Celebrate Earth Day with Manatee Audubon this year by volunteering to plant a microforest on Saturday, April 20, from 8am to 12pm.

The Manatee County Audubon Society (MCAS), a chapter of the National Audubon Society is dedicated to raising awareness of birds, wildlife, and the native habitat in Manatee County and the nearby areas. They accomplish this through maintaining wildlife habitats like the Felts Audubon Preserve, offering education programs for members of all ages, leading advocacy efforts, and participating in land and wildlife conservation projects.

DeeAnna Dowdle is the vice president of the 501c3. She, along with other volunteers of MCAS will be leading the Earth Day project of planting 1600 trees to create a microforest at Felts Audubon Preserve. Microforests are one of the region's most powerful tools against climate change. “The microforest is an idea from a famous biologist in Japan and these have been planted around the world,” Dowdle explains. “On April 20, we will be planting trees closer together than one ordinarily would and that will make them seek light. In 30 years, we will have a huge forest so people who plant the trees with us will be able to bring their families back in a decade and see the forest, knowing that they contributed to creating it.”

Dowdle is hoping to have between 50 and 100 volunteers for the event in which 1600 trees will be set beside pre-drilled holes. Volunteers will simply take the plastic off of the cup of the tree and drop each small plant into a hole along with a gel pack which retains water and helps the tree get a better start. They will then scoop dirt around the tree and go onto the next planting. Children are encouraged to come along with their adults. “We think that if we can get children involved in and connected to nature, it will have such an impact throughout their whole lives and perhaps even guide them in certain directions.”  Dowdle recommends that all participants bring water, a hat and gloves and anything else to protect them from the sun.

In an effort to raise awareness and appreciation of  our native habitat, MCAS recently planted a garden as a model for homeowners to plant in their own yards using all native plants. “One of the interesting things we’ve learned is that if we plant a beautiful, exotic plant that maybe is from Thailand or China or South America in our yards, there may not be any bugs, birds or animals that are dependent on it and so they won’t use it. But by planting native plants, we are helping to cultivate our own local animals, bugs and birds, so our model teaches people about native plants as part of our conservation effort,” shares Dowdle. “At Manatee Audubon Felts Preserve, we are working to bring more people to nature so nature becomes preserved.” 

Pictured: This native plants landscape garden encourages homeowners to plant native plants in their yards to create a habitat for wildlife. Photo by Patty Ford.

To learn more, visit

Our annual Tribute to Heroes Parade is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever! Join us on Sunday, May 26th, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Lakewood Main Street for a celebration of our local veterans, active duty, and fallen heroes. Presented by Veteran Air and Tommy's Express Car Wash, this special event aims to pay tribute to those who have served our country with honor and bravery. The parade will feature floats, live entertainment, delicious food and drink vendors, and kids’ activities, providing fun for the whole family. Admission to the parade is free, and event proceeds from the event will support local non-profit and veteran organizations. It’s a great way to show our heroes the love and appreciation they truly deserve. Come out and join us in honoring our heroes. If you or if you know of anyone interested in participating in the parade, visit LWRTributeToHeroes.org. If you’d like to become a vendor, please email joanna@lwrca.org for more information. We’d like to extend a special thanks to our supporting sponsors, including Triple G’s Golf Cart Rentals, the Golf Cart Sponsor, and Veterans Affairs Law P.A., the Veteran Seating Sponsor. Let’s come together as a community to show our gratitude to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. See you at the Tribute to Heroes Parade. 

The Women’s Resource Center presents a Divorce Support Group facilitated by Paula Falk, BS. This in-person, free program happens every Wednesday, 5-6:30 p.m., starting May 1, at the Women's Resource Center Sarasota, 340 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota. Participants can attend one or all of the sessions.  To register, visit www.mywrc.org/divorcesupportgroup. For more information, call 941-366-1700.  

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation announced Monday that its Leading with Care cancer campaign raised over $93 million to support the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH). The campaign is the largest in the Healthcare Foundation’s 48-year history. SMH’s vision to transform cancer care was born nearly 10 years ago in response to the southwest Florida community’s rapid growth and increase in cancer cases. At the time, 50% of cancer patients were leaving the community for treatment. With a belief that no one should have to leave home for the best cancer care, a plan was developed to create a world-class cancer institute with comprehensive, quality-driven, patient-centered care. As SMH’s philanthropic arm, the Healthcare Foundation launched its cancer fundraising campaign in 2017 with a goal to raise $50 million in five years. In 2020, a $25 million gift was made by the Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation. Beyond advanced care treatments and state-of-the-art facilities, the transformational gift helped create a centralized place to assist patients and families facing the many complex decisions that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Susan Milman, a long-time supporter of SMH, recently helped the foundation reach the campaign’s $93 million mark. Ms. Milman’s $16 million gift will support the third phase in the evolution of the Jellison Cancer Institute, specifically the outpatient cancer pavilion currently under construction and slated to open in late 2025. The building will house an expanded breast health center with the latest diagnostic imaging technology, outpatient surgery, brachytherapy, radiation oncology and infusion, and more. It will be known as the Milman-Kover Cancer Pavilion in honor of her family, Alan K. Milman, Natalie Kover Milman and Morris Milman, and Arthur and Fay Kover. To date, Ms. Milman’s contributions to the Jellison Cancer Institute exceed $21 million. In addition to the new Milman Kover Cancer Pavilion, the Jellison Cancer Institute also includes a radiation oncology center and a new inpatient and surgical oncology tower that opened in 2020 and 2021. The Healthcare Foundation exceeded its goal by raising over $93 million in just six years, while concurrently generating philanthropic support for other important advances in behavioral health, rehabilitation, research and education. For more information, visit smhf.org                

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation recently held its annual Transformation Gala on March 22, raising $1.5 million to become the most successful fundraising event in the organization’s history. Contributions will help fund Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s mission to create and sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance their education initiatives, and enrich communities by inspiring minds through the power of the arts. Three hundred guests attended the gala dinner, which included a surprise appearance by Tony and Emmy Award-winning artist Kristin Chenoweth before she capped off the evening with a performance at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for over 1,300 people. “The generosity and unwavering support for Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation illuminates the path toward a brighter future for arts and arts education in Sarasota and reaffirms our shared commitment to realizing the vision of a new performing arts center on the Bay," said the Foundation’s CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko. "I am grateful to everyone who contributed to helping us achieve this incredible milestone." Kathy Martella and Susan Travers served as Co-Chairs of the gala, which also honored three individuals with the Appleton Arts Award, given to educators who best incorporate the arts in their work. The honorees were Emerging Educator Jahkori Dopwell, Outstanding Teaching Artist Freda Williams Kmak, and Experienced Educator Tim Ferguson. 

Pictured: Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation's Board Chair Jim Travers and CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko. Photographer Rod Millington.

Child welfare organization Safe Children Coalition (SCC) has recently created an in-house Medical Program to assist children and young adults in the Community Based Care system in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties, as well those children and young adults who receive child welfare benefits post-adoption or Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) closure, with accessing healthcare services. Through nurse care coordination, clients receive routine assessment of health care needs, including routine wellness and dental care. Nurses and their support team provide member/caregiver education (including education on healthcare benefits), follow-up post hospital visits, assistance with referrals and appointments as needed, help in accessing medical supplies and medications, and more. Nurses also collaborate closely with the client’s child welfare specialty plan for pregnant and postpartum clients, medical foster care clients, and clients receiving private duty nursing. Overseeing the medical team is recently hired Medical Program Nursing Director Jennifer Edgson, BSN, RN, CCM. Edgson has over 20 years’ experience working within managed care to coordinate services for children and young adults with complex medical issues and/or who are part of Florida's dependency system. She has previously served as a Healthcare Consultant for Community Based Care Integrated Health, Inc. (Orlando), Nursing Supervisor for Westcoast Access to Children’s Health, Inc. (Sarasota), and as a Registered Nurse in float pools at numerous community hospitals in numerous locations across the country, including Sarasota Memorial Hospital. She is a Certified Case Manager and was recognized in 2022 with the Embrace Families Employees’ Choice Award.
As Nursing Director, Edgson oversees the Child Welfare nursing department and overall nursing operations of the SCC Medical Program, including medical and dental, and works closely with the Behavioral Health Team. Her duties include evaluating and directing all medical program employees, establishing goals for the program, and creating and enforcing compliant healthcare policies and procedures as well as tracking outcomes. For more information, visit sccfl.org. 

Ford’s Garage, the home of burgers and classic comfort food served in an atmosphere that pays tribute to the heritage of Ford Motor Company, is partnering with First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF), a nonprofit organization which offers programs and financial support to children of first responders. The partnership will launch with the debut of the Ford’s Garage Academic Hero Scholarship, which will go towards up to four years of university, trade or graduate school for the recipient. First Responders Children’s Foundation provides financial support to families of fallen police officers, firefighters, paramedics/EMTs, medical personnel and 911 dispatchers. It also promotes and facilitates educational activities and programs created and operated by first responder organizations whose purpose is to benefit children and the community at large. The Ford’s Garage Academic Hero Scholarship application can be found here and is available to eligible children of first responders. The application period will close on May 31 at 11:30 p.m. and the recipient will be announced in summer 2024. The scholarship program is just one piece of this impactful partnership, which will include various fundraising initiatives, special programs and events that will take place throughout the year. To learn more about First Responders Children’s Foundation, its mission and its programs, visit www.1strcf.org. For more information about Ford’s Garage, visit www.fordsgarageusa.com 

Get ready to sweat, laugh, and make a difference! The Annual Girls Night Out Fitness Charity Event, in partnership with Mothers Helping Mothers, is back to empower women while supporting mothers in our community. This exciting event will take place on Thursday, April 25th at HER Fitness Boutique, formerly
known as Shapes, located at 5451 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL. Join us in giving back to Mothers Helping Mothers and aiding mothers in need by participating in HER Fitness Boutique’s Annual Girls Night Out. With 100% of proceeds directly benefiting Mothers Helping Mothers, every step, squat, and shimmy will contribute to the well-being of mothers and families in Sarasota and Manatee. Additional donations can be made directly at www.mhmsarasota.com. 

Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) will offer a free Tai Chi workshop on Saturday, April 27, from 10 AM – 11 AM, at Senior Friendship Centers’ Sarasota campus, in celebration of World Tai Chi Day. The workshop aims to address the growing demand for programs that enhance overall well-being amongst seniors. A new article published by National Public Radio (NPR), highlights a study stating that Tai Chi reduces blood pressure risk better than aerobic exercise, protects cognitive function,  and alleviates depression and anxiety. With Sarasota County having the highest proportions of people aged 65 and older in the nation, totaling 156,703 individuals,  the need for accessible wellness initiatives is crucial. “I have seen people walk on canes and now walk unaided,” says Dr. Marty Reichgut. He emphasizes, “Tai chi is not just a martial art; it's a means of self-defense on multiple levels—physically, emotionally, and psychologically." Senior Friendship Centers hosts the free outdoor class to encourage residents to integrate Tai Chi into their lifestyles, maximizing its overall health benefits. The workshop is free and open to the public. It will be held on Saturday, April 27, from 10 AM to 11 AM at Senior Friendship Centers Sarasota Activity Center, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, FL 34236. No RSVP is required. For any questions or inquiries, contact us at (941) 955-2122. To learn more about our programs and services, call (941) 955-2122 or  visit our website at www.friendshipcenters.org 

2024 WOMEN WHO ROAR NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN | We invite our readers to nominate an individual who best exemplifies the attributes of professional acumen, philanthropic passion, personal integrity and community leadership. Nominations close Friday, April 26, 2024. 

Nominate Here!