Young musicians don’t need to travel far to take part in this year’s annual Camping with the Pops program hosted by the Pops Orchestra, Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 12, 2024. Presented with support from The Hecht Foundation and the State College of Florida, the week-long music program takes place on the Bradenton campus of SCF in the Performance Arts building and promises an incredible experience for music students to expand their musical skills. Rehearsing in small ensembles and guided by professional music educators, the student musicians will prepare a program of selections to be presented in a free concert on Friday, July 12 at 7:30 pm in the State College of Florida’s Studio for the Performing Arts Recital Hall.

“This is a really exciting opportunity because we have our very own Pops musicians available to work with these student musicians,” shares Executive Director, Gayle Williams. “Many of the instructors are retired or working professional musicians or experienced music educators, and they coach the students on small ensemble skills. The program is designed for all skill levels and while it is not a requirement for the students to be in a school band or orchestra, we do ask for a letter of recommendation from a private music instructor or band director.”

Participating students may choose between a variety of ensembles based upon ability, including a string chamber orchestra, woodwind, saxophone, low brass, percussion and trumpet groups, a flute, brass and clarinet choir and a jazz band. Between 30 and 40 students are expected to enroll in the program.

While the experience will be an educational one, it is also meant to be fun. “We look for a variety of music to work with that is a little different from instruction that the students may be getting elsewhere," adds Williams. "We like to work with music that is popular so we may be playing something by Leroy Anderson or we might try playing an arrangement of one of the Disney songs.” 

Tuition for the program is $75 and assistance available upon request and review.  To learn more, visit thepopsorchestra.org. 

To register click here

Suncoast Remake Learning Days 2024 (SRLD 2024), a regional festival that is part of Remake Learning Days, the largest international learning festival globally, wrapped its 15-day run on Saturday, May 4. More than 36,500 Suncoast residents of all ages participated in at least one of the 304 interactive learning events held in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties from April 20 - May 4. The events were conceived and produced by 277 community organizations that partnered with Suncoast Remake Learning Days for the third and largest iteration to date. The festival expanded from 10 to 15 days in 2024 to include a third Saturday due to its popularity, enabling kids and families additional time to participate.  Suncoast Remake Learning Days is presented locally by the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. SRLD 2024 events were held at museums, libraries, schools, community centers, and other local venues. Events were organized by six learning themes: Arts, Maker,Outdoor Learning, Science, Technology, and Youth Voice. All of the learning events were designed to be accessible, open to the public, appropriate for any age, and free. The inspiration for Suncoast Remake Learning Days is a mounting body of research indicating shared community exploration and learning improves students’ academic performance and social skills, exposing them to a world of opportunities, interests, and life-changing experiences.  The Patterson Foundation supports the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading at the national level and in the Suncoast region. For more information, please visit the Suncoast Remake Learning Days 2024 website. Follow #SuncoastRemakeDays or #RemakeDays on social. 

Pictured: A helicopter lands to kick-off the opening day of Suncoast Remake Learning Days 2024 at Casa Sa Juan Bosco's Family Fun Day in Arcadia, Florida, April 20, 2024.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is delighted to announce the selection of 25 participants from across the region for the 2024 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute. Through this annual initiative, Gulf Coast partners with the Leadership Development Institute of Eckerd College to provide intensive, high-quality leadership training designed to identify, develop, and connect a diverse and growing group of aspiring community leaders. Participants take part in six training sessions from May through June at Gulf Coast’s Sarasota Philanthropy Center in downtown Sarasota. The result is a network of skilled, action-oriented leaders who are committed to using their new skills to help transform their communities through service. The participants selected for the 2024 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute are: Jerald Berry, Florida Department of Health, Aleksandra Djilas, Pink Mermaid Foundation Inc., Chuck Dockery, Project 180, Tina Figliuolo, Charlotte County Homeless Coalition, Joe Flores, CFP®️, Edward Jones Financial, Emily Grant, FoodRecovery.org (Formerly MEANS Database), Julianne Greenberg, Johann Fust Library Foundation, Julia Groom, DreamLarge, Jamal Hishmeh, C2 Financial Corporation, Mike Ippolito, Selah Freedom, Cynthia King, Drug Free Charlotte County, Todd Konen, CenterPlace Health, Inc., Tricia LaPointe, Peace River Wildlife Center, Jose Marrero, CAN Community Health, Jordan Mayer, Harvest House, Kathryn (Katie) McCurry, Project Pride SRQ, Craig McGonigal, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Blake Neathery, NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties, Ashley Profit, The Roskamp Institute, Erin Silk, Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, Andrea Stephens, Pines of Sarasota Foundation, Veronica Thames, Manatee Community Foundation, Lindsey Trammell, Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources, Laura Williams, Safe Children’s Coalition, Michelle A. Young, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Since the program’s inception in 2006, over 400 community members have completed the training, and many continue to work together on civic initiatives and community improvement projects. For more information on the program, please visit GulfCoastCF.org/GCLI. 

Pictured: Gulf Coast Leadership Institute's 2024 class is ready to start their intensive leadership training at Gulf Coast Community Foundation's Sarasota Philanthropy Center.

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation and the City of Sarasota are pleased to release an Economic Impact Study highlighting the profound contributions of a new performing arts center to Sarasota and all of Sarasota County. Prepared for the Foundation by HR&A Advisors, one of the leading real estate and economic development firms in the country, the study forecasts a significant boost to the Sarasota region’s economic landscape, projecting over $150 million in annual economic activity. This figure exceeds the current economic impact of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall by 30%, marking a substantial advancement for the city's cultural and economic vitality. The study also estimates the creation of 1,200 permanent jobs and $300 million in tax revenues over 30 years, demonstrating a substantial return on investment. Key findings of the HR&A Advisors study include the following: Over $150 million in annual economic activity generated from operations, programming, visitation, and cultural tourism, with 358,000 annual visitors anticipated; Creation of 1,200 permanent jobs, contributing $52 million in annual wages; An injection of $562 million in spending countywide during the construction phase, including the creation of 3,200 temporary jobs and $162 million in temporary wages. To request the full Economic Impact Study, please email info@performingartsfoundation.org. 

For May is Older Americans Month, nearly 100 senior advocates convened at Senior Friendship Centers’ Sarasota campus on May 8, 2024, to gain insight into federal policies and programs directly affecting older Americans in preparation for the upcoming 2024 elections. The event began with advocates from the Department of Health, Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Florida, and other senior-serving organizations networking, followed by a presentation led by Bob Blancato, National Coordinator of the Bipartisan Elder Justice Coalition. Blancato educated attendees with critical federal changes such as the Older Americans Act (OAA) – an act that funds essential services such as meals, transportation, job training, and more, currently up for reauthorization, and the Credit for Caring Act—a bill referred to Congress proposing tax credits for family caregivers. Additionally, Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner provided crucial information on voter registration and the election process for the upcoming election year. Here are the key takeaways from the event:  Engage with elected officials: Your voice matters and reaching out to elected officials can make a real difference in advocating for seniors.  Vote—it matters!: As we approach this crucial election year, your vote is essential in shaping policies that impact older adults. Stay connected with Senior Friendship Centers (SFC): We're committed to making older adults more visible and valued, and we invite you to join us in this movement. President/CEO Erin McLeod highlighted the significance of seniors’ voices in the political landscape, stating, “Seniors are a vital voting constituency, so to have their voices heard and understood by our elected officials in this crucial election year is invaluable.” 

Pictured: from left-right - Ron Turner, Erin McLeod and Bob Blancato. Photo by Jodel Velarde, Senior Friendship Centers.

 The Play For Life Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to improve the health and lives of youth, veterans and first responders, recently sponsored Suncoast Remake Learning Days, a 15-day regional learning festival, and gifted 12 pickleball starter bags to local families in attendance. With the support of The Patterson Foundation, Suncoast Remake Learning Days offers over 280 free events that take place across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties. The activities are designed for youth of all ages, along with their families, caregivers and educators. In 2023, the collective effort for the event resulted in over 25,000 individuals attending more than 200 events across four counties in 10 days. On Sunday, April 28 from 1 to 2:30 p.m., families were invited to The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch as part of Suncoast Remake Learning Days. During the event, volunteers of The Pickleball Club and instructional team facilitated an introduction to pickleball lesson, along with open play. Every family in attendance received a pickleball starter bag, which included paddles and balls. Over 30 individuals attended the event. The club had several member volunteers, including Joe McMahon, Ethan Eddy, Joe Gennocro and Nathan Westover, as well as Play For Life Foundation volunteer Jennifer Kahler. Dallas Burko and Glory Bowman, staff members of The Pickleball Club, were also in attendance. To support The Play For Life Foundation’s mission of introducing the sport of pickleball to youth, veterans and first responders, The Play for Life Foundation began donating Club-N-Boxes in 2022 to qualified organizations, including schools, fire and rescue departments, police departments, youth organizations and nonprofits. Similar to the pickleball starter bags, the  Club-N-Boxes contain nets, paddles, balls and instructional material on how to play and set up a court.  To date, the foundation has donated 123 boxes to various organizations, including James Tillman Elementary School in Manatee County, the Bradenton Police Department, 10 East Manatee Fire Rescue Stations, Bay Haven School of Basics Plus, Girls Inc. of Sarasota and multiple branches of the Boys and Girls Clubs in Sarasota and Manatee counties.  

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation recently awarded nearly $6 million in grants to support early education and youth development, affordable housing, mental health services, and more. “These grants exemplify Chuck and Margie Barancik’s belief that philanthropy has the power to positively shape our community and enrich the lives of all people,” said Teri A Hansen, president and CEO of Barancik Foundation.  “Our Board is investing in trusted, long-time partners as well as emerging organizations that are poised to do great things.  What they all have in common is our confidence that they can transform our grant dollars into a real and meaningful difference.”  

To learn more, visit

Chuck Sidlow, founder of the non-profit World of Chucko and the “Laughter Unlimited” programs is the  recipient of a grant from The Chester Family Charitable Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation (MCF). These  funds were awarded to provide a series of programing to Forever Friends Special Needs Ministry (FF) in Sarasota. The  Laughter Unlimited programs will begin on May 18, 2024.  Chuck Sidlow, founder of the non-profit World of Chucko and the “Laughter Unlimited” programs is the recipient of a grant from The Chester Family Charitable Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation (MCF). These funds were awarded to provide a series of programing to Forever Friends Special Needs Ministry (FF) in Sarasota. The Laughter Unlimited programs will begin on May 18, 2024. 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. Forever Friends Special Needs Ministry first Laughter Unlimited program will be May 18th at 1:15pm. Programing for Forever Friends will continue in June, August, and September located at 5300 Colonial Oaks Park Blvd., Sarasota, FL. For more information about World of Chucko and its programming, please contact Chuck at 941-928-2246. 

For eleventh year, hunger relief organization joins hundreds of partners to ‘fill the hunger gap’ while school is out. More than 40,000 children in Sarasota and DeSoto counties are at risk of hunger this summer when they lose access to free and reduced-cost meals at school. Funded through contributions to its annual Campaign Against Summer Hunger, All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) will join hundreds of community partners and programs to provide healthy, nutritious food for children at 45 sites throughout the community all summer long. To reach as many children as possible, AFFB works with schools, libraries, early learning centers, summer camps, community centers and numerous other organizations throughout Sarasota and DeSoto counties. The groceries are provided through school pantries, family meals, BackPacks filled with food, and community events – in addition to All Faiths Food Bank’s regularly scheduled food distributions and mobile pantries. Last year, with the support of 300 partners and programs, All Faiths Food Bank served more than 107,000 meals through its summer feeding programs.
Sarasota and DeSoto County Schools’ Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) departments will, once again, offer its Summer BreakSpots – a federally-funded program that provides nutritious meals at no cost to children 18 and under during the summer. Operating at schools, nonprofit organizations, and government entities – such as parks and libraries – Summer BreakSpot reimburses participating organizations for meals through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Summer Food Service Program or Seamless Summer Option. During FNS distributions at select school campuses, AFFB provides supplemental food resources, as well as food for school pantries. Since its inception in 2013, AFFB’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger has raised awareness of the issue of child hunger in our community, while raising more than $16 million in donations. This year’s lead investors are Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation; chairing the effort is Lisa Krouse. More information about Sarasota County Schools’ summer meal resources can be found at sarasotacountyschools.net/summerfeeding or by calling 941-486-2199. To find a summer food site, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org/summer-food-sites. To learn how you can help children and families experiencing hunger, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941-379-6333. 

Pictured: Throughout the summer, children can receive BackPacks full of kid-friendly, healthy foods at locations throughout the community

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of three new staff members, John Soucy, Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy; Jeney Slusser, Director of Development; and James Evans, Director of Advancement Services. John Soucy has joined the organization as Vice President of Strategic Philanthropy. Stepping into this newly created role, Soucy brings more than 20 years of strategic fundraising experience and will lead the Healthcare Foundation’s development and major gifts team. Jeney Slusser has joined the Healthcare Foundation as a Director of Development. Slusser brings over 10 years of fundraising experience with capital, research and comprehensive campaigns. Previously, Slusser was the Senior Director for Constituent Engagement at Ringling College of Art and Design. Prior to working in higher education, she served as the Director of Advancement at Centerstone Behavioral Hospital in Nashville, Tenn. and later in Bradenton. James Evans has joined the organization as Director of Advancement Services. Evans has more than 25 years of nonprofit database management, fundraising and technology solutions experience, and will be responsible for researching prospects, overseeing data management, reporting and integrity.  Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation is the philanthropic partner that helps Sarasota Memorial Health Care System bring world-class healthcare to our community. For over 48 years, the Healthcare Foundation’s donors have provided funding to enhance patient care, facilities and technology, and to support ongoing clinical education and medical research. smhf.org. 

In the summer of 2023, ALSO Youth  hosted their first annual Camp True Colors for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies, ages 10-14. This week-long day camp is an opportunity for youth to develop friendships and build community through crafts, games, STEM and creative activities in a safe and inclusive environment. Camp registration, lunch, after care, and programs are all provided free of charge. Camp True Colors has been an amazing success and is in direct response to the needs of the youth. In 2024, ALSO Youth hosted their first spring break edition of Camp True Colors and will offer two weeks of summer camp between our Sarasota and Manatee youth centers. Help them continue to build and sustain this program for the future during Give OUT Day! Give OUT Day is the only national day of giving specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. From now until May 30th, you can support ALSO Youth for the 2024 Give OUT Day! Throughout the month, there are opportunities to win prizes, build the community, and bring visibility to the mission. 

To donate click here.

2024 WOMEN WHO ROAR APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN | SRQ Magazine invited our readers to nominate women in our community who best exemplify the attributes of professional acumen, philanthropic passion, personal integrity, and community leadership and who have deeply contributed to our community. Applications close Friday, May 24, 2024.