SRQ DAILY Dec 8, 2021
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"By sourcing locally, we found a way to showcase the rare sought after patterns of the Burmese python, while helping to sustain our natural resources in the Everglades."
Designed and handcrafted in its very own Sarasota atelier, BSWANKY, a philanthropic and sustainably-made designer handbag line, creates transformational bags with a focus on helping to derail Florida's invasive python species. The Python collection comes fully-lined and wrapped with textured python skin ethically-sourced from the Florida Everglades. “By sourcing locally, we found a way to showcase the rare sought after patterns of the Burmese python, while helping to sustain our natural resources in the Everglades,” says BSWANKY Founder and designer Gretchen Bauer.
The concept "from hunter to handbag" means BSWANKY is procuring the skins directly from the hunters and hand finishing them utilizing an artisanal layered dying process to ensure the most luxurious result possible. But sourcing properly finished skins in the US proved to be a challenge. "Tanneries exist in Europe and the East that have developed the skills and techniques passed down from generation to generation over hundreds of years who have perfected the process," says Bauer. "Partnering with one of these tanneries is nearly impossible as exporting these skins is a legal and logistical nightmare. When we were unable to find domestic tanneries that could provide the high end finishes our clients expect, we took it into our own skilled hands and atelier. We secured the highest quality dyes from France and spent months perfecting the multi staged system of preparing, dyeing, and finishing the skins with a stunning patinas and finishes that are uniquely ours, again something we pride ourselves on. Throw in the fact that each python skin is different, and that equates to every BSWANKY handbag being a bespoke work of art that rivals the most Iconic European brands."
As attention-grabbing as the textile's 5-ft long, scaly reptilian source, it's no surprise the exotic, luxury bags caught the eye of someone unexpected in Hollywood.
That someone was the set decorator for the new Peacock TV comedy series, Killing It, directed by Mo Marable. In search of a source for luxury python handbags, they reached out to Bauer. “We are, to my knowledge, the only design house who is finishing the invasive python skins to perfection and using them in luxury designer handbags,” she says. Bauer and her team collaborated with the show’s representative on the specific designs to be featured. Within a few short days, an order for 12 Burmese Python luxury handbags in four different styles was placed for use in the show. According to Killing It's representative, the BSWANKY bags were filmed being displayed in a high-end luxury store featured in the show, as well as appearing in additional episode sequences. Described as a comedy about capitalism and one man’s quest to achieve the "American dream," while also hunting really big snakes, the show stars Craig Robinson of the hit show The Office, to play a wannabe python hunter. The show is still currently in production.
Excitingly enough, Bauer also shared that they were recently commissioned to create a one-of-a-kind python accessory for an admiral in the Pentagon. And, an award-winning documentary filmmaker Dana Kalmey is currently working on a project to follow the python—from hunter to handbag concept—and featuring BSWANKY. "Stay tuned," she says.
Photo of Gretchen Bauer presenting the Python collection, courtesy of BSWANKY
CenterPlace Health has partnered with the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, Inc. to certify three of their staff members as Navigators for the Affordable Care Act. Staff members, Ximena Granada, Tracy Green and Fran Polar are Certified Navigators and currently scheduling appointments that are free and open to the public. Granada and Green are both Community Health Workers at CenterPlace Health and Polar is the Marketing and Communications coordinator. The team of three will assist the public with getting registered for affordable health insurance. Both Granada and Polar are bilingual and are fluent in both English and Spanish. The Navigator position was created by the Affordable Care Act to provide helpers for people to enroll in coverage through the health insurance exchange and refer or assist with Medicaid enrollment. Navigators are paid by state and federal grant programs, and they cannot be compensated by the insurance companies. Navigators play a vital role in helping consumers prepare applications to establish eligibility and enroll in coverage through the Marketplaces and potentially qualify for an insurance affordability program.
They also provide outreach and education to raise awareness about the Marketplace and refer consumers to health insurance and consumer assistance programs when necessary. Navigators operate year-round—increasing awareness among the remaining uninsured about the coverage options available to them, helping consumers find affordable coverage that meets their needs, and assisting consumers beyond the enrollment process to ensure they're equipped with the tools and resources needed to utilize and maintain their health coverage all year.
Navigators must complete comprehensive federal Navigator training, criminal background checks, and state training and registration (when applicable), prior to assisting consumers. For further information, call 1-866-547-2793.
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation recently awarded four grants totaling $1,098,354 to Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. These grants will help SMH purchase new orthopedic surgical tools and endoscopic high-definition camera systems, a high-volume laboratory testing system and a urological laser. $486,249 was granted to help purchase the Stryker System 8 orthopedic surgical set, which offers new tools orthopedic surgeons will use in total joint cases. The improved design will enhance and expand orthopedic surgery at Sarasota Memorial. $301,118 was provided to help purchase three Stryker surgical endoscopic camera systems and towers. The high-definition camera systems include HD monitors, cameras, scopes, light source and image capture device. The towers will enhance patient care by promoting better visualization and pinpoint accuracy during surgery. $182,875 was granted to help purchase a Hologic Panther Plus instrument system for the SMH-Venice laboratory. SMH laboratories are currently completing more than 10,000 tests per month. The new system will assure high-volume testing capabilities are available at the newly opened hospital. $128,112 was provided to help purchase an Olympus Thilium Urology Laser. The new laser will enhance patient care by providing a quicker and safer tool to remove bladder and kidney stones.
The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation has provided Children First with a $25,000 COVID Recovery Assistance grant to support agency operations across all 15 sites throughout North Port, Sarasota, and Venice. This brings the Foundation’s total giving in 2021 to $75,000 in recognition of Children First’s mission, critical services, and community impact as well as the agency’s 60th anniversary year. Children First’s staff continues to serve on the front lines as they provide the highest quality care possible each day for hundreds of infants, toddlers, and children. Nearly 90% of families served by Children First are currently living below the Federal Poverty Level ($21,960 for a family of three), and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 has been catastrophic for those already facing a financial “cliff.” The results of reduced work hours, job loss, and unexpected medical bills puts these families at increased risks of housing and food insecurity as well as related health problems.
In the December 2021 edition of SRQ Magazine, we interviewed Scott D. Zelniker, CRPC®, CRPS® Senior Vice President–Wealth Management Private Wealth Advisor Senior Portfolio Manager at The Zelniker Dorfman Carr & Heritage Group, UBS Financial Services Inc. Private Wealth Management. Below is an excerpt published in the In Conversation marketing feature in which Scott shares his insight with SRQ readers on the financial strategies of planning for retirement.
For those people who do have a retirement portfolio with you, what is the conversation like when it comes to risk?
There are three buckets of peoples' money. There's liquidity, there's longevity, and there's legacy. So using those three buckets, we'll say to people, "In your liquidity bucket, you can't put in a retirement plan because you're not going to be able to access that money penalty free until 59 and a half. So we want you to have enough money outside of a retirement plan where you could still grow it for retirement, but we want to keep it available to you for your liquidity needs. When we talk about your longevity, money you're going to need after retirement, that longevity bucket is what we want to grow for that time frame when there’s not a paycheck anymore. Then people reach a third stage where we start talking about legacy. Is the goal to leave all your money to your kids if you have kids? Is your goal to leave some money to the kids, some to charity? Do you have philanthropic intent now versus when you're no longer here? We try to get people thinking of those three buckets because each one has a distinct strategy as to what we're going to be doing with it.
The Zelniker Dorfman Carr & Heritage Group, UBS Financial Services, Inc., 941-364-7271
SRQ is please to announce our 53nd nonstop destination to Appleton, Wisconsin (ATW) beginning March 11, 2022 with one - way fares as low as $59. For a full list of SRQ Allegiant routes visit https://www.allegiantair.com/
Joe Bonamassa is finally getting back on the road! The blues-rock star will make his Sarasota debut at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Wednesday, December 8 at 8pm Bonamassa, backed by a stellar band of legendary musicians, will perform brand new songs alongside career-spanning fan favorites. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 11 at 10 am.
Van Wezel, 777 N Tamiami Trl Sarasota, FL 34236
The SRQ Philanthropic Agenda and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion on Thursday, December 9, 2021 with a 11am registration and 11:30-1:15pm program at The Hyatt Regency will explore the dynamic and ever changing world of non-profits. What's trending, who's innovating, why are donor-advised funds growing so rapidly and what exactly are donors looking for? The luncheon will culminate with the SRQ Good Hero Philanthropic Awards program at which we will honor individuals who have meaningfully impacted our community for good in the past year and for-profit companies who have been incredible philanthropic partners to the community. The event will feature Keynote Speaker Mark Brewer, President and CEO of the Central Florida Foundation. Featured panelists include the Executive Director of the Manatee Community Foundation Susie Bowie, the Executive Director of the Bishop Parker Foundation Adell Erozer, Senior Community Investment Officer of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation Jennifer Johnston and the Vice President of Knowledge and Equity of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County Ranata Reeder. We invite the community to nominate individuals who have made a significant impact to realize the mission of local nonprofit organizations— from volunteers and board members to individual staff members and donors. We will recognize our annual Good Hero Philanthropic Award recipients, who are ambassadors of the incredible giving back spirit in the region, at the SB2: Philanthropic Agenda Luncheon and Good Hero Philanthropic Awards Luncheon. In honor of the late Steve Seidensticker of Tableseide and its group of local restaurants, the Good Hero Corporate Titan Award recognizes a for-profit organization who has made significant and lasting contributionts to the regional philanthropic community.
Join the Education Foundation of Sarasota County in celebrating our finalists at the IGNITE Education Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration on Thursday, December 9, 2021 6pm.
Jim has been featured on Comedy Central, Comcast Comedy Spotlight, NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” and “Roughing It” on NESN in his native New England. Jim McCue will perform from December 9 to 11 at 7pm, 6:30pm, and 8:50pm at The Green Room.
A magical Venice Theatre tradition celebrating its 20th year. Our original musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic story follows Ebenezer Scrooge as he reflects on his past, present and possible future. A Christmas Carol will show from December 10 to 20 at the Venice Theatre.
Join The Showfolks of Sarasota this December 10-12 at the Sarasota County Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., for the 2021 Showfolks Holiday Circus Festival. Live Circus performances under the big top include The Flying Wallendas, elephants, horses, Elmo’s Circus, Punch and Judy, kids' fun zone, moto-globe stunt riders, and rock-n-circus live. This event will also feature Saturday night fireworks, food, crafts, exhibits, flea market, and pictures with Santa. The 2021 Showfolks Holiday Circus Festival will take place on Friday, December 10 from 2pm to 8pm, Saturday, December 11 from 11am to 8pm, and Sunday, December 12 from 11am to 4pm.
After Hours at The Bazaar will take place on Friday, December 10 from 4pm to 7pm. Guest vendors will be joining and there will be live music.
Suncoast Charities for Children will be holding the 35th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on December 11 and area boaters are invited to enter free of charge. The event begins at 6pm with vessels making a short transit across Sarasota Bay and entering the Bayfront Park area at approx. 7pm. Best areas for viewing are Marina Jack, Bayfront Park, and Centennial Park. All vessels must be over 21 feet in length. Boaters can submit a private or corporate entry and will be judged for cash prizes. An awards ceremony will take place immediately after the parade on the Marina Jack fuel dock. Greg Corvelle, General Manager of Marina Jack and Lisa Baer, Director of Special Events of Suncoast Charities for Children are co-chairs for this year’s event. Participants and spectators are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped book or toy to the parade as a donation to the Suncoast Charities for Children Holiday Toy Drive. Holiday donations will be distributed to among local non-profit organizations benefitting children, teens, and adults with special needs.
Come shop for beautiful arts and crafts at the Premiere of the Sarasota Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival on December 11-12, 2021. The event will be held in beautiful JD Hamel Park in downtown Sarasota. Whether gifts for family and friends or to beautify your home, office - we have beautiful and original options. The Sarasota Holiday Arts & Crafts Festival showcases original works by artisans from throughout Florida and across the United States. These artisans create an outdoor gallery of original, handmade art in painting, photography, sculpture, candles, metalwork, digital art, jewelry, glass, ceramics, woodworking, mixed-media, fiber art, metalwork and much more. Hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm. Admission is FREE. Bring friends and family to explore, enjoy and discover artwork. The event is co-sponsored by the Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association.
Russian Ballet, Inc. proudly presents the traditional Christmas ballet “The Nutcracker” with original choreography by Professor Vadim Fedotov, music by Pyotor Tchaikovsky. Principal Dancers from AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE and NATIONAL BALLET of UKRAINE will share the stage with dancers of the School of Russian Ballet on December 11, 2021, 5pm and December 12, 2021, 1pm at Sarasota Opera House. This spectacular performance with wonderful scenery and beautiful costumes is a great holiday tradition to share with your family, friends, and children of all ages. It promises to bring surprises and wonder to the entire family. This is a “must see” for all ages.
The comedy team of Compton and Bennett are off their walkers again in this hysterical sequel to the runaway hit about the nursing home and beyond. Christmas, Hanukkah, and retirement will never be the same. Assisted Living the Musical® THE HOME...for the Holidays with Music, Lyrics & Book by Rick Compton and Betsy Bennett will show from November 19 to December 19 at the Venice Theatre.
Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its fifth annual holiday toy drive benefitting the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem program. There are currently more than 1,300 children from throughout Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect and as such, appointed a Guardian ad Litem. Because the children range in age from newborn to 18 years old with varying personal needs, the sheriff’s office has chosen to focus the holiday initiative solely on toys and gift cards. Citizens are asked to refrain from donating clothing or stuffed animals and to make sure all donations are new and unwrapped. The initiative begins Wednesday, December 1 and continues until Sunday, December 12. Citizens can deliver donations to the agency’s headquarters located at 6010 Cattleridge Boulevard, Sarasota, every day between 7am and 7pm. The initiative launched in 2017 when the agency moved into its new headquarters facility on Cattleridge Boulevard in Sarasota. To date, with help from agency members, residents, local businesses and organizations, the sheriff’s office has donated more than 7,000 gifts including $20,000 in gift cards to the Guardian ad Litem program. Thanks to a partnership with the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Public Safety Department, public safety personnel are once again generously donating a holiday tree which will serve as the collection site for the toy drive. The tree will be delivered to the sheriff’s office headquarters on Monday, November 29 at 11am.
World-renowned Gullah Artist Headlines 2-Day Area Event To Benefit Visible Men Academy on December 7 and 8 in Manatee and Sarasota at The Gallery at Art Ovation Hotel. Visible Men Academy (VMA) in partnership with Waterkolours Art Gallery will host a 2-day First Annual VMA Fine Art Show and Fundraiser with globally recognized Gullah Artist, Leroy Campbell. A portion of sales will be donated to raise critical funds to support the efforts of the academy.
Holiday Splendor will take place on Dec 2, 9, 16 from 5pm to 8pm. Celebrate the holiday season and help support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. Local schools will provide musical entertainment on the Bolger Campiello. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. All venues will be open for self-touring, including the Museum of Art, Ca' d'Zan, and the Circus Museum. Admission to this event is free with one unwrapped toy per person. Regular admission will apply without a toy donation. $15 Adult / $5 Child. Guests are encouraged to shop in the Museum Store, which has a large selection of toys under $20. Please enter through the Visitors Pavilion.
The Light of Christmas will take place from December 10 to 12, 2021 at Sarasota Baptist Church, 7091 Proctor Road, at 7pm. Last year our Sarasota Christmas production took on a new look and new location by moving our choral production outside around our giant Christmas tree. We received so many wonderful comments that we decided to bring it back this year in addition to our Broadway-style stage production. Our production team, including adults, students, and children, will join together to bring you an ALL-NEW enjoyable and meaningful start to the Christmas season. This production is free and will last approximately 50 minutes. No tickets or reservations are required. Stay after and have you picture taken in front of the tree or the manger scene.
Come out a celebrate the Holidaze season with The Green Baker and her misfits, TKSweets on Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 4pm to 7:30pm at Oasis Restaurant & Bar, 1525 4th Street. This event is a family-friendly Toy Drive event to give back to the local kids in the Sarasota/Bradenton and surrounding areas. They are taking unwrapped donated toys to Blaze of Hope Charity. BLAZE of HOPE is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to families of children with life-threatening medical conditions. They will be having the following: Infused Hot Chocolate, Cotton Candy, Marshmallows Churros, and more. This event will also feature a Winter Wonderland Photo Booth, Local vendors will be available for your Holidaze gift shopping, and a medication lounge. Tickets are $20 per person at the door. Bring Unwrapped toys at the door to get $5 off.
Designing Women Boutique is celebrating 20 years of philanthopy honoring women with purpose during their 20th Annual Gala. Save the date for Sunday, December 12 at 5:30pm at Michael's On East, 1212 S. East Ave. Dress is cocktail attirre. RSVP now by calling 941-366-5293 or visiting designingwomenSRQ.org. For sponsorship opportunities contact Board President, Ida Zito at 941-726-6785.
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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