The Live Sweet Voluntour flew into Orlando, FL, April 16-18, led by Shannon Wentworth, Sweet CEO and co-founder. Live Sweet is taking the Sweet volunteer message to cities around the US while meeting local women and working volunteer projects, having fun in the process.
For the kickoff, Sweet collected food and cell phones for the Orlando Harbor House domestic violence shelter. Each year the 94-bed shelter provides temporary refuge for some 700 to 800 people, mainly women and children, although it is open to all victims regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion or gender.
The Sweet volunteers collected car-loads of food, supplies and cell phones and delivered them to the shelter. For security, the number of volunteers was restricted and the facility location was provided at the last minute. The generous Sweeties filled the facility's pantry to overflowing and even donated some small appliances, children's DVDs and books, toiletries and other household items.
Shelter manager and out lesbian Robin Landwher said one in three women is physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend in her lifetime... and the numbers are increasing. Victims stay in the shelter an average of eight weeks and while the facility receives Federal, State and local funding, it's never enough. They currently have 40 adults and 50 children in residence. She stressed that Harbor House is LGBT friendly and explained that domestic violence is more prevalent in the LGBT community than most people realize.
more on next page...
\\\
(continued)
"What a wonderful launch for our first Live Sweet weekend," Wentworth said. "It was a perfect mix of Sweet travelers and new volunteers who showed up with more supplies than I ever imagined. The pantry at Harbor House was overflowing donations. Our project was enriching, enlightening and impactful for our volunteers and the residents of Harbor House. And, of course, I had a lot of fun. The women in and around Orlando sure know how to open their hearts for a great cause."
From the shelter, volunteers headed to a local watering hole for some food, drink and conversation... and video game competition, led by the ever-competitive Wentworth.
Sunday, in recognition of Earth Day, the Sweet crew ran/walked in the 6K Dow Live Earth Run for Water to raise money for and draw attention to the critical need around the world for clean drinking water. 6K is the average distance many women and children walk every day to get water.
"The Dow Live Earth Run for Water was a great way to raise awareness of a serious global issue and bond as a team. Brunch afterwards was worth all the panting and sweating. I had a wonderful time getting to know the women of Central Florida better and I can't wait to go back."
The tour moves on to New York and New Jersey, April 23-25, and then to Denver, May 7-9. Visit theLive Sweet website for more details.
Read more of Edie's stories.
Follow SheWired on Twitter!
Follow SheWired on Facebook!
Be SheWired's Friend on MySpace!
