The extraordinary dogs of Southeastern Guide Dogs have been transforming the lives of people with vision loss, veterans, and children for decades—at no cost to the recipients. The top-notch pedigrees in the program, perfected over four decades of selective breeding and thousands of hours of training, form unbreakable bonds with people who need it most. While these canine companions are indeed special, they would not be the superheroes they are without the help of volunteer puppy raisers who provide unlimited love, care, socialization and basic training from the very start.

Leslie Shepard, director of puppy raising services, says volunteer puppy raisers are essential to the organization’s mission to serve people with vision loss, veterans, and children who need a best friend. “Most people are familiar with the work that we do and what our mission is. There are many different ways to support our organization, including financial support from generous donors as well as our walkathon–our largest fundraiser of the year in Sarasota taking place on Saturday, March 2 at Benderson Park–but I’m not sure many realize that a big way to help is by contributing their time as puppy raisers,” she says. “We have 250 puppies born on our campus every year and every year and we need 250 puppy raisers to raise those puppies for us and help us provide services for people in need.”

Puppy raisers can “host” a puppy for anywhere from three to 12 months by taking a puppy home, providing love and teaching them basic skills that they're going to need for their future career. “There are a couple of very specific commands that are needed for working dogs that we teach our puppy raisers,” says Shepard. “For example, someone with vision loss can't be worrying about whether their dog is getting food off the counter or picking up shoes and moving them, so our puppy raisers teach the dogs to be trustworthy in the home. When the pups come back to our campus at 14 to 16 months of age, our professional trainers take over, layering in the necessary guide dog skills.”

The organization has two working dog programs for the pups to be trained into: the guide dog program for those who are visually impaired and the service dog program for veterans dealing with effects of post traumatic stress. They also have a skilled companion program where a dog may be matched with a child who has a visual impairment or may be suffering a challenging loss.

For those who want to be part of the program without dedicating months of time, becoming a puppy sitter like Stacey Vianello might be a good option. “When puppy raisers go on vacation or need some time away, I step in and help out for a few hours, days or weeks,” she says. “It’s perfect for me–I get the fun of a puppy without a long-term commitment.”

If you would like to learn more, plan to attend the next Puppy Raiser Informational Session on March 9th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am the Southeastern Guide Dog Palmetto Campus, 4210 77th Street East, Palmetto, 34221. 

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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. Tuesday, December 5, attendees happily joined together to recognize our annual Good Hero Philanthropic Award recipients at the SB2: Philanthropic Agenda and Good Hero Awards Luncheon at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. We are delighted to feature each of the twelve honorees in our Wednesday Philanthropic edition of SRQ Daily.

Today we are recognizing Cina Welch, President and CEO of FCCI Insurance Group, an organization that has had an immeasurable impact in our area to support programs/services helping local children, teens, and adults with special needs. One of fewer than 10 insurance company female CEOs, Cina led her company to the milestone of $1 billion in direct written premiums in 2022 while advocating for many local charities in our community including Suncoast Charities for Children, Suncoast Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Step Up for Students and Family First. Each year FCCI teammates raise money for the FCCI Charitable Foundation which donates to various charitable organizations that address children’s services, homelessness, food insecurities and mental illness, to name a few. Over the past 17 years, FCCI Insurance Group has donated thousands of dollars in sponsorship support to Suncoast Charities for Children. They have been a longtime sponsor for the organization’s two biggest fundraisers of the year, Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival and Suncoast Summer Fest. In addition to sponsorship support, they also provide volunteers and have assisted Suncoast Charities with "Day of Caring" projects and toy drives held throughout the year. Congratulations on a well-deserved honor. 

Pictured: Bart Lowther (left) of Mariash Lowther Wealth Management with Duane Padgett, VP of Marketing and Communications for FCCI Insurance Group who accepted the award on behalf of Cina Welch. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

The Board of Directors of Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation recently awarded $11.8 million in grants aimed at further improving the quality of education in Sarasota County’s public schools and preschools, expanding access to health care and the arts for underserved communities, supporting environmental education at important conservation sites on Sarasota Bay, and more. The grants were approved on February 9 at the Board’s first meeting of 2024. 

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The Wells Fargo Foundation recently granted $10,000 to All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) to help provide nutritious foods to individuals in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. This is the 14th year the Wells Fargo Foundation has provided funds to strengthen AFFB’s hunger relief efforts, with all grants totaling more than $140,000. All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. AFFB provides millions of meals each year through robust programs and partnerships with hundreds of charitable organizations throughout the community. The funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation is designated for AFFB’s Mobile Pantry program, which offers food distributions in the neighborhoods where hunger is greatest, reducing the barrier of transportation. Currently, AFFB operates a total of 32 mobile pantries, all located in high-need areas of Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Nine of the pantries are Mobile Farm Markets, which exclusively distribute fresh fruit and vegetables. For more about All Faiths Food Bank and/or to find an up-to-date list of food distributions, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org. 

Chuck Sidlow, founder of the non-profit World of Chucko and the “Laughter Unlimited” programs hasbeen the recipient of a $1,500 grant from the Suncoast Aging Network. This grant will help underwrite the cost of  providing programming for senior care communities throughout the Suncoast. The World of Chucko Inc. team present multifaceted "Laughter Unlimited" programs  filled with Humor, Music, Art, Entertainment, and Education! Laughter Unlimited uses  "humor therapy" and “music therapy” to reduce stress, decrease pain and have a  positive and lasting effect on the immune system, heart, and brain. "Suncoast Aging Network greatly appreciates the special series of performances that Chucko and Noriko Sidlow provide to Suncoast senior communities through their Laughter Unlimited programs. They bring joy, needed laughter and music therapy to each senior in attendance,” explains Suncoast Aging Network President, Chaz Davis. “The support and frankly the acknowledgement we received from Suncoast Aging Network with this grant gives us the ability to continue our work with the Senior Care and Special Needs facilities. It is rewarding for us to feel our efforts in sharing our interactive and therapeutic programs are appreciated,” explains Sidlow. The "HUMOR-PUTIC" interactive, empowering, and entertaining programs are enjoyed by the residents, their families,  staff, and management teams at numerous senior care and special needs facilities. Chuck & Noriko customize programs  for community centers, veterans’ organizations, children's activity centers and special events. https://worldofchucko.org/ 

On Saturday, Feb. 17th, 2024 hundreds of community members will gather at Sarasota Christian School’s beautiful 25-acre campus for a day of fun and fundraising - marking the 65th time they have done exactly that. This year the family-friendly event will feature a Pie Baking Contest (sponsored by Everence) which will be judged (and tasted) live and will name champions in three categories: fruit, cream and single crust. This contest was a staple event in the Pinecraft community for years and now will take center stage at SCS at 12:30pm in the gymnasium. Both the silent and live auctions will be action-packed. The day's highlights will include live auction items such as Tampa Bay Lightning Dex Suite Tickets, a night Fly Fishing Trip for two, a BOTE inflatable dock, chairs and cooler, a 3-night cabin stay in Cherokee, N.C., gorgeous handmade quilts and more.Not all of the action will be inside though. The SCS Festival & Auction will include a FREE Kid Zone (sponsored by Custom Air and Tropical Thrills) featuring inflatables, human foosball, ax -throwing, caricature drawings and more. Food Vendors will include Gator Wilderness Camp BBQ, Chick-fil-A, The Big Blue Grilled Cheese Company and Siesta Pops. 

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County has received a $2,500 donation from the Sarasota Community Foundation. The award supports PLANit Sarasota, the local college access network for Sarasota County.  With the Education Foundation serving as the convening organization, PLANit Sarasota is an alliance of over 40 youth-serving, education, philanthropic, and business partners working to open pathways for students to pursue education after high school. This award will support PLANit Sarasota’s effort to reach underserved youth and help them access resources they need to make education after high school possible. This work includes developing and distributing a resource guide, expanding a student influencer campaign, hosting career exploration events, and providing free open houses that help students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. “We are grateful for the support of the Sarasota Community Foundation,” said Jennifer Vigne, president and CEO of the Education Foundation. “Education after high school can make such a profound difference in the lives of underserved students, and this gift helps open pathways that make a college degree or high-value certification possible.”     

Senior Friendship Centers recently received a $50,000 gift from the Church of the Redeemer to invest in the technology needs of older adults in Desoto County. AARP reports the digital divide among older adults isn’t just a matter of convenience but has health implications for seniors, including increased morbidity and risk of early death. Desoto County Government reports that 3,250 households lack internet access, and half of those with access, have internet speeds ten times less than nearby counties. With 30% of the Desoto County population being seniors, Senior Friendship Centers is working toward bridging the digital divide. Those interested in SFC’s programs/ services in Desoto can call (863) 494-5965. 

Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is pleased to announce that applications for their highly anticipated 2024 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute are now open. Gulf Coast Leadership Institute is designed to identify and develop aspiring, emerging, and experienced leaders who reflect the diversity of our region. For the 2024 class, up to 25 people will be selected to participate in a program of leadership development sessions over a two-month period beginning in May at Gulf Coast’s Sarasota Philanthropy Center, 1549 State Street, Sarasota. Applications will close on Sunday, March 17. The online application, statement of commitment, and overview for the program are available at GulfCoastCF.org/GCLI. “Current and future community leaders will not only gain valuable, comprehensive knowledge and resources through our respected Gulf Coast Leadership Institute, but they will also build a bond together as they experience the training,” said Gulf Coast’s President | CEO Phillip Lanham. “This high-quality leadership development program offers participants the opportunity to take their leadership to the next level. It is not to be missed.” Led by faculty of the internationally acclaimed Leadership Development Institute at Eckerd College, the institute will provide leadership skills and resources necessary to positively impact the community. Class members will take part in in-person, experiential small and large group activities that prepare them to become knowledgeable, skilled, and action-oriented leaders in their community. Gulf Coast Community Foundation encourages people to apply for the unique Gulf Coast Leadership Institute which trains and connects aspiring, emerging, and experienced community leaders across the Gulf Coast region. For more information, please visit GulfCoastCF.org/GCLI. 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY | Check out the sweet chocolate cargo out team put together from Norman Love Confections and River Street Sweets, February 2024. 

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