Pets make the world a better place and Subaru is proud to work with Satchel's Last Resort to help make the world a better place for them.

Since 2008, the automaker has donated over $51 million to organizations in support of the adoption, rescue, transport, and health of over 420,000 animals. Through their Subaru Loves Pets® initiative, the company has been committed to improving the lives of as many shelter animals as possible.

This Saturday, Sarasota Subaru and Satchel’s Last Resort are partnering to host a local adoption event in which doptable pets from Satchel’s Last Resort and pet lovers in the Suncoast area will gather with the goal of promoting adoptions and raising awareness for local pets in need. For every shelter pet adopted in the month of October, Sarasota Subaru will donate $100 to Satchel's Last Resort to help more pets get adopted and they will also spotlight shelter animals that need the most help–the senior, physically challenged and different dogs lovingly called the “Underdogs,” who are often the last to be adopted.

Subaru is also celebrating the fifth annual National Make A Dog’s Day by encouraging the local community to do something special for the dogs in their life, adopt a shelter dog, or volunteer at an animal shelter and share the experience on social media using #MakeADogsDay.

Saturday, October 7, 2023, between 10 am and 2 pm, Sarasota Subaru, 7611 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 941-925-1234, sarasotasubaru.com. 

To learn more, visit

Early childhood is arguably one of life’s most important passages, with research consistently showing that support in these crucial stages of development results in positive outcomes throughout children’s lives. For 44 years, the Florida Center for Early Childhood has been a leader in providing early education and therapeutic services for young children in southwest Florida. A $1-million grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation will enhance its ability to provide high-quality services, just as needs in the region and demand for those services are growing. 

Pictured: Child receiving mental health therapy at Florida Center for Early Childhood.

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota will share the Sarasota County nonprofit arts and culture industry generated economic activity in 2022, at Sarasota County: An Arts Powered Economy on Thursday, October 12 at the Sarasota Opera House. “This gathering reflects the collective effort of our community to come together and celebrate Sarasota County's identity as Florida's Cultural Coast,” said Brian Hersh, Arts Alliance CEO. “For more than a century, the arts have been a beating heart of this region, and the sustained economic impact generated by this thriving industry honors our community's enduring legacy.” Tickets to attend are $15. Doors will open at 4:00 PM, followed by a reception in the lobby and courtyard of the Sarasota Opera House. Guests will receive 1 drink ticket, passed hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will also be available. The official program will begin at 5:00 PM. 

The Junior League of Sarasota recently awarded Embracing Our Differences (EOD) a $8,500 grant to support EOD’s Coexistence Clubs at eight schools in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Sarah Wertheimer, EOD’s executive director, explains that the funds will be used for student docent training, workshops for faculty advisors, curriculum development for club activities, and materials and resources for students and teachers. 

On Thursday, September 28, over 100 guests gathered at the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Boys & Girls Club in Arcadia to celebrate the completion of the permanent Clubhouse; an addition of 10,000 square feet to the Louis and Gloria Flanzer Boys & Girls Club on the Smith Brown Campus that will expand youth development programs in DeSoto County. The recently completed state-of-the-art Clubhouse features new classrooms, a technology lab, an art studio, a commercial teaching kitchen, a food pantry for local families, and a multipurpose dining space. The facility will also be available for local use outside of the Club’s operating hours making it a viable community asset. While the expansion brings innovative opportunities to Arcadia’s future leaders in a modern, up-to-date facility, the facility also incorporates tributes to the historic significance of the Smith Brown Recreation Center and local trailblazers, including Coach Richard Bowers. Guests were invited outside for the official ribbon-cutting. Among those present were key supporters, community leaders, and visionaries who played a vital role in the project including Dr. Dean Hautamaki and Eric Kaplan, Co-Trustees of the Louis & Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust. Guests were then welcomed inside for tours led by member “Tour Ambassadors” who proudly showcased each of the Club’s new rooms including; the art room, tech room, power hour homework & reading room, a culinary kitchen, and a cafeteria. The evening concluded shortly after with light bites and refreshments. This fall, the final phase of construction will commence to transform the former temporary Club into The Club Teen Center named The Malcolm Family Teen Center. The Club will be equipped with new technology and furnishings and will offer innovative programming with opportunities for teens to collaborate with like-minded peers in leadership development, improve critical skills, explore career paths, and make plans for success after high school graduation. To date, the organization has raised over $5 million from private donors, foundations, and community partners. Key capital supporters include; A+ Environmental Restoration, Alico Inc, Judith Ammerman Brielmaier, Bucket Fillers, Louis and Gloria Flanzer Philanthropic Trust, Hollingsworth Family, Keith D. Monda Family, William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, Sun Bulb Company, James M. Doss Foundation, and The Mosaic Company. Lead construction partners include Halfacre Construction, PGT Innovations, and Hoyt Architects.  

To support The Dynasty Stars special needs ballroom dance program, the Community Foundation awarded a $14,400 grant to Face Autism. Funding for this program was provided by the Mildred Schwartz Lentini Fund and the George and Alice Pugh Donor Advised Fund of the Community Foundationn of Sarasota County. Thanks to the incredible support of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Face Autism can continue supporting our autistic community in Sarasota and its surrounding areas through dance outreach. In a partnership with Dynasty Dance Clubs, Face Autism provides a structured educational environment wherein individuals can engage with one another in a positive and productive manner through the medium of dance. While the organization has had incredible growth and stories through the years, Face Autism leaders selected one of Star’s personal testimonials illustrating how ballroom dancing has positively impacted his life: “An interesting aspect of human existence is how isolating it can feel. After all, I am around myself 24/7, nobody can grasp all the complexities to who I am. Sometimes, I even struggle with understanding myself. However, dancing is beautiful, in the way that it can part that veil of isolation. It demands for the individual to step outside themselves. The movement and music join in a loving marriage that grabs and awakens you. When I started dancing, I was nervous about my skills, how I looked, and what people thought of me. But dancing couldn't care about your insecurities, because what it focuses on is your unique expression of who you are. Dancing took me outside of my head and has begun to show me ways I can connect with people despite how confusing I think I am. I have learned to be braver, more caring, and artistic. In dance I am not alone anymore, but amongst other beautiful people.”—Shiloh, 2022. Because of the Community Foundation’s generous grant, Face Autism can continue supplying positive, life-changing experiences through ballroom dancing for individuals like Shiloh. Thank you for your support of our work and the positive impact you are having on the autistic community in the Sarasota area. For more information, visit www.CFSarasota.org or call (941) 955-3000. 

Sarah Wertheimer, the executive director of Embracing Our Differences, recently announced that the organization will be staging its final exhibit of EOD’s 20th anniversary season at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, October 21-November 26. “Embracing Kindness” will showcase 14 artworks and accompanying quotations selected from exhibits from the past 20 years. This free exhibit will be located on the Museum’s Great Lawn at 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org. 

Pictured:2019 EOD Exhibit-One World , One Heart by Anna Zigel of Boyarka, Ukraine.

Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, has received a substantial boost to its scholarship program. Two esteemed contributors, the McCune Family Foundation and an anonymous donor, are providing a combined total of $75,000 in support of children and families living at risk. The McCune Family Foundation, well-known for its commitment to philanthropy and education, has generously given $50,000 toward Children First's scholarship program. In addition to the McCune Family Foundation's gift, an anonymous donor has demonstrated their unwavering support for Children First by contributing an additional $25,000. Scholarships provide comprehensive services including early childhood education, nutrition, emotional and behavioral support, and family strengthening services for the most vulnerable children and families living in our community. By providing scholarships for full-day infant and toddler care as well as pre-school education, parents also receive the opportunity to strengthen their finances and ultimately achieve self-sufficiency. Philip Tavill, President & CEO of Children First, expressed his gratitude for these contributions, stating, "We are immensely grateful to the McCune Family Foundation and our anonymous donor for their incredible generosity. These significant contributions underscore their dedication to empowering all children and families to thrive.” 

October 7, 2023, marks the second annual Ageism Awareness Day, a day dedicated to drawing attention to ageism, mobilizing action to end biased language and discrimination based on age. Ageism includes stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination against individuals or groups because of their age. It can take many forms, from derogatory language, jokes, and attitudes to unfair policies and practices that limit opportunities for older adults. Sarasota County is a designated Age-Friendly community and is home to one of the country’s largest proportions of older adults with more than a third aged 65 and older. By 2045 seniors are projected to represent over 17% of all residents nationally. Despite this fact, “Ageism is still one of the most pervasive and accepted forms of bias that exists,” says Erin McLeod, President/CEO of Senior Friendship Centers. “Ageism inflicts harm, casting a shadow on physical and mental health, finances, self-esteem, and so much more." says McLeod. “It's not just a mission – this touches everyone and we want to encourage a new perception of the journey of aging. Now, and into the future, we must cultivate a culture that sees each person for their value to society, that honors and recognizes the resources and talents that older adults bring to our world. Honestly, every day is ageism awareness day at Senior Friendship Centers!” Senior Friendship Centers and other advocates are urging businesses, organizations, and individuals to take concrete steps to counter ageism, such as reviewing policies and practices for unintended biases, using inclusive language, depicting people of diverse ages positively and having age diversity in leadership. Research shows ageism detrimentally affects individuals and communities. But by taking action, we can build a society that values wisdom, celebrates diverse contributions, and ensures equity regardless of age. A few facts about ageism, which affects people of any age and harms all: There are many forms of ageism, including internalized, cultural, implicit, and benevolent.Ageism decreases quality of life and can shorten lifespan by 7.5 years. Although it is universal, people do not always take ageism as seriously as they do other forms of inequity. Ageism intersects with, and exacerbates, all other discriminatory “isms.” In the media, underrepresented older adults most often reflect negative stereotypes. According to the United Nations, on a global scale, one in two people are ageist. 

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation announced that Laurie Wallace has joined the organization as Director of Advancement Services. Stepping into this newly created role, Wallace brings more than 20 years of fundraising and advancement services experience, and will be responsible for researching prospects, overseeing data management, reporting and integrity. Prior to joining the Healthcare Foundation, Wallace most recently was a consultant to a broad range of not-for-profit healthcare organizations. She also served as Senior Director of Development for LifeBridge Health, Baltimore, Md.: Director of Bereavement and Thought Leadership Institute for Hospice of the Chesapeake, Pasadena, Md.; Director of Development, at Loyola University, Baltimore, Md. and Executive Director of Meritus Health in Hagerstown, Md. Wallace earned her Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University in Philadelphia, Pa. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Business Management from the University of Maryland and is a Certified Fundraising Executive. 

Forty Carrots Family Center is honored to receive a second gift of $50,000 from William Brown and Stephanie Filippi Brown to support mental health services through Forty Carrots’ Mental Health Program. “We are very happy to be a part of the Forty Carrots family. Sarasota holds a very special place in our hearts as does Forty Carrots. It’s always difficult to narrow amazing organizations out there but we have chosen Forty Carrots as one of our top charities.” says Ms. Filippi Brown. With one in five children experiencing mental health issues, high-quality mental health services are crucial for healthy, strong child and family development. Ensuring mental health services are available to children and families from all walks of life is essential in preventing child abuse, neglect, and trauma.“Having dedicated donors who prioritize the importance of child and family mental health is one of the best investments in our community. Providing life changing intervention and treatment of mental health concerns early in life sets children and families up for success, no matter what challenges they encounter in the future,” said Michelle Kapreilian, Forty Carrots CEO. 

Pictured: William Brown and Stephanie Filippi Brown. Photo courtesy of Forty Carrots Family Center.

Do you know a board member, volunteer, philanthropist, staff member, or a corporate organization with a giving heart that has meaningfully impacted our community in the past year? Nominate them today! Nominations close Friday, October 6th, 2023 at midnight. 

Nominate Here!