Ripples Gainesville
What is Ripples Gainesville?
Ripples is a non-profit, service organization that matches individuals’ needs and wants with the gifts and talents of our neighbors, in a neutral space, where no money is exchanged.
Everyday is “Pay It Forward” day at Ripples Gainesville
Our Mission and Aim
Our mission is to build bridges of change, one relationship at a time, that connect the people in our Community to one another through the organization of shared events, programs and services.
We aim to do this by opening a “front door” location in town that serves as a FREE public gathering & work space, smoothie, tea & snack bar, plus capably staffed “Connections Helpdesk”.
We’ve joined forces with The City, Business Leaders, and fellow Non-Profits & Service Organizations as a NEW access point for Giving and Receiving with “No Strings Attached”.
Ripples wants to inspire more communities to care, like Gainesville does…where there are no “haves’ or “have nots”, no cliques or clubs and no discrimination exploitation…just conscious connections.
Because we believe that healthy communities are the key to healthy growth…social and economic. Ripples is a place where Paying it Forward means your money doesn’t matter and where only our expansion and interest in meeting the needs of each individual does.
Like What We’re doing? Support our Mission!
At Ripples Gainesville, our team is dedicated to creating meaningful connections and fostering a vibrant, engaged community. Our calendar is packed with exciting events, programs, and services designed to bring people together, spark collaboration, and make a positive impact. Whether you’re looking to give, receive, or simply connect, there’s always something happening at Ripples. Join us and be a part of the change!
Calendar of Events
Our People
The heart of Ripples Gainesville is our incredible team, dedicated to building meaningful connections and empowering our community. These individuals work together to create a welcoming space where giving and receiving happens freely, and everyone has a chance to make an impact. Get to know the people who bring this vision to life.
Michelle Seegers
Chief Steward of Change
Hi, I’m Michelle Seegers, Chief Steward of RippleTogether.org. I graduated from GHS in 1986, moved to Boulder, Colorado for College and never looked back…until God called me back HOME to the Family & Friends who made me who I am. There’s hundreds of amazing people making Big Ripples of Change in this town who inspire me to Leave it Better than We Found It! They say Home is where the heart is, and that is true for me. Gainesville’s people have the BIGGEST hearts in Texas and are never afraid to be God’s hands & feet in helping their neighbors.
Reese Evans
Community Support Specialist
Hi! I’m Reese! I am a dream coordinator, connection conduit, passion project facilitator, and operations organizer with Ripples. I was born in Gainesville and raised here until my early teens when I was adopted by a loving family member and moved to Colorado. After some school, some work, and a professional degree, I moved back home. I was blessed to find this community filled with people with kind hearts and a willingness to support each other however they are able. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support that beautiful spirit every day. The Ripples here, big and small, are all around.
Christi Perry
Chief Possibility Officer
Hi! I’m Christi Hames Perry, Chief Touchstone of Ripples and a proud Gainesville native. I was born and raised here, left for college and career opportunities, but returned in 2019 to be closer to family and dear friends.
While many strive to make a big splash, I’m passionate about creating small, meaningful ripples that spark real change. I remember the Gainesville of the ’70s and ’80s—a place where family-owned shops thrived, and neighbors lifted each other up.
That spirit of connection and shared purpose inspires me every day. I believe we can bring it back—together. I’m excited to be part of a movement that makes Gainesville not just a hometown, but a heart-home again.
Tavia Evans
Chief Relationship officer
Hi! I am Tavia Evans, an energetic and passionate advocate for my community, deeply rooted in Gainesville, born and raised. From youth group and choir to the Boys and Girls Club, Gainesville helped shape me into the person I am today, supported, loved, and inspired. One of my greatest joys has been raising my son in the same community that raised me. I’m committed to making positive Ripples in our community—fostering inclusivity, building connections, and celebrating Gainesville’s hometown charm.