCESS THANKS TO THE SOUTH TAMPA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The South Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Committee for the 19th Annual Fall Golf Classic presented by Caldeco and ZapCap selected Fulfill Your Destiny as their beneficiary charity. The money raised at this year’s event has allowed Fulfill Your Destiny to start a new initiative, partnering with Wheels of Success, presenting $100 Gas Gift Cards to Veterans receiving vehicles through the Vehicles for Veterans Program. At least 20 local Veterans will receive assistance. Read Full Story
FULFILL YOUR DESTINY HAS INSPIRED THE GFWC CLEARWATER COMMUNITY WOMAN’S CLUB TO HONOR A MEMBER EACH MONTH AS THEIR HERO OF THE MONTH
“Dear Karen: We were so inspired by your message about courageous women and HERO’s whose Hands Eagerly Reach Out that it became a theme for our club year. It occurred to me that the members of our club reach out constantly in so many different ways to help people and improve the community. They truly are everyday HERO’s determined to get the job done and fearless in finding ways to meet our goals. I stress this idea each month in my President’s message in our newsletter, The Daisy Chain.
I think the Hero Theme and the Hero Awards, which you inspired, have contributed greatly to our having a successful year. We thank you so much for your inspiration. Good luck with your future endeavors.” Read More…
~ Sincerely, JoAnne Roby, President of GFWC Clearwater Community Woman’s Club
FULFILL YOUR DESTINY RECEIVES THANK YOU FROM THE CENTRE
WOMEN ACROSS TAMPA BAY UNITE AND SUPPORT THE NETWORK OF EXECUTIVE WOMEN (NEW) EXCEPTIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR (EWOTY) AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM
THANK YOU FROM VISIONS OF HOPE INT.
“Dear Karen, Thank you so very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with Rena and I. I certainly appreciate and respect your wisdom and advice. As we both know, starting a non-profit is not always easy, but it can be very rewarding to bless those that you serve. I know as a young organization we are still learning and evolving, but I also know this, we are changing and saving lives by providing a service to survivors that would otherwise feel lost and alone.
I know that all of us as non-profits serve a great purpose in our community. I am so thankful for every one of them as they fill a need individually and as a whole.
I thank you for your heart and giving back in such an amazing way to so many wonderful organizations. You are truly helping others to Fulfill their Destiny.”
~ Warmly, Lorianne De Loreto Wallace, Founder/CEO, Visions of Hope Int
FULFILL YOUR DESTINY PROUDLY SUPPORTS ONE OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS, THE ROLLING PIN KITCHEN EMPORIUM
Fulfill Your Destiny proudly supports one of our Community Partners, the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium as they establish a Culinary Student Scholarship Fund in cooperation with the Trey Curry Foundation and Hillsborough Community College.
“Chef Dave and Karen West celebrate 20 years in business with a 20th Anniversary Scholarship Event Dinner on Friday, March 20 at 6:30 PM at the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium, 2080 Badlands Drive, Brandon, FL 33511. This dinner will be an “Evening with the Chefs, A Night to Celebrate!” All proceeds from this event fund the Culinary Student Scholarship.
You can be part of the inaugural scholarship fund-raising event! ALL PROCEEDS from this “Evening with the Chefs, A Night to Celebrate!” will go directly to the scholarship fund. Rolling Pin will donate all of the food and ingredients needed for the event, Transatlantic Wines will provide all of the spirits for the evening, and each chef has graciously agreed to donate their time and efforts for the cause. Our hope is to sell out this event with credit card, cash, and check purchases so all funds will be raised directly. Additionally, we will have some donated items from our chefs and from some of our past celebrity chefs that you will be able to bid on during a Silent Auction. We hope to raise $4,000 – $5,000 at this event alone.”
FULFILL YOUR DESTINY RECEIVES A LETTER FROM GOVERNOR SCOTT
Community Learning Center Thanks Karen
“Dear Karen – I can’t tell you how much your talk at the Community Learning Center helped me. Though I got my product tutoring the disabled man from fourth grade through high school, I didn’t really know that I was dealing with a brain damaged person. Your talk made that clear to me. My dealings with him now are all with that in mind. You explained so much. By the way, he just finished his first quarter of college and without my help got an “A”. I will be editing his book and helping him to become a good writer. I want to thank you and let you know how much your talk meant to me. You have opened my eyes.
~ Sincerely, Sioux Hart”
Thank you received from the Spring
“On behalf of the families we serve, I offer my heartfelt appreciation to you for making the 23rd Annual Mabel H. Bexley Gift of Peace Brunch a success with your gift. Your financial generosity ensures that we will continue providing safety, hope and renewal to families affected by domestic violence in Hillsborough County. Your support helps us stay committed to preventing domestic violence, protecting victims and promoting change in lives, families and communities.”
~ Mindy Murphy, President & CEO of the Spring
Meet Katherine P.:
Katherine is enrolled in Hillsborough Community College (HCC) after originally graduating from HCC in 1977 with an Associate’s degree. She’s now working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. She is a single mom working in a full time position as well as a part time one to support herself and her teenage daughter. Katherine was recently in an auto crash where she suffered a traumatic brain injury but this has not deterred her. She is focused and working hard to make sure she achieves her goals with a positive attitude. She maintains a 4.0 GPA all while still overseeing her daughter’s school work, activities as well as her own involvement in the community. Fulfill Your Destiny partnered with the Tampa Bay Business Professional Women and awarded Katherine a partial scholarship in 2013.
The Most Online Votes Award is presented to the ‘Celebrity Dancer’ who is the top online fundraiser July 9 – Oct 3, 2014 in Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars charity event hosted by Julie Weintraub’s Hands Across the Bay. Karen had 10,006 votes, more than twice the next dancer, raising thousands of dollars for Hands Across the Bay and this year’s beneficiary charities. This year’s Celebrity Dancers and their votes are shown here.
Click below to read “Getting to know HATB Dancing with the Stars local celebrity Karen Mertes with 10 questions” by Sarina Fazan.
KAREN’S SPONSORS
I’m delighted to share that On Point Executive Center and Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium are my ‘Celebrity Dancer’ sponsors!
What you may not yet know about me is that I’m also a Traumatic Brain Injury, a (TBI) survivor. Imagine if you could no longer do what you’re doing today. If everything you’ve worked for educationally and professionally was gone in an instant. This is my story.
February 7, 2007 was the day that forever changed my life’s path, my life changing moment. I was a Lieutenant Colonel serving in our United States Air Force and was driving the speed limit on I-75 when I was struck at approximately 7:20 PM by a drunk driver traveling over 100 miles per hour. He had a blood alcohol level of .221 nearly three times the legal limit.
Both vehicles were totaled. My axle snapped in half and was pushed into my transmission, causing my brakes and steering to fail. My vehicle’s undercarriage dragged creating sparks for a distance the equivalent of 3 football fields. The smell of burning rubber was horrifying as I had a full gas tank and worried it would catch fire.
The impact upon my head and brain were multiple G-forces. My brain cracked and bled inside my skull. I made a futile attempt to regain control of my vehicle as my car slid sideways down the interstate, with cars in the remaining lanes traveling by me at highway speeds veering around my car to avoid hitting me.
During this time as my life hung in the balance, I made a bargain with God. I promised God that if I were blessed to live, I’d spend the rest of my life helping others. This promise was the beginning of my non-profit Fulfill Your Destiny.
Karen is proudly sponsored by On Point Executive Center and Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium as her ‘Celebrity Dancer’ sponsors
This year’s beneficiary charities include: Academy Prep Center for Education, Angels Against Abuse, Inc., Housing & Education Alliance, Inc., Ready for Life, The Kind Mouse Productions, Inc. , The Pepin Academies, Inc. and Voices for Children of Tampa Bay, Inc.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
From July 9 – Oct 3, 2014 please click on the ‘Vote’ button, or call the number listed, then vote for Karen Mertes. All votes are tax-deductible and cost $10 each. Your tax-deductible donation of $10 to $1000 will benefit Hands Across the Bay and this year’s seven beneficiary charities.
This popular event will take place on Saturday October 4, 2014 at the beautiful Pepin’s Hospitality Centre. You may continue purchasing votes throughout the evening while enjoying epicurean delights, phenomenal auction items, as well as remarkable entertainment by Fred Astaire Dance Studios of Tampa Bay.
If you’d like more information about this event, please visit www.dancingforcharity.com.
KAREN IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BY ON POINT EXECUTIVE CENTER AND ROLLING PIN KITCHEN EMPORIUM AS HER ‘CELEBRITY DANCER’ SPONSORS
About On Point Executive Center
About Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium
In February 1995, Karen and Dave West became local business owners with the opening of Rolling Pin in the Brandon Town Center Mall. Their second store was re-opened in Tampa at WestShore Plaza in May 1997. After 12 years in the business, Karen and Dave decided to take Rolling Pin in a new direction. This overall new concept is intended to allow customers to sample products, purchase retail kitchen tools, and develop cooking skills necessary to become confident home chefs.
In 2006, Karen and Dave closed the Brandon and Tampa locations and in August opened a 4500 sq. ft. store in Brandon. The store offers a 1,000 sq. ft Culinary Center and approximately 3,000 sq. ft of gourmet retail space. It also features a Demonstration center and Coffee Center. The idea for this new and larger concept has been in the works for a number of years and is now a dream come true for Karen and Dave, who have a passion for food and cooking. They also have extensive backgrounds in food service and management.
We Offer
If you have been looking for that one special kitchen tool that no one seems to have, then you have come to the right place. If we do not have the item in stock or just do not carry it, we will assist you in locating it.
We offer a full array of products, including quality cookware, professional cutlery and kitchen tools that are used by professionals and home chefs alike. Rolling Pin also boasts a well-trained and knowledgeable staff that is able to assist you with your culinary needs.
Additionally, we host Cooking Classes and Live Demonstrations. The classes are FUN to attend, and feature tips and techniques that will help expand your culinary skills.
Local Organizations Receive Support
In honoring Fulfill Your Destiny’s third objective, to increase awareness of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) Fulfill Your Destiny and Karen Mertes have supported the following Tampa organizations to date, serving our local community
(listed alphabetically):
- Aaron’s House Tampa
- All Children’s Hospital Tampa
- Alpha House of Tampa
- American Brain Tumor Association Tampa
- American Cancer Society – Team More Birthdays, Hillsborough
- American Heart Association Tampa
- ARCS Foundation of Tampa Bay
- Art for Autsim
- Bay Area Legal Services
- Casana – Team Dylan, Hillsborough
- Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association
- Community Stepping Stones
- Dress for Success
- Easter Seals – Hillsborough
- End 68 Hours of Hunger
- Fresh Start for Kids
- Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
- Habitat for Humanity
- Hands Across the Bay
- MADD – Hillsborough
- Michael Nicholson Road to Recovery
- Miracles Outreach
- Moffit Cancer Center
- NAMI Hillsborough
- Network of Executive Women – Scholarships
- Operation Helping Hand
- PACE Center for Girls – Hillsborough
- PARC
- Powerstories Theatre
- Santa For Seniors
- Salvation Army Tampa – Hillsborough
- South Tampa Chamber of Commerce
- St. Josephs Hospital
- Sylvia Thomas Center
- Tampa Bay Business Professional Women Foundation – Scholarships
- Tampa Bay Little League
- Tampa Bay Research Institute
- The Alzheimer’s Association
- The Center for Women
- The Community Learning Center
- The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
- The Skills Center
- The Spring
- Visions of Hope Int
- Wheels of Success
- Women With Purpose
- Working Women Foundation
- YWCA of Tampa Bay
In addition to the organizations listed above, we’ve donated time and/or in-kind donations to the following organizations serving our local community (listed alphabetically):
- Blankets of Tampa Bay
- Charity Chics
- Community Service Council of West Pasco, Inc.
- Exchange-O-Rama
- Life Hospice Thrift Store
- Miracles Outreach
- Santa for Seniors
- St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation
- Tampa Bay Young Women’s Leadership Symposium
- Tampa Housing Authority
- The Ryan Nece Foundation
- The Spring
- Toys for Tots
- Treats for Troops
- Vine to Wine benefiting A Kid’s Charity
- WEDU
Success Stories Photo Gallery
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Thank you received from Dress for Success Tampa Bay
“On behalf of the Dress for Success Tampa Bay board of directors, staff and clients I want to thank you for your Bronze Sponsorship of the 15 Year Anniversary Gala. The money raised will help hundreds of women get back on their feet.
I believe that, in difficult times, we all must dig a bit deeper and work a little harder to ensure that the most vulnerable people in our communities have the help they need to both survive and thrive. You truly understand this need because by participating in our event you rose to the occasion and supported women who are working to overcome significant obstacles.
Dress for Success Tampa Bay could not exist without the support of organizations like Fulfill Your Destiny. Your dedication to our mission means even more now because the need for our services is so great. And we are sincerely grateful for your support, as are all the women that Dress for Success Tampa Bay reaches each year.
Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many women in the Tampa Bay area.”
~ Sincerely, Katie McGill, Executive Director, Dress for Success Tampa Bay
Lightning Community Hero Honoree shares grant with her five charities of choice (listed alphabetically): Bay Area Legal Services, Dress for Success, Fulfill Your Destiny, Hands Across the Bay and Mothers Against Drunk Driving
“Your generous $10,000 gift to Bay Area Legal Services is making a difference in the lives of domestic violence victims. We send our heartfelt appreciation and continued success with Fulfill Your Destiny.”
~ Warmest Regards from all of us at Bay Area Legal Services
“Special thanks to our AMAZING Board Member, Karen Mertes, who was honored as a Community Hero by the Lightning and named Hands Across the Bay as one of the grant recipients!! THANK YOU AGAIN Karen – we will be able to help SO many Tampa Bay Residents with this funding!”
~ Hands Across the Bay
Women across Tampa Bay Unite and Support the Network of Executive Women Exceptional Woman of the Year & Scholarship Awards Program
Supporting the Network of Executive Women’s 2012, 2013 and 2014 Exceptional Woman of the Year & Scholarship Awards Programs, Fulfill Your Destiny made contributions each year which when combined with the generosity of others, was awarded as scholarships to ten outstanding local women – two women in 2012, four women in 2013 and four in 2014.
As a ‘Celebrity Dancer‘ in Tampa Bay’s Dancing with the Stars, Karen is raising money for Hands Across the Bay along with the following seven beneficiary charities (listed alphabetically):
