On Thursday, April 25, Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc. will be bringing its acclaimed multi-sensory experience, Beyond the Dark, to the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas for one night only. Beyond the Dark invites attendees to step into the shoes of a person living with vision loss and a veteran surviving memories of combat.

Lydia Baxter, the organization’s media manager, shares that Beyond the Dark is a multi-sensory experience combining different elements. “There's one part where we ask guests to put on a special blindfold and listen to audio of both the internal monologue of someone who doesn't have a guide dog but has vision loss and what emotions and thoughts she's having just trying to get through a normal day and then the guests experience the same thing with someone having a PTSD flashback,” she says. “After each of those audio experiences the attendees have the chance to take the blindfold off and meet these two people, one of whom is Katie McCoy, guide dog recipient and an associate director of philanthropy at Southeastern Guide Dogs Inc. and the other is Sean Brown, a United States Army Veteran who retired medically in 2013.

“After I retired I found myself living in a world that really didn't care what veterans were dealing with between the pills, the pain, PTSD and having to live with the things that I saw and was a part of while I was serving. I found myself  leaning on my peers around me and my Harley Davidson motorcycle to get me through the day,” Brown shares. “One day, I got to a stoplight and everything changed with that motorcycle.  I had to sell my bike and found myself spiraling out of control until my wife said it was time to get some help. We found Southeastern Guide Dogs and our life has been amazing ever since.”

Brown has had two dogs from Southeastern Guide Dogs, both free of charge. Pella, now retired, and Nick, his current dog. “Pella did a lot of the groundwork to get me to where I am today,” he shares. “She was trained to check the house to let me know everything is good and she literally would break me out of night terrors and establish a routine that allowed me to start getting back out in the community.”  Today, Brown travels the country sharing his story and the mission of the organization.

Brown’s hope is that Beyond the Dark will give attendees an idea of what the majority of our nation's veterans are living with on a daily basis. “Our Veterans walk around with that mask that’s hiding the pain of the war that they're fighting internally,” he says. “It’s an opportunity for people to have their eyes open to the reality of what not just veterans live with but people that are visually impaired live with on a daily basis.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about Sean, Katie and their inspiring stories at Beyond the Dark. Because of the sensory and emotional nature of the program, Beyond the Dark is not recommended for ages 14 and under. For veterans and others with PTSD, be aware that Beyond the Dark includes an audio presentation reminiscent of combat scenes.

Beyond the Dark begins promptly at 5:30 p.m., Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, 10715 Rodeo Dr #8, Lakewood Ranch. Tickets to this 90-minute, multi-sensory experience are $20. All proceeds directly support the Southeastern Guide Dogs mission. 

Pictured: Sean Brown and his dog, Nick. Photo courtesy of Southeastern Guide Dogs.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently granted $50,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in support of long-term reconstruction efforts at the Steven and Marjolaine Townsend Campus, home of the Gene Matthews Boys & Girls Club. Due to the urgent need to serve the rapidly expanding community of North Port, a renovation of the Club was already on the horizon. However, in 2022, Hurricane Ian caused irreparable damage to two of the three main buildings and accelerated that timeline. To ensure today’s youth have the skills, resources, and opportunities to be the leaders of tomorrow, a new 23,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will be built in the same location that has served local families for over 25 years. Upon completion, the interior will feature 21st-century academic classrooms, a commercial teaching kitchen, a food pantry for local families, a technology lab, a dedicated teen center, a college and career center, and much more. Club members will also be able to enjoy the outdoors with a newly renovated sun-shaded playground, recreation pavilion, and health and fitness center. The grant provided by the Community Foundation through the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund will help sustain operations throughout the construction of the new facility and ensure continuity in programs and services. These funds will be used to defray ongoing costs for the addition of two classroom portables that will serve as temporary educational and enrichment space, as well as additional improvements including the installation of an ADA-compliant concrete sidewalk for universal access, and internet connectivity upgrades for the gymnasium which currently serves as the primary learning space. 

The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) is selected as a Junior League of Sarasota 2024 Done In A Day (DIAD) grant recipient, where $1,000 is awarded to fund a project that Junior League volunteers complete in one day. The Child Protection Center was established over 44 years ago after the Junior League of Sarasota (JLS) conducted a community needs assessment and discovered there was a gap in serving kids in our community. Since CPC’s inception in 1980, the relationship with JLS has continued to thrive. CPC received donations from the Antonucci Family, various Junior League Members, Recovery Tree Service, Florida Native Plants Nursery, and Troy’s Tropics. Fourteen JLS volunteers and a few CPC staff gathered on a cool Saturday morning and helped re-establish the importance of the space as people enter and leave the building, a space of hope and healing for thousands of children and adults annually. In addition to the gardening, a butterfly mural was created through a partnership with Alissa Silvers of Liss Art & Design. The butterfly is incredibly symbolic within the Child Protection Center, representing a client’s journey from victim to survivor to one who thrives. The body of the butterfly is a semicolon, as a reminder for all survivors of child abuse and neglect that their story is not over. 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 July 4th Bayfront Fireworks have been a cherished tradition bringing our community and families together for years. This year, a community fundraising effort is underway to ensure this popular event can continue for years to come. Suncoast Charities for Children, in partnership with Marina Jack, has been at the helm of organizing this event for 14 years but rising costs are putting the continuation of this beloved event at risk. Net revenues back to the Suncoast Charities for Children have been steadily decreasing, due to increased expenses to produce the July 4th Bayfront Fireworks. Lucy Nicandri, Suncoast Charities for Children’s Executive Director, expressed the organization’s deep commitment to their mission of supporting local children, teens, and adults with special needs. Thankfully, because of the gracious support of Marina Jack, the 2024 July 4th Bayfront Fireworks will happen. However, future fireworks in July are in jeopardy. Lana Jackson, Marina Jack’s General Manager, highlights the importance of broader community support to keep this beloved tradition alive for future generations. In 2023, total expenses to safely produce the event totaled $37,700, which included a 20-minute fireworks display. Now, with a fundraising goal of $50,000, the community is being called upon to help secure the future of the July 4th Bayfront Fireworks. Every contribution counts, big or small, to ensure this symbol of unity and celebration continues to light up the City of Sarasota night sky annually. Suncoast Charities for Children has organized a July 4th Bayfront Fireworks Donation Campaign on their website at www.suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org  For sponsorship information, please contact Suncoast Charities for Children Executive Director, Lucy Nicandri, at 941-706-3795 or email at lucy.nicandri@suncoastcc.org   Suncoast Charities for Children is also responsible for organizing the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights, Suncoast Summer Fest, and the Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival. For additional information on Suncoast Charities for Children, please visit suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org. 

On April 6, Children First hosted its 24th Annual Fairytale Ball at Michael’s on East. Fitting the Majesty under the Moonlight motif, the gala’s theme was “On the darkest nights, the brightest stars shine!” Shine they did, throughout the evening. Auctioneer Michael Klauber led a live auction and paddle raise, with the event netting more than $570,000 in funds raised. During the first hour of the glamorous, sold-out event, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception in the courtyard, featuring a wall of sparkling wines, as well as displays informing guests how their donations can directly benefit Children First’s families. The evening’s program began with Children First board chair Keith Johnson and Vice President of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers recognizing the stars who support the organization: the event sponsors, the board, volunteers, and staff. The two then announced recent awards Children First has received, including USA Today Top Workplaces and The NonProfit Times’s Best Nonprofits to Work for Nationwide. They also revealed that Kathleen Sullivan, Vice President of Programs and Head Start & Early Head Start Director, will be presented with an award from the National Head Start Association on April 20. Presenting sponsor PGT Innovations former CEO and former Children First board chair Jeff Jackson spoke of the ways Children First impacts their families and the community. “They have incredible passion for children and a vision for children,” he said. “It always starts with children.” Following remarks by the event’s co-chairs Hank and Phyllis Battie, and a performance by children from the Sarasota Ballet, guests watched an inspiring video featuring Yolonda Turner, a single mother of six whose foster child, Starr, was referred to Children First by her caseworker. Until Yolonda was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she worked in Children First nutrition services as part of the Parent Training Program. “Children First is not just a support system,” she said. “It’s a lifeline for families.” Taking after her grandmother, who fostered 10 children and adopted six of them, Yolonda plans to adopt Starr. “You need to be the change you want to see in your community,” she said. After dinner, Philip Tavill, Children First’s President and CEO, spoke on behalf of everyone in the ballroom. “We all sit here with humility regarding what Yolonda has decided to do for Starr and other children,” he said. Despite her diagnosis, she “will continue to realize her potential.” Philip concluded his speech by reminding the guests “We are in the business of putting children first and putting families first.” Guests ended the festive evening with dancing to the Bay Kings Band. 

Pictured: Fairytale Ball Co Chairs. Photo courtesy of Children First.

When Andria Bilan, CEO and board members Traci Smullen, and Anne Weintraub first planned their fundraiser, little did they know what a perfect fit it would be–that each of the parts would interact in perfect synchronicity. Sandi Chapnick, the co-founder and dinner chair began the evening. She spoke to 187 attendees about her son Joshua, from whom the organization is named. He sustained an injury from a seizure and tragically died at 28 years of age. He lived his life on his terms, attending college and then the Culinary Institute of America, he worked at Seasons 52 in Naples. The interactive cooking lesson we shared, was also a remembrance of him and his passion for cooking. The attention quickly moved to Phil Mancini and Chef Jamil Pineda as they skillfully started the demonstration. The dinner was a chance to participate, adding to a sizzling skillet and a long black apron, to make the cuisine even more appealing. The international flair intermingled as everyone at the table had an opportunity to prepare food. Courses began with Hawaiian Shellfish and ended with Flat Iron Teriyaki Steak, a celebration of tastes. For the foodies, the tall Timbale, think chocolate ganache meets the Eiffel Tower, did not disappoint.

“Most importantly, it was an evening of compassion, cuisine, and camaraderie that unfolded at the interactive dinner at Michael’s on East, where every plate told a story of support and solidarity”, said Nicole Chapnick. Ray Collins, former ABC anchorperson, was the guest auctioneer, bringing the crowd together. Then enthusiastic bids echoed for live auction items such as a private dinner for 10 in Michael’s on East Wine Cellar, a stay-cation on Anna Maria Island, and even a mini-bio keepsake written for your family. The sculptures, jewelry, baskets, services and so much more benefitted the organization’s families who need help and hope. There are many types of epilepsy, and some individuals may have problems with daily life. Because of this services consist of help with medical appointments, seizure alert devices, and training of service dogs. The intimate, but mighty epilepsy support group helps provide a much-needed virtual circle to many who may be experiencing social isolation. The event was sponsored in large by SK Life Science, and many other sponsors. 

Pictured: The Signor Family donated the stay-cation vacation on Anna Maria Island. Photo by Cynthia Fabian.

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Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is pleased to welcome Urban Bush Women (UBW) as Artists-In-Residence. UBW galvanizes artists, activists, audiences, and communities through performances, artist development, education, and community engagement. Beginning May 8, UBW dancers and BOLD facilitators will collaborate with local female artists and partner organizations to explore and build community through dance. The residency will culminate with a performance and workshop mashup featuring Urban Bush Women and local artists in a free public event at The Oval at the Bay on Saturday, May 11 at 1 p.m. To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/signature-artists-at-the-bay-urban-bush-women-tickets-885637905817 

Local adults need tutors!  The Literacy Council of Sarasota (LCS) is offering tutor training workshops next month, May 2024, for volunteers who want to help other adults improve their basic English communication and literacy skills. No previous experience required!  Volunteers will receive approximately 18 hours of interactive ProLiteracy-certified instruction and support over the course of four weekday sessions, which includes an initial orientation. Sessions will focus on teaching adult learners how to read, write, comprehend and/or speak better in English. Tutor training sessions will be held at the same time from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM (with breaks) over four days:  Monday, May 6th, Wednesday, May 8th, Friday, May 10th, and Tuesday, May 14th. Space is limited & pre-registration is required by Friday, April 26th by calling LCS Program Director, Susan Bergstrom, at (941) 955-0421 or emailing sbergstrom@sarasotaliteracy.org. Participants for these in-person workshops will meet at the Glasser/Schoenbaum Human Services Center, Bldg J, 1750 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234. Give the lasting gift of literacy this year and next!  Join the Literacy Council's volunteer tutors who have helped change lives through literacy in Sarasota for 45 years. 

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 this Friday, April 26, 2024. 

Nominate Here!