Stottlemyer's Smokehouse is hosting their second annual Support Our Schools Drive. Through the summer, from July 16th to August 16th, 2024, the barbecue restaurant is asking the community to help stock the shelves of local elementary schools with essential school supplies. Donations will be distributed to nearby Tatum Ridge Elementary and Fruitville Elementary.

The event began in the summer of 2023 when Stottlemyer's Bar Manager, Julie Asher was tasked with creating an event for the end of summer. “I thought, what better way to end the summer than with a back to school drive!” she says. “Back to school shopping can be such a financial burden on not only families, but teachers alike. Here at Stottlemyer's, we are just as passionate about supporting live music as we are about helping our community.”

Last year’s event turned out to be so successful, the team at Stottlemyer’s decided to make it an annual occurrence. “Last year, we set up our beer garden with tables full of supplies that were donated so that families could come to fill a bag. We filled over 30 bags, but were left with a tremendous amount of supplies,” Asher explains. “I ended up dividing the leftover supplies into three different categories: elementary, middle, and high school. I then dropped off the supplies at our local schools to help those in need.” This year, Asher decided to just have the boxes out in the smokehouse for collecting donations, and when the drive is over, she will distribute them to Fruitville and Tatum Ridge Elementary. “We would like all of those in need of supplies to be able to access them without having to rely on transportation to Stottlemyer's to fill the bags,” she adds.

Donating is Easy. Anyone can participate by stopping by Stottlemyer's Smokehouse during regular business hours and dropping off their donations in the designated bins. All school supplies are welcome, but here are a few suggestions: pencils (No. 2), crayons, washable markers, highlighters, glue sticks, scissors, composition notebooks, dry erase markers, colored pencils, folders with or without prongs, tissues, pencil cases/bag.

"Our Back-to-School Drive is more than just collecting supplies," says Asher. "It's about creating a community-wide effort to support our children's education. We hope everyone will pitch in and help ensure our local students have a successful school year."

Stottlemyer’s is also inviting the community to kick off the new school year with some grown-up fun on Saturday, August 17th at 7:00pm for a celebration featuring the band Big Town Little Famous. “Our End of Summer Party is geared toward adults so that they may come and celebrate another successful summer as they send their children off to school this year,” says Asher. “The band will play from 7:00pm - 10:00pm. We will have drink specials of $5 Captain Morgan, $6 Tito's Vodka and $7 Jack Daniels Whiskey. We will also be featuring a free spirits tasting with our newest vendor Misguided Spirits, as well as a featured specialty cocktail using Misguided Spirits.”

Stottlemyer's Smokehouse, 19 East Road, Sarasota, (one mile east of I-75 off of Fruitville, 941-920-1102. 

Pictured: The 2023 Support Our Schools Drive at Stottlemyer's brought much-needed supplies to local schools. Photo courtesy of Stottlemyer's Smokehouse.

Tonya Wallace has joined DeSoto County-based nonprofit organization Links to Success in the new role of First 1,000 Days Family Navigator. Wallace will guide and connect DeSoto families to a range of healthcare, childcare, and social-service resources to support their newborns and young children during the critical years of early childhood development.  Her role is key to further expanding the services of the successful First 1,000 Days Suncoast initiative, which is housed within Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, to meet the particular needs of the DeSoto County community. Links to Success has been at the forefront of providing essential college and career preparation for middle- and high-school students in DeSoto County, addressing educational inequality and limited resources in one of Florida’s lowest-income areas.  Currently, the county has a 30 percent kindergarten-readiness rate, and 38 percent of third graders are reading at grade level.  “To best serve our families and our community, we must start earlier and ensure our children have access to quality early learning experiences,” said Coone. To that end, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation recently awarded Links to Success a $400,000 grant to expand its programs and build its capacity, including start-up funding to begin serving families during the critical early childhood years.  Links to Success is partnering with First 1,000 Days Suncoast, which coordinates free and affordable services for vulnerable families in partnership with more than 90 community partners.  The referral and resource model was designed to support new mothers and babies being discharged from Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where it continues to be based. The new family navigator role involves guiding families through a maze of available services to ensure they receive the comprehensive support necessary during the pivotal time of early childhood development.  Wallace will provide direction and resources to families to help meet their specific needs, and she’ll build and maintain relationships with service providers to facilitate referrals and ensure access.  She’ll also lead workshops and educational sessions for parents and caregivers on topics related to early childhood development, parenting, and health. The hiring of a DeSoto First 1,000 Days navigator aims to replicate the success already being achieved in neighboring counties.  The position will lean on and leverage the proven referral model and vast resource network built by the First 1,000 Days Suncoast initiative.  While First 1,000 Days had expanded outreach to DeSoto County prior to this new role, it became clear that the community’s particular needs and geography require more attention and staff dedicated to DeSoto families. Wallace brings an impressive professional background and long history of service and collaboration in DeSoto County to her new role.  Most recently, she worked with DeSoto County children and their families as the children’s library manager for the DeSoto County Public Library.  Prior to that, she spent 22 years as an elementary school educator for the School District of DeSoto County. DeSoto County mothers who are pregnant or families raising a young child may complete the assistance-request form available on the First 1,000 Days Suncoast website to get connected with Wallace for help. 

Tidewell Foundation is pleased to welcome its two newest colleagues, Rebecca Blitz and Lisa Adams. Rebecca joins the Foundation as a Senior Philanthropy Advisor, while Lisa will serve as its new Events Manager. Rebecca is a seasoned and highly accomplished event, public relations, and fundraising professional. She has worked with nonprofits throughout her career, serving as CEO for Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy for several years, as well as Regional Director for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Rebecca possesses extensive knowledge in donor cultivation, annual campaigns, special events, stewardship, volunteer, and philanthropic support. Rebecca earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Kansas State University. Lisa spent many years in the Washington D.C. area where she served as a catering sales manager for private clubs. Most recently, she served as a Group Billing Specialist at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Lisa is very active with the Daughters of the American Revolution and is passionate about philanthropy and helping those in need. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management from The Pennsylvania State University. As the region’s only not-for-profit hospice serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties, Tidewell Hospice provides care for nearly 10,000 patients annually. The Tidewell Foundation provides perpetual support for the world-class hospice and home health care of Tidewell Hospice, a member of Empath Health. Learn more and connect with Rebecca, Lisa, and the entire Tidewell Foundation team by visiting tidewellfoundation.org/about-us/staff.  

G.R.A.S.P. Inc. is thrilled to announce the receipt of a generous $6,000 grant from the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation. This grant will significantly enhance our ongoing efforts to stabilize individuals transitioning out of incarceration or rehabilitation financially. G.R.A.S.P. Inc.'s Financial Stability Program is dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals and those coming out of rehabilitation achieve financial independence and rebuild their lives. Partnering with organizations that provide comprehensive services, including financial literacy education, job placement assistance, and personalized financial planning, G.R.A.S.P can support the individuals most at risk. By addressing the unique financial challenges faced by these individuals, we aim to reduce recidivism and foster their long-term stability and success. For more information about G.R.A.S.P. Inc. and our Financial Stability Program, please visit graspsrq.org. 

On July 25th, co-owners Mike Gowan and Mike Quillen from Gecko’s Hospitality Group presented a check for $15,000 to Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President & CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.  The donation is part of a years-long partnership where Gecko’s provides proceeds from the sale of their ‘Shark Lady’ philanthropic cocktail to support Mote’s globally impactful red tide and marine science research.  Gecko’s donation from sales of ‘Shark Lady’ cocktail have now provided Mote with approximately $62,000 to support its mission since the specialty drink was launched in 2018. Both aesthetically and palate pleasing, the aqua-blue cocktail is named after Mote’s Founding Director, Dr. Eugenie “Genie” Clark, who is popularly and affectionately known as ‘The Shark Lady’ because of her extensive research on sharks.  Developed by Anne Rollings & Gecko’s Beverage Director, the libation is a mix of rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice and sour mix. The partnership between Gecko’s and Mote goes back to 2018 when the region experienced an unusually persistent red tide bloom.  Wanting to support the science-based red tide mitigation work being conducted at Mote, Anne Rollings, an executive with Gecko’s, came up with the concept as a way to create an ongoing source of education about the work being done at Mote to Gecko’s guests as well as contribute with financial support.  “We wanted to offer our guests a fun and delicious way to support and become more aware and appreciative of the globally-significant marine science research that our independent world-class laboratory conducts right here in our backyard,” said Rollings. “Just as Gecko’s is committed to using homegrown ingredients in many of their menu items, time and time again, they step up to demonstrate their commitment to bolstering homegrown non-profits that are making a difference for our region,” said Dr. Crosby, “and through this partnership our beloved “Shark Lady” continues to give back to Mote and our oceans.”  

Art 4 Change is excited to announce a generous $5,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast). This funding, designated for Art 4 Change’s 2024-2025 initiatives, is made possible through the Carl A. Savickas Charitable Fund, a donor-established legacy endowment, at Gulf Coast. The contribution makes Gulf Coast the first Platinum Sponsor for Art 4 Change, marking a significant milestone for the arts organization. The support enables Art 4 Change to advance its mission to create positive social change through art and serve underrepresented communities. A key initiative supported by this sponsorship is Art 4 Change's "A Better World Through Art" poster contest. Submissions are now open to Sarasota and Manatee County students in grades 6-12, with a deadline of December 20, 2024.Art 4 Change has been dedicated to fostering collaboration with local galleries, businesses, and educational institutions to create opportunities for artists and students alike. Their efforts focus on using art as a catalyst for social change, providing a platform for diverse voices, and nurturing a vibrant, inclusive cultural landscape. For more information about Art 4 Change and its programs, please visit art4changeinc.org or contact Clifford McDonald at art4changesarasota@gmail.com. 

Manatee Community Foundation is delighted to announce the 2024 Scholars Program scholarship awards. According to Simone Peterson, MCF’s community investment officer, 93 scholarships were granted this year, for a total of $223,063.40 awarded. Among the recipients,74 are Manatee County students, and 15 are Sarasota County students. Peterson explains that the program was launched in 1998 and provides graduating high school students from Manatee and Sarasota counties—and those already in college or an accredited trade school—with scholarships to attend accredited post-secondary education institutions. She says it’s funded by “generous donors who believe education lifts our community” and that a dedicated scholarship committee, comprised of MCF board members and community representatives, meticulously review all applications and select recipients. “This collaborative effort ensures that deserving students receive the financial support they need to pursue their academic goals,” says Peterson.

Natalia Urbanski is one of the proud recipients this year and a graduate of State College of Florida Collegiate School, SCF’s dual enrollment high school-to-college program. She is majoring in marketing at Florida Gulf Coast University and graduating this May. Urbanski says that receiving the MCF scholarship has allowed her to “avoid student debt and truly enjoy the college experience. The funds provided to me have taken the pressure off working excessive hours to cover my academic costs. Alejandro Peralta Jacome graduated from Sarasota High School and is attending Johns Hopkins University, with a major in neuroscience/pre-med. He notes that MCF’s scholarships have been instrumental in his academic journey by alleviating the financial burden of tuition and related expenses. Tremaine Rumph received his GED from the state of Florida and is attending State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota to obtain an associate in science degree. He thanks “everyone at Manatee Community Foundation who makes it possible for students like me to continue their education. The 2024 MCF Scholars Program opened on January 1, 2024, and closed on March 1, 2024. The next call for applications will be for those who are majoring in a vocational field, and will open on October 1, 2024, and close on November 1, 2024. The next call for applications for MCF’s general application cycle will open on January 1, 2025, and close on March 1, 2025. For more information about Manatee Community Foundation, visit www.ManateeCF.org. 

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