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SRQ DAILY Dec 11, 2019

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get big name artists here to educate the people of Sarasota about music."

- Nati Pitch, Founder of SRQ-BEATS
 

[Performance]  SRQ Beats Brings Music Talent to Sarasota to Perform at SRQ Media's Holiday Party
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

With the end of another year drawing nearer, it was due time for another SRQ Media holiday party. Hosted at the exquisite for the second year at Waterworks Sarasota—a networking and social club for members in the historic Waterworks building downtown—the event kicked off with bubbly and bites from Michaels on East. The genial local vibe of our attendees and entrancing interior decor of the space set the scene for a magical evening to celebrate the holiday season.  

As for the soundtrack—it was supplied by the newly founded production company SRQ-BEATS by producer, Nati Pitch. In addition to being a light, sound and stage rental company for major music festivals and events worldwide, SRQ-BEATS produces unique experiences by organizing, filming and broadcasting concerts in unusual locations in and around Sarasota. The carefully-chosen locations may hold historical importance or be artistically interesting; they may pop-up outside at a beautiful Gulf Coast natural attraction or be top secret in downtown's most stylish bars. “Our prime goal is to showcase cultural heritage and landmarks throughout the prism of music and videos,” says Nati. With that cultural goal in mind, SRQ-BEATS culls talent internationally—collaborating with artists from Israel, London, Italy and Brazil—to bring experiential events to the (941) so party goers don’t feel like they have to go to Miami, Tampa or Orlando for a top-notch performance.

One artist in particular, happened to be Antoinette Van Dewark—a Los Angeles DJ and producer who met Nati at a camp in Burning Man two years ago where Nati did the sound and lasers for three of the thousand-plus stages at the world renowned art and music festival. As SRQ-BEATS’ special guest, DJ Antoinette flew to Sarasota to perform at SRQ Media’s holiday party last night—mixing upbeat and ethereal sounds for the room, and even performing her new EP release exclusively for the first time. Her newest EP under Fantastic Voyage record label consists of five originals, as well as remixes from her first album. Though Antoinette has played for some of the largest and liveliest crowds from the biggest stages—including the Dome set at Burning Man, in Tulum, Ibiza and throughout California—she admits that some of her most memorable shows have been the smaller, more intimate ones where she can truly connect and interact with the crowd. “There’s a reason music is universal and heals,” she shares. “When I sense the audience is connected to me and my music, it’s the best feeling in the world.” 

SRQ-BEATS plans to continue bringing “the creme dela creme” in the industry and cultivate the music scene here by putting on one live show or community event per month—each entirely different in location and DJ guest appearance. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get big name artists here to educate the people of Sarasota about music,” says Nati. “I want to influence the way this city connects with sound.”


 

Photo of Nati Pitch by Wyatt Kostygan.

Click to see more photos of last night's event

[The Community Foundation of Sarasota County]  Empowering Families and Individuals to Succeed

While we each aspire to lead a successful life in our own way, the path to reaching our greatest potential is often found through education. Education breeds skills and, more importantly, confidence.  For 40 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has empowered families and individuals with these necessary resources to realize their full potential.

As an example of the power of education to enhance lives, the Harvey Milk Festival recently launched its #WeSupport Campaign, which focuses on educating local businesses to better understand the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community and create a welcoming and inclusive workplace environment open to everyone. The campaign was funded in part by a $9,500 community impact grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Upholding one’s self-worth and supporting their success are fundamental to the Community Foundation’s support of programs and initiatives surrounding Empowerment and Success: education, academic enrichment, career development and advancement, scholarships and mentoring, and lifelong connections.

Learn more at www.cfsarasota.org/empowerment-and-success

Click here for more information

[The Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center]  Thirty Years Later, the Campus of Caring Still Believes

In 1985, a shared nonprofit community workspace was unheard of. But with sheer tenacity and passion, Dr. Kay Glasser persuaded our community to believe that a sustainable human services network was viable and needed for the Sarasota/Manatee area. 

Today, this “Campus of Caring” is home to 20 nonprofit agencies, helping over 26,000 individuals in need each year and it has saved tenant partners an estimated $7.5 million in its 30-year history.

Glasser/Schoenbaum is needed now more than ever. According the United Way’s 2018 ALICE report, 41% of households in our region are unable to afford the basics of food and shelter despite working full-time jobs. These families often must make choices that compromise their health and safety just to make ends meet. Services for people in need are more important now than ever.

As Dr. Glasser was known to say, “The quality of life in any community depends upon the quality of life of its people.” The Center depends upon support of donors as it moves toward a brighter, more sustainable future for our region.

To mark the 30th anniversary, Glasser/Schoenbaum is hosting BELIEVE. The gala will celebrate the Center’s past, present and future believers, in addition to uncovering the ways in which our local network is built on trust and value.

And to make believers of us all, Nathan Coe Marsh (NBC, CBS, Fox, Penn & Teller: Fool Us) will perform live magic to top off a night that promises enlightenment and intrigue.

Saturday, 2/29/2020, 6pm, Hyatt Regency Sarasota, Tickets $250.00. 

Image: Alex Schoenbaum, Dr. Kay Glasser, and Betty Schoenbaum break ground at the Center in 1988

Click here for more information

[Gift]  Community Day School Received Major Gift from the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School recently received a gift of $500,000 from the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust. The funds – which were directed by the trustee, Richard Orenstein – will be used to create an endowment fund for scholarships and to support the building of the Offutt Art Studio as part of the school’s new facilities on The Larry & Mary Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life. The capital funds for the Offutt Art Studio are being directed through The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, which is currently in the midst of a major fundraising campaign to redevelop its 32-acre campus on McIntosh Road. Community Day School will move to the Greenspon Campus for the 2021-2022 school year. Daniel E. Offutt was a creative man who invested in stocks on Wall Street and was president of his own company, DEO Enterprises. Although he continued to dabble in stocks, he was in a position to retire early and pursue his creative hobbies, including photography, woodworking, and welding sculptures made of iron.  

[Grants]  All Faiths Food Bank Receives $165,000 in Grants to Support Mobile Distribution and Children, Family and Veteran Programs

All Faiths Food Bank recently received grants from the following foundations: $105,000 from The Stone Foundation in support of the Mobile Farm Market, Backpack and Veterans Pantry programs. $40,000 from Harry Sudakoff Foundation in support of the BackPack and School Pantry Programs. $20,000 from the Roberta Leventhal Sudakoff Foundation in support of the Mobile Pantry and Mobile Farm Market programs. In support of Backpacks, which provide students with nutritious snacks over the weekend and holidays, School Pantries which provide fresh produce, meats, and groceries to families at schools, Mobile Farm Markets which distribute fresh produce in our community, and the Mobile Pantry Program (including the Veterans Pantry every second and fourth Tuesday of the month) which provides access to fresh produce, meats and groceries to those in need. 

[Franchise]  Major Cheer Announces Franchise Opportunities

Stacey Horton, local entrepreneur and founder of Major Cheer, an after-school cheer program, has announced the launch of a franchise program to expand and grow the business and mission. Major Cheer allows students the chance to learn the sport of cheerleading in a fun, structured, after-school program format. “We decided to grow this program in a way that will allow other schools to introduce this sport to students, and also enable and empower local entrepreneurs and athletes to build a business while contributing to their communities in a very spirited manner,” said Stacey Horton, Major Cheer founder.

Horton began teaching cheerleading as an after-school program format in 2000 when her children were attending Myakka City Elementary School, a rural school with limited after-school athletics program options. Formerly Cheer Jam, Major Cheer was launched as a full-scale, after-school cheerleading program, including summer camp programs. Franchise opportunities were introduced in 2019 and a list of current locations can be found at MajorCheer.net.  Along with her daughter, Dominique Jackson, and franchisee and former Major Cheer alumni, Ashley Matthews, Horton and her team currently coach 400 students involved in the after-school program. The program is known for the original, creative choreography and notable alumni performances, which include appearances at the 50th Daytona 500, sports games for teams including the Tampa Bay Bucs and Superbowl XLIII. 

[Staff Announcement]  Trusts and Estates Attorney Gerald Carp Joins Fergeson Skipper, P.A.

The law firm of Fergeson Skipper, P.A., is pleased to announce Gerald (“Jerry”) Carp has joined the firm’s Wills, Trusts & Estates practice group as an Of Counsel attorney providing services in litigation, estate planning and administration. Mr. Carp was a founding partner of Mazur Carp & Rubin and chair of the New York-based firm’s Trusts and Estates practice. After 33 years, Mazur Carp & Rubin combined with Schiff Hardin LLP in 2013. Mr. Carp is admitted to practice law in Florida, New York and New Jersey. Mr. Carp is a peer-elected Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), where he has served on multiple committees, including fiduciary litigation, business planning and asset protection. He is named in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America, which also uses an extensive peer review process to capture a consensus opinion of leading lawyers. Additionally, Mr. Carp was selected for inclusion in the most recent Chambers High Net Worth Guide as one of its “Leaders In Their Fields” for his unparalleled reputation within his practice areas. 

[School District]  Sarasota County School Board Appoints Mitsi Corcoran as Interim Superintendent

The Sarasota County School Boardappointed assistant superintendent, chief financial officer, Mitsi Corcoran, as interim superintendent at Sarasota County Schools, pending a formal vote and final contract. Ms. Corcoran was appointed as acting superintendent on November 19 to serve on a short-term basis. Ms. Corcoran will fulfill the dual role of interim superintendent and CFO until a permanent superintendent is hired this coming year. Ms. Corcoran, a Certified Public Accountant, has served as the chief financial officer of Sarasota County Schools since 2007. Prior to her tenure with the school district, she served ten years with the Sarasota County Government as the general manager of financial services with the County Commission and with the Clerk of the Circuit Court Finance Division. Ms. Corcoran is a past president of the Florida School Finance Officers Association and she currently serves on the State Finance Council working with the Department of Education’s financial leaders on policy and best practices.

  

[Real Estate]  Barry Grooms of SaraBay Suncoast Realty Inc Recognized for Distinguished Service

The Realtor Association of Sarasota & Manatee recently awarded Barry Grooms, co-owner of SaraBay Suncoast Realty Inc. in Bradenton, the “2019 Distinguished Service Award”.  This award honors a REALTOR® contributions to the local, state and national REALTOR® Association and the community.  Grooms has been active with the Realtor® Association of Sarasota and Manatee, serving as president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and director. He is a former district vice president of the state association and has been a leader for its public policy and advocacy committees and forums.  He also serves as a key contact for Florida Realtors with state legislators, helping to provide information and research on issues important to all Floridians, and as a federal political coordinator (FPC) for NAR. Grooms will serve as the 2020 President of Florida Realtors®, the state’s largest professional association with 187,000 members 

[School District]  Sarasota County School Board Appoints Jody Dumas to the Position of Assistant Superintendent, Chief Operating Officer

The Sarasota County School Board approved the appointment of Jody Dumas to the position of Assistant Superintendent, Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. Mr. Dumas has served as both interim COO and the executive director of Facilities, Planning and Construction since June. The school district will look to hire a new executive director to assume his previous position. Mr. Dumas has served as the executive director of Facilities, Planning and Construction since 2017, overseeing the school district’s custodial program, planning and development, construction projects and capital improvement plan. He has been with the District since September of 2003 and has served as a director in numerous departments, including Facilities and Transportation. Prior to his tenure with the school district, Mr. Dumas was the manager of Maintenance Operations with Hillsborough County and the assistant superintendent of Public Works with the town of Killingly, CT. He began his career as a third-grade teacher. Mr. Dumas holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Eastern Connecticut State University and has completed 30 hours of coursework toward a master’s degree in Elementary Education. He and his family reside in Arcadia, FL. In his new role, Mr. Dumas will be responsible for several operations departments, including Facilities, Planning, Construction, Human Resources, Communications, School Safety, Transportation and Food and Nutrition Services.  

[Manatee County Commission]  Betsy Benac Elected 2020 County Commission Chair

County Commissioners today elected Commissioner Betsy Benac, At-Large, as Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for 2020.  Commissioner Carol Whitmore will serve as first vice chairman of the Board next year. Commissioner Misty Servia will be second vice chair and Commissioner Reggie Bellamy will be third vice chair.  Commissioner Priscilla Trace will serve as Port Authority Chair and Commissioner Reggie Bellamy will serve as first Vice Chair of the Port Authority. Commissioner Misty Servia will be second vice chair of the Port Authority. Commissioner Steven Jonsson will be third vice chair of the Port Authority. Commissioner Misty Servia will serve as the Tourist Development Council Chair. Commissioner Whitmore will serve as the Board's alternate on the TDC. 
 



[ITB]  Photos from SB2- Philanthropic Agenda Now Available on ClickSRQ

Photos are now available online from SB2: Philanthropic Agenda, which took place at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota on Monday, December 9, 2019. The luncheon and panel discussion explored the dynamic and ever changing world of non-profits. The afternoon culminated with the Local Philanthropy Hero Awards where SRQ honored individuals who have impacted our community in meaningful ways. 

Thank you to event sponsors Sabal Palm Bank, Sue Ellen's Floral Boutique, and PSAV. The SRQ SB2 Symposium Series would not be possible without support from JFCS, Mariash Lowther Wealth Management, New College of Florida, Career Source Suncoast and Hyatt Regency Sarasota. 

Photos are available here

[SOON]  GALA: Brunch & Bubbles - Celebrating Sarasota County Teachers , December 11, 10:30am-12pm

On Wednesday, December 11, join the Education Foundation for a morning of brunch & bubbles as they honor phenomenal teachers in Sarasota County. The awards ceremony will recognize an Alumni of Distinction and unveil the 2020 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year. The event is from 10:30am to 12pm. Please use complimentary valet service. 

The Westin Sarasota, 100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  SEMINAR: PINC 2019 , December 12, 8am-8pm

PINC is People, Ideas, Nature, and Creativity. It's a one-day, conference-style experience delivered by a cascade of international speakers from every imaginable discipline, skill, and talent you can think of. Speakers range from Iditarod champions, the founder of Vertical Farming, a famous felt artist and a lawyer whose territory is outer space, all the way to Nobel Prize winners, perfume virtuosos, a Master Acoustician, and the doctor who performed the first-hand transplant. Whether a speaker or a guest, the PINC experience attracts creative thinkers, entrepreneurs, specialists, designers, artists, scientists, and anyone looking to stimulate their mind, heart, and soul. It's an opportunity to participate in an eclectic mix of the fundamental pieces that create the human experience. If you want to be inspired, you want to be at PINC.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Art of Performance: Son Luna y Jvenes Zapateadores: Vivelo! , December 12 – December 14, 7:30 PM

¡Vívelo! merges different rhythms and dance styles such as folkloric dance, contemporary, Spanish dance, and African-inspired movements. Mexican musical ensemble Son Luna provides the traditional music of Veracruz, Mexico, and dance troupe Jóvenes Zapateadores showcase the evolution of Son Jarocho roots with different rhythms and dance styles. Masterfully displaying dance genres from the region, this production provides strong entry points for audiences of all ages seeking a highly energetic folkloric performance experience.

Historic Asolo Theater , 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Atomic Holiday Bazaar , December 14 – December 15, Noon to 5pm

Atomic Holiday Bazaar, Season 14, returns to the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Atomic launched in 2006 showcasing 50 unconventional crafters who needed an affordable and welcoming venue to sell their unusual handmade wares. By producing an alternative craft show for Sarasota’s hip shoppers, Atomic quickly grew into an annual Sarasota holiday shopping tradition. 

The show proved such a success it expanded to a full weekend in 2007 and in 2008 Atomic grew from the main auditorium to the Bay Front room to accommodate the ever growing number of talented applicants and dedicated shoppers. In 2015, Atomic expanded again opening up its first street fair and jumping on the trend of including a handful of delicious local Sarasota food trucks. This season the show introduces a number of new makers who have had the opportunity to be a part of the show due to a number of Atomic Misfit Makers retiring from the craft making scene.

Atomic features a wide range of items for all: screen printed t-shirts, faux taxidermy, upcycled everything ranging from home decor, clothing, jewelry, (for example, think of “upcycled” as copper pipe that has been refitted into a desk lamp), vintage clothing, kitsch and jewelry, lowbrow to elegant fine art, holiday cards, jams, jellies and the best canned pickle selections ever, one of a kind baby clothing, humorous chatchkes, ornaments, knits, catnip toys, doggie stuff, felted art, plants, plushies (unusual and humorous creatures), pop culture-graphic art posters, dark sentiments, body products, candles, beachy vibe stuff, ethnic Latin textiles, rock n roll edgy clothing, sweet little creations that make you sigh, get the picture? No artsy stone unturned, Atomic has something for all.

Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: The Sarasota Cuban Ballet School: The Nutcracker , December 14 – December 15, 2pm

Returning for the third year, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet brings its stunning production to the VPAC for three performances. Accompanied by 26 musicians from The Venice Symphony with guest conductor Joeseph Caulkins, and a brand new set, these pre-professional performers will stun you with their elegance and strength in this holiday tradition. Single tickets on sale now at veniceperformingartscenter.com or (941) 218 3779.

Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave building 5, Venice, FL 34285

[SOON]  THEATER: The Sound of Music , November 13 – December 28, 7:30pm and 8pm evening performances and 1:30 and 2pm matinees

Like a breath of fresh Alpine air, this beloved musical masterpiece sweeps onto the Asolo Rep stage just in time for the holidays. Maria, a young nun causing trouble at the abbey, is sent off to be governess to Captain Von Trapp’s seven troublesome children. She brings much-needed love and joy to the family – and the widowed captain – and transforms their world and hers through the power of music. But the looming threat of Nazi Germany’s invasion of their native Austria darkens their future. Overflowing with some of the most iconic songs of all time, this heart warming family musical will be helmed by Josh Rhodes, returning on the heels of his spectacular production of Evita in 2017.

FSU Performing Arts Center, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 34th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights , December 14, 6pm

Don’t miss the 34th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights will be held on Saturday, December 14 beginning at 6pm. The best areas for viewing are Marina Jack Restaurant, Bayfront Park, City Island. All boats must pass approx. 1/3 of the marina side Bayfront Park, to be considered for judging. The Bay front Park spectator viewing area has been expanded to include the entire Northern tip of the island near the fountain.

Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Lights In Bloom , December 14 – January 4, 6pm-9pm

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens lights up the holiday season with Lights In Bloom. Over two million lights will illuminate the gardens and walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through magical gardens filled with beautifully lit flowers, radiant rainforest butterflies, dragonflies and more. The tropical holiday paradise includes nightly visits from Santa (before Christmas Eve), children’s arts and crafts activities and games and special entertainment. Grilled foods will be available for purchase from the Michael’s on East grill including a cash bar. The Selby House Cafe will also be open with its full menu. In its 16th year, Lights In Bloom has become a tradition for residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Sarasota.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  HEALTH: Sandy Claws Beach Run , December 14, 8 a.m.

Kick off the holiday season by participating in the 43rd annual Sandy Claws Beach Run on Siesta Beach, returning Saturday, December 14. 

Pre-register by Nov. 20 to guarantee the best price, along with receiving a long-sleeve performance event shirt and runner bag. Pre-registration ends Dec. 8, limited race-day registration will begin at 7 a.m. 

With many participants wearing fun holiday costumes, this annual event presented by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and Dr. Heidi K. Anderson-DOCS draws hundreds of runners, walkers and joggers for the 5K race and one-mile fun run.

The 5K race is chip-timed and there will be finisher medals for 5K and one-mile participants. Custom awards will be distributed to first through sixth place finishers in all age categories. Following the races, runners are invited to stay for music, food and raffle prizes. All runners are also welcomed to participate in a holiday-themed costume contest. 

The 5K run is sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club and proceeds benefit the "Summer in the Parks" Adopt-A-Camper scholarship program.  

For online registration or a full schedule of events, visit scgov.net (keywords Registration and Reservations). Registration forms are available by visiting scgov.net and for pick-up at any county recreation center, library or government building. Completed forms can be mailed to Twin Lakes Park, Building C, 6700 Clark Road,

Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota

[SOON]  HEALTH: Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group , December 16, 10am-11:30am

Every third Monday of the month, Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers Comfort Creations, LLC, facilitates a Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group. This group focuses on the caregiver and offers a retreat from the never-ending mental and physical responsibilities of caregiving. This free, open group provides compassionate support and an opportunity to explore new solutions together to caregiver challenges. The group meets in the classroom outside of the cafeteria.

Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, 5731 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota, FL 34233

[SOON]  HEALTH: Veterans' Caregivers Free Lunch and Learn Support Group , December 16, 12:15pm-1:45pm

Welcoming all Veterans' Caregivers and Veterans caring for a loved one to a free lunch and monthly Caregivers Support Group every third Monday of the month. This group focuses on the Caregiver and not the patient. Julie Cook Downing, Facilitator and President of Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC, has over two decades of experience with both support groups and Family Caregiving.

Mindspa Integrative Wellness Center, 5632 Bee Ridge Rd #101, Sarasota, FL 34233

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Perlman Music Program Sarasota Winter Residency and Celebration Concert , December 21 – January 4, 5pm

Each season, The Perlman Music Program/Suncoast hosts The Perlman Music Program (PMP) Sarasota Winter Residency. Founded by Toby Perlman, and with a world-renowned faculty led by her husband, internationally acclaimed violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman, PMP augments its seven-week summer school program in Shelter Island each December with a 17-day winter residency, December 21, 2019 - January 4, 2020, in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The residency provides valuable mentoring and performance opportunities for approximately 35 young international string musicians, ages 12-20+, and offers 20+ free and low-cost musical events on the campus of USF Sarasota-Manatee. Each year, the winter residency culminates with the Celebration Concert, January 4, 2020, with Itzhak Perlman conducting the PMP String Orchestra and Patrick Romano leading the PMP Chorus at the Sarasota Opera House.

USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 34243

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Perlman Music Program Suncoast Super Strings , December 28, 7pm

The Perlman Music Program Suncoast Super Strings is presented as part of a public orchestra rehearsal during the PMP Sarasota Winter Residency. Super Strings promotes the interaction of local young musicians with international students of The Perlman Music Program and world-class faculty. Forty-five string players from across the state of Florida join the PMP String Orchestra on stage, for a special one-time PMP Sarasota Winter Residency event, to perform the 1st Movement of Felix Mendelssohn's String Sinfonia No. 2 in D Major, under the baton of Itzhak Perlman. Tickets $10 at Perlmanmusicprogramsuncoast.org

USF Sarasota-Manatee, 8350 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  GALA: Marie Selby Botanical Gardens New Year's Eve Gala , December 31 – January 1, 8pm-1am

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is proud to present Sarasota’s most sophisticated and diversely entertaining New Years Eve experience; a black-tie event featuring a private journey through tropical holiday light displays, passed hors d’oeuvres, a seated four course dinner, special performances by The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company and Trainees from the Margaret Barbieri Conservatory and dancing at Michael’s on the Bay. The countdown to the New Year culminates with a champagne toast and a perfect view of fireworks overlooking Sarasota Bay.  Celebrate the New Year in style.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 900 S Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 9th Annual New Year's Eve Bayfront Fireworks , December 31 – January 1, 12am

Ring in the New Year at the Sarasota Bayfront Midnight Fireworks Spectacular! See one of the best fireworks displays Southwest Florida has to offer. Make your reservations now by calling Marina Jack at (941) 365-4232. Proceeds benefit Suncoast Charities for Children.

Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  GALA: The Hospital Gala , January 11, 6pm-11pm

The Hospital Gala has raised more than $2.2 million to benefit Sarasota Memorial Hospital ER/Trauma Services and Cardiac Services. This year, proceeds will support Cancer Services to help the SMH cancer care team deliver the best life-saving care for you, your loved ones and those in our community.

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  SEMINAR: Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) , January 7 – March 26, 10:30 am

Sarasota Institute of Lifetime Learning (SILL) is preparing for its 49th year of extremely popular global issues lectures and musical conversations. In 2020, these programs will begin in January and continue through the end of March. Speakers of global issues lectures are well-known, highly experienced experts, and guests on musical conversations are internationally renowned musicians, singers, and performers. SILL is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. In its 49th season, its programs will include 96 lectures and musical conversations presented in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch. SILL audiences mostly consist of highly educated and intellectually curious seniors living on the Suncoast year-round or during winter months. SILL also simulcasts some of its lectures to selected senior communities. Last year, attendance at SILL events exceeded 40,000. Single tickets to SILL events are only $10 at the door when available, and a season ticket for 12 same-day lectures cost just $85, which represents substantial savings. For program schedules, venues, speaker bios, and ordering season tickets visit sillsarasota.org

First United Methodist Church, 104 S. Pineapple Ave.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Art of Performance: Yin Mei - Peony Dreams: On The Other Side of Sleep , January 17 – January 18, 7:30pm

Created and choreographed by Yin Mei, an artist of the Chinese diaspora who has been part of the New York dance scene since the 1990’s, this new dance theater piece for five dancers melds themes from the iconic Chinese literary work The Peony Pavilion and Yin Mei’s own life experience as a teenage government dancer during the Chinese Revolution. Highly visual and referencing a dense collection of letters she wrote to her family over two decades, the work is a dance painting that occupies the space between truth and dreams.

Historic Asolo Theater, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  FOOD: Caregivers Comfort Socializing Lunch , January 20, 12:15pm-1:45pm

Julie Cook Downing, President of Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC and Doctors Hospital Caregiver Support Group Facilitator, hosts a monthly lunch at The Rosemary restaurant in Sarasota. This event provides caregivers some time to relax, enjoy themselves and eat a delicious meal with others sharing similar situations. The lunch takes place from 12:15-1:45pm.

The Rosemary, 411 North Orange Avenue

[SOON]  SEMINAR: SWAC Lecture: Jamal Abdi , January 14, 6:30pm-8:30pm

Join the Sarasota World Affairs Council for the next program in its 2019-20 Lecture Series, “The Politics of Hate Have Driven the U.S. and Iran to the Brink,” featuring Jamal Abdi, President of the National Iranian American Council. Mr. Abdi will describe the background and mission of the Iranian-American Council, as well as provide an update on the current Iranian-American relationship and international efforts to establish prospects for peace in the region. Each SWAC lecture is followed by a members-only reception with the speaker in a historic building on Sarasota Bay. The lecture is free, but reservations are suggested.

Mildred Sainer Pavilion, 5313 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

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SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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