SRQ DAILY Mar 8, 2023
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"Philanthropy has the ability to bring people together to talk about things they might not have talked about before."
SRQ Magazine's 2023 Philanthropic Agenda and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion took place yesterday at Michael's on East. The event explores the dynamic and ever changing world of nonprofits and honors 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.
Wes Roberts, Executive Publisher of SRQ Magazine, host and co-moderator, gave a warm welcome to all and thanked series sponsor Mariash Lowther Wealth Management, host sponsor, Michael's on East, good hero sponsor, JFCS of the Suncoast, and floral sponsor, Tropical interiors Florist. Roberts then addressed the community response to Hurricane Ian and recognized the attendees for their dedication. "Our local good guys leaped into action and helped those who needed it most," he said. "The only thing we can always expect is that there will always be unexpected tragedies, difficulties and challenges in our lives."
Brian Mariash, a former recipient of the Good Hero Award himself, then gave opening remarks before turning the stage over to keynote speaker, Mark Brewer, CEO/President, Central Florida Foundation. Brewer congratulated everyone for working through and continuing to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. He spoke about how giving has changed over the years and shared a global message: "Philanthropy has the ability to bring people together to talk about things they might not have talked about before."
The five featured panelists--Susie Bowie, CEO/President, The William G and Marie Selby Foundation, Beth Duda, Director, Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading, Dr. Kameron Hodgens, Director of Community Leadership, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Kelly Romanoff, Senior VP for Strategy and Evaluation, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Kirsten Russell, VP, Community Impact, Community Foundation of Sarasota County--then joined together for engaging discussions including what we have learned from the experience of having a hurricane strike so close to our region and how to choose priorities for support when there are so many groups in our community that need help.
New CEO and President of JFCS of the Suncoast Dr. Helene Lothman took the stage to kick off SRQ Magazine's Good Hero Philanthropic Awards which went to the following recipients: Jessica Braemer of Better Together, Bronwyn Beightol of United Way Suncoast, Lisa Moore of Blaze of Hope, Bill Sadlo of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Liberty Savings Bank, W.E. "Chip" Gaylor of Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Norman Love of Norman Love Confections, Elizabeth "Betty" Ferguson of Sarasota Ballet, Mary Kay Henson of Unidos Now and other community projects and Marjan Zahu of Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) Foundation. Congratulations to all ten of this year's honorees. Read more about each Good Hero in upcoming editions of SRQ Magazine.
The Education Foundation of Sarasota County has received a grant of $5,000 from the Florida Lottery (Lottery). Through the Lighting the Way to a Bright Future program grant, this grant will support the Education Foundation’s work to help low-income students prepare for college, career, and life. Thanks in part to this support from the Lottery, the Education Foundation will reach more low-income students and help them prepare for life after high school by: Opening a Student Success Center at Sarasota Military Academy, a free charter school near downtown Sarasota. Students can access comprehensive resources and relationships to prepare for life after graduation, including working one on one with a Student Success Coach to plan for life after graduation. Providing a Student Success Coach with deep connections to North Port High School and the surrounding community to meet students where they are and help them identify college and career pathways and prepare for life. Offering free SAT/ACT preparation workshops to low-income students at LaunchPad4U. The Lottery recognizes that while all Florida students can earn a Bright Futures Scholarship, many may need additional support to meet the criteria and prepare for post-secondary success—particularly students of low socio-economic backgrounds and aspiring first-generation college students. This year the Florida Lottery provided $50,000 to the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations to fund nine standout projects by local education foundations that “light the way” for thousands of students to earn a Bright Futures Scholarship for college and career certification programs throughout Florida, including Sarasota County.
Church of the Redeemer in Downtown Sarasota recently surprised 60 public school teachers in Sarasota and Manatee counties with a total of $15,000 in grants for classroom enhancements, which can include anything from cleaning supplies, storage items to keep classrooms neat, seasonal decor, and arts and crafts supplies. Individual educators often must pay for these enhancements out of their own pockets. This is the second year that Redeemer has provided the gifts through its St. Scholastica Program, which is funded by donations from parishioners raised over a period of five weeks. Funding also came from the church’s Mission & Outreach Committee, which awards grants to charitable causes throughout Sarasota, and from the Episcopal Thrift House, which is led by Redeemer volunteers and community members. Redeemer’s Director of Children’s Christian Formation Jacki Boedecker said, “What a privilege to be part of this remarkable outreach! It’s so meaningful to witness the joyful recipients and ecstatic students.” Youth Minister Jackie Overton added, “Teachers pour their hearts and sometimes their own funds into their classrooms, and we’re thankful to be able to honor them!” Teachers who received the $250 grants will also be honored in person at a special service that will take place on April 23 at Church of the Redeemer. Youth Minister Jackie Overton adds, “The church comes to life when we step outside the walls and into our communities. I’m thankful to be part of such a loving congregation, for leadership that supports creative ideas, for the team that read and reread over 100 applications, and for the generosity of those who shared their treasures so we can honor the talents of 60 teachers in Manatee and Sarasota counties.”
Art Avenue is pleased to announce it will be hosting Hands Up for Homes! An Art Auction Benefitting Second Heart Homes, Inc. Art Avenue founder and owner Paul Sykes will chair the second-annual live auction on Friday, March 10, from 6pm to 9pm, at Art Avenue’s Siesta Key Mall location in Sarasota. Free parking is available in the mall lot at 3501 South Tamiami Trail. The event is free. Guests can enjoy wine, sushi by Tsunami and live music while bidding on more than 20 works of art donated by local artists, including “Andy Warhol” sculptor Jack Dowd, “Spread Love” artist Brandon Thrift and “Women of the Resistance” painter Vicki Chelf. Supporters who are unable to attend the event can double their
donations up to $500 through the Flanzer matching gift program at secondhearthomes.org. All proceeds go to Second Heart Homes, a local nonprofit that provides housing and high-touch supportive services to 43 homeless men and women with mental health conditions in seven properties across Sarasota and Manatee counties. They closed on their 8 th property on March 2nd . “Hands Up for Homes! encourages bidders and donors to ‘give a hand up, rather than a hand out,’ so that we can reduce the impact of chronic homelessness on our community while getting our homeless adults off the street and back on their feet,” said Megan Howell, founder and executive director for Second Heart Homes. “Our funding comes solely from individual and private sector giving. We’re hoping to raise $100,000 from the auction for the launching of our next 2 homes.” Event sponsors include Art Avenue, CitySide, Kitchner Benefits, Lori Sax Photography, Sandbox Financial Partners, Szantosi Art, and Tsunami Sushi. For more information and to give, contact Megan Howell at megan@secondhearthomes.org or 941-201-9353.
Pictured: No Place Like Homeless Jack Dowd. Courtesy of Art Avenue.
Cork Elementary School in Plant City gave a thoughtful donation to Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Hurricane Ian Recovery Initiative. In the month of October, they began a “Penny War” where together students raised $2,225.20 for Gulf Coast in just one school week following the storm to support disaster relief. The elementary school’s contribution was leveraged with other donor gifts for a $10,000 grant award for students at State College of Florida, Venice campus. The grant will cover the cost of 50 bus passes for Venice students whose vehicles were damaged in the hurricane or who were otherwise affected financially and are struggling with transportation to the campus. Gulf Coast sent a package to Cork Elementary thanking them for their generosity. This is a stellar example of youth taking the lead to benefit those who suffered from the storm.
Pictured: Jennifer Johnston and Michelle Stout with Gulf Coast Community Foundation make a thank-you package to students at Cork Elementary School for their philanthropy. Photo courtesy of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
Time is running out to register for Better Together, Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s (Gulf Coast) outdoor, free, fun, reimagined event. Registration can be completed through Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gulf-coast-community-foundations-better-together-2023-tickets-536113348457. Better Together will take place on Thursday, March 16 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on the 1500 block of State Street in downtown Sarasota. The entire community is invited to celebrate our nonprofit region and the impact of philanthropy. The first 200 attendees will receive a complimentary gift courtesy of Gulf Coast. Better Together will have free activities that celebrate education, arts, health and human services, and the environment, including performances by local musicians, a mini Venice Shark Hunt, and the opportunity to do a random act of kindness for a community helper. Attendees can also collaborate with local artist Brandon Thrift (known for his “Spread Love” artwork) to create a community art piece. Gulf Coast will also have artists from the Circus Arts Conservatory, face painting, and a 360-degree photo booth. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, including Better Together ice cream sandwiches from Rise and Nye’s. Parking is available at the State Street parking garage. Gulf Coast will have check-in tables for registration at either end of State Street, near the parking garage and Hyde Park Steakhouse.
Nearly 600 people attended the Tidewell Foundation’s 14th Annual Signature luncheon Friday, March 3, 2023 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The Signature Luncheon is the Tidewell Foundation’s largest fundraiser benefiting Tidewell Hospice and Empath Health services reaching more than 10,000 people each year in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. Former Army Major and Bronze Star recipient Dr. Sudip Bose was the keynote speaker. Dr. Bose shared compelling lessons from his experiences on the battlefield and working in emergency medicine that attendees could use to cope with stress in their lives. He also discussed the importance of preparation for life’s challenges. “You have to prepare in peace time for war time. You have to sweat in peace so you don’t bleed in war,” Dr. Bose said. “Similarly, you too must prepare—we all must prepare for the end of life. Our life is defined by two days—a birth date and a death date; between them is a dash, and you have to make the most of that dash.” Donor support makes the Tidewell Honors Veterans program possible. Tidewell Foundation also helps fund charitable care, grief support services, complementary therapies such as music and expressive arts, and other Tidewell Hospice services. Caldwell Trust Company was the Signature Sponsor of the 14th Annual Signature Luncheon, and Northern Trust was the Sustaining Sponsor. A complete list of Signature Luncheon sponsors can be found at tidewellfoundation.org/news-and-events/events/signature-luncheon.
Pictured: Attendees at Tidewell Foundation’s 14th Annual Signature Luncheon enjoy the VIP reception. Courtesy of Tidewell Foundation.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium will release 10 critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m on Tuesday, March 7. The 10 turtles, all named for national parks, were transferred to CMA for care from the
New England Aquarium and National Marine Life Center following a cold-stun event in Cape Cod that resulted in hundreds of stranded sea turtles. Following nearly three months of care, CMA veterinarians have determined the turtles (named Yellowstone, Isle Royale, Yosemite, Mount Rainier, Joshua Tree, Redwood, Zion, Sequoia, Smoky and Teton) are fully rehabilitated and ready for release back into Atlantic waters. Clearwater Marine Aquarium will also be releasing two additional Kemp’s ridley sea turtles for The Florida Aquarium that were rehabilitated under their care at this time. Additional details on the turtles’ care may be viewed at: mission.cmaquarium.org/news/sea-turtle-hospital-patient-new-england-patients/
Tidewell Foundation’s annual Linens and Love drive will be held in March, in partnership with Dignity Memorial. This will be the third year for the drive, which collects new sheets, towels and other linens for Tidewell Hospice and Empath Home Health patients in need. In 2022, more than 2,000 pounds of new linens were collected and $3,600 was donated for linens purchases. The linens are often needed by patients who receive a hospital bed in their homes and need XL twin sheets. In other cases, families with limited resources need help providing their loved ones with clean, quality linens. By donating to Linens and Love, you help Tidewell Foundation in its mission to lift spirits and provide comfort to patients and families.Each year, Tidewell Hospice provides care for nearly 10,000 patients throughout its four-county service area of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. The Tidewell Foundation provides perpetual support for the world-class hospice and home health care of Tidewell Hospice, part of Empath Health. The community can get involved and donate new linens by: Shopping online: Visit Amazon and purchase the selected XL twin bed sheet sets and towel sets. Your purchases will be shipped directly to the Tidewell Foundation; Shopping in person: Drop sheets and towels off at one of the drop-off locations across the region. For a full list of drop off locations and directions, visit tidewellfoundation.org/news-and-events/events/linenlove; Donating to the Tidewell Foundation: Visit the Linen Drive donation page, make a donation, and we will purchase linens on your behalf to give to a patient in need.
POWER COUPLE | Guided by their faith, David and Adie Rubin are brightening the way for others and themselves through their generosity, March 2023.
Get inspired to create your own ‘towers of tomorrow’ with over 200,000 loose LEGO® bricks available in hands-on construction areas. Young and old will be limited only by their imagination as they add their creations to a steadily rising futuristic LEGO® metropolis inside the exhibition. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit bishopscience.org.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to present Network, a fast-paced drama following the downward spiral of Howard Beale, a longtime news anchor who has worked at a television network, UBS, for 25 years. When Beale learns that he is being fired for poor ratings and low viewership, he unravels live on air during his final broadcast. As a result, his show’s ratings soar, and Howard becomes the biggest thing on television. Seeing Howard as a new populist prophet, UBS decides to leverage Howard’s newfound popularity to boost its bottom line. Network begins playing January 25, 2023, in FST’s Gompertz Theatre. Single tickets to Network range from $25-39. Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941.366.9000.
The Same Source exhibit by Luca Molnar uses various media to explore the connection between historical figures and personal mythologies. The exhibit highlights the connection between private life, domestic spaces and memory. On Thursday, Feb. 16, Molnar will participate in an artist talk via Zoom from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The exhibit runs from Feb. 2 to March 11. To learn more, visit artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
Enjoy a night of fun at Waterside Place during Ranch Nite Wednesdays. The event features food trucks, live music, a night market, a vintage mobile bar and cornhole. Visit lakewoodranch.com to learn more. Waterside Place, 1561 Lakefront Drive, Sarasota.
Join Sarasota Art Museum for Jazz Thursdays featuring live jazz music, contemporary art, and sips and bites from Bistro. Hosted by the Jazz Club of Sarasota. Jazz Thursday happens on the second Thursday of each month, 5:30-8 p.m. Galleries, Bistro, and SHOP open. FREE for Members, $20 for Not-Yet Members.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ 2023 Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature showcases the creativity and innovation of American artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933). The first exhibition of its type to be presented in a botanical garden, the exhibition highlights the inspiring connection between Tiffany Studios and the natural world through unique horticultural displays in the Tropical Conservatory and the Gardens, accompanied by seminal examples of Tiffany’s work on view in the Museum of Botany and the Arts. To learn more, visit selby.org. Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) presents the Regional Premiere of The Last Match by Anna Ziegler, a fast-paced play diving into the intense world of professional sports. Set during the semifinals of the U.S. Open, The Last Match follows Sergei Sergeyev, an up-and-coming Russian phenom, and Tim Porter, a great American superstar in the twilight of his career, during one of the most important matches of their careers. Called “Exceptional” and “Highly Engaging” by the Wall Street Journal, The Last Match begins playing February 22 in FST’s Bowne’s Lab. Single tickets range from $18-39 and are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or 941.366.9000.
Join us as we celebrate the 35-year partnership of the Van Wezel Foundation and the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for an intimate experience featuring exceptional dining and Grammy-winning musician Kenny Loggins. Proceeds from the evening will the support the mission of the Van Wezel Foundation: to create and sustain a vibrant perfoming arts center, advance education, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 5:00 Cocktails, Dinner & Program, 8:00 Live Performance. Gala co-chairs: Kathy Martella and Susan Travers. For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Julie Schwartz at 941-271-4180 or jschwartz@vwfoundation.org.
The Circus Arts Conservatory and Key Chorale are thrilled to come together again for this year’s production of Cirque des Voix, or Circus of the Voices, a one-of-a-kind performing arts experience. This unique arts presentation combines the more than 100 voices of the Key Chorale with the 40-piece Cirque Orchestra and live circus artists. Featured in this season’s three performances will be circus artists of national and international acclaim as well as youth performers from the CAC’s Sailor Circus Academy, will dazzle audiences with acts performed to exquisite musical accompaniment. Performances will take place at the CAC’s Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota on Friday, March 10 at 8 p.m., and Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12 at 1 p.m. Tickets for Cirque des Voix are $35-$75. Visit CircusArts.org or call 941-355-9805 to reserve your seats.
The Manatee River Garden Club presents ObSEUSSed, a Dr. Seuss-themed flower show. The show is atribute to Dr. Seuss and his whimsical books and art. There will be 24 artistic floral designs competing in 6 different classes. Educational exhibits will cover Butterflies and The Homegrown National Park Project. Botanical Arts exhibits will include Artistic Crafts and Photography. The show will be judged by nationally accredited Flower Show Judges on Friday morning and will be open to the public from 2:00 until 5:00 pm on Friday, March 11, and 10 am until 4 pm on Saturday, April 17. The show is free to the public. Food will be available for purcahse. Manatee River Garden Club, 3120 First Avenue West, Bradenton. manateerivergardenclub.com.
This monthly gathering of car enthusiasts brings together automobile lovers from every walk of life, not to mention a wide array of spectacular cars. Bring your own vehicle (all makes and models are welcome) to show off, or check out the hundreds of cars on display. Each month, the event sponsors a different charity, and attendees are encouraged to donate $10 to benefit the charity. The event, occuring on the second Sunday of each month, will feature live music, complimentary coffee and more. To learn more, visit facebook.com/carsandcoffee941. Sarasota Cars and Coffee, The West District at University Town Center near Ford’s Garage, 295 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.
Each year since 2012 PoetryLife, a project of Bookstore1Sarasota, has been bringing the best of the world’s poets to Sarasota. PoetryLife 2023 features renowned poets Martin Espada and Patricia Jabbeh Wesley, along with poet Philip Terman and Sarasota Youth Poet Laureate Haley Peace. Join us at Florida Studio Theatre for a celebration of heritage and poetry. The event will include readings and conversations as well as poetry writing workshops. Visit sarasotabooks.com to purchase tickets for specific events and learn more.
Manatee Pride is a fun family event with all proceeds benefiting ALSO Youth. ALSO Youth provides Advocacy, Leadership, Support, and Outreach for LGBTQ+ youth in Sarasota and Manatee Counties and is dedicated to supporting, affirming, encouraging, and empowering all LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and allies via two youth centers that host weekly programming, support groups, scholarship opportunities, and more. Our annual Manatee Pride festival will showcase incredible live entertainment, music, delicious food, refreshments, health checks, and more. We would like to give a special thanks to Craig Byers for our beautiful logo for this incredible event. Riverwalk Pavilion and Event Area, 452 3rd Avenue W. Bradenton, alsoyouth.org.
Meet us at Oscura in Downtown Bradenton for our March Friendly City Flea. Outdoors there will be over 70 artisan vendors and a DJ. Indoors there will be jazz and brunch with a specialty food and beverage menu. Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave E., Bradenton, friendlycityflea.com.
The Jazz Club of Sarasota presents the Sarasota Jazz Festival. A variety of jazz styles will be on display for audiences. The event will feature four evenings of main stage performances, a jazz trolley tour, late night jam sessions and jazz films. Programs will be held at University Town Center/Nathan Benderson Park and the Burns Court Cinema. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit sarasotajazzfestival.com.
THAT MUST BE THE ENTRANCE TO HEAVEN by Franky D. Gonzalez. A World Premiere. June 9 - July 9, 2023. Urbanite Theatre. Glory. Survival. Legacy. Citizenship. Four Latino boxers all chase a world title to achieve their personal versions of heaven. But to get there, they must battle each other, their own battered bodies, and the universe itself. All four men walk the line between life and death in this poignant, poetic collision of combat and cosmos. For tickets and info contact - phone (941) 321-1397, email info@urbanitetheatre.com, website www.urbanitetheatre.com.
Urbanite Theatre , 1487 2nd Street Sarasota FL, 34236
The 2023 Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival will return for its 16th year. The Festival is scheduled for April 20-24, 2023 and offers a world-class weekend of winemaker dinners, interactive wine seminars and wine tastings that culminates with the alfresco Grand Tasting event at The Ringling Museum of Art Courtyard. Guests will savor delicious dishes presented by over 40 members of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals restaurant group and sample from a collection of more than 300 unique wines from across the globe. There will be live musical entertainment and an expansive silent auction of rare and collectible wines and experiences. Due to the unprecedented demand this year, there are three available ticket levels: VIP, early access and general admission. For more information on Forks and Corks and to purchase tickets, visit EatLikeALocal.com. Follow Forks and Corks on Facebook and Instagram.
Does a Modern building’s design significance stand independent from its original site, as does a work of art or sculpture? This talk will explore the concept, the recent trend, the future implications, and the possible preservation opportunities of treating Modern architecture as "moveable" heritage. In addition to moving buildings to preserve them, the presentation will also feature the emerging phenomena of treating significant Modern architecture as works of art that can be acquired by collectors including their sale and auction followed by being disassembled, packed up, transported, and reassembled on a new site. McCulloch Pavilion 265 S Orange Ave., Sarasota, architecturesarasota.org.
Our stories have never been the same since Ponce De Leon first arrived on our shores in 1513. Flowing seamlessly between Spanish and English, the personal, historical, and traditional Florida tales that storyteller Carrie Sue Ayvar tells in Stories of Florida Con Sabor connect the people and cultures of Florida, con un poquito de sabor Latino, with a little bit of Latino flavor. This bilingual presentation, designed for audiences 13 years and older, is funded by the Florida Humanities’ Florida Talks program and runs Friday, March 24, at 7:30 p.m., at CreArte Latino Theatre, 8251 15th St. E. Suite I, Sarasota. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at www.creartelatino.org.
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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