Hey everyone!

My name is Shelbi, and I’m reaching out for support during an unexpected and difficult time…

For years, I’ve worked with YTE, an entertainment company that has allowed me to bring joy and creativity to events all across the Tampa Bay area — including the Tampa Bay Rays games, 4th of July celebrations, and countless community gatherings ranging from churches to country clubs and beyond..

Unfortunately, I recently lost my position with YTE due to circumstances beyond my control, which has left me without steady income and without any future events on my schedule.

To add to the complexity, this all came after I tried to do the right thing. I had been a fan of Kaitlin for a long time, and when I saw her I thought I could help her get access to this youth pride event in St Pete.

There were some political barriers preventing her from attending, and I thought I was helping resolve the situation by advocating for her. In the process, I gave my entertainment company a positive shoutout, genuinely believing I was supporting both the company and Kaitlin at the same time.

However, despite my good intentions, Kaitlin was ultimately banned from the event — and because the same owners behind that event are affiliated with the Rays organization, The company had no choice but to let me go, hands tied.

This has been devastating both financially and emotionally. I’ve lost not only my summer work at the Rays for multiple years to come but all of my remaining gigs for the year. I’m now working hard to find new opportunities, but the sudden loss of income has created significant financial strain mentally.

I’m seeking to raise $12,000 to $20,000 to help cover essential living expenses and stay afloat while I rebuild:

Estimated Expenses:

• Rent & Utilities (6 months): $7,000

• Groceries & Daily Essentials: $3,000

• Transportation & Insurance: $4,000

• Health & Emergency Needs: $1,000

• Job Search, Professional Development, and Transition Costs: $1,000 to $3,000

I am a well rounded entertainer and have a range of set skills including:

Balloon Twisting (what I was hired for in the Face-painting

Karaoke hosting (mobile karaoke and DJ setup)

Gospel demonstrations I’ve done at churches with balloons and story telling Gospel “magic”

Kids magic shows

Hula hoop dance acts for kids and adults with LED hoops and fire hoops and fans.

If you would be looking to hire this sort of entertainment, feel free to contact me if you have an event coming up! Yte used to hire me for all of these things, and now they can’t.

Any amount of support — whether through donations or simply sharing this page — would mean the world to me. I’ve always tried to put others first, and I truly believed I was helping both my company and the people involved. Despite how things turned out, I’m hopeful for a fresh start, and your support can help make that possible.

Thank you for your time, understanding, and generosity!

Love, Shelbi