Dream on Purpose will celebrate steps toward permanent home and welcome Miss Florida Teen at its 10th annual dinner
Press release from Dream on Purpose
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – After a decade of empowering girls to dream boldly and lead with confidence, Dream on Purpose is entering a new chapter — one marked by permanence, visibility, and long-term sustainability. At its 10th Annual Dinner, headlined by Shar Nelson, the youth-serving nonprofit will celebrate steps taken towards securing its first permanent home and additional achievements accomplished last year, as well as announce future programming and strategic objectives and recognize sponsors, partners, and supporters.
“Dine with DOP” takes place on January 24th at 6:00 p.m. at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Gainesville, FL. This family-friendly event is open to the public; tickets range from $25-$50 each. Advanced registration is highly encouraged and can be completed at https://dreamonpurpose.org/events/.
This year’s annual dinner serves as both a moment of reflection and a turning point. It features keynote speaker Shar Nelson, Miss Florida Teen, whose journey embodies discipline, purpose, and service. Known for using her platform to give back and advocate for youth, Nelson’s story aligns closely with Dream on Purpose’s mission and the values the organization has championed for a decade.
Additionally, the nonprofit will announce its award winners: Partner of the Year, Supporter of the Year, Passion Award Winner, Volunteer of the Year, and Dreamer of the Year. Attendees will hear from program participants, enjoy live entertainment and dinner, and leave with a small gift. The dinner is sponsored by Creative Industrial Solutions, Keith Perry, Tristesa Cherry, and The Abundant Wallet; and supported in-kind by Fairfield Inn & Suites, The Plugs, Sky Palm Studios, Prost! Photography, Mainstreet Daily News, B&E Catering, and Easy Elegance Events.
“This anniversary is about more than looking back, it’s about showing girls what’s possible when belief is paired with consistency,” said Shareen Baptiste, president and cofounder of Dream on Purpose. “Shar’s story reflects the heart of our work: excellence with purpose, visibility with responsibility, and leadership rooted in service.”
Founded in 2015, Dream on Purpose has created safe, affirming spaces where youth, especially girls, ages 11–18 can build confidence, find their voice, and develop leadership skills through mentorship, exposure, and intentional programming. What began as intimate conversations has grown into a trusted organization serving youth and families across North Central Florida through signature initiatives such as Cupcakes & Conversations, Crown Placement, DOP REACH, and career and leadership development programs.
“For a decade, we showed up wherever space was available because the girls mattered more than the building,” Baptiste added. “Securing our first brick-and-mortar is an act of stewardship. It allows us to deepen our programs, expand our reach, and ensure that girls know this work and community will be here for them long-term.”
For years, the organization operated out of borrowed and temporary spaces, prioritizing access and impact over infrastructure. The new center represents a shift toward stability and scale. The Dream on Purpose center will support expanded programming, stronger partnerships, and a consistent environment where youth can learn, grow, and lead. More broadly, it signals organizational maturity and a long-term commitment to sustainability, accountability, and community trust.
As Dream on Purpose enters its next decade, continued partnership will be essential. Community members are invited to attend the 10th Annual Dinner, supporting the organization through sponsorships or donations, or explore in-kind and programmatic partnerships that help advance the mission of empowering tomorrow’s generation of leaders. To learn more about Dream on Purpose’s impact, its Annual Dinner, or volunteer/ partnership opportunities, visit www.dreamonpurpose.org.