Julie Madison, a renowned swimmer and trainer with Top Tier K9-Bradenton, set a record for the distance around Siesta Key with a historic marathon swim on Tuesday, June 4. This achievement is part of an inspiring campaign by SOF Missions, in partnership with Top Tier K9-Bradenton, to raise $250,000 to support veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by providing them with specially trained service dogs.

Top Tier K9-Bradenton, which is owned by Madision, is known for its expertise in training foundation dogs and service dogs. Their mission is to produce the highest quality working dogs, capable of performing a variety of tasks to aid individuals and organizations. Top Tier K9-Bradenton’s training programs are designed to ensure that each dog is prepared to meet the specific needs of their handlers, including veterans with PTSD. SOF Missions is a nonprofit dedicated to combating the veteran suicide crisis by supporting veterans and their families. According to the National Library of Medicine, service dogs can reduce PTSD symptoms by up to 82%, improve overall mental health, and enhance social interactions for veterans.

"SOF's mission is to focus on the rehabilitation of the veteran by helping them get them better sleep, therapy and to just better be in a solid place," says Madison. "At Top Tier K9, we have solidified the best process in the world for training puppies and to get them paired with handlers. I work with SOF missions when they have a handler that's ready for service. I train their handlers and the dogs so that they can be successful teams."

Dr. Damon Friedman, co-founder of SOF Missions, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Service dogs have been proven instrumental in helping veterans deal with PTSD and other medical issues. These highly trained animals help our heroes manage life’s stressors and reintegrate into civilian communities.”

Madison's marathon swim covered approximately 36 miles in 18 hours, 12 minutes, and 53 seconds. She began her journey at 4:20 a.m and ended at about 11 pm, navigating the waters of Florida with determination. Supported by eight kayak teams, Madison overcame numerous challenges, including a flipped kayak, lost electronics, and rough waters, to complete her swim. “Our mission was to stay the course, no matter the challenges,” she said. “We faced a five-mile detour due to shallow waters and rough seas, but I was determined to complete what I started.”

Madison's swim, while highlighting her endurance and commitment, primarily serves as a call to action for the community to support our veterans. The funds raised through this effort will provide essential service dogs for veterans attending Be Resilient Clinics, which are put on by the staff at SOF Missions. These clinics provide 12 months of comprehensive care addressing psychological, physical, spiritual, and social aspects of recovery for veterans. 

Pictured: Swimmer Julie Madison, supported by members of her volunteer kayak teams. Photo courtesy of Julie Madison.

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The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has named 45 new Selby Scholars, outstanding students who are eligible for up to four years of a renewable scholarship award to their chosen accredited college or university. Twenty-four Scholars are first gen students, the first in their families to attend college. Graduating high schools in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto Counties, students are engaged in their communities and plan to use their education to help others. Many Scholars plan to major in STEAM fields including mechanical engineering, food and nutrition science, computer science, bioengineering, aerospace engineering, and chemistry and more specifically, in health-related fields including nursing and behavioral cognitive neuroscience. Others will pursue degrees in business, finance, journalism, and other disciplines. The Selby Foundation scholarship program is unique, offering “last dollar funding” to students that is personalized based on individual student need and financial aid. Annual support varies and can increase for many, as single-year scholarships from other providers are not renewed. Throughout their experience in undergraduate school, Selby Scholars also receive access to special opportunities such as mentor matching with a professional in their desired field of study; education sessions to help students succeed in life, studies, and work; and options for a Student Emergency Persistence Fund for certain expenses that may prevent students from remaining enrolled. College students in the 2020 class of Selby Scholars have either graduated from college this year or graduated early. Some are pursuing advanced degrees, while others are entering the workforce or military service. The Selby Foundation is the legacy of Bill and Marie Selby, two caring people who wanted others to have access to the same opportunities they experienced. Established in 1955, the Foundation has an expansive history of supporting students in post-secondary academic success through scholarships and nonprofits in community gains through capital investments. Susie Bowie is President & CEO. Susan Hines is Board Chair. Learn more online at SelbyFdn.org. 

Pictured: The 2024 Selby Scholars. Photo courtesy of The Selby Foundation.

Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, announces it will bestow its 2024 Perfect Pitch Award to Selby Gardens’ visionary President & CEO, Jennifer O. Rominiecki. Rominiecki began her tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in February 2015. Since she arrived, she repositioned the institution as The Living Museum®, securing a trademark from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Enacting this new operating model has yielded increases of 170% in membership and 141% in overall earned revenues. Rominiecki has also overseen the creation and execution of a five-year Strategic Plan, a new three-year Strategic Plan, as well as an innovative Master Site Plan for which more than $57 million has been raised. In May 2020, she oversaw the adoption of Historic Spanish Point as a companion campus to Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota location to form one organization with two bayfront sanctuaries connecting people to air plants of the world, native nature, and regional history. Revel in the natural beauty of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on November 4, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, to celebrate the impact that choral music can have throughout life, from youth to adulthood, affecting our lives, careers, and communities. Honorary Chair Sally Arthur, and event Co-Chairs Katherine Martucci, Audrey Robbins, and Charlie Ann Syprett invite you to attend this annual fundraiser. Guests will be welcomed with a wonderful performance by the Key Chorale Chamber Singers and the 2024-25 Student Scholars. In addition to this fundraising effort, the Student Scholar Program is generously funded in part by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Tickets will go on sale July 9. For more information, visit www.KeyChorale.org or call 941.552.8768. Luncheon ticket prices range from $125 for a single ticket, to $1200 for a table of 4, and $5,000 to become a Presenting Sponsor.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has elected officers and appointed new members to its Board of Directors, which governs the organization. The Hon. Charles E. Williams, a circuit court judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit, will step into the role of secretary. Continuing service in their roles of chair, vice chair, and treasurer, respectively, will be Marilyn Thompson, a retired human resources executive with Johnson & Johnson; Paul G. Hudson, market leader at Northern Trust; and Andrew Stultz, president and owner of Atlas Building Company of Florida. Joining the Board for three-year terms are Dan Denton, Erin Duggan, and Mitzie Henson.  Continuing their duties as board members are Daniel DeLeo, Dr. Karen Hamad, David Joyner, Patricia A. Mathews, Dr. Laura Mattia, Mercedes Soler, Jeff Troiano, Janet Taylor, MD, MPH, Terri Vitale, and Mary Lou Winnick. 

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The Early Learning Coalition is thrilled to announce that the Early Learning Coalition Pre-Apprenticeship Program has been officially approved to participate in the State of Florida’s Apprenticeship System. This milestone marks a significant step forward in enhancing the quality and availability of early learning professionals in Manatee County and underscores our commitment to workforce education. The approval aligns with Governor Ron DeSantis’s and the Florida Department of Education’s strategic goal of becoming the number one state in the nation for workforce education by 2030. The Early Learning Coalition’s pre-apprenticeship program is poised to play a crucial role in this ambitious vision, ensuring that Florida continues to produce well-trained, highly skilled early learning professionals. The program offers participants hands-on experience and mentorship, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. The hope of creating the Pre-Apprenticeship Program is to make a new career as accessible and affordable as possible while also helping to staff Manatee County child care centers. Students secure a position at one of the local child care providers after completing the Pre-Apprenticeship course and then continue their education and career development with the Level I Apprenticeship course and eventually the Director course. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all stakeholders, partners, and supporters who have contributed to the approval and development of this program. Your dedication and commitment to workforce education are vital to our shared success. For more information regarding the Pre-Apprenticeship Program, contact Francesca Ricciardo at fricciardo@elc-manatee.org or call (941) 212-4994. 

Music Bingo is happening this Wednesday, June 26th  from 6-8pm at Hamlet’s Eatery with a total twist! Talented local musician, Sabrina McClenithan, will be hosting and playing some of the songs LIVE! Come for dinner, stay and enjoy the tunes and win prizes! Doors open at 5pm for dinner!  Music Bingo is similar to regular Bingo but instead of calling out numbers, music is played and you find the song title on your card. There will be four rounds and no charge to play. You can play one round or all four. Prizes for each round and you can Shazam it! Yes, “cheating” is allowed. This month is Pride theme with fabulous prizes including tickets to see RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Live show.  Dinner is available featuring traditional and vegan options. There is Prosecco on tap and a great selection of craft beers and wine. Hamlet’s Eatery is located in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information call 941-445-1938 or visit www.HamletsEatery.com.