Blue Thong Society Chapter Formed in Brandon, Riverview

Ladies throughout Brandon, Bloomingdale, Lithia and Riverview have united to form the newest chapter of the Blue Thong Society, the True Blue chapter.

Founded by Dover resident Shelly Drost, the chapter's purpose is to assist nonprofit organizations needing volunteers.

The group recently assisted at a fundraising golf tournament for the Haley House for veterans Sept. 10.

"The purpose of the new Blue Thong Society chapter in the Riverview/Brandon area is to connect women through pledged social commitments in our local community, while having fun along the way," Drost said. "BTS chapters pledge social commitments called GoodWorks and commit to them publicly in front of the entire Blue Thong Society membership."

Twice a year, women in BTS chapters around the country pick a goal and make it happen, Drost said.

“The goals are serious, and our chapter’s reputation in the Blue Thong Society is on the line to deliver what we commit to,” said Drost, who founded the local chapter this month. “But we’re also committed to enjoying ourselves along the way. It’s a founding credo of BTS that we accomplish goals but we do it with like-minded women who enjoy each other’s company.”

The Blue Thong Society and its GoodWorks program was modeled after the Clinton Global Initiative, which requires its members to pledge a social commitment to former President Clinton, the CGI board and the entire membership.

"There’s nothing more powerful than a pledged commitment, and here at Blue Thong Society, it’s the basis for everything we do and guides our chapters to work toward important goals,” said Mary Jo Wallo, who founded Blue Thong Society in 2005.

“The next step is for us to grow our chapter and then make our first GoodWorks commitment to Mary Jo (BTS founder) and the entire Blue Thong Society membership,” Drost said.

“Pledged commitments get results,” Wallo said. "We’re proud of Shelly Drost and her team and are delighted for the Riverview/Brandon community, which will benefit from their efforts.”

The Blue Thong Society is a women’s organization that connects with 300 chapters and 5,000-plus women. Chapters commit to a GoodWorks program twice a year and pledge that commitment to the BTS board and membership. Membership is by invitation only.

For more information, contact Peggy Jucha at 888-675-6886 or admin@bluethongsociety.com.