News Summary
Nearly 600 attendees gathered for the 14th Annual Head & Heart Luncheon organized by Frameworks of Tampa Bay, raising over $365,000 to support programs that enhance emotional intelligence in youth. The event featured keynote speaker Amy Blankson and a drum-circle performance by local students, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community engagement. The luncheon coincided with International Women’s Day, showcasing women’s contributions in the arts and community. This successful fundraising effort reflects the growing focus on emotional well-being among youth in the Tampa Bay area.
TAMPA, FL – Nearly 600 community members, educators, donors, and civic leaders gathered for the 14th Annual Head & Heart Luncheon organized by Frameworks of Tampa Bay, raising more than $365,000 within just one hour. The funds will support essential programs designed to advance emotional intelligence in youth.
The event, held at Hotel Haya in Ybor City, featured various activities that highlighted the mission to enhance emotional intelligence. Among the most notable moments was a drum-circle performance by students, showcasing the artistic talents of local youth and reinforcing the values of teamwork and collaboration that emotional intelligence aims to foster.
Keynote speaker Amy Blankson, author of “The Future of Happiness,” addressed attendees, focusing on the importance of emotional intelligence in today’s society. Her insights provided a foundation for understanding how emotional awareness can impact personal, academic, and professional success.
During the luncheon, Frameworks of Tampa Bay introduced their refreshed branding, aligning with their vision to cultivate a community where emotional intelligence is integrated into everyday life. This new branding aims to promote activities and initiatives that facilitate emotional awareness and relational skills among youth.
The Head & Heart Luncheon coincided with the celebration of International Women’s Day, where over 250 attendees showed their support by attending the launch of “WOMAN,” the first solo art show by Tampa-based artist Courtney. This event highlighted the role of women in the community and art as a form of expression for emotional landscapes.
The successful fundraising at the luncheon is part of a broader trend as multiple organizations within the Tampa area held significant events around the same time, including the Will’s Way Foundation’s Wings, Wheels, & Hearts Gala, aiming to promote elegance and philanthropy across the community. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Indian Advisory Council conducted its Annual Banquet Awards at the Indian Cultural Center in Tampa, focusing on cultural contributions and leadership within the community.
Further highlighting community efforts in youth development, the Hillsborough AMIkids organization celebrated its 55th Anniversary Gala at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, recognizing the impactful programs that have shaped countless young lives throughout its history. In a parallel effort to honor impactful women, the Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women’s Waves of Change luncheon took place at the Tampa Convention Center.
The American Cancer Society also contributed to community engagement with their Tampa Cattle Baron’s Ball at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC, featuring auctions and entertainment aimed at raising funds for cancer research and support services.
As local organizations strive to bolster community ties and address various issues, the Head & Heart Luncheon served as a powerful reminder of the importance of emotional intelligence in the development of youth. Frameworks of Tampa Bay’s vision aligns with ongoing efforts across the community to ensure that the emotional well-being of future generations is prioritized.
In addition to these events, an invitation-only gathering for the ReliaQuest Bowl was hosted at the Marriott Water Street Hotel, sponsored by TAMPALAW, contributing to the celebratory atmosphere that marked the recent weeks in Tampa. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay also organized their annual “Taste of Kentucky” event at Fuente Companies, encouraging guests to engage in the camaraderie associated with Derby attire while raising funds for their programs.
As these initiatives unfold, the collaboration and unity shown at the Head & Heart Luncheon exemplify the communal commitment to fostering emotional intelligence, reinforcing the significant impact of such focus on the lives of youth in Tampa Bay.
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- Google Search: 4th of July Events 2023
- TBB Business Magazine: July 4th Boat Parade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Celebration
- My News 13: Florida’s Lunar New Year Events
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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
