Harvesting Hope Fundraiser Aims to Support Foster Children

The 2017 Harvesting Hope fundraiser, formerly “Jingle Jangle Jam,” has been held for the past 10 years and has received support from a number of influential individuals and philanthropists.  The celebration gala raised $157,000 in 2016. This year, the event will be held on Tuesday, November 14 at Ruth Eckerd Hall beginning at 6 p.m.

The event will honor the legacy of beloved philanthropists Jack and Ruth Eckerd. The couple’s dedication to Tampa Bay children and families is the reason for the annual event, and this year Clearwater-based Eckerd Connects (formerly Eckerd Kids) will honor Stewart and Linda Turley by presenting them with the inaugural Jack & Ruth Eckerd Legacy Award for their philanthropic commitment to the community.

“We are so honored to be presented with this award that celebrates our dear friends Jack and Ruth Eckerd, and the giving spirit of our wonderful community,” said Stewart Turley.  The event will also honor donors and sponsors who believe society’s biggest return on investment comes through helping vulnerable children turn their lives around.

A Palm Harbor couple, Rachel and Rick Reumann have adopted four children and will be featured guests at the Harvesting Hope event.   The couple will talk about how their decision to adopt has been rewarding.

The annual Harvesting Hope event has been one of the largest holiday fundraisers for Eckerd Connects which is one of the largest privately funded non-profit youth organizations that helps children and families in Florida, 20 states and the District of Columbia.    Tickets are available by visiting Give.Eckerd.org/HarvestingHope.

“This will be an exciting evening to share the enduring legacy of our founders and engage our community in strengthening our community’s children, youth and families with the support that they need most,” said Margaret Adams, Chief Development Officer at Eckerd Connects.  “It’s nice to be able to come together to have a good time, and leave knowing that, during our revelry, we also made it possible for people to be connected to the opportunities they need to succeed.  And with this being our tenth-anniversary year, we have planned a few special surprises for guests that we can’t wait to share!”

This year’s autumn-themed Harvesting Hope dinner will be an intimate affair that will include special features like cigar-rolling, an exciting jazz trio, bongo players, and a silent auction featuring an all-expenses-paid trip to Tuscany. Guests will share stories of hope and socialize with family and friends, all while making a significant impact on the Tampa Bay community through donations that provide solutions to promote the well-being of children and families.

Event Details:

Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Ruth Eckerd Hall
1111 N. McMullen Booth Rd.,
Clearwater, FL 33759

Admission – $150 per person

Cocktail Reception – 6:00 pm
Program/Dinner – 7:00 pm
Dessert Reception & Celebration to Follow