SRQ DAILY Jan 29, 2020
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"We're excited to team up with the City of Sarasota to offer a fun and easy way to explore all that St. Armands Circle and Lido Key have to offer."
Despite the community's mixed feelings about having to pay to park at St. Armands Circle now, The City of Sarasota hopes the launch of its bike sharing pilot program at the new St. Armands parking garage will help residents and visitors enjoy the St. Armands area, even more, with an alternative source of travel the Circle and beach parks. The idea is that it may also encourage more sustainable transportation practices and lessen the demand for street parking on Lido.
The City announced its partnership with local company I Bike Sarasota, which will operate the bike share service and handle the transactions. “We’re excited to team up with the City of Sarasota to offer a fun and easy way to explore all that St. Armands Circle and Lido Key have to offer,” said I Bike Sarasota owner Bob Nikla.
About 10 cruiser bicycles are now available for hourly, or daily, rental and can be rented via mobile phone from a self-service rental station located near the first-level entrance of the garage. Simply scan the QR code on the chosen bike with the I Bike Sarasota app, or sign the sheet with the bike's designated number and a lock combination will be sent by text and email to unlock.
“This is a great opportunity to provide another mobility option for people to get around and reduce traffic congestion on St. Armands Circle and the Key,” says Parking Division Manager Mark Lyons. “We’ll be monitoring the success of the pilot program and may look to expand to other City-owned parking garages in downtown Sarasota in the very near future.”
For questions about bike rentals, contact I Bike Sarasota at 941-376-3368 or visit www.ibikesarasota.com. For other information on the program, contact Parking Division Manager Mark Lyons at 941-263-6477. 
The irony is incredibly unfortunate when a soldier, who after three tours overseas, comes home safe, only to become paralyzed from the chest down due to a car accident. American Legion Post 325 Ellenton, a private nonprofit organization welcoming and supporting veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces, will be hosting a special fundraiser for the 28-year-old Bradenton resident, Private First Class (PFC) Benjamin A. Passet.
A Poker Run Benefit is to be held on February 15, starting at 9:00 am for registration, at the A.L. Post 325 in Ellenton. The event will proceed throughout the day to different local pit-stops for community poker games. Poker hands are $20, or two for $30. Stops on the agenda include A.L. Post 312 in Sarasota, A.L. Post 24 in Bradenton, V.F.W. Post 10141 in Bradenton, Peggy’s Corral in Palmetto and back to A.L. Post 325 for festivities which include a free BBQ lunch, live music, vendors and a raffle.
The nonprofit is currently looking for businesses to donate items for raffle prizes. Anything from sporting games, getaways, baskets of various items, electronics and gift certificates, to home appliances, theme park tickets, excursion packages and concert tickets, are welcomed to include to raise money for Passet’s health and recovery. American Legion is also looking for businesses who are interested in being a vendor for the event. Vendor spaces are $10 per 10x10 space. Contact Lisa Bapst at swtlisab@verizon.net for a registration form or raffle donation.
Francisco J. Quintana, Ph.D., a leading multiple sclerosis researcher at the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, is the winner of the 2019 Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research. "This is the largest award of its kind in the world, and was created due to the Barancik Family’s experience with multiple sclerosis," says Murray Devine of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation.
Quintana has established innovative research programs that use advanced technology to make significant contributions to the understanding of the immune response and to identify potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for MS. He recently developed a new research platform to identify gene-environment interactions that control central nervous system inflammation that drives the damage that occurs in MS. The studies identified novel pathways involved in the regulation of this inflammation. Moreover, these studies map out a novel way to systematically investigate environmental factors in MS and other diseases.
“I am deeply honored to be selected for the Barancik Prize, and thank the Award Committee for recognizing our work,” said Quintana. Professor Quintana will receive the award and deliver the Barancik Prize lecture at the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum on February 27 in West Palm Beach.
More about the Barancik Prize for Innovation in MS Research.
The Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust recently announced a matching challenge through its 2020 Flanzer Contribution Matching Program in hopes of inspiring locals across Sarasota and the Suncoast area to make a difference in their communities. All donations between $5 and $500 will be matched 1:1, up to $500,000, for select nonprofit agencies in the social service, social welfare, K-12 education and healthcare sectors. "The 2020 Flanzer Contribution Matching Program is a year-round giving opportunity and, depending upon its success, we will consider expanding the amount available for match and whether to make it an annual program," said Dr. R. Dean Hautamaki, co-trustee of the Flanzer Trust.
Individuals who wish to participate in the 2020Flanzer Contribution Matching Program can visit FlanzerTrust.org to make an online donation through PayPal. Donors can also send checks payable to the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust to its offices at 1843 Floyd Street, Sarasota. Once an individual's donation has been processed, the Flanzer Trust will send the contribution and the associated matching funds to the designated partner agency. The Flanzer Trust will also absorb 100 percent of the program with no charge or reduction in any contribution.
Nonprofit organizations interested in participating are invited to attend a press conference at the Gloria & Louis Flanzer Campus at 1753 Ringling Blvd. in Sarasota on Friday, January 31, at 1:30 pm.
BGCSC's newest ambassador initiative, Club Blue, is launching its 2020 “Be The Connection” campaign in celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary. The five founding board members of Club Blue are launching the unique campaign to focus on the four pillars of BGCSC including healthy lifestyles, character and leadership development, academic success and workforce readiness. In alignment with the 50th anniversary of BGCSC, Club Blue is seeking 50 new ambassadors whose values align with one of the organization’s pillars. Club Blue will engage and challenge those local professionals and businesses to connect with the organization in one of several ways, and document their contributions on social media utilizing the hashtag #ClubBlueConnection.
Over the course of the year, Club Blue will announce the impact of the 2020 “Be The Connection” campaign, and host social events to generate interest in and exposure to BGCSC. Club Blue is also looking for businesses and corporations to sponsor the upcoming events. “This is an exciting milestone for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County as it’s celebrating 50 years of changing lives and building great futures,” commented Club Blue Chair Kaitlyn Perez. “That is why we decided to roll out a unique social media campaign that will continue to build our community’s awareness of this phenomenal organization and hopefully encourage new professionals to contribute in meaningful ways.”
To stay connected with Club Blue, register yourself or your business at bgcsarasota.com/ClubBlueConnection. Once registered, you will receive updates from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County and information about upcoming events and future membership opportunities with Club Blue.
At an event to announce its 71st season of shows, Venice Theatre also announced that it has named its 432-seat MainStage proscenium theatre after benefactor, Dr. William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice resident Dr. Jervey recently offered $1,000,000 to Venice Theatre to encourage the community to match his generosity with donations to The Next Act Capital Campaign. The match met with resounding success and the theatre has already raised nearly $2,000,000 toward its $2.5 million goal and is well on its way to a $4 million stretch goal. In Fall 2019, the local philanthropist learned of the theatre’s urgent need for space and offered to help the theatre launch its Next Act Capital Campaign. Venice Theatre purchased its new Arts Education Building on Friday, Nov. 15, for $1,060,000, enabling it to expand classroom and rehearsal spaces and enhance its educational programs for all ages. In addition to Dr. Jervey’s gift, lead donors have pledged generous gifts to The Next Act, but there are still naming opportunities available. The theatre asks the community to play its part in helping students expand their horizons.
All Faiths Food Bank recently received $108,000 in grants from the following foundations: $73,100 from The Selby Foundation in support of the purchase of a truck for the DeSoto Food and Resource Center, $10,000 from the Harold C. and Jacqueline F. Bladel Foundation in support of Cooking Matters, $25,000 from the Schoenbaum Family Foundation in support of the Backpack and School Pantry programs. These grants are in support of the expansion of the DeSoto Food and Resource Center through the purchase of a truck to increase food distribution in remote areas, Cooking Matters which teaches people how to shop for and cook healthy, low-cost meals, Backpacks which provide students with nutritious snacks over the weekends and holidays, and School Pantries that provide fresh produce, meats and groceries to families in need at schools.
A young woman from Israel, Ayelet, reluctantly joins her grandmother on a trip to the United States. Circumstances both absurd and tragic bring Ayelet, who has little command of the English language, together with Josh, a young American man who has little command of romance, on Christmas Eve. Is their inevitable love an accident…or is it destiny, generations in the making?
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Avenue Sarasota, FL 34236
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.
Ringling Reflections programs are designed specifically for people with memory loss and their care partners. They are relaxed, conversation-based gallery tours in the Museum of Art. The tour routes will be wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available for use free-of-charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Listening devices, including induction loops for t-coil hearing aids, will be provided. Portable stools will be available for all participants. Tours take place on select Sundays. Please plan on arriving to the museum’s Visitors Pavilion at 10:00 to check in. The tours are free of charge, however, advance registration is required and space is limited.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
ROAR is The Ringling’s family story time designed to engage toddlers and preschoolers in activities that connect art and early literacy. Attendees will enjoy a story and accompanying art activity. This event is free to attend, however, tickets are required. Tickets will be avaiable 30 days prior to each program.
The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art Education Center Classroom, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
The third performance series, "Dance Makers" features new imaginative dance pieces by nationally acclaimed contemporary choreographers. This year’s crop includes Terrence Henderson, Bliss Kohlmyer, Maria Bauman-Morales, and Adele Myers. SCD is proud of the caliber of choreographers gathered for this performance. These works are hand-picked by SCD's Artistic Director to present the strength, power, charm, and diversity of the company and its mission of presenting a range of contemporary dance for multi-generational and multi-cultural audience in our community. The choreography is diverse, the impact profound, and the dancers utterly captivating.
Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243
Art Center Sarasota’s 2019-2020 exhibition season continues with four exhibits “Incandescence,” in Gallery One, features a solo show by New College faculty member, Kim Anderson, who weaves fantastical painted mythologies from the carnivalesque magic of stereoscopy and found vintage photographs. “Interplay,” in Gallery Two, features work by New College faculty member, Ryan Buyssens, who explores the interactivity of kinematic objects and environments in order to create new experiences for participants. “ASALH: Black Muse 2020,” in Gallery Three, is an annual collaboration with the Manasota branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, which recognizes African American artists and craftspeople of Sarasota and Manatee counties. “Eye Candy,” in Gallery Four, is an exhibition of works in all media juried by Kim Anderson and Ryan Buyssens. A reception for all four exhibits is Thursday, January 30, 5-7 pm A “Garden Party,” featuring wine and craft beer, live music and food trucks will continue the reception until 9 pm or beyond.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Members are invited to join Ringling staff on a Newtown Alive Trolley Tour. This two-hour historic, interactive guided tour through Newtown and Overtown will highlight historic markers along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Personal stories and accounts will delve into the early history of Sarasota, the role African-American played in the desegregation and development of our community, and the history makers who were instrumental in community transformation. $40 per member, tickets are limited, registration ends January 24. Please park in the main visitor parking lot and check-in at the John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources announces the return of the popular One Book, One Community program for 2020 with the selection of Kate Moore's "The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women." The book details the true story of unsafe and deadly workplace conditions for female workers during World War I who painted radium on watch dials, and later military equipment at factories in New Jersey and Illinois. Many experienced painful, disfiguring and fatal cancers as a result of their exposure to radium. These young women began a race-against-time fight for justice that would forever change US labor laws. The program has recognized local authors as well as world-renowned writers. A committee selects the One Book title and then hosts a public event with the author and readers. This celebration includes follow-up programs at county libraries and other venues. Anyone can participate in One Book, One Community by attending a library event or hosting their own book discussion.
Suncoast Technical College ; Selby Public Library, 4445 Career Lane, North Port; Downtown Sarasota
The Sarasota Ballet launches the 2020 Winter - Spring Season with the January 31st opening of Redefined Movement, at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. The triple bill includes Sir Frederick Ashton’s dazzling Les Rendezvous, an early example of the intricate and nuanced choreography present throughout Ashton’s career; the Company Premiere of Paul Taylor’s Brandenburgs, a display of Paul Taylor’s signature approach to modern choreography choreographed to Johann Sebastian Bach’s "Brandenburg Concertos"; and Dominic Walsh's robust and vivacious celebration of Neapolitan culture and charm, I Napoletani.
FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
Enjoy a four course dinner in the English style of the “Downton years,” accompanied by wines and fine food by Chef Paul Mattison. The evening will start in the candlelit Garden Courtyard and then for dinner and dancing in the Galleria Dining Room. Many musical surprises are planned. The Lords and Ladies will enjoy a welcoming glass of bubbly in the Garden Courtyard, and 2 glasses of wine with dinner, cash bar. Reservations are a must. Cost is $100 per person which includes the full meal, tax, gratuity and charity donation. Dress is formal (black tie or white tie preferred and period dress). A portion of the proceeds to benefit Mayors’ Feed the Hungry. For more information and reservations, email: finelli@tasteweb.net or phone for tickets.
Mattison's 41, 7275 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
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