tampabayheat@gmail.com

WHO ARE WE?

Our Mission Statement:

• We are a Christian, nonprofit organization encouraging homeschool families to develop tomorrow's servant leaders socially, academically and athletically, with a passion to impact the world for Christ and to pass on their Godly heritage to future generations.
• We are committed to giving back to the community at large in the form of service projects
• We are dedicated to preserving high standards for our youth as athletes, scholars, and as responsible citizens of exceptional  moral character.

As we start the 2015-2016 school year, I wanted to share information with you all about happenings with the Tampa Bay HEAT.  This will be an update for many but we also have tons of new families who may not know these important details about the HEAT.  The HEAT needs your support for the upcoming school year!

1.  The HEAT was started in May of 2010 by 4 families who had the vision to offer competitive sports to homeschooling families.  We quickly expanded to offer activities for preschool through graduation. The HEAT is one of only 4 homeschool groups in Florida that are in the Florida High School Athletic Association.  We were recently appointed to the FHSAA board as the representative for homeschoolers in  Florida.  Last year, our high school girls varsity volleyball team made it to the 2A State Semi-finals! We were the first-ever homeschool group to participate in the National Archery in the Schools Program and to be allowed to participate in the Target School Rewards Program.  Last year, the HEAT had over 500 families registered with our group.

2.  The HEAT runs and maintains the Homeschool Resource Center and is the only homeschool group in this area that maintains our own facility.  Other local groups fall under the umbrella of a church or rarely utilize facilities. .  The advantages of having our own space are many, but the expenses are high.  The Homeschool Resource Center is a full-time ministry that provides vital services, guidance and encouragement to the community. The expenses to run the Homeschool Resource Center average $3500 each month!

3.  The HEAT is an independent homeschool support group.  We do not receive any federal assistance or tuition like the schools that we compete against for sports.  The expenses for sports programs adds up quickly.  Facility rental is our biggest expense and averages $15,000-20,000 each year! While you may not have a competitive athlete yet, supporting the programs now will assure that there will be an established program available when your child is ready!

4. The HEAT is a 501c3.  We have a board of directors and an advisory board.  The advisory board is comprised of dedicated HEAT volunteers who are passionate about the success of the Tampa Bay HEAT and meet on a regular basis as schedules allow.  As a 501c3, donations made to the Tampa Bay HEAT may be tax deductible. 

When you add up the numbers that it takes to run the HEAT, it is truly a miracle that we are here!  God has provided each year and allowed the HEAT to remain strong to continue blessing homeschooling families.  

 

Here are some easy ways to help the HEAT keep doing what we do!

1.  Volunteer- when we can utilize volunteers for services (cleaning, accounting, grant writing, lawyers, handyman work at the HRC, paperwork, coaching, etc) that saves us from having to pay for that service.

2.  Organize and participate in fund raisers- Spirit Nights, candle sales, the HEAT Used Book Sale, spirit shirts, etc. 

3.  Community Sponsorships- most businesses have money set aside in their budget for sponsorships.  All you have to do is ask!!!!  Do you own your business? Sponsor the HEAT and let us share your business with the almost 900 contacts on our email list! Please email tampabayheat@gmail.com if you would like a sponsorship letter. 

4.  Box Tops for Education, Amazon Smiles, Labels for Education, Target- all have school programs.  Choose the Tampa Bay HEAT as your school of choice and we earn a percentage when you shop!  Easy!

5.  Personal Donations- have your kids sell lemonade, organize a car wash or bake sale.  Create a goal and collect loose change.  Put a letter together to ask friends and family to help you reach your goal!  We have had kids "tithe" on their birthday money to the HEAT because it blesses their families!  If every family raises $100, it would add up quickly!

6.  Grants- are an untapped source of revenue for the HEAT.  If you have experience writing grants and are willing to help, please email tampabayheat@gmail.com.

7.  Donations- your donation of school, office and cleaning supplies help us keep down the overhead a the HRC.  Our annual Used Book Sale is held the 3rd Saturday in March.  We collect curriculum all year long in the donation bin at the HRC.  Every little bit helps!

The HEAT is great because our families are great!  Your involvement, support and prayers mean so much!  We hope to be around for many years to continue to bless homeschooling families!  Please email tampabayheat@gmail.com with any questions, concern or ideas.