The Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce held its annual celebration in February 2026, honoring standout local businesses and delivering a $16,000 check to Hope for Her, the chamber's 2025 Charity of Choice.

A Big Night for Local Businesses

The annual celebration is the chamber's marquee event, bringing together business owners, community leaders, and residents for an evening that recognizes the people and companies making Valrico and FishHawk a better place to live and work.

Award winners were selected based on their contributions to the local economy, community involvement, and overall excellence in their respective fields. While the chamber didn't publicize every category winner ahead of the event, the energy in the room made it clear — people in this community show up for each other.

$16,000 for Hope for Her

The headline moment of the evening was the presentation of a $16,000 donation to Hope for Her, a local nonprofit that supports women and children facing crisis situations in the eastern Hillsborough County area.

That $16,000 was raised throughout 2024 and 2025 through chamber events, member contributions, and community fundraisers. For a volunteer-driven chamber serving a suburban community, that's a significant number — and it speaks to how seriously local businesses take their role in supporting neighbors in need.

Hope for Her provides resources including emergency housing assistance, counseling referrals, and basic necessities for families in crisis. The donation will help the organization continue its work in the Valrico, Brandon, and Riverview communities.

2026 Charities Announced

Looking ahead, the chamber announced its 2026 Charities of Choice: Seeds of Hope and We Are the Essentials. Both organizations serve eastern Hillsborough County, and the chamber will raise funds for them throughout the year through events like the annual Kickball Tournament (scheduled for April 11 at Camp Cristina) and other community activities.

The decision to support two charities in 2026 reflects the chamber's growing capacity and its members' desire to make a broader impact.

Why the Chamber Matters

For anyone new to the area, the Valrico FishHawk Chamber of Commerce is more than a networking group. It's the connective tissue between local businesses, residents, and the causes that matter to this community. Membership includes businesses of all sizes — from solo entrepreneurs and home-based businesses to established companies with dozens of employees.

The chamber hosts monthly networking events, ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new businesses, and signature events like the kickball tournament. It's also been an active voice in local government, including contributing to the Valrico Community Plan that was adopted in late 2025.

How to Get Involved

If you're a business owner in Valrico or FishHawk, chamber membership is worth looking into. And if you're a resident who wants to support local causes, keep an eye on the chamber's event calendar — there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer, donate, or just show up and have a good time while supporting the community.

Learn more at valricofishhawk.org.