By: Dawn Stephens

Read the background story about Spencer Stephens HERE. Spread Spencer Sparkle is the follow-up story.

Stephens Family

We are incredibly proud that Spread Spencer's Sparkle is now officially a 501(c)3 non-profit! Alongside community participation and local programs, we are also the first non-profit in Englewood, FL to be connected to the LGBTQ+ community! 

Spread Spencer’s Sparkle started out as a kindness movement in honor of Spencer Stephens. The hurt was so great immediately following his passing only love could pull us through. We have sent out over 5,000 sparkle cards all over the world to encourage random acts of kindness in Spencer’s honor.

Spencer was 18 years old, a college student, social media influencer, openly gay, heavily involved in his church and had a strong faith. The world lost Spencer Thanksgiving weekend 2020 in a fatal car accident. We are building this non-profit to build a better community.

To spread more love, kindness, and acceptance to our LGBTQ+ Community. If Spencer felt more support from his community and less bullying and judgements, it could have made a huge difference in his life. We don’t want anyone to feel alone.

About "Spread Spencer's Sparkle"

Mission: Support and empower people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Spread kindness and unconditional love along the way.

Goals: Provide local scholarships, attend and be involved with community events and programs, assist families or individuals in finding mental health counseling as they walk their journey to live their true authentic selves.

Future Plans: Assist with interim housing for displaced LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults who lack family support. Bring the community together in support of our LGBTQ+ families and allies.

Accomplishments:

• Lemon Bay H.S. Scholarships (2)
• Young Life Scholarships (5)
• Young Life Golf Tournament (assisted)
• Pride Flags Mission (150 Distributed)
• Shoe Drive in honor of Spencer's Birthday (260+ pairs of shoes)
• Halloween Safewalk 2021
• Poetry Slam 2022 Sponsor

Enjoy the "Hunks in Heels" Dinner/Show

This July, Resident Englewood Hunks will put their best feet forward wearing high heels and performing in a lip sync competition. While seeing very masculine figures struggle to wear high heels is entertaining, the event also serves as a symbolic platform to encourage people to think of what it would be like to walk in someone else’s shoes.

This dinner, show, silent auction and raffles all benefit Spread Spencer’s Sparkle.

Support the Movement for Kindness

Spencer had a zest for life! He served others, cared and deeply loved others. His faith and authenticity continue to blaze a trail here on earth, and his light will forever shine! We hope Spencer continues to impact others. Never hide a piece of you for someone else, have faith, be kind and love your people unconditionally.

By: Talon Bottenfield

My name is Talon Bottenfield and I was the recipient of The Spencer Stephens 2021

Scholarship. I am a proud Lemon Bay graduate and I now attend the University of South Florida.

I am a first year student, and my college experience has been amazing so far. I am an

environmental science major and I am lucky enough to learn alongside many other passionate individuals. With the help of this scholarship I have been able to cover financial expenses such as my books and my meal plan.

Scholarship Offered Financial

Support and Encouragement

This scholarship has also allowed me to commit myself to my studies, as well as get involved. Besides helping me financially, Venice Pride has also helped in my coming out journey. I have been out socially since middle school, but coming out to family can be very daunting. At the time that I applied for this scholarship, I had come out to my mother, but not my father. When I was asked if I was comfortable having my name shared as a recipient of this scholarship, I knew I was ready for everyone to know that I am a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

I had learned all about Spencer’s story, and I realized that I wanted to be proud of who I am as well. I knew my dad would see me in the newspaper, so I came out to him through the article. I have never felt safer in my identity than while being on a college campus.

Growing Up in a Small Town

It can be difficult for people to live as their true selves, but I have met nothing but wonderful people during my time at USF. Everyone here is so supportive of each other, regardless of their race, gender, or sexual preference. When I started this school year, I only knew two people, but now I have friends from all over the world. Being in such a diverse environment means that there is a place for everyone.

Starting university has been a truly eye opening experience. I have met people from all walks of life, and this has caused me to diversify my perspective. The Spencer Stephens 2021

scholarship has helped me immensely through relieving financial stress, and giving me the freedom to prioritize personal growth.

BE THE ONE!

Donate to the Youth Scholarship

Last year, Venice Pride, Inc. awarded a scholarship to Talon Bottenfield.

This year, we plan to award a scholarship(s) as well. However, due to COVID, donations we typically received at Pride events have been impacted.

To help us, close the gap and raise the scholarship funds, we are leveraging the Giving Challenge program.

Please Help!

On April 26-27 donate and/or join up with family and friends to make the minimum online donation of $25.00.

Donations of $25 to $100 will be matched and are tax deductible. Watch for more details soon.