Each year, SRQ Media invites the community to nominate individuals with hearts of giving who have made a significant impact with local nonprofit organizations — from volunteers and board members to individual staff members and donors. This year, attendees were thrilled to be together as we recognized our annual Good Hero Philanthropic Award recipients at the SB2: Philanthropic Agenda Luncheon and Good Hero Philanthropic Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, March 7th at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. In the coming weeks, we are happy to feature each of the ten honorees in our Wednesday Philanthropic edition of SRQ Daily.

Today we are recognizing a corporate good hero, Norman Love Confections. Love is a businessman who recognized the need following Hurricane Ian and put together #SWFLStrong chocolate boxes, donating 50% of every purchase to Better Together, a Southwest Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to serving families and children. The business donated a little over $36,000 to Better Together to support their two programs, Better Families and Better Jobs, helping parents who are going through a hard time to keep their kids out of foster care, find work and address the root causes of their struggle so that they can reunite as a family with the tools and support system to thrive.

“Our entire team is so grateful to our customers for the overwhelming and generous response and the chance to help our community following the devastation of Hurricane Ian,” says Norman Love. “So many families lost everything, and Better Together is literally going door-to-door in the hardest hit areas distributing food, water and other relief supplies directly to families. I was able to join them for a visit in Harlem Heights where I witnessed their boots-on-the-ground support as they helped a family who lost so much due to the storm by giving them a new bed for their toddler, providing food and essential household supplies, and even coordinating a dental appointment for the toddler. I consider this donation a collective ‘holiday gift’ from our customers to the community and I’m truly grateful to everyone who supported us during this heartbreaking time for Southwest Florida.”  

Pictured: Yosie Crespo, Director of Sales for Norman Love Confections (center) with Dr. Helene Lotman (left) and SRQ Magazine Managing Editor, Barbie Heit. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation has selected 29 participants from across the region for its 2023 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute. Through this annual initiative, the foundation provides intensive, high-quality leadership training designed to identify, develop, and connect a diverse and growing group of aspiring community leaders. The result is growing a network of skilled, action-oriented leaders who are committed to using their new skills to help transform their communities through service. Class members will take part in six training sessions from May through June conducted by the nationally recognized Leadership Development Institute at Eckerd College. Gulf Coast provides all training and resources at no cost to participants in exchange for their commitment to use their new skills to benefit the community. 

Pictured: Gulf Coast Leadership Institute’s 2023 class is ready to begin their leadership training at Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Sarasota Philanthropy Center. Photo courtesy of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

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With a staggering number of local veterans dealing with mental health issues and loneliness, Memorial Day can be especially hard. While most people are enjoying the long weekend at the beach or with friends at a BBQ, veterans are left with painful memories of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. This is not just challenging for the veteran who is experiencing this, but it often puts strain on their spouse and children. Operation Warrior Resolution is honoring those who paid these sacrifices in a different way—to heal veterans so they can live life to the fullest in honor of their battle buddy who is no longer here. Veterans are provided with access to resources, innovative therapies, and programs so the whole family can begin to successfully heal and thrive in civilian life. One couple that Operation Warrior Resolution helped was Eric and Laura Tomlinson. Eric left the military after two deployments and was struggling with depression and anxiety. It spiraled out of control, so he enrolled at the VA in various counseling programs and traditional talk therapy but hadn't
made much progress. It was taking a toll on his marriage. Eric took part in a program with Operation Warrior Resolution. “I noticed a huge change in Eric after the retreat and ever since. OWR saved him and saved our marriage,” Laura explained. It helped Eric through his struggles, and he was able to address the underlying issues that were causing him to spiral out of control. Laura received her own therapy sessions, and at the Couple’s Retreat, they were able to relearn how to communicate with each other while working through the issues he had been dealing with during his service. “I love how OWR also takes care of the spouses,” Laura expressed. Since 2018, Operation Warrior Resolution has been helping veterans heal by providing innovative therapies and specialized brain-based healing to resolve PTSD. The nonprofit was started by veteran therapist and wellness expert Kendra Simpkins, who saw an immense need for this type of support in the veteran community. Operation Warrior Resolution has helped over 100 veterans through their retreat program and almost one thousand veterans and their families through other activities and events in the Sarasota area. The organization is funded through grants, donations, and fundraisers so everything is at no cost to the veteran and their family. Operation Warrior Resolution also partners with local businesses to provide discounts on services for veterans. 

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Arts Advocates is pleased to announce that 11 Sarasota and Manatee county students have been awarded scholarships for the 2023-2024 school year totaling $38,500. Since 1969, the scholarship program has awarded over $1.1 million to students whose studies include visual and related arts, dance, writing, music, theater and architecture. All scholarship monies are generated through Arts Advocates activities and donations. To learn more about Arts Advocates, visit artsadvocates.org. 

The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) announced that it will award $500,000 to 24 regionally based arts and cultural organizations and 14 high school and college students. Additionally, five organizations are recipients of the new Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education grant. The awards will be given at an invitation-only event at The Exchange on June 8, 5 to 6:30 p.m. 

Recently U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy M.D. published an alarming eighty-two page report stating that loneliness and social isolation are national epidemics. Since 1972, Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) has been working to eradicate loneliness among older adults and has been providing solutions to combat this growing public health crisis in Southwest Florida. Brother William Geenen, SFC founder picked up on this in the early 1972 when he said, “Isolation and loneliness are the malnutrition of aging.” In Sarasota County, more than 40,000 seniors, or about 23% of the population, live alone. According to the report, social isolation increases the risk of premature death as much as a person smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. Lonely or isolated older adults report a greater incidence of depression and anxiety and suffer a mortality rate comparable to that linked to smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol, and physical inactivity. The U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory urges community-based organizations to promote stronger social connections. “Senior Friendship Centers is at the forefront of developing innovative approaches to foster a culture of connection among older adults,” said Erin McLeod, president, and CEO. “We have many programs and services such as caregiving resources, adult day services, dining centers, home-delivered meals, exercise classes, lifelong learning, friendly visitors, and telephone reassurance calls to provide an avenue for older adults to be engaged and involved in life,” McLeod added. One SCF member echoes the heartbreak of loneliness. “When my wife passed away, I didn’t do anything. I hated the world. After joining Senior Friendship Centers, my health became ten times better,” said Ed Rycraft. This place takes care of me. If I didn’t have the Center, I don’t think I’d have a happy life.”

Here are a few ways older adults can combat loneliness and live a happy and engaged life according to McLeod: Find group activities—Whether it’s stroking the paintbrush, dining with a friend, or paddling the pickleball, our world-renowned activity centers are places where you can find your passion, eat a nutritious meal, and participate in engaging activities while socializing; Stay engaged in the community—SFC provides a multitude of volunteer opportunities, from greeting people at the welcome desk, visiting local seniors, instructing exercise classes, entertaining, and more. Volunteering not only creates a sense of meaning, purpose, and mattering, but it allows seniors to engage; Get help—When a spouse or partner passes away, survivors sometimes fail to thrive on their own without intervention. SFC offers Telephone Reassurance and Friendly Visitor Program, where volunteers are matched with seniors who are homebound or unable to travel unaided. “The U.S. surgeon general’s advisory highlights an issue that we have been working to combat for fifty years,” Mcleod said. We are proud to be a part of the solution to fight this public health epidemic and build vibrant communities where people don’t just survive, but thrive.” 

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The Library Foundation for Sarasota County was awarded a $10,000 Capacity Building grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support advocacy and outreach efforts. The grant will allow the Library Foundation to strengthen its online presence and provide library supporters with additional digital tools to champion Sarasota’s public libraries. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our advocacy capacity by giving library supporters resources to share positive messaging about the importance of Sarasota’s public libraries,” said Alisa Mitchell, Executive Director of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County. Since its founding in 2011, the nonprofit Library Foundation for Sarasota County has raised more than $8 million in private funds for the benefit of Sarasota County public libraries. To learn more about the Library Foundation for Sarasota County and how you can support its mission, please visit SarasotaLibraryFoundation.org or call 941-404-3139. 

Project Pride SRQ and Senior Friendship Centers will present the first-ever Silver Pride to celebrate the community of LGBTQ+ individuals aged 50 and better on June 10 from 12-5 p.m. The event will be hosted at Senior Friendship Center’s Sarasota campus at 1888 Brother Greene Way, Sarasota, FL 34236. “Its time we unite around our elders that have fought so hard to get us where we are today. This a celebration of LGBTQ+ History! “ said Jason Champion, President of Project Pride. “. The free event will feature live music, local vendors, food trucks, all day raffle drawings and more from community partners. All are welcome. 

Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast will host their 1st annual Integrate Summit on Thursday, June 15th at the Harvest House Life Enrichment Campus. This event will bring the faith and mental wellness communities together to educate, engage, encourage, and empower families and leaders. From 1:00-8:00 PM attendees can choose from 12 different breakout sessions to attend. Full day ($49), afternoon ($39), or evening ($29) sessions are available. With topics such as classroom play therapy, intergenerational trauma, the power of forgiveness, and caregiving, there’s something available for everyone. Additionally, attendees can see keynote speaker Aundi Kolber, therapist and author of “Try Softer” and “Strong Like Water”. Community Care Director John Gregory states, “The energy and reception in the community’s support of the Integrate Summit has been incredible. The planning team and sponsors along with Samaritan’s staff and board eagerly await June 15th. We believe the speaker lineup has something for everyone including parents, educators, faith leaders, and students. You don’t want to miss this.” 

Learn more the Integrate Summit and register here:

Wellen Park’s new Lakespur neighborhood caters to the growing number of homebuyers attracted to places designed to include residents of all age groups, interacting and living together in one community. With the convenience of a future walkable school campus, its emphasis on community connections and outdoor recreation, and proximity to Gulf of Mexico beaches and youth activities, Lakespur is the ideal multigenerational neighborhood. Located off South River Road Lakespur’s first phase offers 138 single-family homes by national builders Lennar and Pulte Homes and a neighborhood amenity center. Additional phases will include both single- and multi-family product types. Featuring homesites nestled along lakes, heavily forested preserves and wetlands, Lakespur represents the first neighborhood within Wellen Park for Pulte Homes, one of the nation’s most recognized and trusted brands in homebuilding for over 70 years. Pulte will offer its signature consumer inspired-homes on 68 sites, with one- and two-story floor plans featuring open-concept designs creating large main living areas and built-in flexibility for families of all sizes. Pulte expects to begin construction of professionally designed model homes this summer, with sales starting late 2023. Lennar is offering six floor plans featuring three to five bedrooms within 1,677 to 3,231 square feet and expects to launch home sales early this fall. Its one- and two-story designs include plan-specific options for formal dining and bonus rooms; blend kitchens, family and dining rooms into main gathering areas; and have quartz countertops, designer cabinetry, stainless-steel kitchen appliances, tile roofs and paver driveways as part of Lennar’s signature “Everything’s Included” program. Lakespur’s resident-only amenities are also designed for all ages, with play areas for children and dogs, event and game lawns, and special fireside destinations. Accented with shiplap siding, timber beams and a metal roof, its coastal-inspired cabana building recalls nearby beaches and offers a party kitchen, restrooms and a variety of under-roof and open-air gathering venues, including an outdoor living room poised to a fireplace and terraces with tables and chairs. A wood-clad banquette circles a fire pit lounge. Canvas canopies provide shade for cabana-inspired sitting areas around the large pool, which offers a sun shelf and lap lanes separated by a water feature. Additional outdoor amenities include a secluded pavilion, a dog park, a lawn with outdoor games, an area for food trucks to serve snacks and drinks, and a shaded playground. Featuring a large lake with a fountain welcoming residents home, Lakespur connects to Wellen Park’s growing network of parks and trails, including the future Oakheart Nature Trail, and is close to Atlanta Braves spring training and family friendly events at CoolToday Park. Also nearby is Downtown Wellen offering on-site dining, shopping, entertainment and outdoor recreation, including kayaking and fishing the 80-acre Grand Lake, bicycle and e-bike rentals, a nature-inspired playground and splashpad and fountain. Three new schools accommodating 4,400 K-12 grade students are coming soon to Wellen Park. Separated by a nature preserve, Lakespur is within walking distance of Sarasota County Schools’ 2,100-student high school projected to open for the 2025-26 school year and a 1,500-student K-8 school opening a year later on adjacent property. The College Preparatory Academy at Wellen Park, a K-8 tuition-free charter school, is opening to kindergarten through sixth grades in August 2023 and will add seventh and eighth grades in subsequent years for a total enrollment of 800. Wellen Park continues to introduce new neighborhoods to meet buyer demand, most recently announcing its first multi-builder enclave of custom and upscale homes in EVERLY and a dynamic new lifestyle concept for active adults 55+ in Brightmore. 

HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital has recognized three caregivers for their outstanding care for patients and the community. As part of National Nurses Week, Shannon Burns, RN was named Nurse of the Year at the hospital, Shelley Bixler, RN was named New Nurse of the Year and longtime caregiver Ernest Riley and Unit Secretary was named Support Person of the Year. “Shannon, Shelley and Ernie live our mission each day. They are committed to our patients, their families and their fellow caregivers. They were all nominated by their peers for this honor so it is especially meaningful,” said Todd Cruz, RN Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital. Shannon Burns, RN serves patients in the hospital’s mental health and wellness center. Often patients are anxious and in crisis and she was recognized for immediately putting patients at ease, offering hope and support through kindness and compassion. Shelly Bixler, RN works in the Orthopedic and Spine Center. Patients frequently comment on her energetic, positive spirit. She is also known for communication and follow through with patients and her commitment to continual learning and exceptional care. Ernest ‘Ernie’ Riley has been a caregiver at the hospital for 37 years. He is known as the backbone of the emergency room and his energetic, friendly and helpful attitude are appreciated by his fellow caregivers and patients. He is known for his positivity and the personal connections he makes with patients and staff.