Rise Up Cafe--the very special coffee and ice cream shop staffed by very special individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities--is departing the downtown area and taking off to a new destination, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

While Rise Up’s owner, Beaver Shriver, will miss the “Cheers” feel of the downtown coffee/ ice cream shop and seeing regular customers every day, he is excited for the move to the vibrant and bustling SRQ airport.

“I met with Rick Piccolo a few years before the airport expansion was announced to see if we could get a Rise Up Cafe foot in the door, as I’ve always thought that having a proper shop in an airport would be the perfect place for our team of people with disabilities to show their abilities to thousands of new customers who would be walking by every day,” says Shriver. “Once the SRQ expansion was announced, we joined with other local restaurants to be part of the new concession bid process and our group won the bid! We love our downtown Sarasota location, but we can’t afford to do both–we’re a small nonprofit–so we have to concentrate our efforts and money toward the one where our mission has the opportunity to spread far and wide.”

Sadly for the cafe’s customers, Rise Up closed their downtown location a few weeks ago and the new space won’t be ready until the airport expansion is complete in about a year. However, the good news on that front is that some of the employees have already been offered positions around town, which is one of the nonprofit’s main goals—to encourage and help other businesses hire people with disabilities.

“Our team members took the ‘we’re closing but we’re moving’ news pretty well,” says Shriver. “Those were some tough phone calls and meetings as most of our employees had never had a job before (and 80% of this population never get a job). They’re all missing the routine and paychecks but excited to get back to work soon in a fun, busy, new space.”

As of now, it looks like the cafe will be located in the new terminal with 5am opening -7pm closing, which means lots of jobs in 3-hour shifts and lots of time to share their mission. “In a way, we just want to be a regular coffee shop. It shouldn’t matter who’s taking your order or making your coffee, or what their disabilities/abilities may be. For now, though, we need to tell our story and wave the flag and share the mission with as many people as possible so that one day people like our team members can take their resume (just like you and me) and apply for the job that’s posted across the street,” shares Shriver. “We will miss the business folk meeting clients at the shop and locals introducing visiting friends to “their” favorite place in town but, we can’t wait to help end the fear of difference and replace it with the power of inclusion by having our team members let their abilities shine in front of millions of people every year. Time to FLY!” 

Easterseals Southwest Florida is proud to announce it raised $600,000 at its annual Abilities Shining Luncheon on March 6. Presented by Ginger Judge, the organization’s signature event was attended by 380 Suncoast guests and served as the organization’s most successful luncheon to date. Guests heard about the notable accomplishments from 2023, including becoming a national “Autism Center for Excellence” and expanding the reach of diagnostic and medical services available to the community. The adult and preschool choirs performed “Lean on me” and “I love you” with the help of the teachers and music therapist. The live auction, led by restaurant proprietor Michael Klauber, featured an array of experiential items, ranging from a California Winery Weekend to a unique “Horse Encounter Birthday” at Easterseals Ranch. Everyone was presented with a keepsake to commemorate the event: The Tree of Harmony. In the mixed media collaborative collage, all levels of Easterseals’ K-12 Academy took part throughout the process and demonstrated their ability to work with one another. The Abilities Shining Luncheon serves as a tribute to the remarkable individuals and transformative programs at Easterseals Southwest Florida, spanning Early Childhood Development, K-12 Education, Veterans and First Responders support, the Autism Center of Excellence, Therapy Services, and Family Support Services with the many partner non-profits who help make all those services possible.  

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Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s (Gulf Coast) Board of Directors approved a $1 million grant that has been doubled by anonymous Gulf Coast donors, to make a total of $2 million in matching dollars available for The Bay Park in downtown Sarasota, FL. The significant milestone funding will be used to support the design and development of a new Resilient Shoreline as well as free park programming. This is a challenge match opportunity to the community to raise a total of $4 million for The Bay by December 31, 2024. Donations can be made via The Bay’s website: www.thebaysarasota.org/support-the-park. “This important challenge match from Gulf Coast demonstrates the importance of The Bay and its growing positive impact – on the environment and on people. Creating and providing access to more, sustainable green space and more high-quality free programming enables the park to continue to be a delightful place that is open and accessible, free and welcoming to the full and rich diversity of the community -- now, and for future generations,” says AG Lafley, Founding CEO Bay Park Conservancy. Since opening in October 2022, more than 400,000 people have visited The Bay, and more than 50,000 people have participated in free events and programs offered in the park. Immersion in nature helps improve happiness, well-being, and mental focus by reducing anxiety and stress. Gulf Coast has already made many important contributions to The Bay, including support of Common Ground, a centerpiece in the first phase of the park, which has become a beloved, sustainable outdoor gathering space for everyone in the community to enjoy. Extending the Resilient Shoreline as part of Phase 2 will build on the continual environmental restoration efforts throughout the park and will treat millions of gallons of polluted stormwater before it enters Sarasota Bay. 

Pictured: An environmental and community gem, The Bay Park is a space for families to treasure along Sarasota Bay. Photo courtesy of The Bay.

The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) has one of the highest performing clinical therapy programs for child sexual abuse survivors in the state for the third consecutive year in a row. The treatment component of CPC’s mission is achieved by a team of ten clinicians working from a trauma lens, using empirically supported and evidence-based practices to guide clients on their journey of healing. The Child Protection Center’s Therapy Programs serve children and adults that are survivors of child abuse and neglect in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. Florida’s Clinical Coordinator for all Sexual Abuse Treatment Programs (SATP) commented that the CPC team is doing exceptionally well with both service and outcome results, ranking as the 2nd most productive team in the state. The Child Protection Center performed better in all monitoring categories and was one of only four programs to exceed the statewide average in all areas. “I am super impressed with your team,” comments Florida’s Clinical Coordinator for all Sexual Abuse Treatment Programs (SATP), in addition to words of encouragement for the team to keep up the amazing work. Last fiscal year, CPC’s therapy programs facilitated 3,634 hours of therapy for 316 child and adult clients. Amanda Jans, Director of Clinical Therapy at CPC, shares “Behind the numbers publicly released, we are doing very well and conducting a high number of services compared to other programs state-wide.” Amanda has been with CPC almost ten years, as have several other clinicians on her team and many other members of CPC staff, which she says really speaks to the agency and their environment. The Child Protection Center’s (CPC) mission is the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse, as the organization envisions a community where children are safe from abuse and free to thrive. For over 40 years, CPC has been serving Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in the State of Florida and is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. For more information on CPC or to inquire about ways to get involved, please visit them at  www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277. 

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has opened a new grant opportunity that invites nonprofit organizations to focus on using lived expertise as a key consideration in developing programs meant to empower families. The grant opportunity, which connects the Foundation’s “2Gen Philosophy” with its funding priorities encourages nonprofits to include parents in positions of leadership, counsel, and decision-making. The grant application will close April 1, 2024. The 2Gen—or two-generational—approach to family well-being strives to disrupt intergenerational cycles of poverty through focusing on children and the adults in their lives, simultaneously and intentionally. During a regional 2Gen Summit hosted by the Community Foundation in February that welcomed more than 250 guests, the importance of lived expertise was emphasized through a panel of parents that shared their journeys from economic and social instability to now: having gained higher education, leading to higher paying, stable careers. The panel included many ideas stemming from this journey—including juggling education with raising children and, often, employment outside of the home. The panel had unique experience in stretching dollars and resources to hold everything together until new opportunities became open to them. Participants dispensed recommendations on what would have been helpful and what could be of critical assistance to parents facing a similar journey. In 2012, the Community Foundation began to work with Ascend at the Aspen Institute, the global catalyst of the 2Gen Approach and convener of policymakers, practitioners, and parents, with the goal of weaving family-centered policy and programs into systems. Since then, the Community Foundation has rooted its work in 2Gen strategies, which focus on key components of family well-being, including education (early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary), financial security, mental and physical health, and social capital, or the network of human support that can encourage and help individuals. Commitment to 2Gen family empowerment led the Community Foundation to form in 2019 a Parent Advisory Council (PAC), which contributes important ideas and offers feedback on proposals. Members of the PAC have presented for the Community Foundation’s Boad of Directors and the council is a main stakeholder in related initiatives. PAC members will serve as the review committee for the grant cycle. Qualifying for the grant can take many forms, from creating a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) that contributes feedback on proposed strategies to incorporating a focus on parent/family experiences in staff training. Average grant awards will be $2,500 to $7,500, and funding should include compensation to parents serving in leadership or training capacities. The deadline for applying is April 1, 2024, and successful applications will be notified in June. For more information about this grant opportunity, please visit CFSarasota.org. 

During All Faiths Food Bank’s recent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, the area’s only food bank and largest hunger relief organization recognized the significant contributions of its volunteer corps. These “Hunger Heroes” contributed tens of thousands of hours to help the food bank in its mission of ending hunger. Activities volunteers assist with include food sorting and packing, distributing food at mobile and school pantries, spearheading donation drives, collecting food through corporate food drives, participating in nutrition education and cooking classes, providing administrative assistance, volunteering at events, packing “BackPacks” of food for area students, and much more. The honorees during the 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon were: Kim Knox (Lead Volunteer), Susan Moore (Mobile Farm Market), Cynthia Berkovsky (Mobile Pantry), Corey Scogin (DeSoto Food & Resource Center), Karen Lee (DeSoto Mobile Pantry), Marc Halman (School Pantry), Eliza Duade (New Volunteer), Paula Schuler-Evans (Registration/Link-2-Feed), Church of St. Patrick’s (Community Group), CAE (Corporate Group), Temple Emanu-El (Top Fundraiser/ Food Drive), Ann Brooks (Sorting Room), Brent Barnes and Cully Pfanmiller (Outstanding Youth Volunteers), Jon and Barbara Ryder (Power Couple), Gran Paradiso community in Venice (BackPack Fundraising), Barbara Fraser (BackPack Leadership), Kim McFarlane (Administrative), and Val Wawrin (Event Volunteer). The organization also recognized volunteers who have contributed 500 and 1,000 service hours. “All Faiths Food Bank is honored and grateful to have one of the most robust volunteer bases in the region,” said president and CEO Nelle S. Miller. “Our volunteers are essential in helping us to maximize our reach and impact, ensuring that we can carry out activities at a level that our professional team couldn’t achieve without their support.” In 2023, AFFB’s volunteers contributed more than 52,300 hours to help make a positive impact on the lives of their neighbors in need. For more about All Faiths Food Bank or to learn how you can be a “Hunger Hero,” visit allfaithsfoodbank.org. 

Pictured: Temple Emanu-El was recognized as the Top Fundraiser/Food Drive honoree for the eighth consecutive year.

Girls Inc. of Sarasota County has announced that the Honorable Judge Rochelle Curley, Penny Hill, and Kim Ogilvie will be honored at its 34th Annual Celebration Luncheon on Wednesday, April 3rd at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. Luncheon chairs are Dr. LaShawn Frost, Melissa Perrin, Mary Pat Radford, and Girls Inc. participant, Zuleima Martinez. The Girls Inc. Visionary Award will be received by Kim Ogilvie. The Visionary Award is designated to honor those who believe in Girls Inc.'s mission and see the larger vision for the organization in the community. Kim Ogilvie has made an immense impact on Girls Inc. by serving for several terms on the Board of Directors and as Board Chair. As the leader of the Kim Ogilvie Group at Michael Saunders and a high-performing expert in real estate, her unrelenting work ethic and integrity has been a force in strengthening the Girls Inc. mission and vision. She has also been a co-chair of multiple Celebration Luncheons, helping to make the event the success it is today. The She Knows Where She’s Going Award will be presented to the Honorable Judge Rochelle Curley and Penny Hill. The She Knows Where She’s Going Award recognizes individuals who are role models for women and girls in our community, have been supportive of Girls Inc. and its programs, and have demonstrated commitment to community activities, professional organizations or non-profit work that demonstrates a belief in contributing to others. This award offers an opportunity for our girls to understand their potential, and a pathway towards equivalent community contributions and personal fulfillment.  Penny Hill will also be receiving the She Knows Where She’s Going Award. As Founder and CEO of the Penny Hill Group, which specializes in creative residential lending solutions, Penny is an amazing example to girls and women in our community. In addition to these awards, two Girls Inc. girls will be honored at the event. The She Knows Where She’s Growing Award will be presented to a middle school student, and the Strong, Smart, and Bold Leadership Award will honor an outstanding member of the Girls Inc. high school program. This recognition is given to girls who embody the Girls Inc. mission through their longstanding program participation, unwavering displays of leadership, and representing Girls Inc. values in our building and in the community. Girls Inc. is also introducing the Community Partner Award to recognize the contributions that businesses play in amplifying the Girls Inc. mission. This year, the Baltimore Orioles will receive the inaugural honor. Over the past 14 years, the organization has made it a priority to combat food insecurity, empower local youth, and give back when the community needs them the most. Girls Inc. girls have participated in baseball clinics, been included in special events with female athletes and musicians and featured during the National Anthem at Spring Training baseball games. Sponsorships and tickets are now available at https://girlsincsrq.org/celebration-luncheon or call 941-366-6646.  

The Church of the Redeemer’s inaugural wine auction raises $88,000, with more than 600 bids placed and 90% of the donated wine sold. The wine auction, held online from Feb. 26th through Feb. 29th, featured a curated selection of more than 300 top-rated wines donated from its parishioner’s personal collection, Hugh Culverhouse, Jr. The proceeds of the auction will benefit the Church of the Redeemer’s ministries and outreach program. A large portion of the proceeds will help build a much-needed church in the Dominican Republic.  The auction also featured a diverse selection of wine spanning across various price ranges, ensuring there was something to suit every budget and preference. Led by iconic offerings from the renowned California winemaker David Abreu as well as Lokoya, Colgin Cellars and Morlet Family Vineyards, the outstanding results of the auction underscored the quality of the collection offered. The top lot in the sale was the vintage and rare bottle of Lokoya Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder 2013, which fetched $900. A set of three bottles of ZD Pinot Noir, which normally retails for about $65 per bottle, were auctioned off for $45. A majority of the wine sold were rated 95 or higher, with 100 considered a perfect rating, and are often regarded as among the best in the world. Ratings are a way for wine critics, sommeliers and publications to review quality of wine for consumers. Culverhouse Jr. also recently donated $500,000 to the Church of the Redeemer -- marking the largest non-capital campaign donation in the parish’s 139-year history. “Hugh takes stewardship seriously, and his generosity continues to transform the parish and our community,” said Wilson. The Church of the Redeemer is deeply rooted in Sarasota’s history. It traces its origins to 1885, with Col. J. Hamilton Gillespie as one of its founders, who would later serve as the City of Sarasota’s inaugural mayor. The church has grown to nearly 3,000 members, making it the largest parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida and among the largest in the country. Hugh Culverhouse Jr., serves as CEO of Palmer Ranch Holdings Ltd in Sarasota, leading the 15,000-acre master-planned community for nearly three decades. Beyond his role in business, Culverhouse’s philanthropy has resulted in tens of millions of dollars to various community causes, higher education, mental health, and social welfare initiatives.   

Thanks to the generosity of Steven and Marjolaine Townsend, Jaime and Julie DiDomenico, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and Atlanta Braves Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties will celebrate the groundbreaking of the new 14,000 square foot facility. Following the groundbreaking ceremony, Club members will be invited to play a game of wiffle ball game. Each Club member in attendance will receive a USA Baseball “Fun at Bat” kit from the Atlanta Braves.

Tuesday, March 12 | 3:30pm-5pm. Gene Matthews Boys & Girls Club, 6851 Biscayne Drive, North Port. www.bgcsdc.org 

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is pleased to welcome the return of Adrian Anantawan, acclaimed violinist and disability advocate, as an Artist-In-Residence for the second consecutive year. Anantawan, a renowned violinist born with one hand, will host a series of engagements beginning March 19, including free public concerts and community engagements aimed at celebrating accessibility and the power of music to transcend barriers. "Through Adrian's inspiring performances and advocacy, we witness the universal language of the arts breaking down perceived boundaries and fostering profound connections within our community,” said Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to experiencing the magic of his music and to furthering our mission of making the arts accessible to all." Among the highlights of Anantawan's residency is The Family Interactive Performance, taking place on Saturday, March 23 at the Desoto Library (Arcadia, FL) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This family-friendly bilingual event will offer an engaging musical journey through Anantawan's life, growing up with a disability, featuring violin classics as well as a piece co-composed by the audience live. On March 25, Anantawan will headline Sundays at the Bay as part the Signature Artists of the Bay series, performing works by celebrated composers such as Gershwin, Mozart, and Kreisler. The 6 p.m. performance in Bay Park (Sarasota, FL) will also feature students with disabilities from The Haven and strings students from Booker High School’s Visual Performing Arts Program. Through this collaboration, the concert aims to underscore themes of overcoming adversity and adaptation through the unifying power of music and community. For more information please visit: PerformingArtsFoundation.org. 

Pictured: SPAF Artist-In-Residence Adrian Anantawan.

Since 1984, Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, has created unforgettable programs that continue to push the boundaries of choral music. And, for more than a decade, Key Chorale has been bringing the therapeutic benefits of singing to our community with their outreach choirs. Key Chorale has been involved with community outreach choirs since 2012 working with local non-profit organizations dedicated to specific health challenges. Participating in a choir is a meaningful way to engage in community life and improve emotional well-being. Participants develop friendships, work together to create a beautiful sound, and gain the many therapeutic benefits of singing. Group singing provides physical, emotional, and social benefits. These benefits are felt by attendees, care partners and volunteer singers from Key Chorale. Sing along with us this spring! If you, or someone you know, might benefit from being part of one of Key Chorale’s outreach choirs, please contact Ellen Schaller at 941.921.4845 or ellen.schaller@keychorale.org for more information. 

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More than 9,600 pre-k through third grade students from 80 elementary schools and early learning centers in Manatee and Sarasota counties celebrated reading, kindness, and inclusion on March 5, through books written and illustrated by diverse authors and illustrators. For the past 11 years, Embracing Our Differences Reading Day has engaged tens of thousands of elementary school students in Sarasota and Manatee counties. The objective has been to show children how fun reading is by stimulating student-mentor conversations about inclusion, kindness, and respect for all members of our community.  

Pictured: Barbara A Harvey Elementary students showcasing their new books. Photo courtesy of EOD.

CARPE DIEM | Whether it's a small task or a significant endeavor, Marjan Zaun finds joy in helping and supporting others, March 2024. 

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