Community Outreach

Kim & Melissa had the pleasure of attending the annual Babycycle Diaper Bank Gala. They had the best night raising money for this wonderful cause, meeting new amazing friends, laughing, enjoying the company of 170 people all wanting the same thing: to make a difference in our community. Babycycle’s mission is for no child to go without necessities like diapers, wipes, clean clothing, and other basic items. They pride themselves on being Pinellas County’s only community diaper bank. Their goal is for no child ages 0-12 to go without basic necessities. Last night was a record breaking turnout with record breaking funds raised: $83,000 raised to help moms in need to provide necessities for their babies!!  

Jeff and his family represented Melissa Ems Insurance Agency as sponsors and supported their neighbors and friends at the 8th Annual C&C Lemonade Factory Childhood Cancer Fundraiser. C&C Lemonade Factory is run by two amazing sisters, Charlotte and Caroline, who want to make a difference by raising funds to support the efforts to cure childhood cancer. They raised $20,361 with 100% going to John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital & Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation!

‍

Melissa Ems Insurance Agency sponsors the St. Petersburg Police Department Officer of the Year luncheon every year. This year marked a huge 6-0 milestone, so it was a packed house and a great day. The stories of what this officer, Detective Shawn Schwartz, has accomplished were extremely impressive! 

The Melissa Ems Insurance Agency team proudly hosted a Neigh & Play Barn Day with our friends at Letter Consulting to benefit Bakas Equestrian Center in March.

We had a blast at St. Pete's 11th annual Locaptopia community celebration. Supporting and connecting with other local businesses is more important than ever! 

‍

Bakas Equestrian Center, one of our favorite local organizations providing equine therapy, hosted a two-day Regional Special Olympics event and we had an absolutely wonderful time volunteering both days! 

In January, Melissa Ems and the team also sponsored and volunteered at the Bakas Charity Open Breed Western & Ranch Pleasure Series at Lake Park Lutz. This is another great local nonprofit that provides equine therapy for children and adults with disabilities.

To kick off 2024, Melissa Ems and the team volunteered for Wreaths Across America again at the Bay Pines Memorial Cemetery. They joined other volunteers to clean up the wreaths they helped display on veteran's graves in December.

‍

During the month of December, Melissa Ems and the team also volunteered for Wreaths Across America at the Bay Pines Memorial Cemetery. They joined other volunteers to put wreaths out on veteran's graves and honor those who sacrificed so much for our country.

Melissa and the team made it back to one of their favorite nonprofits to volunteer for classes and decorate the barn for the rider’s Christmas Party. Bakas Equestrian Center provides therapeutic horseback riding activities for children and adults afflicted with disabilities across a wide spectrum of physical and mental handicaps.

Melissa and the team made it back to one of their favorite nonprofits to help with their Halloween party pony rides. Bakas Equestrian Center provides therapeutic horseback riding activities for children and adults afflicted with disabilities across a wide spectrum of physical and mental handicaps.

‍

We volunteered at one of our favorite local non-profits in September! We are a donation drop-off site for Babycycle Diaper Bank and helped sort and load items they dispersed to people al over the state for hurricane relief.

In June 2023 we sponsored C&C Lemonade Factory's 7th Annual Lemonade Stand Childhood Cancer Fundraiser. The fundraiser was a huge success! The organization raised $20k and earned a spot on the Nightly News with Lester Holt! All proceeds are going towards childhood cancer research.

May was Jeff’s volunteer choice and he went with beach cleanup. There is nothing worse than seeing fishing line discarded where birds, turtles and other animals can get entangled or trash rolling around on our beautiful sandy shores.  It was a great success and, as always, awesome family time!

Melissa picked our April volunteering opportunity and chose a place that is very dear to her; a place that brings joy and happiness for so many reasons. Bakas Equestrian Center provides therapeutic horseback riding activities for children and adults afflicted with disabilities across a wide spectrum of physical and mental handicaps. Miss Gina, Miss Hannah, Miss Emmie and Mr. Ray - thank you so much for allowing us to come out and be a part of the wonderful difference you are making!  

Evelyn picked our charity of the month for March: The Kind Mouse! To honor the birthday girl’s choice, we ran a month-long food drive to take items with us on our volunteer day.

It was a beautiful day for the 10th Locaptopia — a celebration of all things local! We loved volunteering in support of local businesses in St. Pete.

‍

Putting in some quality team time volunteering at The Kind Mouse! They are a fantastic local charity providing food to local children in need.