On Sunday, August 25*, Millennials of SRQ is hosting a fundraising mixer to benefit Mothers Helping Mothers, an an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization that provides basic necessities such as family clothing and baby items (including bassinets, car seats, strollers, formula, breast pumps, and more), free of charge to families in Sarasota, Manatee and surrounding counties. The event is free and open to all, from 3-7 pm at the Art Ovation Hotel Ballroom.

In addition to raising funds and awareness, the event aims to provide a unique opportunity to network and connect with local vendors and guests while enjoying inspirational talks from motivational guest speakers. There will be gift basket raffles and a live auction and children are welcome to attend, making it a family-friendly occasion.

The mission and purpose of Millennials of SRQ social club is to empower and support millennials in the SRQ community by providing resources, opportunities, and a platform for their personal and professional growth. "Millennials of SRQ social club is committed to fostering empowerment, networking, collaboration and community engagement. We work to create a positive, safe and inclusive environment where individuals can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the overall betterment of our community," shares Founder, Gabriela McDonough, a woman who is fueled by passion and perseverance to improve our precious community and the lifestyles within it. "We are thrilled to partner with charities like Mothers Helping Mothers, reflecting our shared commitment to community empowerment and support."

Shari Nastri, the owner/lead Instructor of Jazzercise Lakewood Ranch will be attending the fundraiser, hosting a table and donating to the event. “Jazzercise Lakewood Ranch prides itself in providing fun, effective, safe, functional workouts for every fitness level, age and stage while fostering a non-judgmental supportive community,” she says. “Giving back to our local community is an important part of our mission. We proudly support local groups like Mothers helping Mothers. It feels good to give back and it aligns with our whole body experience at Jazzercise Lakewood Ranch.”

To learn more about Millennials of SRQ, visit millennialsofsrq.com/. To learn more about Jazzercise Lakewood Ranch, visit jazzercise.com/studio/fl/lakewood-ranch-town-center-parkway-21581.

*Note: this event was originally scheduled for Saturday, July 13. The date has been changed to Sunday, August 25, same time and place. 

Pictured: Join Millennials of SRQ at the Art Ovation Hotel Ballroom on August 25th from 3-7 pm for a Fundraising Mixer benefiting Mothers Helping Mothers.

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Gov. Ron DeSantis recently announced the selection of Sarasota resident Graci McGillicuddy to the 2024 Florida Women's Hall of Fame. Each year, the Governor selects three nominees from recommendations presented by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. This prestigious honor recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the state of Florida and its residents through their professional and philanthropic endeavors. Graci McGillicuddy is the co-founder of the All Star Children’s Foundation, a Sarasota-based child advocacy center that combats child abuse and provides a safe place for foster children. She has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights and welfare of abused children. Her commitment extends to public service roles on various state councils and nonprofit boards where she contributes to arts, mentoring, and child abuse prevention initiatives. In 2022, she was recognized by The KNOW Women as a member of their “100 Women to Know in America” and was honored with the “Spirit of Service” Award by the Florida Senate in 2009.  In 2008, McGillicuddy spearheaded a $6 million capital campaign to build a state-of-the-art Child Protection Center in Sarasota. She is currently a Lifetime Director of the Child Protection Center after serving many years as board chair and a board member. The induction ceremony will take place later this year, celebrating the accomplishments of McGillicuddy and two other outstanding women—May Mann Jennings, and Penny Thompson—each of whom has significantly contributed to the betterment of Florida. 

Community Harvest SRQ, a non-profit organization committed to reducing food waste, addressing food insecurity, and fostering a vision of a sustainable, just and thriving local food system, is proud to announce they are part of the new Resilience Incubator.  The Resilience Incubator, located at 1760 Mound Street in Sarasota, is a shared space where like-minded nonprofits can work collaboratively to improve environmental health and support human resilience. The Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation are generously supporting the collaboration and funding has been committed for the first 16 months of occupancy. This makes it affordable for small nonprofits. Incubator participants will be seeking funding for continued success of the project. This is huge for Community Harvest SRQ, as well as all organizations involved. The opportunities for collaboration on shared projects and fundraising efforts is exciting. With access to an office and meeting spaces, it means that participants can more easily get together with volunteers, members, and grantors. Although the eleven nonprofits involved may have different missions, they are all centered around environmental health and human resilience. The ability to easily share resources and collaborate on projects will open new pathways for growth.  The organizations have put in hard work to paint their own offices, which all needed some TLC. Volunteers with Veterans for Common Sense painted some of the common areas. Gilbane Building Company supplied volunteers and also gallons of paint for shared areas. The dedication of the participating nonprofits to get the project up and running has been amazing! Participating in the Resilience Incubator are: Community Harvest SRQ, Elizabeth Moore/ Suncoast Stargazers, Florida Veterans for Common Sense Inc, Minorities in Shark Sciences, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay Watch, Southeast Sustainability Directors Network, Southface, Suncoast Waterkeepers, and The Recycling Partnership. 

Pictured: Joyce Norris, executive director of Community Harvest SRQ at ribbon-cutting event for Resilience Incubator.

The Haven is pleased to announce the purchase of a 3-acre property in the heart of University Town Center that will be home to an innovative supported living program that aims to enhance the lives of adults with disabilities. This new community will include a range of living options, including 2, 3- and 4-bedroom homes, designed to provide a safe and inclusive community for individuals seeking independence and support. The houses will be designed to face towards the center of the community to emphasize front-porch living, connecting with your neighbors, and creating a sense of community among residents. The community will also include a spacious clubhouse with a gym, game room and theatre. Situated in a prime location, residents are within walking distance to the UTC Mall, Nathan Benderson Rowing Facility, Mote Marine, and countless restaurants and entertainment choices. Down the road from The Haven’s main campus, residents will have access to our 32-acre property and benefit from 24/7 staff support. This proximity ensures that our community members are always connected and cared for. “The Haven Residences at UTC will be privately owned and operated, ensuring personalized care and a sense of ownership and independence for our residents,” said The Haven’s President and CEO Brad Jones.  The land purchase was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Shapiro family. For more information on the project, or to make a capital contribution, please contact Alison Thomas at athomas@thehavensrq.org or Brad Jones at bjones@thehavensrq.org. 

To learn more, visit.

Children First Vice President of Programs Kathleen Sullivan has received the 2023-2024 Aubrey Puckett Memorial Award from the National Head Start Association. The annual award “celebrates a Head Start alumna, alumnus, or parent now working for a Head Start or Early Head Start program who demonstrates their passion for serving through advocacy, career growth, and being actively involved in their program, community, or at the state or national level.” Ms. Sullivan is a former Head Start parent who has worked for Children First for nearly 14 years. She won the Dr. Arvern Moore Memorial Award earlier this year, a regional award that advanced her to the national level as a finalist for the Aubrey Puckett Memorial Award. She was first nominated at the state level by the Florida Head Start Association. "I am deeply honored to receive the Aubrey Puckett Memorial Award from the National Head Start Association. My journey with Head Start began with my own children, who all benefited from this incredible program. What inspired me to stay involved is the extraordinary dedication of the people who tirelessly advance this crucial work across our nation. I am proud to dedicate my life’s work to a mission that has given so much to me and continues to profoundly impact the lives of children and families," says Ms. Sullivan. Children First is the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, Children First, serving nearly 1,100 individuals daily at multiple sites across Sarasota, Venice, and North Port. The agency has been ranked in the top 1% of more than 1,800 programs nationwide and is a four-time designated Head Start Program of Excellence. 

Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is pleased to announce the selection of Joe Carter, CAP® as its new Vice President of Philanthropy, and the promotion of Sasha Pyatte, CFRE to Director of Philanthropic Partnerships. Carter and Pyatte will play key roles in the execution of Gulf Coast’s strategic plan focused on providing donors and professional advisors with opportunities to deepen their philanthropic impact. “Joe Carter brings over 30 years of experience and knowledge in stewarding philanthropic partnerships,” shared Gulf Coast’s President | CEO Phillip Lanham, CAP®. “His passion for community was evident during his time with the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, and I'm thrilled that he will bring that expertise and compassion here for our community. “With the promotion of Sasha Pyatte to Director of Philanthropic Partnerships, our donors will experience a renewed sense of energy including bespoke services and Sasha’s unique ability to connect philanthropists with transformational community projects,” said Lanham. Carter shared that he is thrilled to immerse himself in his new community, “I am ready and excited to partner with our donors and professional advisors to create a legacy of bold and proactive philanthropy in the areas they care about most.” For the past 20 years, Carter served as Vice President of Development at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation where his focus on philanthropic strategies for donors allowed them to meet their charitable and financial goals and support the foundation’s nearly $750 million in community impact. He is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) serving as an American College facilitator and moderator for the CAP program, and currently serves on the board of the Advancement Network (AdNet), the national association of community foundation development professionals. During his tenure in Oklahoma, Carter presented to nonprofits and all disciplines of professional advisors throughout the state, region, and at national conferences on various charitable topics as it relates to business, tax, and estate planning. Carter’s expertise in continuing education and training will provide Gulf Coast’s donor families and professional advisors with exceptional experiences and opportunities. Pyatte joined Gulf Coast in May 2022 as a Philanthropic Advisor, served as Interim Vice President of Philanthropy, and now serves as Director of Philanthropic Partnerships. In this new role, she will lead the team that works directly with donors to help them reach their philanthropic goals through co-investment and leveraging opportunities to create meaningful impact together. In the past, Pyatte served as Director of Advancement & Strategic Partnerships at the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, and she was the Director of Philanthropy for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida for 10 years. Learn more about how you can make a meaningful difference through philanthropy at Gulf Coast by visiting www.gulfcoastcf.org/your-philanthropy.

Pictured: Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s new Vice President of Philanthropy Joe Carter, CAP® and Director of Philanthropic Partnerships Sasha Pyatte, CFRE. Provided photo.

Embracing Our Differences (EOD) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $6,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to launch a Parent Advisory Council (PAC). This initiative is designed to enhance communication with parents and gain valuable insights for EOD's educational programming. Sarah Wertheimer, EOD’s executive director, explains that the organization has enjoyed a longstanding partnership with Sarasota County Schools, engaging students and educators through various educational initiatives, including reading days, field trips, school clubs, and workshops. Wertheimer explains that the PAC will convene quarterly, providing a platform for parents to receive updates on current programs and share their perspectives. Led by Ben Jewell-Plocher, EOD's learning and engagement director, each meeting will include parental discussions on ongoing and past initiatives. Their input will help EOD address current challenges and explore opportunities for future programming. Jewell-Plocher explains that the Community Foundation grant will support the operational costs of the PAC, including meeting logistics, outreach materials for parents, and resources to facilitate fruitful discussions. He adds that the group will meet quarterly. At each PAC meeting, he will provide an overview of EOD’s current and previous programs. For 21 years, Embracing Our Differences has delighted viewers with its annual outdoor display of 50 billboard-sized works of art and accompanying quotes. This high-profile art exhibition draws on the passion and perception of artists, students, and writers, to create powerful statements of inclusion, kindness and respect. The scale and impact of this open-air art show has continued to grow, attracting more than 4.8 million visitors since its inception. EOD’s annual exhibit is the heart of a year-round program of activities using art as a catalyst to create awareness and promote diversity. Embracing Our Differences’ next outdoor exhibition runs Jan. 19-April 13, 2025, in Bayfront Park, Sarasota; and March 1-March 31, 2025, in Flora Wylie Park, St. Petersburg. For more information about Embracing Our Differences, call 941-404-5710, or visit embracingourdifferences.org.

Pictured: Riverview High School students participate in EOD’s Coexistence Club program, one of eight education initiatives impacting more than 55,000 students annually. Photo courtesy of EOD.

Join your buddies, our wonderful East County guests, the Gecko's teams & the 4-H families for a 10th Anniversary Party & BBQ to benefit 4-H Children’s Animal Project! We'll have Chef James house-smoking Gecko’s BBQ with all the fixins, lots of exciting raffles, giveaways, our Farmer's Daughter specialty cocktail ($1 from every Farmer’s Daughter will be donated to 4-H), fabulous Music Compound performances on the patio & FUN! All to benefit the 4-H Children and to say thank you to YOU, our guests who have been with us for the past 10 years of good fun & good cheer! The Gecko’s Hospitality Group has been proud Business Partners with 4-H for over a decade.  In past efforts, Gecko’s has raised over $20,000 towards scholarships for 4-H children who wished to continue their education in the field of Agriculture or other areas where the many life lessons in citizenship they have gained through 4-H have inspired their passions.  The Fruitville Gecko’s Anniversary party is a celebration of that partnership and the children and families of 4-H and is a benefit for the 4-H Children’s Animal projects.  In participating in the long tradition of 4-H programming in continuing Agriculture & business training, the 4-H kids raise all manner of animals to show and sell at the Fair.  The commitment is significant.  They manage the feed, care, rent, vet bills, grooming and incidentals that are all part of learning how to care for and market their animal projects.  With farming and ranching families under increased pressure to be able to continue in Agriculture, the 4-H program is essential for continuing to share the Agricultural legacy of the great state of Florida with the next generation…and we are committed to continue our support for that effort through 4-H. 

Easterseals Southwest Florida announces that it has received a $10,000 economic mobility grant from Bank of America for Easterseals Academy, a K-12 academic program for students with intellectual and/or physical disabilities, including autism. This grant reflects a shared commitment to fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities for all members of our community. With a specialized curriculum tailored to the unique needs of its students, Easterseals Academy recognizes the importance of equipping young adults with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the workforce successfully. The Workforce Track at Easterseals Academy provides students with the tools, resources and training needed to thrive in the workforce, including vocational training, job readiness workshops and technology programs. The Workforce Track Program at Easterseals Academy is more than just a pathway to employment, it’s also a holistic approach to personal and professional growth. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, students are empowered to overcome obstacles, embrace their strengths and work towards an independent future. Easterseals Southwest Florida is just one of 11 Sarasota/Manatee nonprofits Bank of America is supporting with economic mobility grants awarded to nonprofits through the year to help tackle society’s biggest challenges. This first round of grants is focused on improving the lives of individuals and families by investing in health and jobs. To learn more about Easterseals programs and services, including Easterseals Academy, Autism Services, Children Services, Adult Services, Employment Services, Therapy Services, Family Support Services, Hippotherapy and more, visit www.easterseals-swfl.org. 

The Suncoast Science Center/Faulhaber Fab Lab is thrilled to announce it was recently awarded a $20,000 grant from The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation to help enhance its fabrication lab and student-led programming, propelling efforts to ignite curiosity and innovation in the community. The grant funds will help upgrade the Fab Lab with cutting-edge technology, strengthening its status as a leading hub of science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education. New equipment will amplify the impact of various high school student-led programs such as Summer Camps, LEGO Robotics, RC Car competition, Rocketry Club and more. By empowering the next generation with state-of-the-art resources and technical and life skill building opportunities, students will be equipped for success in college, careers, and beyond. The grant will also allow the Fab Lab to expand its outreach efforts with Title I schools and community organizations. Through strategic partnerships, efforts are underway to introduce a larger number of underprivileged children to the world of STEAM, fostering curiosity and exploration. 

Pictured: Expanded summer camps provide endless fun and learning thanks in part to Selby Foundation support.