I’m Alison Dennington, a mother, wife, and the mayor of Melbourne Beach, Florida. I am jumping out of a plane because I believe in facing fears, overcoming challenges, and lifting others up in the process.

Growing up, I was raised by a single mother in a small, close-knit, lower-income family. We didn’t have much in terms of wealth, but we had each other. I have always been blessed to have a loving support network that saw me through every hardship. Not everyone is always as lucky. I often think about how incredibly fortunate I was to have that support, especially when considering what it would be like to face life’s darkest moments without it.

Today, I’m honored to participate in and to support a cause that resonates deeply with me: the work of The Women’s Center of Brevard. When the group contacted me to ask if I would, and I said yes, they seemed quite surprised. Perhaps the idea that an ordinary, middle-aged mom, and newly elected (female) Mayor of a sleepy little Town WOULD say yes to jumping out of a perfectly good plane was a surprise. (I did say go ahead and publish it before I chicken out! ) So why then? Easy. They asked. It’s a good cause. And because the most basic underlying principle of “public service” is to do good works, as best you can, when you can, especially if you are asked. This incredible organization provides essential services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence—people who, unlike my family, may not have a safety net to rely on.

A few decades ago, I took the exhilarating leap of skydiving for the first time. It was an unforgettable experience, one that I haven’t repeated since. Now, as a mother and a public servant, I find myself more cautious, often holding back from adventurous pursuits that once seemed thrilling. But when The Women’s Center approached me with a chance to skydive again—to take that leap with the purpose of Elevate HER—I knew it was time to embrace the challenge once more. In a way, this skydive symbolizes breaking free from fears and embracing courage, much like the women and children the Women’s Center supports. Leaving an abusive situation is like jumping out of an airplane; it’s terrifying and uncertain, but it’s also the beginning of a new, hopeful journey. The Women’s Center stands as the parachute, providing the support and guidance necessary to make a safe landing and start anew.

My journey to politics wasn’t planned. I was content with my life, playing tennis and enjoying simple pleasures. But sometimes things happen that rattle you, frustrate you, or even anger you. But those things can also inspire you to standup, speak-up, and even fight back—not with violence—but with purpose, determination, action, and desire to make a plan for a different future, or a needed change, or anything that can restore your hope. What started as my personal fight for truth and transparency, and the call to stand up and participate, even if I was alone eventually led me unexpectedly into the political arena. I ran for mayor, not because I sought power, and not even because I thought I had a chance of winning—but because I refused to let fear silence me, or rob me of that fire and the will to try.

Sometimes, the most important battles are those you enter knowing you might fail. Everyone fears failure. My greatest fear has always been believing in something but doing nothing. And often enough, I have found that courage is contagious. When this gift of life we are given—this (hopefully) long journey nears its end—what will we reflect on and be proud of, and what will we regret? I’m sure I will have many regrets, including not doing more, helping more, participating more. But I’ll also be proud of those times I did take a leap of faith to conquer my own fears. THAT—is success.

Now, as I prepare to take this leap from the sky, I’m doing so with a heart full of purpose. I want to shine a light on The Women’s Center of Brevard and their critical work. I want to show that courage isn’t just about skydiving; it’s about standing up for those who need us most and helping them find their own path to freedom and recovery.

We all have a duty of public service. Everyone can and should find ways to fulfill that duty. Everyone should try to support others, especially in their own local areas, to lift them up, catch them when they fall, and to contribute in some way to causes that provide safe places and resources to people in their communities. Your support in this skydiving fundraiser will make a real difference. It will help The Women’s Center continue their invaluable work, offering safety, support, and the most priceless gift of all—hope.

Join me in making this leap count—let’s Elevate HER together and bring hope to those who need it most. Thank you for standing with us and for believing in the power of transformation and support. I love good quotes, and so I will end here with a few:

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” —Aesop

“Life is mostly froth and bubble; Two things stand like stone: Kindness in another’s trouble, Courage in our own.” —Adam Lindsay Gordon

“Never look down on anybody unless you're helping them up.” —Jesse Jackson

With gratitude and hope,

Alison Dennington Melbourne Beach, FL