5 Polk County Nonprofits Surprised With $10,000 Awards From 1st Lady

AUBURNDALE, FL — First Lady Casey DeSantis surprised five Polk County nonprofit organizations with $10,000 each through the Hope Florida Fund.

Recipients recognized by the first lady are Everyday Christians Helping Orphans (ECHO) Ministries; Top Buttons Inc.; Bikes for Christ; Dream Center of Lakeland; and Take a Kid Fishing Inc.

During the check presentations, DeSantis and the nonprofit representatives discussed the Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity initiative, and how to better collaborate to meet the needs of Floridians.

“Florida’s nonprofits work selflessly to uplift and alleviate the needs of their communities,” said DeSantis. “Today, I was honored to award funding to these deserving organizations. I cannot emphasize enough how grateful we are for caring nonprofit leaders and volunteers who step in to support children and families through life’s challenges. We hope that today’s funds help these good people continue their impactful work.”

The first lady launched the Hope Florida Fund last July to harness the charity of the private sector and provide funds to deserving Florida nonprofits. She presented the awards to organizations in the Polk County area that are serving children and families in need through mentorship, material support and educational programs.

Everyday Christians Helping Orphans is a volunteer and donation-based nonprofit operating in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties designed to provide services and necessities for children in foster, adoptive, relative and non-relative care through multiple ECHO Shops where caregiving families come every month to get items for the children in their care for free.

Top Buttons is a faith-based nonprofit building self-worth in young women through its online platforms, educational events, clothing boutiques and program for teens in need.

Bikes for Christ provides donated bicycles to the needy, veterans, underprivileged children and seniors while also ministering to their spiritual needs.

Dream Center of Lakeland exists to bring hope to neighbors in need through service, resources and education. It provides community service, mentoring programs and community classes.

Take a Kid Fishing is a mentoring program that gives each child a new appreciation of life.