FAQ
FOUNDATION FAQ
About Raising Relief
Raising Relief Foundation is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that supports individuals and community organizations through fundraising, education, charitable partnerships, and hands-on assistance.
It means identifying unmet needs and helping connect people with financial support, information, volunteers, and qualified organizations.
The foundation’s story began in 2017 with a community fundraising effort led by Devin Pappas that grew from the Denim & Diamonds committee.
The foundation is rooted in Pinellas County and the greater Tampa Bay area. Specific outreach may vary by initiative.
Yes. Raising Relief describes itself as a 100% volunteer-run organization.
Requesting Assistance
Submit the form at https://raisingrelieffoundation.org/assistance-form/ and describe your situation. Each request is reviewed individually.
Support may include financial assistance, practical relief, or connections to community resources, depending on the need and available funding.
No. Submitting a request does not guarantee approval or a particular amount of support.
Call 911 for immediate danger. For non-emergency referrals to local services, call 211 or visit https://211.org.
Donations and Impact
Visit https://raisingrelieffoundation.org/donate-to-raising-relief/ for current giving options.
Potentially. Contact the foundation first to confirm current needs and donation arrangements.
Tax treatment depends on the organization’s current status and the type of gift. Donors should verify eligibility and consult a tax professional.
Gifts help advance the foundation’s charitable mission, including assistance, educational outreach, community partnerships, and relief initiatives.
The foundation’s website has reported more than $1.5 million raised since 2017; update this figure when a newer verified total is available.
Volunteering and Partnerships
Visit https://raisingrelieffoundation.org/volunteer-with-raising-relief/ to inquire about available opportunities.
Yes. Businesses can inquire about event sponsorship, charitable giving, in-kind contributions, and employee volunteer participation.
Yes. Contact the foundation with the organization’s mission, community need, and proposed collaboration.
Students may inquire about suitable opportunities; eligibility and supervision requirements vary by activity.
The foundation’s website has reported more than $1.5 million raised since 2017; update this figure when a newer verified total is available.
Events and Staying Connected
It is Raising Relief’s signature fundraising event, bringing community members and businesses together to support charitable causes.
Denim & Diamonds: Gone Wild is planned for January 30, 2027, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Duval Ballroom in Clearwater Beach. Confirm current event details before publication.
Check https://raisingrelieffoundation.org for current event information.
Use the website contact page: https://raisingrelieffoundation.org/contact-us/.
COMMUNITY HELP & EDUCATION
RESOURCE CENTER
Domestic Violence & Abuse
Threats, isolation, intimidation, financial control, stalking, sexual coercion, and physical harm can all be warning signs.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233; text START to 88788; https://www.thehotline.org.
Human Trafficking
Trafficking involves exploitation through force, fraud, or coercion; commercial sexual exploitation of a minor is trafficking even without those elements.
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888; text 233733; https://humantraffickinghotline.org. Call 911 if there is immediate danger.
Teen Dating & Healthy Relationships
Excessive monitoring, demands for passwords, threats, humiliation, sexual pressure, and isolation are warning signs.
Love Is Respect: https://www.loveisrespect.org; text LOVEIS to 22522.
Foster Care & Children
Ask licensed foster care agencies about mentoring, supplies, family support, volunteering, and other verified needs.
Florida Department of Children and Families: https://www.myflfamilies.com.
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Listen without judgment, encourage professional support, and take expressions of self-harm seriously.
Call or text 988 in the United States, or visit https://988lifeline.org. Call 911 for an immediate physical emergency.
Homelessness & Housing
Contact local coordinated entry and community service agencies promptly; keep notices, IDs, and relevant documents available.
Dial 211 or visit https://211.org for housing and shelter referrals.
Hunger & Food Insecurity
Local food pantries, school meal programs, and public benefits may be available based on eligibility and location.
Feeding Tampa Bay: https://feedingtampabay.org; Florida ACCESS benefits: https://www.myflfamilies.com.
Seniors & Vulnerable Adults
Unexplained financial activity, coercion, neglect, isolation, or sudden changes in access to money may warrant concern.
Florida Abuse Hotline: 800-962-2873; https://www.myflfamilies.com. Call 911 for immediate danger.
Veterans & Military Families
Benefits, health care, housing, employment, and crisis support are available through specialized agencies.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.va.gov; Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then press 1.
Disaster & Hurricane Relief
Make an evacuation plan, know your zone, protect important documents, and prepare medicines and essential supplies.
Pinellas County Emergency Management: https://pinellas.gov/emergency-information; Ready.gov: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
Transportation & Personal Safety
Match the driver, license plate, and car to the app; share your trip; keep your phone accessible; leave or seek help if unsafe.
Move to a safe place if possible and contact 911 when immediate danger is present.
Animal Welfare & Pet Assistance
Contact local shelters, humane societies, and veterinary assistance programs about food banks, low-cost care, and temporary support.
SPCA Tampa Bay: https://spcatampabay.org; Pinellas County Animal Services: https://pinellas.gov/animal-services.
