Battling for HOPE

Special thanks to Dakota Kendall, Kirsten, and his team at Winter Springs High School for Coordinating the battle of the bands, “Battling for HOPE” on May 14.   Dakota became motivated to take action to help other kids in his community who are in need after watching the 60 Minutes segment which focused on homeless right in our own backyard…Seminole County.  HOPE’s CEO, Krissy Todd had recently spoken to students at Winter Springs High School and it seemed natural to combine efforts with a local agency helping those in need.  

I began to work with Dakota, who had never done an event of this magnitude, and he was organized, professional and sincere.  He was a pleasure to work with!  We recruited Winter Springs own, Arnie Nussbaum as the emcee for the event, as well as judges Supa-Dave from 101.1 radio, Mary Pando from Oviedo Winter Springs Life Magazine and myself to judge the talented students from High Schools across Seminole County. 

Together they collected over 400 pounds of food for HOPE’s Food Pantry, which will go toward our “Kids of HOPE” program, providing food to children during breaks, who typically receive free or reduced lunch while in school.

I am honored to have the opportunity to have worked with Dakota, and look forward to working with the next group of student advocates who care about making a difference in their community!  Thank you to all the students who took part from Winter Springs, Hagerty High, Lake Mary and Lake Brantley!

Thank you!

Joan Faulkner

Director of Development / Marketing

HOPE

Be sure to check out HOPE's website for information on all future events and volunteer opportunities!