What started in 1988 as a small gathering of 12 musicians, the Gulf Coast Banjo Society now includes 58 members, each bringing their own talents to the group. Their mission has remained unchanged though the years: to share music and build connections. Fans can catch them performing weekly on Thursdays at Snook Haven, the historic "fish camp" restaurant in Venice, Florida, from 11am to 1:30 pm, October through May.

For 31 years, Music Director Paul Jacques has been playing bass guitar and guiding the band. Reflecting on the band's evolution, he says, “We’ve grown and we now have more instruments playing with us than ever before. However, we still play the same music we always did–from the '20s all the way up to maybe the '70s and '80s and we still have the same big crowds that come to see us at Snook Haven. I look around at the crowds and I see we're entertaining them, they're having fun and we're having a ball, so we just keep this good thing going!”

While the GCBS operates as a volunteer-driven group, they are deeply committed to giving back. Donations collected during performances help fund uniforms and equipment. Any surplus is donated to nonprofits that support low-income children’s music education and scholarships for aspiring music students. The GCBS is also passionate about honoring veterans. As Jacques shares, “A lot of us are veterans, so we start off our shows with the Star Spangled Banner and we ask anybody that can stand to please stand. Of course we always end with a patriotic song, too.” Last year, the band donated $2,000 to the Honor Flight, an organization that brings veterans to the nation’s memorials for a day of honor.

Through music, camaraderie and a deep commitment to philanthropy, the Gulf Coast Banjo Society enriches lives in their community and beyond. For more information, visit snookhaven.com or follow the GCBS on Facebook. 

Experience the excitement of this unique triathlon-style sport, where skilled drivers and their horses compete in a challenging obstacle course. Your VIP brunch experience (10:30am-3:00pm) includes ringside seating with panoramic views of the horse show, plus a delicious gourmet buffet by Executive Chef Christopher Capstick, featuring gluten-free and vegan options and complimentary beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Explore boutique shopping, let the kids enjoy Tiny Town, and relax in the beautiful country setting. VIP guests also receive preferred parking, premium seating, and convenient accessibility options, including handicap parking and shuttle service. Whether you're coming solo or with friends, our welcoming atmosphere ensures an unforgettable experience. Limited tickets available—reserve today for a day of thrilling competition, gourmet cuisine, and scenic views. 31625 Clay Gully Rd, Myakka City, FL. - a short drive from Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch! 

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surrection House, Inc., a day resource center for the homeless in Sarasota, has been awarded a $43,441 grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation to convert the facility’s main conference room into a multipurpose space. The redesigned room will enable Resurrection House to better support their growing clients’ needs specifically in medical care as well as training and support programs. The project is scheduled for completion this spring. 

To learn more, visit

Embracing Our Differences celebrates the start of its 2025 large-scale, outdoor Sarasota exhibition (which runs January 19-April 13) on Sunday, January 19, noon-3 p.m., in Sarasota’s downtown Bayfront Park. The event features three performances by the phenomenal musician, singer and songwriter, Shelby Sol. Local arts and education organizations, including ALSO Youth, CreArte Latino, EOD Coexistence Clubs, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota Art Museum, Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, The Ringling, The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, and Van Wezel will have booths featuring interactive, kid-friendly activities. The Big Blue Grilled Cheese Company, Empanada Girl and One Two Tea! trucks will be stationed at the event. EOD will also recognize Best-in-Show winners and many of the artists and quoters who had their works selected for display. For more information, visit www.embracingourdifferences.org. 

Pictured: Celebrants at Embracing Our Differences opening event in 2024.

On February 13, 2025, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida (PPSWCF) will host a 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Naples Grande Beach Resort in honor of their longstanding work providing care to the Naples community. Over 500 guests will hear from keynote speaker, Samantha Bee, an accomplished comedian and author. Bee has been nominated for 18 Emmy awards, winning for both writing and executive producing the longest running satirical late-night show hosted by a woman. You can visit Naples50th.ppswcf.org to purchase tickets and sponsorships online by February 7, 2025. For more information, call 941-557-RSVP (7787).  

Wellen Park’s Cottages for Kids program made the holidays brighter for select local children for The Salvation Army Sarasota County’s mission of meeting the region’s greatest needs. Created by Wellen Park in partnership with its homebuilders, the program featured 12 playhouses, adorned with front porches, picket fences, picnic tables, flowerboxes and even a two-story cottage with a slide tube.The one-of-a-kind playhouse cottages were displayed throughout the holiday season in the Cottages for Kids Holiday Village around Downtown Wellen’s Solis Hall. Cottages were each donated to select families in our area by The Salvation Army. For more information about The Salvation Army Sarasota County, visit www.sarasota.salvationarmyflorida.org. 

To learn more, visit.

Following a year-long challenge match, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, an anonymous donor, The Patterson Foundation, Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, local foundations, and generous individuals throughout the community have helped The Bay raise $3 million in community co-investment to unlock a $2 million matching grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation, totaling $5 million in funding. The $5 million in support triggered an additional $1 million match from The Patterson Foundation. This milestone demonstrates the power of the community partnerships that enable The Bay to be “One Park for All”. Funding will be used to support the design and development of an expanded Resilient Shoreline, as well as ongoing park operations, maintenance and FREE events and activities.

To learn more, visit.

As part of its commitment to innovative solutions, Turning Points is strengthening its partnership with Goodwill Manasota. For many years, the two organizations have collaborated to support individuals who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This partnership has evolved over time to maximize efficiency and ensure that current needs are met.Turning Points recognizes that agility is essential in addressing the ever-changing challenges faced by those at risk of homelessness. The organization’s proactive approach is rooted in the belief that prevention is both compassionate and cost-effective, enabling the stabilization of lives while reducing long-term community costs. With the steadfast support of donors, community partners, and grant-funded programs, Turning Points continues to provide critical, life-changing services that promote financial stability and independence. 

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The New College Athletics “Mighty Banyan Royale” will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025, 5:30 p.m. at College Hall, 351 College Drive, Sarasota. Funds raised will support Mighty Banyan Athletics to foster continued growth and new opportunities for scholar-athletes at New College. Tickets are available online by visiting NCF.edu/Mighty-Banyan-Royale. Early bird pricing is available through January 15! New College began its athletics program with six teams in 2023-2024, and doubled that number in 2024-2025. The Mighty Banyans are members of the NAIA and the Sun Conference. For more information, email jgroff@ncf.edu call 941-487-4686 or visit NCF.edu/Mighty-Banyan-Royale.  

Sarasota Orchestra has received a $65,000 Empowering Arts Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) in support of the 2024-2025 season and the Orchestra’s mission to engage, educate and enrich the community through high-quality, live musical experiences. This grant was made possible through the Elizabeth Miller Charitable Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Gulf Coast’s generous contribution will help support several of Sarasota Orchestra’s most impactful events: the Saturday Great Escapes series, the annual Sarasota Orchestra Brunch to support education programming, and the Orchestra’s brand-new Pops Supper Club event. To learn more about Sarasota Orchestra’s 2024-2025 season and programs, visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.org. 

First 1,000 Days Suncoast is celebrating seven years of impact and looking ahead to an even brighter future for families and babies! Whether you’re already a partner in the initiative or want to learn how you or your organization can become one, we’d love to see you there: Please join us on the morning of Tuesday, February 11, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital to mark this milestone. Together, we’ll reflect on the initiative’s progress to date, hear stories from moms who’ve been supported and empowered, and envision what’s next for First 1,000 Days. We’ll also learn from a nationally recognized keynote speaker about the state of maternal health across the country, best practices for tackling inequities, and actionable steps to drive change locally. 

First 1,000 Days Suncoast is celebrating seven years of impact and looking ahead to an even brighter future for families and babies! Whether you’re already a partner in the initiative or want to learn how you or your organization can become one, we’d love to see you there: Please join us on the morning of Tuesday, February 11, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital to mark this milestone. Together, we’ll reflect on the initiative’s progress to date, hear stories from moms who’ve been supported and empowered, and envision what’s next for First 1,000 Days. We’ll also learn from a nationally recognized keynote speaker about the state of maternal health across the country, best practices for tackling inequities, and actionable steps to drive change locally. 

This week, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida (PPSWCF) announced their launch of infertility care, including testing and treatment
for those experiencing difficulties becoming pregnant. Services include an initial evaluation, pelvic exam, at-home semen analysis kit, at-home ovulation assessment, and blood tests to check hormone levels. Depending on the results, potential treatment options include medications and counseling on lifestyle changes, or the patient may be referred to a specialist if necessary. Infertility testing officially launched on Monday, January 13th. For more information, you can call 800–230-PLAN or visit PPSWCF.org.   

Best of SRQ Local is back and the voting ballot is ready to be filled! SRQ Magazine welcomes everyone to vote for their favorites throughout SRQ during the voting phase. During this period, the community comes together in voting for places, people and organizations that they love. Winners of Best of SRQ 2025 Local will be featured in our April 2025 Awards Showcase edition. The Voting Phase ends Wednesday, February 5. Make sure to spread the word! 

Join us to celebrate our giving culture and help make a year of wishes fulfilled! On January 28, SRQ MEDIA will host the 2025 SRQ Giving Coast & Good Hero Awards Luncheon at Michael's On East from 11am to 1:15pm. We invite attendees to bring wishes pertaining to their favorite local charity. Attendees can write their wishes on special tags provided at the event and hang them on the Giving Coast Trees placed at each table. From tangible items needed by a local charity such as books, food donations, children's toys, clothing, pet food, etc., to volunteer opportunities within the organization, let us know what your wishes are and we will post them for the community to see and help. The Annual Giving Coast Luncheon celebrates the independent sector in the Sarasota and Manatee region featuring the Philanthropic Agenda With Community and Private Foundations and the Good Hero Awards Program.


 

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