The power of social capital helps build stronger communities, creating bonds and bridges amongst diverse groups. It fosters trust, deepens relationships and expands networks. Strengthening social capital often occurs through community-building activities, which is why the Education Foundation of Sarasota County is excited to support Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terry Connor’s vision of Sarasota CEOs in Schools: A Day of Impact. 

Sarasota County Schools aims to connect a select group of 43 business leaders with each of the traditional public schools for a day of learning, collaboration and civic responsibility. These select business leaders will serve as positive role models for students, gain insights into the educational environment, collaborate with principals to create innovative community solutions and offer a new perspective on the role of schools in preparing students for future workforce success.

Building social capital isn’t just for adults. Students need to learn how to develop social capital, both horizontally and vertically, at all levels of their schooling. When they see role models in action investing in their futures, giving back, paying it forward, it increases their understanding and confidence in the benefits of strong communities. It becomes tangible and real for them.

On a practical level, students are exposed to career-connected learning. These opportunities build connections to local workforce needs and older students can learn about career pathways they may not have previously considered. Equally, business leaders get an insider’s peek into the valuable role of school administrators as they witness the planned and unplanned activities unfold for the day.

If you are a local business leader, we invite you to join us for this Day of Impact. Registration is open for any business leader who is interested in participating. All it requires is a willingness to participate for one school day in November. A preliminary meet and greet reception will be scheduled in advance to get to know the school principals, each other, and other key players involved, and Dr. Harriet Moore, Director of Strategic Engagement for Sarasota County Schools, is leading this initiative. For more information or to register, please visit bit.ly/CEOsInEducation.

Jennifer Vigne is president and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.  

Image courtesy Pixabay

Over the years, I’ve heard from many longtime and new neighbors alike that one thing they love most about Sarasota is its robust arts and cultural scene. No doubt it brings excitement and pride to know that on any given day, there are dozens of worthwhile offerings in theatres, concert halls, and museums so close to home. It would seem like a great bonus to be living in an already balmy, beautiful beach paradise. 

Look a little closer, though, and it becomes evident that an arts scene is not just a bonus feature, but a staple of our community, fundamental to our identity and our economy. In short, the arts — far from being simply sources of pleasure and enjoyment — are key to sustaining our quality of life and well-being.  

Locally, 117 arts and cultural nonprofits serving Sarasota, Bradenton and Charlotte counties have profiles on The Giving Partner, a searchable database of nonprofit organizations. From art museums to circus arenas and just about everything in between, these organizations offer experiences for residents and visitors alike that are emotionally and intellectually stimulating, preserve culture and diversity and promote social cohesion and civic engagement.  

These are all important reasons to support arts organizations, but there is another reason: the arts stimulate a healthy economy. Through the arts we receive all the biproducts that economic strength leads to, including higher employment rates, access to capital, a high standard of living and higher resilience to economic shocks.  

Employment opportunities in arts organizations in Sarasota County are prolific—between full- and part-time staff and consultants, 2,700 people in the county are employed by an arts organization in some capacity, whether that’s as an artist, an administrative assistant, or an accountant.  

Not only are the arts a great generator of jobs, according to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 report by the Americans for the Arts. In Sarasota County these organizations and their audiences generated more than $12 million in local tax revenue in 2023. When people head out for a night at the theater, they often make a night of it, visiting local merchants and restaurants. In Sarasota County, attendees spend an average of $46.21 per person per event, beyond the cost of the ticket, which is vital income for surrounding businesses. And while much of this revenue comes from Sarasota residents, nearly half of all attendees of art events live outside of Sarasota County.  

The many benefits of having a vital arts community have made this sector a sweetheart of the philanthropic community. Many local donors have centered the arts in their giving, recognizing the value of maintaining the arts as the heart of a healthy community. 

Carrying out the philanthropic vision of committed, generous and caring donors for nearly 45 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has for decades maintained strong partnerships with arts organizations. Strategic partnerships with these organizations, which this fiscal year amounts to almost $670,000 in support, help ensure their longevity, so they can continue to contribute to our exceptional quality of life.  

The contributions of these organizations go far beyond what they present on stages and in galleries. They maintain our community’s well-being economically, culturally and socially. Like works of art themselves, the arts community’s value is understood fully only through a closer look.  

Roxie Jerde is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

Photo: Art Ovation, by Phil Lederer

Regarding Jacob Ogles’ “Under the Hood” article published 8/24/24-it is clear that Mr. Ogles is sticking to his “Florida Politics” script, as dictated by (Anthony) Pedicini’s best buddy-the owner and employer of Mr. Ogles.

The reality is that people are becoming educated as to who these bought and paid for Commissioners in Manatee County actually represent. As a former 2-term Manatee County Commissioner who decided not to run for re-election in April, 2020 — hardly “bailing deep in the cycle” as reported by Ogles — I understand how this process works.

I was ecstatic with the results of the 2024 primary elections in Manatee County, as were thousands of other citizens who found a voice and used their voice to vote out the most corrupt Board of County Commissioners and Supervisor of Elections ever in office in Manatee County. You need to find another publication to sing the praises of your handler, people in our Community aren’t buying it.

Betsy Benac is a former Manatee County Commissioner. 

Photo courtesy Manatee County government.