SRQ DAILY Oct 20, 2021
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"We're very proud of these national rankings, as they reaffirm that we're succeeding in our goal of making our city a world-class community and a treasured destination."
Despite the challenges presented by Covid-19 throughout the summer of 2021, Girls Inc. and New College have found a safe, innovative way to encourage girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Currently, women only make up approximately 28% of the STEM workforce. Together, Girls Inc. and New College hope to combat this issue by launching a new, intensive program called “Eureka!”
The Eureka! program is an advanced five-year STEM, personal development, and sports program for girls entering the eighth grade. Girls Inc. has selected 20 young women from throughout Sarasota County to participate in the inaugural cohorts. While Girls Inc. offers afterschool and summer programming at their site on Tuttle Ave, the Eureka! program is held offsite on the New College Campus. This partnership is integral to the success of the program as it allows girls, many of whom will be first-generation college students, to imagine themselves on a college campus.
Within the first summer of this partnership, New College has supported Eureka! participants through detailed scientific research, presentations with college professors and staff, hands-on engineering projects, and so much more. Eureka! programming will continue throughout the school year at Girls Inc., until Summer 2022 when girls will return for anther college intensive on the New College campus. In the latter years of the Eureka! program, girls will participate in paid internships that focus on their college and career goals.
“We were so pleased to host Girls Inc.’s Eureka! Program on our campus over the summer. Building community partnerships is crucial to New College’s success and we were so glad to introduce these girls to a college science environment—we hope some of them join our campus community in a few years,” said MaryAnne Young, executive director of the New College Foundation.
The Eureka! Program is free to all participants and new applications will open soon to any girl entering the eighth grade in the 2022-2023 school year. For more information on the program, please visit girlsincsrq.org/eureka or email Jessie Wingar at Jessie@girlsincsrq.org or (941) 366-6646. 
Photo courtesy of Girls Inc.
The Library Foundation for Sarasota County is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with its annual sellout event, the Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon. This year’s event returns in person on February 3, 2022, at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium and will celebrate all the important ways Sarasota's local library system supports our community. The event will feature Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, author, cultural critic and journalist Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. As host of the popular PBS series Finding Your Roots, Dr. Gates has helped to expand America’s sense of itself, stimulating a national conversation about identity with humor, wisdom and compassion.
“We are delighted to bring Dr. Gates to Sarasota for our 10th Anniversary Author Luncheon,” said Library Foundation Executive Director Alisa Mitchell. “We look forward to welcoming everyone on February 3 for a wonderful afternoon as we celebrate all the gifts our libraries bring to our community.”
In addition to being an award-winning filmmaker and journalist, Professor Gates has authored or co-authored 25 books and created 23 documentary films. In his most recent book, “The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song,” Gates presents a powerful new history of the Black church in America, taking readers on a 400-year journey where the church has been the Black community’s abiding rock and fortress.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call 941-404-3139 or visit the Library Foundation website at sarasotalibraryfoundation.org. Tickets start at $150.
This celebration is made possible by presenting sponsor, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, as well as community partners. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can visit sarasotalibraryfoundation.org/love-our-libraries-202 Photo courtesy of The Library Foundation for Sarasota County
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to announce that The Exchange has awarded the regional theatre a grant for $25,000, underwriting FST’s three-show Winter Cabaret Series and three-show Summer Cabaret Series. In March 2020, The Exchange had to temporarily halt its plans to award $250,000 in grants and scholarships to local arts organizations and students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, The Exchange has reopened its doors to the public and is returning to its original giving plan for 2021-2022, including its continued support of FST’s Cabaret program. Over the past 59 years, The Exchange has awarded more than $9 million in grants and scholarships.
“We serve almost 18,000 attendees through our Winter and Summer Cabaret Series," said Richard Hopkins, FST’s Producing Artistic Director. "This funding from The Exchange will strengthen our efforts to create valuable art and make it more accessible for even more people.” FST kicked off its Winter Cabaret Series—which this grant from The Exchange helps underwrite—on September 29 with The Wanderers, an all-new music revue honoring the dynamic harmony groups of the mid-20th century. Funds from The Exchange will also support FST’s two other Winter Cabaret productions—Friends in Low Places and the sixth edition of Laughing Matters—as well as the theatre’s three-show Summer Cabaret Series.
Photo from 'Wanderers' courtesy of Florida Studio Theatre
Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently awarded a $10,000 Capacity Building Grant to Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to upgrade their customer relationship management (CRM) platform. In 2020, Conservation Foundation saved over 6,200 acres across five properties and grew their donor base by seventy percent. The $10,000 grant is provided by the Community Foundation’s Edward K. Roberts Emerging Needs Fund. It will assist Conservation Foundation in maximizing donor retention and bringing new supporters to the organization, helping to provide continued success in securing the funds and resources required to protect the Gulf Coast’s precious land and water. The tool's upgraded features allow for more robust outreach and communication, better enabling Conservation Foundation to keep up with projected growth in land protection, stewardship, education, and outreach programs.
“We are grateful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for investing in our mission,” says Christine P. Johnson, president of Conservation Foundation. “With this system upgrade, we will be able to bring in more resources, allowing us to save more land and water, protect and create more habitat for wildlife, and get more kids outside and excited about nature.”
Children First has been recognized as a top employer in Sarasota-Manatee in the “Best Places to Work” competition for the third consecutive year. Hosted by independent firm Best Companies Group and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the competition identifies and recognizes our area’s top employers who demonstrate workplace excellence and are known for retaining and recruiting the best and brightest employees.
Companies representing thousands of local employees all vied to make the list. Children First was one of four nonprofit organizations to be recognized and ultimately selected for our mission-driven approach to employment. To qualify, more than 200 staff members completed a confidential survey worth 75% of the overall score.
“As we celebrate our 60th anniversary and my 25th anniversary as CEO, Children First is deeply honored to be recognized as a best place to work for the third year in a row. During this tumultuous time, our amazing team has remained laser-focused on their commitment to serving our community and now, together, we celebrate them in making Children First the best place to work every day!” says CEO Philip Tavill.
In April of this year, Children First was also named a top 50 Best Nonprofit to Work For nationwide by The Nonprofit Times. The agency also earned top honors in the 2021 Best of SRQ Local competition, receiving the Platinum award for, “Best Children’s Nonprofit,” “Best Nonprofit Leader,” “Best Organization to Provide COVID-19 Support,” “Best Nonprofit to Adapt,” and “Best Preschool,” as well as the Silver award for “Best Local Nonprofit.”
Click here to learn more about employment opportunities at Children First
Sarasota has once again been named the Best Place to Retire in the U.S. for 2021-22, according to U.S. News & World Report. This is the second year in a row the Sarasota region has topped the list, which ranks the country’s 150 most populous metropolitan areas based on how well they meet Americans' expectations for retirement, with measures including housing affordability, health care and overall happiness. Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report also ranked Sarasota as the No. 9 Best Place to Live, No. 2 among Fastest-Growing Places in the U.S. and No. 5 on the list of Safest Places to Live in the U.S. “We’re very proud of these national rankings, as they reaffirm that we’re succeeding in our goal of making our city a world-class community and a treasured destination,” said Mayor Hagen Brody. “Sarasota truly has something to offer to people of all ages and from all walks of life.”
The full list and more information can be viewed online.
On October 15, Firmo Construction, alongside Pravin Gadhia and Pankaj Patel of Shivstar Investments, LLC, a hospitality and development group, celebrated the start of construction of a new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott with a small groundbreaking ceremony in Temple Terrace in North Tampa. President and CEO of Firmo Construction, Eric Collin, and both Shivstar Investments partners offered brief remarks to the small event’s guests.
“We're excited to celebrate the first step for this new hospitality opportunity today. Not only is it a positive economic indicator for the Temple Terrace community, but also the hospitality industry in Tampa Bay as a whole,” said Collin. “We look forward to partnering with the leaders at Shivstar Investments who have guided their vision to this stage, and to deliver a finished Fairfield by Marriott that brings the surrounding community more travel and tourism.”
Firmo Construction will collaborate with architect Abhay Pradhan from AP Architecture to bring this hotel to completion. Having worked together on a Tru by Hilton hotel in Manatee County, this will be their second hospitality partnership in two years. The project is also a turnkey development, meaning Firmo Construction will manage the design and construction of the hotel from inception to completion, resulting in a more cost-effective approach for the build.
The future Fairfield by Marriott will be a five-story structure, located on North 30th Street off East Fowler Avenue, across the street from Busch Gardens. It will feature a fitness center as well as an outdoor pool and patio area available to guests. Situated on a two-acre lot, the 51,000 square foot building will be an infill lot development.
Fairfield Groundbreaking photo courtesy of Firmo Construction
The Venice Symphony has named Holly Anderson as Director of Philanthropy for the organization. Ms. Anderson will lead efforts on donor cultivation and stewardship, building strategic business and community partnerships, fundraising campaigns, event planning and securing grants. She will also serve as liaison to The Venice Symphony Chair Society. “I am excited to join The Venice Symphony at a time when the organization has a boundless potential for growth and influence,” said Anderson. “Masterful art elevates a community and has the power to move an individual and to connect people. It is a privilege to work with such passionate and committed patrons, board members and staff.”
Anderson comes to the Symphony after a long career with Sarasota County Public Libraries where she served as Library System Coordinator and then as branch manager at the North Port Public Library. Prior to that she worked for the United Way of Sarasota County and other non-profit organizations. “Holly brings extensive development experience and a strong commitment to our community and has embraced the mission and vision of the Symphony," said Christine Kasten, President and CEO of the Symphony. "She has already established relationships with our patrons and created new opportunities for The Venice Symphony to partner with businesses and other organizations.”
Presented by Alltrust Insurance, the 2021 Tidewell Trot 5K and 1-mile Run/Walk benefitting Tidewell Foundation is scheduled to be held on October 21, 2021, at Nathan Benderson Park — 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir. Proceeds benefit Tidewell Foundation in its grants to Tidewell Hospice for charity care, grief support services, specialized veterans care, music therapy, telehealth, and more. The vendor fair will begin at 5pm, the 5k at 6pm, and the 1-mile run/walk at 6:15pm.
Ken Miller will perform on Thursday, October 21 at 7pm, Friday, October 22 at 6:30pm, Friday, October 22 at 8:50pm, Saturday, October 23 at 6:30pm, and Saturday, October 23 at 8:50pm. Rated AS. Tickets are $25. Ken was crowned the winner of the first-ever Steve Harvey Standup Spotlight Comedy Competition in 2019. Ken has also competed in The Great American Comedy Festival, The World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas, The American Black Film Festival Comedy Wings Competition, and The Laughing Skull Comedy Festival. Ken made his TV debut on NICKMOMs, MOMS NIGHT OUT on NICKJR. In 2019, Ken was featured at the Big Pine Comedy Festival and the Oak City Comedy Festival.
The Players Centre for Performing Arts is thrilled to celebrate our 5th annual production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at the Sarasota Polo Club. This year, for the first time, The Players Centre is proud to introduce the Headless Horseman to South County at Selby Botanical Garden’s Historic Spanish Point. This family-friendly, yet spooky, and always festive play is based on Washington Irving's classic tale about Ichabod Crane, the object of his affection Katrina, his rival Brom Bones, and of course, one of the most famous ghosts in American Folklore, the Headless Horseman. The show runs an hour in totality and is suitable for audiences of all ages. Sarasota Polo Club shows have been known to sell out, so reserve your tickets early. The Players Centre is excited to be bringing this holiday production to an even wider audience and to be pairing with such esteemed cultural organizations to showcase the talent and beauty of our entire community. Show dates are Oct. 22 at 6pm, Oct. 23 at 4pm and 6pm at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane. Rain dates are Sunday, October 24, October 29 and 30 at 5:30pm at the Guptil House at Historic Spanish Point, 337 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey. Students $10, Adults $20, and Family 4-packs $50. Please bring your own chairs and/or blankets, none will be provided, this is an outdoor event. All seating will be socially distanced. Masks are recommended for those that are unvaccinated.
TerraNova Equestrian Center welcomes you to its inaugural event, The Event at TerraNova, Oct. 22-24. The Event at TerraNova showcases the Olympic sport of three-day eventing. Like an equestrian triathlon, eventing tests the abilities of horse and rider in three phases– dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Join us for the ultimate in equestrian sport and a lovely day in the country. General admission and VIP experiences are available. Our goal is to create a world-class experience for all levels of riders, horses and spectators. The Event at TerraNova is a destination event for competitors, owners and sponsors, located just a short drive from Sarasota and some of the nation’s top beaches, resort hotels, golf courses and upscale restaurants.
Friends of Manatee County Animal Services (FoMCAS) invites everyone to join them at the February Yappy Hour at Motorworks Brewery. FoMCAS will be the featured nonprofit and will have over $4000 in raffles and silent auction items plus a 50/50 drawing to help fundraise for the Manatee County Animal Services shelter animals. The family friendly and pet friendly event will be held on Sunday, February 21st in the Motorworks Beer Garden from 1pm to 4pm. The event will feature vendors selling an array of pet and non-pet related products with drink specials and food from local food trucks all in the 12,000 sq ft. artificially turfed beer garden. Raffles and silent auction items include resort stays on Anna Maria Island, spa packages, restaurant gift cards, sailing excursions, fabulous gift baskets, pet items, tickets to sporting events and a golf package, handmade arts by local artisans, jewelry, baskets of spirits, gourmet gift packages, and much, much more. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their leashed pets to enjoy the day and help contribute to the Friends of Manatee County Animal Services whose mission it is to work hand in hand with Manatee County Animal Services to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources, medical care and heartworm treatment. Animal Network is the event partner with Motorworks Brewery for the monthly Yappy Hour held on the third Sunday of each month. It features different local nonprofit animal organizations that support, rescue, and find loving homes for dogs and cats in our community. Each month, the guest organization receives the funds raised through the silent auction, raffles and 50/50 split drawing. Over the last three years the event has raised over $100,000 shared among the various guest organizations. Animal Network, Dawg Phonics and Motorworks are sponsors of the Yappy Hour.
First 1,000 Days Sarasota County is a community initiative to improve the health and well-being of babies and families. At the end of 2020, the initiative and its 75 community partners launched a website to empower all parents and caregivers with simple tools proven to promote quality early childhood development. The initiative partners are now using the power of art to celebrate families and promote local educational resources available to them. Utilizing free curriculum with fun activities for parents to do with their children and a sidewalk chalk festival, First 1,000 Days Sarasota is encouraging the community to get involved this spring in the “Color the Community” campaign. The campaign kicked off with the unveiling of three new works of art across Sarasota County: “Swing Out Into the World,” by Laura Pommier at 14212 Tamiami Trail in North Port, its sister mural, “Bubbles,” by Truman Adams, at Forty Carrots Family Center, 1500 South Tuttle Avenue, in Sarasota; and a traveling artwork, “Making Roots,” being created by Traci Kegerreis, are designed as gateways for young families to learn about resources available to support parents in being their child’s first teacher. Artists were encouraged to creatively express one or more of the fundamentals of early childhood development, known as “The Basics.” First 1,000 Days Sarasota County is now asking the broader community to follow suit. Children and families can easily get involved by: Creating sidewalk chalk art (or your preferred medium) inspired by The Basics early learning principles: Maximize love, manage stress, Count, group, compare, Talk, sing, and point, Explore through play and movement, and Read and discuss stories; Posting photos of you and your masterpiece to social media. Tag @First1000DaysSarasota on Facebook and Instagram and use hashtags #First1000DaysSarasota #ColortheCommunity; and Visiting First1000DaysSarasota.com to sign up for free text tips on The Basics and connect with local resources for parents and young children.
Art and Race Matters: The Career of Robert Colescott from May 29 to October 31. Art and Race Matters is the first comprehensive retrospective of one of the United States’ most compelling and provocative artists who—through vibrant paintings laced with biting satire—confronted issues of race, gender, identity, and the uncomfortable realities of American life in the latter half of the 20th century.
You are invited to see this outstanding show and the opportunity of purchasing original art, digital art prints, and fine crafts by the Ringling College of Art and Design Students. All artwork will be on display online only on this page. To purchase please call 941-822-0442 and make arrangements for curbside pickup or shipping. The twelfth Annual Ringling College of Art and Design Student Show will run October 5-28, 2021.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County is getting ready to run an online auction in celebration of our 75th anniversary. Starting on October 10, 2021 and running through October 25, 2021, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County will be auctioning off a number of fun and unique items to bid on to raise money for our organization. For 75 years, BGCMC has provided afterschool and summer programs that offer hope and opportunity to every child in our community, especially those who need us most. We rely on the generosity of our donors to help provide essential support for our children and teens. Categories include Food & Gourmet Items, Golf & Sports Gear, Memorabilia, Entertainment, Sports, Travel, and Wine. Don't See An Item You Like? Simply Make a Donation. Every donation made during this auction event will be matched dollar for dollar up to $75,000.
The Florida Winefest & Auction is back this fall. Sandy Loevner, Florida Winefest Board of Directors Chairman is excited that, although the in-person events are not able to take place, an online auction will still be possible to help raise funds for multiple local children’s charities the event benefits. The online auction will take place October 10 - October 24 and will feature an array of items including exclusive, one-of-a-kind items such as vacations, unique collector’s items, wine packages, dinners with celebrity chefs, trips and resort experiences, exotic treasures, art, jewelry, and a few surprises including a chance to ride on a float in the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans. Register for the auction by October 9th to be automatically entered to win an exquisite and exclusive bottle of wine valued at $200. Register at https://floridawinefest.org/auction/
Opening Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s 16th Season is Voices – Rising Choreographers, a showcase of movement makers, including SCD company members Sea Lee and Jessica Obiedzinski, as well as Miami artist Justice Rodriguez. This program presents rising voices who were selected by adjudication from SCD's Summer Intensive Programs, chosen by Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott. This showcase will take place from Thursday, October 14, 2021 to Sunday, October 17, 2021. All shows are at 7pm, except Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are $10 - $45. Available Virtually Friday, October 14th, 2021 through Sunday, October 17th, 2021. Virtual Tickets are $25.
Enjoy a daily carnival with rides and games for all ages October 21-24 and favorite fair food, and a Fall Festival Saturday - Sunday from 11am-6pm with family-fun entertainment and more. Event parking and admission are free. Unlimited ride wristbands are $35 on site while supplies last and online in advance for $29 each, 2/$55 or 4/$99 (Pre-sale ends Thurs., Oct. 21 at 5pm). On Saturday and Sunday, ride wristbands will only be available from 5pm to closing. Ride tickets are sold on site for $1.50 each, $30/20 tickets, or $60/50 tickets plus 1 free ride. Online pre-sale special: $45 for 50 tickets (includes 1 free ride). Midway hours: 5-10pm Thursday, 5-11pm Friday, noon-11pm Saturday, noon-10pm Sunday. Parent/guardian supervision is required for guests ages 17 and younger. The Fall Festival will feature live music and entertainment, a pumpkin patch, beer garden, food trucks, vendors and Sunday activities including the Little Miss & Mister Pumpkin Pageant (11am), Pet Costume Contest (3pm) and Trunk or Treat (4pm).
On Friday, October 22 we’re asking our members, business partners, and guests to share in our commitment to supporting the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Walk by joining us for the 2021 Fashion Show. This is the 27th show our network has staged, and after the lights were dimmed in 2020, we are back and better than ever with a show like no other. Women’s Council presents our Models of Courage: Sarasota’s Hometown Heroes. Doctors, nurses, police, firefighters, teachers, and first responders – we rely so much upon them and celebrate their pledge to our community. This year’s event will be held at the Art Ovation Hotel, and would not be possible without the generous support of our business partners. Berlin | Patten | Ebling, PLLC is our 2021 Diamond Sponsor, with Media Sponsorship by SRQ Magazine. Tickets are on sale now on Eventbrite and are expected to sell out quickly. Seating is limited, so reserve your seat or table and lock in your low price of $95; after October 1, tickets are $105. Guest tables of 12, and VIP Tickets are also available. Please e-mail us at sarasotawcr@gmail.com to join our Fashion Show Committee, or for additional information on this epic event. 2021 Fashion Show: The New Roaring 20s. A portion of the proceeds benefit "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer." Seated luncheon by Art Ovation. Men's and Women's Fashions by Jackie Z. Models of Courage: Sarasota’s First Responders. LIVE Music & Entertainment. LIVE Auction. “The Bee’s Knees” LOTTO Tree Raffle. Spiffy, Swell & Swanky: Our Online Silent Auction. Speakeasy Style: Our Vendor Boutique.
The Sarasota Sailing Squadron located on City Island is pleased to announce that the 50th World Sunfish Championship will be coming to Sarasota in October 2021. The 100 competitors come from North, South, and Central America, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Europe. They will be sailing new boats supplied by Sunfish Direct. They have qualified previously in events held in their respective countries and represent the country's best sailors. The week long event will be held Oct. 23-29. Twelve races are planned during the week. A "lay day" is scheduled if needed for inclement weather, a time for visitors to enjoy the many amenities that Sarasota has to offer. Many family members also attend and join in the Squadron's planned activities, enhancing the experience for everyone. The 50th Regatta organizers also plan to invite past Wold competitors to attend which will bring many more sailors to enjoy the racing via spectator boats and entertainment events.
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