Mermaids in the News​
Mermaid Sisters Donates $5,000 to Belle of the Ball
Tampa Bay Newswire - September 9, 2019
First, Tampa Florida September 9. 2019 Mermaid Sisters, a Tampa-based charitable/service organization, presented Bell of the Ball with a donation of $5,000 towards its "Keep the Lights On" campaign for utilities at the Belle of the Ball Boutique in Clearwater. The presentation was made at Mermaid Sister' "Hot Havana Nights" event held Saturday September 7th 2019 at Marti Maceo in Ybor City.
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On hand for the event and presenting the award were Joni Cusimano, Founder and President of Mermaid Sisters, and Belle of the Ball's Susan Schwartz CEO and Founder Joe Marteski, Chief Operating Officer, other receiving the award.
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The donation is the largest cash donation in Belle of the Ball history.
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Pediatric cancer survivor becomes a mermaid for life
Tampa Bay Times - October 29, 2017
First, Amelia Collins used her dream of being a mermaid to help her body recover from the chemotherapy treatments she received to fend off leukemia.
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Next, the 8-year-old Ocala girl celebrated her remission by donning a finned tail and swimming with the iconic mermaids at Hernando County’s Weeki Wachee Springs Park.
Now, a new all-women’s Tampa-based non-profit whose symbol is the mermaid has made Collins the first girl they will mentor into womanhood.
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"We are mermaid sisters. We are all about mermaid kisses and starfish wishes," said Joni Cusimano, a founder of A League of Xtrodinary Woman.
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"Our intent is to help young girls become the women of tomorrow."
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