SunCoast Blood Centers has over 75 years of experience in delivering precious life-saving products in our community, making them the go-to partner for blood-related healthcare services in Southwest Florida. From their Lakewood Ranch headquarters, SunCoast is able to stage their mobile units, house their administrative staff and share a wonderful teaching facility with the public. However, in order to continue their mission, SunCoast is always in need of donors and volunteers, both of which are so vital to the success of the organization. “There are a lot of opportunities here and we encourage all members of the community to get involved–students, teachers, retirees–we appreciate all of our volunteers,” says Joan Leonard, Community Liaison for the organization.

One person who knows firsthand the importance of a stable and readily available blood supply and the rewards of giving back is childhood leukemia survivor, Chaz Oyler, now currently studying to become a physician assistant. In August 2009, Oyler was diagnosed with Pre B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and underwent treatment at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Pete. Because of this, his white blood cell counts increased drastically, while bringing down the counts of the other blood components such as red blood cells and platelets. This meant that he would have to go through multiple blood transfusions in order to raise the number of red blood cells and platelets. Throughout his treatment he received eight platelet transfusions and 12 red blood cell transfusions. And since he had leukemia, this meant that he would never be able to donate blood himself.

”I have always been connected to SunCoast Blood Centers. My mom started as a med tech in the company when they ran their lab out of Sarasota Memorial Hospital and is now the lab director at the new location in Lakewood Ranch,” shares Oyler. “During middle school and throughout high school I volunteered there not only to get volunteer hours for college but also contribute to a cause that helps people who need the same blood products that I needed.” Oyler began working at SunCoast as an employee in the summer of 2022 in the contact center, and this past year became a medical historian there in order to gain patient care hours needed for PA school.

”SunCoast Blood Centers has helped me a lot throughout my life. Not only has it been a place that I volunteered at and now work at, but it also helped me make connections with so many people to help me along my journey to PA school,” says Oyler. “Joan Leonard actually wrote me a letter of recommendation for Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Pete where I was able to shadow the same PA that took care of me when I was in treatment. SunCoast has also provided me with a scholarship and multiple recommendation letters for other scholarships in order to help me financially through school.”

Oyler loves being able to help an organization that provides blood products to people that need them. “Everyone needs blood, and almost everyone has blood to share,” he says. “Anytime someone goes into surgery, or has a bad accident, chances are that they are going to need blood transfusions, which isn't possible without blood donors. I also get to meet new people every day that are willing to give their blood for the good of others. The eight platelets and 12 red blood cell units that I received during treatment did not just come from thin air, they came from people who wanted to save lives.”

As a donor or volunteer with SunCoast Blood Centers, you too can become part of the lifesaving connection that delivers blood products to local patients in need. You can take pride in knowing that your time is as vital as a blood donation, and you are contributing to your community in a very special way.

SunCoast Blood Center, 3025 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Suite 111, Bradenton, suncoastblood.org/. 

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The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) honors The Arthur S. Karp Family Foundation as the Child Advocate of the Year. The Karp Family’s first investment in the community through the foundation was to CPC, and their charitable giving has spanned more than twenty years.Arthur and Susan Karp created a foundation of comprehensive philanthropy decades ago that continues three generations later. The family gives of their time, talents, and treasures, investing in organizations that create catalytic change in the community. At the Child Protection Center, the Karp Family advocate for the mission and support the organization, which impacts more than 60,000 people annually in Sarasota and Desoto Counties. Tammy Karp currently serves on the Board of Directors, and Taylor Karp Teymuri and Sarah Karp Renkliyuz currently serve on the Butterfly Guild (CPC’s Young Professional Group for Child Advocacy). Tammy, Taylor, and Sarah co-chaired the 11th Annual Blue Ties and Butterflies this past April which raised critical funds for CPC’s programming as well as awareness of the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. While presenting the award, Executive Director Doug Staley shared “The Karp family has helped CPC to shine a light on the secrets that were hidden and not discussed. They are a part of our foundation that provides children with hope, healing, and transformation.” 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. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties will honor Jack Cox, President and Owner of Halfacre Construction Company, and Dr. Harriet Moore, Director of Strategic Engagement at Sarasota County Schools, at the 18th Intertape Polymer Group (IPG) Leadership Breakfast for their commitment to empowering our community’s future leaders to reach their full potential. The event will take place on Friday, September 6 from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at the Lee Wetherington Boys & Girls Club, located at 3100 Fruitville Road in Sarasota. For nearly two decades, our community has come together at this event every September to honor individuals who have been instrumental in empowering youth to achieve great futures. This year, the two honorees are dedicated and committed to ensuring youth and families have access to community enrichment programs that provide a pathway for success after high school graduation. The Leadership Breakfast will celebrate the honorees’ dedication to supporting local teens as they develop leadership skills, explore entrepreneurial education, and continue college and career readiness. All proceeds from this event will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties’ award-winning slate of Teen Programs and provide life-changing services to thousands of teens across Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

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The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF) announces the resignation of Executive Director Adrienne Bookhamer effective June 18, 2024. Bookhamer joined the organization in May 2021 and helped with the transition from a fund to a foundation and with marketing the organization. She will be relocating and the LWRCF board of directors wishes her all the best in her future endeavors. LWRCF is actively seeking a replacement for the position of executive director and to fill a new position of philanthropic advisor. For more information about these positions and to apply, visit: https://www.indeed.com/job/philanthropic-advisor-94ff5abeb27c4324; https://www.indeed.com/job/executive-director-04d60bc0a7574226. The vision of the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation is to use the power of giving to serve the local community. Founded in 2000, LWRCF’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding communities by responding to needs, granting funds, and building lasting relationships. Over the past 20+ years, the organization has given more than $1.53 million to 140 deserving nonprofits.  The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation is beginning to prepare for its major event of the year, The Soiree at the Ranch, which will be held in October 2024. In January 2025, LWRCF will kick off its 25th anniversary celebration and Open the Door… to the next chapter of the organization. For more information, visit www.LWRCF.org or call 941-208-6799.  

Thanks to generosity of the Bank of America Client Foundation, a toddler delights as blocks tumble down, a cascade of green, red, and yellow cubes. The little girl’s laughter brings her mother’s face close and a kiss is placed on her head. The little girl glances up at her mother and then reaches for the blocks to start building again.This moment is played out daily at Forty Carrots’ Partners in Play® Groups—an essential moment where the child’s brain is growing, the early foundations of learning are set, and the relationship between parent and child is fortified. The impact of a 1,000 moments such as this led to healthy family development for generations to come. “With the support of the Bank of America Client Foundation, families in Sarasota will receive the knowledge, skills, and support they need through Partners in Play® groups. With a focus on parenting education, a known factor to reduce the risk of abuse and neglect in families, combined with early learning, Forty Carrot’s PIP groups play a critical prevention role in our community,” said CEO of Forty Carrots Michelle Kapreilian. "The Bank of America Client Foundation appreciates the opportunity to partner with our local Sarasota non-profits and we are thankful for all that you do to enhance our communities," said Andrew G. Davis, CTFA, Managing Director, Senior Philanthropic Client Manager. Since 1993, Forty Carrots Family Center has served families in Sarasota & Manatee counties, ensuring good beginnings that last a lifetime for children through its expertise in Parenting Education, Mental Health Services, and Early Childhood Education. Rated 4-Stars by Charity Navigator, Forty Carrots serves families from all walks of life, with 94 percent of families receiving services free of charge. Visit www.fortycarrots.org for more information. 

Pictured: Partners In Play Group. Photo courtesy of Forty Carrots.

All Star Children’s Foundation has welcomed Amy Farrington to its board of directors. Farrington is an attorney at Persson, Cohen, Mooney, Fernandez & Jackson, P.A. She started her legal career in the Florida Legislature and has since gained experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Prior to joining the firm, Farrington worked with the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, University of South Florida, Florida Department of State, and in private legal practice. She most recently served as a consultant for area, state, and national non-profit and membership organizations focusing on administration, governance, and organizational development. 

Local Relief (LR), a nonprofit crisis communication app, is announcing a resource sharing partnership with GoFundMe.org, a nonprofit organization that works to swiftly mobilize donations for individuals and communities impacted by crises.Local Relief is a tech-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit and social media mobile app that bridges the communication gap between communities and vital resources during times of disaster. The platform serves as a critical connection tool for local citizens, organizations, and authorities to prepare, survive, and rebuild. Heather Hackett, Local Relief founder and Executive Director, based in Sarasota, FL explains, “We are more than an app, we are a communication lifeline, a nexus of aid, and a driving force for the restoration of resilient communities. The app empowers residents to connect with local authorities, access critical information, and request assistance seamlessly.” She continues, “We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with GoFundMe.org.” Local Relief is mutual aid. It connects disaster survivors with essential local resources and support through the mobile app. LR provides critical information and links to resources prior to and subsequent to disasters (hurricane, fire, earthquake, tornado, and flood). But one of its real strengths is the app functioning as locals helping locals through instant interactive communication via posts. Chad Smith, President Local Relief, breaks it down, “When your town is hit by a disaster, it’s chaos, it’s unorganized, and it’s all-encompassing. Food distribution sites, information tents, nonprofit assistance, and shelters can be near impossible to find without word of mouth. Our app is about neighbors helping neighbors. They want to donate their time, supplies, and money and with our app they will now have the ability to share information on how to contribute. Unlike many disaster resources, Local Relief never leaves. The app is available for the long haul to assist in locating the services and resources necessary before, during, and after a disaster.” GoFundMe.org will share Local Relief information with people who receive disaster relief grants from their crisis funds such as Hurricane Relief and Wildfire Relief in hopes of providing additional on the ground support when possible. For more information go to www.LocalRelief.com and www.gofundme.org. To schedule an interview, please contact Lis Begin at 727-243-6965 or Lis@BeginProductions.com. 

The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Sarasota County, Florida) announced today that the Hermitage has been awarded nearly a dozen grants totaling over $238,000 that will support a variety of programs and initiatives, including residencies for Hermitage Fellows, arts education support, and program accessibility. Grants were awarded by the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Amphion Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, The Exchange, Koski Family Foundation, Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Program, National Endowment for the Arts, and Plantation Community Foundation. The Hermitage is widely recognized for its international artist residency program and its rapidly expanding community programming, introducing Gulf Coast audiences to some of the world’s leading artists across all disciplines. “As our programs and collaborations continue to evolve and expand, we are excited to see the impact on audiences throughout our region and beyond,” says Hermitage Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg. “We are deeply appreciative for these generous grants from both new and longtime supporters, all of which will provide invaluable support and resources to the diverse and accomplished Hermitage artists who are making a meaningful impact in our community and with audiences around the world.” 

It’s that time of year again to apply for a unique opportunity to expand board governance skills. Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is now accepting applications for its October 2024 Fall Gulf Coast Board Institute (GCBI). The online application, overview, and statement of commitment for the program are available at www.gulfcoastcf.org/GCBI. This high-demand program is delivered through Gulf Coast’s Invest In Incredible initiative to active and prospective nonprofit board members in the region. The deadline to apply for this governance training series is Sunday, August 18 at 11:59 p.m. ET. “Gulf Coast Board Institute delivers an exceptional opportunity for regional nonprofit board members to build, further develop, and refine their skills,” shared Director of Gulf Coast’s Invest In Incredible, Betsy Steiner. “Individuals will be selected to participate in four interactive training sessions over a four-week period. We encourage you to apply for this high-level governance training to help transform your experience and contributions as a valued and impactful board member." The group will participate in training experiences through four consecutive Fridays from October 4 to October 25 at Gulf Coast’s Venice Headquarters, 601 Tamiami Trail S., Venice. Topics will include fundamentals of nonprofit board governance, financial and legal oversight responsibilities, fundraising and resource development, and how to create a diverse, highly functioning, and engaged board. The training courses will be led by certified consultants who are part of Gulf Coast’s Invest In Incredible nonprofit capacity building initiative. Participants will be selected through a competitive process with the intent of creating a group of individuals representing nonprofits from all sectors with a variety of experience. Gulf Coast provides all training and resources at no cost to participants in exchange for their commitment to serve as advocates for good board governance in current and future nonprofit board service. Applicants are encouraged to be current, active board members at a nonprofit in the region, although prospective board members will be considered. Regardless of prior board experience, all participants should be committed to using what they learn through GCBI to strengthen the governance capacity of a nonprofit organization in our community. Because of the high demand for this training opportunity, applicants must also sign a commitment that they will attend all four days of training if selected. To learn more, visit www.gulfcoastcf.org/GCBI. 

Pictured: Gulf Coast Board Institute’s Fall 2023 graduating class gathers at Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s Venice Headquarters.