SRQ DAILY Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"I want to make as much money as I possibly can. The more money I make the more money I can give away."
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants' (CMR) Ocean Prime brand is pleased to announce its first Sarasota restaurant and 19th location, which will be located in the heart of The Quay Sarasota, a 14-acre waterfront development that merges the scenic waterfront marina setting with luxury residences, upscale shopping, and premier culinary experiences.
Cameron Mitchell, Founder and CEO of CMR came from humble beginnings. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Mitchell struggled as a teen as his parents endured a long, bitter divorce. “I was ranked 592 out of a class of 597 in high school, so there were only five people behind me and my GP was a 1.05,” he recalls. “I still got voted senior class president and most likely to succeed and become president but I was also the most absent. I always said I had the can do--I just didn’t have the will do.” After dropping out of high school and living on the streets for five months as a runaway, he came back to school in his junior year and got a job washing dishes in a steakhouse. One Friday in February, Mitchell recalls the restaurant being filled with about 1,000 people between lunch and dinner. “The bar was just packed, there was crazy, crazy music and I was a cook earning $4.50 an hour. It was 4pm and there was complete pandemonium in the kitchen. I looked across the kitchen, and I thought to myself, I just love this.” he says. “I always knew I would be going to college and I always thought I would be successful, but didn't know what I wanted to do. But that night, it hit me like a ton of bricks and I knew I wanted to be in the restaurant business for the rest of my life.”
Fast forwad to today, Mitchell owns a string of successful restaurants nationwide, a home in Columbus, Ohio and one in Siesta Key. His familiy is flourishing and he has received accolades from top business publications around the world. With all this success, however, he still manages to make it a priority to help others.
The Ocean Prime brand is committed to the growth of the communities in which they do business. In addition to their continuous philanthropic efforts, it is their mission to provide as much support as possible to a wide variety of schools, hospitals, non-profit groups and community organizations with a particular focus on families and children, education, health, safety and hunger. Mitchell himself, is very philanthropic with his time, talent and treasure, supporting the United Way, amongst other nonprofits, and most recently partnering with the Community Foundation of Sarasota to support Hurricane Milton recovery efforts. “People don't give much away, or they wait to do it when they die. I want to do it today because I just love taking care of people,” he says. “I want to make as much money as I possibly can. The more money I make the more money I can give away. And that really sums it up.”
Ocean Prime will open late December. To learn more, visit ocean-prime.com. 
Pictured: Cameron Mitchell is thrilled to bring his dining experience to Sarasota with Ocean Prime. Photo courtesy of Cameron Mitchell.
The City of Lights Gala: A Fundraising Soiree will be held on Friday, February 28 at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, at Michael's Ballroom. This special evening will be an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors in our community while empowering them to live fulfilling and joyful lives. Senior Friendship Centers is a dedicated nonprofit organization that has been committed to serving older adults in our community for over 51 years. Please consider joining as a sponsor or underwriter. By partnering in this way, you will not only play a vital role in ensuring continued services to countless individuals but also provide valuable exposure for your brand to a diverse audience. Don't delay - we want to recognize your generosity in our promotions and would appreciate your response by December 1, 2024. The gala promises to be an unforgettable evening of friendship and philanthropy elevated by a gourmet dinner, open bar, live auction, live entertainment, dancing and many “Ooh La La” moments that will create memories forever.
Resurrection House, Inc., has been awarded a $7,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, which will empower Resurrection House to upgrade its giving platform. Called Bloomerang, it will allow Resurrection House staff to streamline donation management, automate tasks and strengthen relationships with its community of supporters. Resurrection House does not accept funding from the city, county, state or federal government. Donations from individuals, businesses, foundations and religious groups form the core of the operating budget for the day resource center. “We are so grateful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County for granting us the funding to implement the Bloomerang Giving Platform,” said Mason Ayres, Resurrection House’s Interim Executive Director. “It will provide us a much stronger platform to build even deeper engagement with our donor community.”
The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Sarasota County, Florida) raised over $380,000 at the 2024 Hermitage Artful Lobster luncheon on Saturday, November 9. This annual event raises valuable funds for the Hermitage’s internationally renowned artist residency program, supporting the creative process of artists from around the world in the fields of music, theater, visual art, literature, dance, and more. Proceeds from this year’s event are also going toward hurricane recovery efforts for the Hermitage’s Manasota Key campus. Over 200 guests attended the sold-out luncheon, which was the first event to take place at the outdoor courtyard of the Ora in Sarasota. (The event was moved from the Hermitage campus due to ongoing hurricane cleanup and repairs.) Marking his fifth anniversary at the Hermitage, Artistic Director and CEO Andy Sandberg served as the master of ceremonies. The event was headlined by two returning Hermitage Fellows: Tony Award-nominated actor, singer, and writer Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer, and Grammy Award-nominated composer, lyricist, orchestrator, and music director Rona Siddiqui. Both of these extraordinary talents are proud Hermitage alumnae who have described our Manasota Key campus as “an artistic home.” Kritzer and Siddiqui have performed at multiple Hermitage events, including the “Hermitage Turns 20: Andy Sandberg & Broadway Friends in Concert” at the Van Wezel, the Hermitage Greenfield Prize Dinner, and several awe-inspiring performances on the Hermitage Beach. “This year’s Artful Lobster was an event to remember and an especially meaningful celebration of resilience,” said the Hermitage’s Andy Sandberg. “We are thankful to all who attended and supported this year’s festivities. The generous outpouring of support for the work we are doing at the Hermitage and our ongoing hurricane recovery efforts is a demonstration of our community’s extraordinary commitment to the arts and the creative process.”
Photo courtesy of The Hermitage Artist Retreat .
Sarasota Orchestra has been awarded a $65,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to support the programming of the 2024-2025 season and the Orchestra’s mission to engage, educate and enrich the community through high-quality, live musical experiences. This generous grant from Barancik Foundation bolsters several of Sarasota Orchestra’s most impactful programs: the Pops series, the Saturday Great Escapes series, the annual Sarasota Orchestra Brunch to support music education, and the Orchestra’s brand-new Pops Supper Club event. Sarasota Orchestra’s 2024-2025 artistic season, which began in September, features a broad array of musical genres in five different series. The Great Escapes series, supported in part by Barancik Foundation, presents themed concerts showcasing light classical and pops music. Barancik Foundation is also the Pops Series Family Foundation Title Sponsor. The 2024-2025 Pops series features beloved melodies and powerful vocalists to appeal to a broad range of listeners. Programs for this year include Kings of Soul, Broadway Divas, and John Williams. The crowd-pleasing Outdoor Pops reaches families who may be more inclined to attend a concert in a casual setting. This year’s program, Country Hits: Songs from Nashville, will be held in May 2025 at Ed Smith Stadium along with ballpark fare and fireworks. In addition to the concert season, grant funding from Barancik Foundation supports the Orchestra’s special events, including the annual Sarasota Orchestra’s Brunch for music education and a new event for 2024-2025: the Pops Supper Club. This exciting evening will feature inventive cocktails, an elegant dinner, and a one-night-only Pops performance by the Orchestra. The Pops Supper Club will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at The Ora, and fan-favorite Stuart Chafetz will join the Orchestra to conduct the performance. To learn more about Sarasota Orchestra’s 2024-2025 season and programs, visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Embracing Our Differences recently welcomed Patrick Arthur Jackson as its new vice president of learning and engagement. In this role, Jackson will create and facilitate educational initiatives that support the organization’s mission and vision. Prior to joining EOD, Jackson served as the manager of education, outreach, and program design at The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, where he led strategic initiatives that enhanced community engagement and expanded the museum’s impact. Before that, Jackson was a part of the education staff at American Stage, before serving as the organization’s associate artistic producer.
Dennis Frey, owner of a small apparel decorating business in Bradenton has had the privilege of serving customers on Anna Maria Island for over 20 years. As a way of giving back to the community that has supported his business, he is launched a fundraising initiative to benefit two local organizations: the Anna Maria Island Community Center and the Bradenton Beach Merchants Association. "What makes this fundraiser unique is that we are donating 100% of the proceeds from the sale of our first 500 t-shirts and 100 hats. Each $25 shirt purchased results in a $25 donation to Anna Maria Island, and if we reach our goal of selling all 500 t-shirts and 100 hats, we will be able to donate $14,500—split equally between the two groups," he says. "The website has been live for about a week, and we've already sold around $2,000 worth of merchandise. If you're interested, here is the link to our website to learn more: manateeapparel.com/ami_strong/shop/home.
Numbers don't have to be boring! At ALSO Youth, one month includes an average of over 30 programs! These programs consist of meaningful support and the building of healthy relationships among peers and are designed to be engaging and completely inclusive to all youth. Our Centers are a safe place for youth to be themselves and experience joy! On Giving Tuesday, please consider supporting ALSO Youth as we work to re-establish our presence in Sarasota and bring life-changing services to youth and families. We can't do it without you! Early giving begins on November 19 with Giving Tuesday culminating on December 3.
Be transported to Clara’s enchanted dream world in The Nutcracker by the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School on December 6 at 6:00 pm at the Sarasota Opera House. The holiday favorite features the beloved classic choreography and the beauty of Tchaikovsky’s score, with scenery and costumes conceived exclusively for the school by a legendary theater designer. Don’t miss this magical evening!
Sarasota and Manatee Counties: The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program is partnering with the Joy FM radio station for their annual turkey drive November 11th through 14th. The public is invited to donate a turkey that will be given away to local food pantries in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Help us feed as many as we can this Thanksgiving by dropping off a turkey at one of four locations. There are four different ways to donate at turkey: frozen turkey, paper turkey (cash), food gift card, check made out to: Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program. The Joy FM radio station will be doing live broadcasts at each of the following turkey drop off locations. Sarasota - Monday, November 11th – 7:30am-9:30am, Chick-Fil-A, 5384 Fruitville Rd. Bradenton - Monday, November 11th – 5:00pm-7:00pm, Chick-Fil-A, 4573 14th St W, South Sarasota- Wednesday, November 13th – 5:00pm-7:00pm, Chick-Fil-A, 8420 S Tamiami Trl, Bradenton- Thursday, November 14th – 4:00pm-7:00pm, Bayside Community Church, 15800 FL-64.
Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center was named among the nation’s best nursing homes, recognized for both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care in U.S. News’ annual “Best Nursing Homes” ratings released today. Since 2009, U.S. News has recognized the best nursing homes to help prospective residents and their families make informed decisions about where to receive nursing home care. In the 2024-2025 analysis, less than 20% of the nation’s 15,000-plus skilled-nursing facilities received even one of the two Best Nursing Home rankings U.S. News bestows. SMH’s skilled nursing facility received the highest rankings in both: “Short-Term Rehabilitation” and “Long-Term Care.” Located at 5640 Rand Blvd., Sarasota Memorial Nursing & Rehabilitation Center offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation for people recovering from surgery, injury or illness. Its multi-disciplinary team cares for approximately 100 residents around the clock, 365 days a year. In this year’s study, U.S. News evaluated patient and resident outcomes, such as infection rates; staffing levels; health inspection results, the number of residents taken to the ER or hospitalized, and other indicators of quality, in more than 15,000 skilled nursing facilities caring for 1.1 million residents across the nation. In conveying the awards, U.S. News noted that health systems and nursing facilities cannot opt out of these annual studies or pay for inclusion on the lists. In addition to being nationally ranked by U.S. News, Sarasota Memorial’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center has repeatedly been listed among the nation’s best by Newsweek and other independent quality rating organizations. SMH’s hospital-based inpatient Rehabilitation Pavilion also has repeatedly ranked among the nation’s 50 best hospitals for rehabilitative care.
Brock Leach is a philanthropist known to fight for social justice, November 2024.
Join us for Space Saturday, the first Saturday of every month, as we explore a different topic in the world of astronomy. During Space Saturdays, you will discover an out-of-this-world activity during Backyard Science, formerly Science Sprouts, in The Mosaic Backyard Universe, explore space with a staff astronomer during KidSpace in The Planetarium, and finish your day with an astronomy-themed story during Tales Under the Tree. To learn more, visit bishopscience.org.
The Illest of Illustration annual exhibition serves as an annual pinnacle within the artistic community of Ringling College of Art and Design, organized by the student-led club of the same name. This event stands as a vibrant showcase, spotlighting the remarkable talent and creativity emerging from the college's illustration program. Through a carefully curated selection of works, it provides a platform for students to exhibit their mastery of various illustration techniques, styles, and concepts.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234
Oliver James, a TikTok sensation and motivational speaker, shares his journey of learning to read as an adult, discussing his challenges, triumphs, and mental health. His inspiring story has been featured on Good Morning America, NPR, and in People magazine. He received the 2023 National Literacy Honors Award from the Barbara Bush Foundation. Oliver James will also make a presentation at the Betty J Johnson North Sarasota Library located at 2801 Newtown Blvd, Sarasota from 3-4pm.
Fruitville Library, 100 Apex Rd. Sarasota
Join us as we celebrate local small businesses and non-profit organizations that exemplify the diversity, spirit, and community-mindedness that make Manatee County special. All Nominees, Finalists, and Award Winners will be recognized and celebrated at the 44th Annual Small Business of the Year Awards Ceremony followed by a Cocktail & Hors d'oeuvres Reception.
Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd. Palmetto, FL 34221
In its second year, the pickleball tournament will take place on Saturday, November 16 at Pompano Park in Sarasota from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registered singles and doubles will participate in a round robin style tournament to compete for prizes in Advanced category. 30 percent of this year’s proceeds will go to All Faiths Food Bank, designated specifically to help storm victims, with the other remaining 70 percent supporting SHS athletics.
Pompano Park, 601 S. Pompano Ave. Sarasota, FL 34237
In collaboration with The Key Chorale and The Circus Arts Conservatory we will celebrate the week with performances of our area arts youth on the rise! Our closing performance will highlight entertainment presented by many education wings of area arts groups like The Sarasota Ballet, Westcoast Black Theater Troupe and more. Expect an evening of up-and-coming actors, singers, dancers, musicians, and thrill-seeking circus acts all given the spotlight to express their passion for the arts.
Sailor Circus Arena, 2075 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34239
Tickets are Non-Refundable. All Ages - Under 18 Requires Parent or Guardian
Oscura, 816 Manatee Avenue EastBradenton, FL, 34208
Join us for our Local Author Book Fair. We're thrilled to showcase 18 talented local authors and celebrate the creativity and strength of our literary community. We hope this event can be a moment to come together and connect.
Bookstore 1, 117 S Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with UnidosNow and The Ringling at the third annual NocheUnidos, a collaboration between The Ringling and UnidosNow. This elegant evening, held in the magical Museum of Art Courtyard, features dining, dancing, music, and fellowship that honor the rich and dynamic cultures that have influenced our Gulf Coast community, including the African diaspora, Indigenous America, and Europe. The event kicks off with festive Puerto Rican rhythms from Bomba Yemayá and parades into the night with an upbeat Mardi Gras spirit captured by the New Orleans-based 79rs Gang. Dress in white to call in the season with elegancia as we come together to honor unity and the riches of our region.
The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Join us every Saturday for a FUN, hands on exploration into different areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math! Students will take part in unique activities and collaborative challenges plus create take-home projects using high-tech Fab Lab equipment like the vinyl cutter, laser cutter, foam cutter and more.
Suncoast Science Center, 4452 S Beneva Road Sarasota Florida 34233
Put on your SunHAT and roam The Ringling for unexpected, interactive, and delightful Eco-Performance. EcoPerformance celebrates the creative force of the non-human and our connection to the natural world while addressing climate emergencies through artist-driven stories. The audience will be delighted by site-specific-fungi dance, engaged in artist talks under the banyans, raving to vegan rap, and laughing with water-conscious clowns. For professional tree huggers and recreational eco-enthusiasts alike, this festival will honor our beautiful coast and green spaces, investigate climate realities, and dream up resilient Florida futures. Artists and collaborators include national and international line up of performers, scholars, and speakers. You are invited to The Ringling Grillroom for an artsy Mushroom Dinner with the creative culinary force of Chef Leonardo Pileggi and the urban farm magic of Sarasota’s Petrichor Mushrooms. Savor a multi-course mushroom-based meal, paired with wines from local gem Seagrape Wine Company. Offered as part of the SunHAT Eco-Performance Fest, the dinner will follow the opening performance of You Look Like a Fun Guy by Dance Heginbotham, a remarkable outdoor dance salute to John Cage’s experimental vision and the power of mushrooms to inspire vitality, creativity, and dance. Choreographer John Heginbotham, the Petrichor team, Chef Leo and Thomas Morgan will season the evening with insightful remarks.
Ringling Grill, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
We are kicking off our 19th season with a dazzling collaboration led by bassist Johnnie Barker and his assembled array of talented musicians. This production will be rooted in jazz, blending Funk, Rock, Blues & Gospel into a splendid sound and dance gumbo.
Jane B. Cook Theater at FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34243
Enjoy a day of art and family fun at Sarasota Art Museum. On the second Sunday of each month, we offer free admission for visitors, special performances, and art-making activities for the whole family. To learn more, visit sarasotaartmuseum.org.
The Wellen Park Night Market returns the second Thursday of each month from 6-9pm offering an evening of shopping, live music and dining under the twinkling lights of Downtown Wellen. The Night Market features independent artists and makers specializing in art, jewelry, boutique fashion, home decor, bottle art, wood designs and specialty food items set up along Wellen Park Boulevard with 50 rotating vendors. Food items included rum cakes, desserts, lemonade, barbecue and vegan fare.
Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Pk Blvd
Enjoy the extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of contemporary artist Shinique Smith in conversation with the collection of European art at The Ringling. Unfolding across six galleries of the Museum of Art, the exhibition creates a series of unique stories that together form an abstract narrative of the parade as a metaphor for life. Well known for her monumental sculptures created from an array of materials, including luxurious textiles, personal clothing, dyed fabrics, ribbon, and wood, and for her abstract paintings of calligraphy and collage, Smiths work in this exhibition speaks to various facets of the European artistic tradition, such as classical drapery and religious iconography, while foregrounding notions of Black femininity and the history of the circus. Learn more at ringling.org.
Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.
Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.
Registration is open for the 2024 fall semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College, which offers noncredit educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons, and enrich their lives. The semester, which runs Sept. 30-Nov. 22, 2024, features more than 60 courses, lectures, workshops, and special presentations covering a wide variety of topics, including arts and entertainment, history, music appreciation, health, literature, philosophy, religion, and science.
Various Locations
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