Swings Tampa Bay

Have you heard about Swings? Swings is a non-profit organization that's out to make the world a better place; starting with the Tampa Bay Area.

The idea is simple, the materials are simple, the effect has been dramatic. Before becoming 2011 recipients of the 10-100-1000 award (and a $1000 dollar grant), Reuben and Hunter were hanging swings made from wood, paint and rope in surprising places around St. Petersburg. They found that complete strangers would step out of their paths to experience the simple joy of swinging. A swing has the power to spark conversation. A swing created interactions and an appreciation for the spaces they were hung. A swing has the power to unite the community.

Then they won. Using 100 percent of the proceeds to jump start this non-profit they have been networking and expanding at impressive speeds.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to volunteer with Swings at two of their maiden events. We invited the community to come, learn, paint and donate at the Saturday Morning Market, and Sweetwater Organic Farms (Sunday).

Here's a quick run down of what went down on Saturday:
2 co-founders, 5 volunteers, 1 tent.
Multiple hidden swings hung around the market.
1 large chalk drawing station.
100 swings painted for free by those who live in and/or love Tampa Bay;
ages ranged from brand new, to not so new.
Elongated family style tables allowed for conversation to spark while people painted.
1 large map to mark locations that could use a swing.
Info graphics and ropes gave patrons the chance to take their swings home for a $20 donation.
Fabulous artisan swings painted by local artists gifted for donations over $70.
4 hours later, all 100 swings were painted with inspiring messages, Florida inspired art and other creative musings.
We raised over $600 in 4 hours.
Over $800 total over the weekend.
We almost matched their grant.
All for the sake of Swings.

Truth is, everyone who walked by walked away with a smile. I knew this project had the possibility to make people happy, but I was really taken aback by how much people supported us.
How much they believed in this project and it's potential. I hope that you'll like Swings on facebook, donate a dollar or two to "help keep us swinging" and come out to visit us at our next event!


High-five,
Shannon