SRQ DAILY Dec 11, 2024
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"Together, we are stronger."
On Sunday, December 8, Making Strides of Sarasota Manatee presented by Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial Hospital hosted an uplifting festival and walk at Nathan Benderson Park. The inspiring event united the community to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about what we can do to reduce our breast cancer risk and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with breast cancer research, information and services and access to mammograms for women who need them.
Survivors, thrivers, caregivers, men and women from all walks of life who are passionate about saving lives from breast cancer joined together to celebrate shared efforts, inspire each other to carry on and chat with the local businesses that support the mission.
The festival area opened bright and early at 7 am and after welcoming remarks, a pre-walk warm up and survivor and thriver photo sessions, the non-competitive three-mile walk began at 9am.
In addition to water stops along the route, the event included food trucks providing a variety of delicious options for purchase, a tent with gift bags, giveaways and complimentary grab-and-go breakfast items and entertainment from various local performers and musicians, including, The Hawaiian Shirts, a local ukulele group.
Dr. Debra Kimless, a breast cancer survivor herself, was proud to perform as part of The Hawaiian Shirts. "Participating in this event was a deeply moving experience," she says. "Seeing so many people come together--each step a symbol of hope, resilience and unity--reminds me that no one fights this battle alone. Together, we are stronger."
To learn more: https://secure.acsevents.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=strides_learn
Pictured: (l-r) John Parkhurst, Laurel Ash, Rosa Wendt, Darienne Oaks, Cynthia Hebert, Deb Kimless and Karen Pavlak-Shaver.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe was thrilled recently to be one of the 14 area nonprofits to be awarded capital grants - focused on strengthening human services, education, arts and the environment - from the William G. & Marie Selby Foundation. WBTT was awarded $45,650 to purchase portable sound equipment to support its traveling shows; this investment will help WBTT to ensure consistent production quality at various community sites as well as to save thousands of dollars annually in rental fees.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties welcomes three new members to its 2024-2025 Board of Directors: Michelle Mitchell, COO of Mitchell Family Interests, and Katie Hollingsworth, Nurse Practitioner at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Teen Club member and sophomore at Pine View School Jack L. will also join as the STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Leadership Training Program representative, ensuring that youth voices are represented on the board. For more information, visit bgcsdc.org.
The 38th Annual Sarasota Holiday Boat Parade of Lights takes place on Saturday, December 14, on Sarasota Bay. At 7:00 p.m., over 25 decorated boats will parade in front of Marina Jack and Bayfront Park. Lake Michigan Credit Union is this year’s Presenting Sponsor. The Junkluggers of Sarasota has partnered with Suncoast Charities for Children on a holiday donation drive. Participants and spectators are encouraged to bring new unwrapped books and toys (for children up to age 12), sensory toys, pajamas for newborns, or a gas/grocery gift card to the parade. Donation boxes will be located inside Marina Jack Restaurant, with additional donation locations at Shelly’s Gift & Christmas Boutique, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Adrenaline Harley-Davidson, Il Panificio Restaurant, and Starbucks (Sarasota Crossings & Lakewood Ranch Main Street locations) through Sunday, December 15. Suncoast Charities for Children will distribute all donations received on December 18 to The Haven, Children First, and The Florida Center for Early Childhood.
Gulf Coast Community Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Minor to Vice President of Community Leadership beginning March 2025. In her new role, Minor will create and implement key strategies for achieving the Foundation’s vision of thriving communities with opportunities for all together with our donors and nonprofit partners. Minor currently serves as the CEO of Harvest House. With an extensive background and expertise in leadership, transformational growth, and partnerships, Minor plans to deliver measurable social impact and community-centered value to her new role. She is joined by Community Leadership team members Jennifer Johnston, Hollie Mowry, Harriet Thompson, and will partner with Jon Thaxton who will step into the role of Director of Policy and Advocacy in 2025.
Meals on Wheels PLUS hopes to collect 1,000 wrapped & filled shoeboxes to deliver to seniors throughout the holidays. These boxes are often times the only Holiday present seniors receive. Admission is free with a wrapped and filled shoebox or $20 donation to Meals on Wheels PLUS.
Saturday, December 14, 4pm-6pm, Lakewood Ranch Elks Lodge, 4602 Lena Road, Bradenton.
The Wall Street Journalreleased its selection of “Best of Architecture of 2024” round-up, revealing their annual picks of outstanding architecture projects throughout the country. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens was one of only five projects selected. The feature article is titled, The Best Architecture of 2024: Accentuate the Personal, by Wall Street Journal architecture critic Michael Lewis. This architectural distinction was bestowed soon after Selby Gardens announced that in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the institution was forging ahead with its vital plans for resiliency and Phase Two of its ambitious three-phase Master Plan for the Downtown Sarasota campus. Building on the success of Phase One, this next phase will further enhance Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus, securing its resiliency and expanding its beauty, research facilities, and educational offerings for the community and visitors from around the world.
Nine Central Florida educational organizations that fuel local youth's imagination, education, and growth have been selected as recipients of a 2024 McDonald’s Golden Grant. A total of $33,000 has been allocated to various organizations, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of area children. This year, nine Golden Grants will be awarded based on creativity, innovation, need, and hands-on application of projects.
mbracing Our Differences (EOD) announces it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to support its yearlong educational initiatives in Manatee County. According to Patrick Arthur Jackson, EOD’s vice president of learning and engagement, EOD’s educational programs reached 16,586 students and 463 educators in Manatee County during the 2023-2024 year. These programs included free field trips to EOD’s internationally recognized outdoor art exhibition, opportunities for students to create artwork and quotations for the exhibition, art and writing workshops, education seminars and two annual reading days that provided books to pre-K through third-grade students and their classrooms. Jackson adds that EOD’s programming is tailored to reach students and educators from all walks of life, spanning pre-K to high school, across public, private, and charter schools.
Foster families are at the heart of the mission at Safe Children Coalition (SCC). They provide love, stability, and support to children who are unable to be with their biological families. Every holiday season SCC’s Out of Home Care Team, along with its community partners, hosts a holiday gathering and this year over 200 children and their families attended the event at Fruitville Grove. Children of all ages, from toddlers to teens, enjoyed a bounce house, video game truck, petting zoo, face painting, and a myriad of fun games and activities. This annual celebration provides a meaningful opportunity for foster children and families to meet others who are experiencing foster care. Last year SCC served over 1,600 children who were unable to safely live with their biological parents. If you, or someone you know, are interested in learning more about fostering, visit our website at sccfl.org
As part of its “Elevating Women’s Voices” campaign, the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) has launched a set of videos in partnership with E. Scott Osborne, a gender equality advocate and president of the nonprofit Through Women’s Eyes. The three-part series includes an introductory webinar on gender roles, along with two interview-style videos on the topics of gender socialization and building agency. Both videos are hosted by WRC CEO Ashley Brown and produced by Manatee Educational Television (METV).
Oysters Rock Hospitality, through its Shuckin’ Good Cause initiative, in collaboration with The Center of Anna Maria Island and The Women’s Resource Center, has distributed $195,000 in relief grants to 419 local hospitality and tourism workers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The funds were raised through the ROCK ‘N’ SUPPORT benefit concert featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd and supported by the Tourist Development Council of Manatee County. Grants of $500 for full-time employees and $250 for part-time employees have been provided, with applications still open for eligible workers.
On December 4, Goodwill Manasota held its 2024 Community Ambassador of the Year Awards, with nearly 220 in attendance. The event featured welcome messages by VP Melissa Carman and President & CEO Donn Githens, the presentation of colors by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard from the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion in Tampa, invocation by Rev. Dr. Timothy Boggess, an overview of Goodwill’s work by VP Margie Genter, and the presentation of awards.
The honorees this year were: Veteran Advocate of the Year: Janine “Mama” Lutz; Community Leader of the Year: Cliff Walters; Community Partners of the Year: All Faiths Food Bank and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee; and the Robert W. Rosinsky Achievement Award: Sherry Hendrickson.
Pictured: Goodwill Manasota President & CEO Donn Githens (far right) with honorees (from l-r) Cliff Walters, Janine ‘Mama’ Lutz, Nelle S. Miller (All Faiths Food Bank), Sherry Hendrickson and Maribeth Phillips (Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee) Photo b
Pauline Wamsler dedicates her life to preserving the beauty of our environment, December 2024.
The 27th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival is a three-day event held Feb. 14-16, 2025 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds that benefits Suncoast Charities for Children. National Headline Acts include Blue Öyster Cult (Friday – Feb. 14), Grand Funk Railroad (Saturday – Feb. 15), and Creed Fisher (Sunday – Feb. 16). The Festival features continuous live music, vendors, daredevil acts, a charity motorcycle ride, bike show, a motorcycle “sound off” competition, biker games, and much more! On-site camping is also available. Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate (12 and under free). Limited VIP tickets are also available. Over the past 26 years, the Festival has raised over $2.8 Million for charity.
Sarasota Fairgrounds
Launching a program centering on heroism and joy, Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture depicts the inner turmoil of a Roman warrior. Shostakovich battled his own internal demons in his emotionally charged Symphony No. 5. Trailblazing violinist Anne Akiko Meyers makes her Sarasota Orchestra debut in Arturo Márquez’s Fandango for violin and orchestra, imbued with playful dance rhythms and intoxicating melodies from Márquez's beloved Mexico.
Ven Wezel
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
Denise Cormier Mahoney is a mid-career painter and printmaker whose illustrative and surfaced designed compositions are infused with memories and stories told from the point of view of a child free to explore.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
Please join us for an unforgettable event. We're planning something you won't want to miss, and we hope to see you there. 5 course dinner made with love and live music to listen while you enjoy your time at Mademoiselle Paris.
Mademoiselle Paris UTC & Anna Maria Island, Multiple Locations
Ring in the New Year with us at Waterside Place Plaza for a breathtaking live Sky Elements Drone Light Show presented by Waterside Place and Capstan Financial Consulting Group. Dance the night away with live music by DJ Truth, indulge in tasty food trucks, including delicious desserts and drinks, and enjoy games and activities for all ages!
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch, 1510 Lakefront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34240
Family Art Day is a free event that is designed to be an intergenerational art-making opportunity. Families will create an art project together led by a professional artist who has teaching experience with adults and children. All supplies are included, and projects are geared to be enjoyed by all age groups and all skill levels.
Creative Academy Classroom, 927 N Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
"Unveiled Strength: Portraits of Intimacy and Vulnerability," featuring evocative works of award-winning Bradenton-based artist Gary LaParl, will be on display from December 15, 2024, to January 16, 2025, at the Lexow Gallery at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota. This collection of portraits explores complex themes of male relationships and vulnerability, inviting viewers to engage with deep, often overlooked aspects of masculinity.
Lexow Gallery at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
Discover Sarasota Tours announces our 3rd Annual Christmas Carol Trolley Letters To Santa holiday tour of music and lights running Dec 1-23rd at 5:30 and 7:30PM. This holiday favorite is a 75-minute family-friendly show filled with downtown lights, caroling down Main St., holiday stories, and heartfelt performances featuring the Trolley Troubadours, our singing ensemble of professional performers.
Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 4th St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Teachers + Tuesdays = 1⁄2 OFF Pie’s at Pie On Main! Every Tuesday Teachers with School ID enjoy 1/2 off Pizzas when you Dine-in with us! Convenient parking in our lot behind the restaurant. 1/2 off Pizzas with purchase of any beverage, excluding personal pizzas.
Pie on Main, 1507 Main St Sarasota, FL 34236
ArtCenter Manatee is proud to present the 5th Annual Holiday Extravaganza, featuring holiday trees decked to their fullest with thousands of handmade ornaments, handmade holiday décor, gifts and more.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
An all-media open juried exhibit featuring the work of our members. Our members are the strength of ArtCenter Manatee, without which we would not exist. With that strength, comes a powerhouse of talent as each year the caliber of work continues to surpass our expectations.
Art Center Sarasota, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
Embracing Our Differences is pleased to announce the return of “Embracing Kindness,” its collaborative exhibition with Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design. Now in its second consecutive year, this year’s exhibition runs through December 18 on the Museum’s great lawn, parallel to the Tamiami Trail. It features 14 enlarged images of original artwork created by students under the mentorship of renowned Sarasota artist and educator Jeffery Cornwell. Spanning more than two decades, these selected works celebrate the transformative power of kindness and respect, as expressed by young artists from Booker High School’s Visual and Performing Arts program, as well as NewGate School, who participated in Cornwell’s visionary art programs.
Sarasota Art Museum , 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Shopliftable pt. 2 builds on the success of our inaugural exhibition, showcasing impactful small artworks.This second installment features pieces small enough to steal by 50 of Sarasota's favorite artists. Join us in celebrating creativity through compact, compelling art.
502 Gallery, 502 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota
Her journey was as extraordinary as her music. At eighteen, Carole King wrote number one songs for Aretha Franklin and The Drifters. At twenty-nine, she was the voice of a generation. The road along the way was full of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was real - and that's what made it beautiful. A smash hit on Broadway and London’s West End, this soaring and inspiring musical features two decades of King’s hits, including “You’ve Got a Friend,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “I Feel the Earth Move.”
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243
Join Charles Miano in this online workshop focused on painting figures within landscapes under studio conditions. Learn how to seamlessly integrate human forms into natural settings, creating a visual story inspired by the old masters. Discover how to manipulate light and shadow to enhance the presence of figures, creating depth and realism in your paintings. Learn how to compose dynamic scenes that balance human presence with the natural beauty of the environment.
Online, Online
Whether they're Naughty or Nice, the Watershed Hospitality family of restaurants has the gift sure to please everyone on your Holiday list! From Nov. 21 - Jan. 2, when you purchase $50, get a $10 Bonus or a $20 Bonus when you purchase $100. Our GC's are good at all of our restaurants, Cask & Ale, Pie On Main, 3.14 Pi/Blase Martini Bar ...and SOON, when we cut the ribbon to welcome you to Lefty's Oyster & Seafood Bar.
Multiple Location
Join us at The Bishop for Gentle Yoga with Manatees! Enjoy tranquil views of the manatees being cared for in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat while engaging in yoga poses focused on balance, flexibility, and strength. Guests will need to bring their own yoga mats. Proceeds support the rehabilitation and return of manatees to the wild. Group size is limited to 15 participants and advance registration is required. Ages 7 and up welcome!
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Life in One Cubic Foot features the research of Smithsonian scientists and photographer David Liittschwager as they discover what a cubic foot of land or water—a biocube— reveals about the diversity of life on our planet. Life in One Cubic Foot is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Season subscriptions and individual tickets are going on sale for Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's highly-anticipated 25th anniversary season, titled "25 Years of Black Heritage." The season features four mainstage productions - "Soul Crooners Solid Gold Edition," "Fences," "Five Guys Named Moe," and WBTT's first-ever tap dancing musical revue, "Syncopated Avenue"; holiday show is "A Motown Christmas." Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org to learn more about WBTT and to purchase tickets and subscriptions.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
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