SRQ DAILY Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"I'm excited to explore the many ways philanthropy impacts various sectors and how it can leverage funding and partnerships for the greater good."
One of SRQ Magazine’s Good Heroes of 2022, Erin Minor, will be joining Gulf Coast Community Foundation in March 2025. Minor has been appointed Vice President of Community Leadership. In her new role, she will create and implement key strategies for achieving the Foundation’s vision of thriving communities with opportunities for all together with donors and nonprofit partners. This week, Minor took some time to talk with us about her new role and her passion for giving back.
What inspires your philanthropic spirit, particularly in the areas of affordable housing and mental health support?
I believe everyone deserves a life where they can thrive, and this belief shapes how I view others—with compassion and love. We never truly know the struggles someone has faced, and understanding this helps us extend grace, even when they’re not at their best. Often, it’s trauma speaking, not the person. By recognizing this, we can approach others with empathy and support them in reaching their goals and living the life they deserve.
Which philanthropic endeavor are you most proud of?
I’ve been fortunate to have a platform to create meaningful change, making it hard to choose just one endeavor. However, the journey I’m on now is significant—passing the baton of leadership at Harvest House after 21 incredible years. It takes courage to entrust something so dear to new hands, but it’s a moment worth celebrating. I’m excited to see where the next generation leads and look forward to cheering them on.
What is your favorite mantra?
“Love yourself without shame, others without an agenda, and god without fear.” This is a line from one of Glennon Doyle’s books. It struck me between the eyes when I read it. If we can do these three things, the world would begin to heal itself.
What are you most looking forward to with your new role as Vice President of Community Leadership with Gulf Coast Community Foundation?
I’m excited to explore the many ways philanthropy impacts various sectors and how it can leverage funding and partnerships for the greater good. I also look forward to using my experience in the nonprofit sector to strengthen collaboration between funders and the organizations on the ground doing the hard, transformative work. Building cohesion between these groups is key to creating lasting, meaningful change, and I’m eager to contribute to that effort. 
Photo courtesy of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
Each year, Safe Children Coalition's Angels (SCC Angels) program connects children in foster care and other vulnerable youths with caring sponsors (individuals and businesses) from the community, who fulfill gift lists so that these children can enjoy a happy holiday season. This year, the SCC Angels program will provide nearly 700 children with holiday gifts. For many years, Bradenton-based company Woodruff & Sons has purchased, assembled and delivered bicycles (around 55 each year) to support the SCC Angels program. They graciously allowed us to visit this year to take photos and videos of the bike assembly and truck loading, which employees do while on the clock, with the company's blessing as part of its commitment to give back to the community.
At Hershorin Schiff Community Day School (CDS), students are learning to live the values of compassion, responsibility, and action by actively participating in community service initiatives. Every year, each grade level engages in unique outreach projects that deepen their understanding of civic responsibility while making a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others. Through these community service projects; students not only provide vital support to those in need but also experience the power of empathy and kindness while bridging generational gaps. The student's efforts serve as a testament to the strong values instilled at CDS, where service is an essential part of the learning experience.
HCA Florida Healthcare colleagues in Southwest Florida support the community through their continued commitment to fighting food insecurity. Dozens of volunteers from HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital and HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital came together at All Faiths Food Bank on December 9 to present a $15,000 donation to help the organization provide food to families experiencing hunger this holiday season. The team also volunteered more than 50 hours sorting and packing food bags for area children.
At North Port High School, the well-stocked food pantry - one of All Faiths Food Bank's 20 Sarasota and DeSoto County school pantry sites - helps students and teachers who may be at-risk of or experiencing hunger. However, the pantry provides much more than just food: it also provides an opportunity for students involved in the ESE (Exceptional Student Education) program to gain hands-on, collaborative work experience. The pantry is open every Tuesday, with students and staff volunteers working to unload trucks and stock the shelves until the end of the school day, when food pickup is available to those who need it.
Bishop-Parker Foundation recently awarded almost $3 million in grants during its fall 2024 grant cycle. More information may be found at bishopparkerfoundation.org.
Last week, Safe Children Coalition held a special event to announce the public phase of its Youth Shelter Campaign. During the campaign's "quiet phase," SCC has raised over $7M - nearly 80% - of its $9M goal to support the construction of a new Youth Shelter in mid-Sarasota; the facility will enable the child welfare organization to protect more at-risk youths in the coming years. A highlight of the event was the ceremonial check presentation by Rep. Fiona McFarland: last year, the state appropriated $750,000 and this year's appropriation included $1M for the Youth Shelter Campaign.
On December 17, 2024, the inaugural Holly Jolly Trolley Christmas Parade will bring festive joy to senior living communities across Manatee County. This holiday event will visit six senior communities to spread cheer through music, goodies, and the magic of Santa Claus, brightening the season for local seniors. The Holly Jolly Trolley Christmas Parade exemplifies the spirit of giving back and fostering community connections during the holiday season. It’s a celebration of the seniors who have contributed so much to the Bradenton area and a reminder that no one is forgotten during this special time of year.
All Star Children’s Foundation is proud to share that its founder and board chair, Graci McGillicuddy, was among 12 exceptional women honored at the inaugural Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota Soirée, held on December 7, 2024. The event celebrated women whose philanthropic contributions have left an indelible mark on the Sarasota community.
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
Women-funded nonprofit organizations are making a meaningful impact in our region, December 2024.
The 34th National Juried Exhibition showcases the best representational paintings produced across North America. With nearly 200 juried artists and many invited Master Signature artists, it serves as a showcase for both up-and-coming talent and some of the most celebrated artists working today. The exhibition does not focus on a single style or theme but instead celebrates the diversity and art produced within the representational oil painting tradition. The exhibition & opening is in conjunction with the OPA National Convention, which features numerous lectures, painting demonstrations, and social events geared to artists and collectors.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
A Protestant minister returns from a mission abroad to be confronted by his wife's infidelity. Stiffelio faces his wife's transgression, battling his all-too human emotions with his religious faith. Written just before Rigoletto, this long neglected, emotionally charged work is now recognized as an important opera by the great Giuseppe Verdi.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota FL 34236
Continuing the story of The Barber of Seville, Count Almaviva's eye has now wandered and his current objective is Susanna, Figaro's fiancée. The distressed couple, along with Rosina (now the Countess Almaviva) conspire to reveal the count's lechery, despite the many obstacles thrown in their way. Mozart's musical genius, along with Lorenzo DaPonte's witty libretto make The Marriage of Figaro one of opera's masterpieces.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota FL 34236
The Florida Suncoast Watercolor Society was founded in 1983 with 17 Charter members and 24 Associate members. The original purpose to foster the advancement of and promote excellence in the art of watermedia painting remains their focus today. As of August 2023, 90 of their 170 members attained Signature status and 27 are Master Signature members.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
This annual get-together joins community and business leaders; philanthropists; non-profit agencies; foundations; and volunteers in an inspiring celebration of non-profit excellence, mission, and impact: past, present, and future! Our theme this year, DARE TO C.A.R.E.! will celebrate the power of Collaboration, Action, Responsiveness, and Evolution as we celebrate 35 years of services and impact in our community!
Carlisle Inn, 3727 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232
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
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
On Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 12:00-2:00 pm, the community is invited to visit Sarasota Opera House for a wide variety of free activities and offerings. Visitors can enjoy art songs, ensembles, and arias sung throughout the opera house, a raffle, backstage tours, wig and makeup demonstrations, a display of select pieces from our extensive collection of over 50,000 historic opera costumes, special ticket offers, and complementary refreshments.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota FL 34236
Community Day School is excited to invite the media to attend Learning On Display, a special event showcasing the remarkable progress and achievements of theirstudents. This event offers a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the results of months of classroom learning, exploration, and collaboration. Twice a year, students serve as docents for an exhibition of their work, proudly sharing their learning journey with their families, peers, and the broader community.
Hershorin Schiff Community Day School., 4335 Wilkinson Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
"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
Step into a tropical winter wonderland at our Downtown Sarasota campus featuring more than two million lights, festive photo opportunities, activities & entertainment for the whole family to enjoy! Lights in Bloom® is proudly ranked #6 in USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice contest for Best Botanical Garden Holiday Lights in the country.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
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
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
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
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
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
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
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