St. Pete is a city that encourages citizens to be compassionate, philanthropic, selfless and empathetic. For many places in the world, such sentiments are shallow outcries echoed in an empty room. The Burg is unlike those places. The citizens that call this city home go above and beyond the call of duty to help and educate one another. With that being said, we at I Love The Burg wanted to shine the spotlight on a few organizations and individuals who give all of theirselves to worthwhile causes. This is the first in a series of articles meant to acknowledge and extend gratitude to the Burgers who inspire us to be better every single day. In advance we would like to say thank you for all that you do. 

Ryan's Club

*Photo via Ryan's Club

Ryan's Club is the first of its kind in the Bay area. The club runs as a part of Crossfit 727. Boys that enroll workout at Crossfit 727 twice a week for free. Ryan White, creator and co-founder, provides healthy snacks, tickets to Rays games, dinner and trips to the movies. As Frank Wilder, the group's co-founder, told Bay News 9, "If we can just give them some opportunities to grow, to push themselves, work for things, to achieve, to have success, to improve their athleticism,” Wilder said. “Just trying to be another voice in their life that’s positive.”

The idea came to White when he and Wilder were brainstorming ways to aid at risk kids in the St. Pete area, especially those on the south side. The program has only been around for 4 months but already the ripples of their influence on a rising St. Pete generation are washing up on the shores of the Burg. Crossfit 727 is located at 475 Central Ave Suite B100. 

Clothes 2 Kids

The mission of Clothes To Kids is to provide new and quality used clothing to low-income or in crisis school-age children in Pinellas County. The Clothes To Kids organization was started by Jode Eye and Marie McClung, both graduates of Clearwater High School. The organization grew from their shared passion for helping children in need. They started collecting clothes in 2002 with the idea that they could cultivate a cheerful store environment where families would be treated with respect and dignity while they picked up school clothing FREE of charge.

Their first store opened in 2003 in Dunedin but the duo's vision quickly outgrew the modest 1,200 sq. ft. store. They moved in 2005 to their current location in Clearwater. The philanthropy swelled to a point that in 2009 they were able to open a second store in St. Pete which made clothing more accessible to families in South County. If you would like to donate or wish to volunteer for any of their upcoming events you can visit their official website. Their St. Pete headquarters are located at 3251 3rd Ave N, Ste 145.

Morean Arts Center

*Photo via Morean Arts

Every summer The Morean Arts Center offers children, teens and adults alike tthe opportunity to indulge and refine their artistic inclinations. Participants can vary their concentrations between clay, art and glass. The Morean Arts Center has become an inlaid figure in the St. Pete community, one that relentlessly supports and promotes creative thinking.

Beyond their Summer programs the center offers educational classes and exhibitions year round for sculptors, artists and glass maniipulators. For more information regarding the Morean Arts and their camps visit their official website or call 727.822.7872.

Great Explorations

Great Explorations is a non-profit organization and was co-founded in 1986 by the Junior League of St. Pete and Hands-On! Inc. The Original Great Explorations Children's Museum opened in 1987. Its popularity with the public eventually led the museum to move to a much larger location in March of 2003.

Its new location is an 18,000 sq. ft. facility located next to Sunken Gardens on 4th St. The Museum has been nationally recognized as one of the premiere destinations for families and kids. The museum hosts interactive exhibits, a preschool, puts together camps and interacts with schools in the bay area to facilitate field trips. From their terrific tots program, to their summer programs that engage children in mathematics, science, art and other cooperative activities, Great Explorations has remained a vital part in the growth and education of much of St. Pete's youth. For more information visit their official website. Great Explorations is located at 1925 4th St N.

Dali Museum

The Dali Museum is known for its eccentricity and surreal architectural design. It seems the museum plays host to new internationally renowned exhibit every year. While it caters to the inquisitive minds of adults the museum harbos a particular interest in the every evolving minds of children. The Dali Museum, on top of summer camps, field trips and tours offers an extensive gift shop and art/book collection for children to explore. The Museum hosts events such as DillyDally with The Dali and Storytime for Families which offers parents and children the opportunity to engage with the intellect and aesthetic of the iconic artist on a less intimidating level.

On top of all of this their Jr. Docent Program gives Students the chance to build a foundation in art by learning how to look at and talk about art through the Dali collection. As students create their own art, they explore Dali’s techniques, interpret his works in the museum, and become familiar with Dali’s life and interests. Junior docents participate in fun, surreal-inspired activities, and make new friends. Dali Museum located at 1 Dali Blvd.

Mahaffey Class Acts

*Photo by Mahaffey

The goal of Mahaffey Class Acts is to nurture the development of lifeskills through the exposure to and particpation in the performing arts. The program enables children to tap into their imaginations and talents that will enable the skills of cognitive problem solving, communication skills and self-esteem. Those involved in the program take part in Class Acts unique performance series and community arts extension programs. 

Class Acts integrates a multitude of experts from several different artistic concentrations to provide children with a well-rounded education in the arts while introducing them to the community where great works and minds are created and fostered. The intimate involvement of professionals results in a refined comprehension of world and cultural diversity, literacy, language arts, social studies, science, math, character education and theater. This interactive program is one of the reasons the arts have been able to thrive in St. Pete. For information about donating the program follow this link. Performances take place at the Mahaffey Theater 400 1st St S.