Helping a Treasured Friend

The Krewe of Alegria's central mission is to be "Goodwill Ambassadors to the Tampa Bay Community" by giving back to the community that we live in and love.  

When one of our treasured members, Jeanne, was faced with the heartbreaking diagnosis of cancer, we all knew we had to mobilize a campaign to help her and her family.  

Jeanne is an officer with the Krewe of Alegria.  As the driving force behind our 501(c)3 charitable organization, Kickin' for Kids, she has been responsible for donating thousands of shoes to children in the Tampa Bay Area.  

With this vision in mind, one of the members of The Krewe of Alegria, Michelle Vrooman-South, created the medical fundraiser website to allow people from all over the world to donate money to help our member cover medical and living expenses while she is undergoing treatment.

Statistics from the American Cancer Society:

The American Cancer Society's estimates for colorectal cancer in the United States for 2014:

• About 96,830 new cases of colon cancer
• About 40,000 new cases of rectal cancer
• About 50,310 deaths from colorectal cancer

Not counting skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country. Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 20.

If you would like to donate please click on the link below:

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/jeanne-s-parade-of-support-to-beat-cancer-/233734

All monies collect will go straight to Jeanne.

source: 
cancer.org

Krewe of Alegria volunteers at the Gasparilla Distance Classic

The Krewe of Alegria is excited to be part of the Gasparilla Distance Classic again this year.  This popular race is known for its route as it winds around beautiful Bayshore Blvd, finishing at the foot of the Platt Street bridge.  It is a 2-day event, drawing runners from all over the country. The Gasparilla Distance Classic features 5K, 8K, 15K and half marathon events on Saturday, February 22 and Sunday February 23.  

This mission of the Gasparillaa Distance Classic is for the purpose of raising fund for various charities and youth organizations in the Tampa Bay Area.  Since its inception in 1978 as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization $3.9 million has been raised. 

This is the 2nd year the Krewe of Alegria has volunteered to be part of this event.  The ladies will be dressed in their brightly colored costumes, along with the gentlemen pirates, to pose for pictures with the runners at the finish line. Volunteers from the Krewe of Alegria will also be passing out beer for the runners after the race.  

The Gasparilla Distance Classic Organization generously donated to Alegria's Kicken' for Kids.  Kicken' for Kids provides new shoes for children in the Tampa Bay Area.

For more information about the Gasparilla Distance Classic visit:  http://www.tampabayrun.com/

Krewe of Alegria and Kicken' for Kids

Kicken' for Kids at Christmas

The spirit of Christmas is about seeing the sparkle and wonderment reflected in a child's eyes.  

The Krewe of Alegria exemplifies this spirit of giving through their Kicken' for Kids organization.  The mission of Kicken' for Kids is to provide new shoes to children in the Tampa Bay Area.

Kicken' for Kids partners with Amy Mandell owner of Feet First (3401 W. Bay to Bay Blvd. 33629 813-835-1339)  in South Tampa to purchase new Nike athletic shoes at a special rate in order to to distribute to the children.  

On Thursday, December 19, 2013, the ladies from The Krewe of Alegria distributed shoes to Cleveland Elementary and Cornerstone Kids.

Shoes were also dropped off at Salesian Boys and Girls Club, and will be taken to Safety Harbor Center.

Through out the year The Krewe of Alegria raises funds for this endeavor by hosting several fundraisers.  The most recent was Latin Nights in November, and the Cutest Pirate Dog Contest is coming up January 4, 2014.

For more information about the Krewe of Alegria, or to make a donation to Kicken' for Kids visit:  http://www.kreweofalegria.com/

For more information about The Krewe of Alegria's 3rd Annual Cutest Pirate Dog Contesthttps://www.facebook.com/events/635696193148072/