Pictured: Sarasota County Agricultural Fair every year in March showcases the 4-H Foundation Clubs projects. Courtesy: Geckos Hospitality Group.

The Gecko’s Hospitality Group family of restaurants has renewed its ongoing commitment as a Business Partner with the Sarasota County 4-H Clubs & Foundation, designating the 4-H Foundation scholarship fund as the direct beneficiary of donations raised during our 30th Anniversary BBQ and Party. Gecko’s co-owners, Michael Quillen & Mike Gowan awarded the check at a presentation ceremony at the Fruitville Gecko’s. “It is with the generosity and commitment of local business leaders like the Gecko’s Hospitality Group that allows the Sarasota County 4-H Foundation to fund the programming which helps children achieve their goals,” said Sarah Davis, University of Florida/IFAS Extension Agent with the local 4-H Foundation. “Since the values of the Gecko’s family of restaurants and the 4-H Clubs are closely aligned, building on our commitment was a natural fit,” said Quillen. “We are proud to support the pivotal experiences provided by the 4-H programs which build a foundation of leadership and skills for success in the future careers of children in our community. We believe that investing in 4-H serves to honor the agricultural legacy of the great State of Florida, which has provided the livestock and produce that feeds our citizens and visitors alike, and which offers our children the programs that help them develop the life skills so essential to helping them become good citizens.” The Gecko’s Hospitality Group has a long history of serving as Business Partners with dozens of schools in Sarasota and Manatee County, providing Super Student Free Meals to tens of thousands of elementary students and supporting untold numbers of philanthropies and charitable groups. Gecko’s was awarded the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s prestigious Restaurant Neighbor award for the entire United States in 2017. This honor recognizes outstanding restaurants around the country that go above and beyond in community service, and aims to inspire other restaurateurs to get or stay involved in their local communities.

Pictured: Sarasota County Agricultural Fair every year in March showcases the 4-H Foundation Clubs projects. Courtesy: Geckos Hospitality Group.