SRQ DAILY Apr 2, 2025
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"I share my story to help others."
Last summer, Project 180, a nonprofit that supports men and women transitioning from incarceration, released a powerful documentary, The Light They Cast. The film follows the journey of eight men as they face the challenges of reentry into society after prison. It offers a raw and honest look at their struggles, from their first week of freedom to moments of success as they achieve sobriety, find employment and rebuild their lives. The Light They Cast will debut at the Sarasota Film Festival on April 5, at 2pm at New College of Florida's Sainer Pavilion.
Stacey Rickelmann, an employee at Project 180, shares her own story of overcoming addiction and incarceration to inspire others. Rickelmann first heard about Project 180 when she was in the Salvation Army's Viper program, a residential drug recovery program for Sarasota residents. “A few of the male clients mentioned Project 180, and it seemed to be more of an entry-focused recovery program," she says. Rickelmann was in and out of jail for the last three years and was interested in learning more. She knew that the program only had men's houses but she heard they were planning to open a women’s house in 2026, so she decided to look into it.
Rickelmann's upbringing was marked by drug use and instability. “One of my earliest memories is watching my dad get arrested after fighting with my mom,” she recalls. Growing up in this chaos, she began drinking heavily at a young age, becoming an alcoholic by 21. After her father passed away, she turned to opiates and IV drugs to numb her feelings.
After multiple arrests, surgery and hospital stays for a heart infection caused by her drug use, Rickelmann found hope when a doctor insisted on a mandatory six-week treatment program. Though initially angry, she began to feel a shift by the end of the program and entered the Viper program feeling hopeful. "Viper gave me a different perspective. It showed me that I could learn coping skills and create the life I deserve," she says.
After completing the program, Stacey was hired as an admissions assistant at Project 180. She was recently promoted to Brand and Operations Manager, where she manages relationships and office tasks. “I’m in recovery here like everyone else here,” she says. “I share my story to help others. It’s challenging, but it’s doable, and I’m proud to inspire others with my journey.” 
Pictured: Stacey Rickelmann shares her story of hope. Photo courtesy of Rickelmann.
Each year, SRQ Media invites the community to nominate individuals with hearts of giving who have made a significant impact with local nonprofit organizations — from volunteers and board members to individual staff members and donors. This year, attendees were thrilled to be together as we recognized these individuals at our annual Giving Coast and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion on Tuesday, January 28 at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. In the coming weeks, we are happy to feature each of the ten honorees in our Wednesday Philanthropic edition of SRQ Daily.
Today we are recognizing Storm Hero, Rosezetta Fitzgerald Miller. Her nominator writes, "I was staying at the Hyatt Place Sarasota Airport because of evacuation orders for the upcoming Hurricane Milton. There were many widows as well as couples who were evacuated and many workers residing at the sold-out hotel to perform clean up work for Hurricane Helene. We lost power as Milton hit. Rosezetta and the support staff prepared the hotel and guests for the hurricane. We were all provided with flashlights and water and she and other staff stayed on property to serve the guests and their many needs. Breakfast continued to be served, and ice and water were available for all who requested it. After several days without electricity, the power partially and then fully returned. When the power returned, in the early morning hours, a fire alarm blared and Rosezetta and her staff made certain that all heeded the alarm. Most importantly, Rosezetta, made certain that the guests with limited mobility were attended to and made it out safely. After the storm, when most of the Milton guests had checked out, Rosezetta continued to check on the welfare of some of the hurricane guests. Apparently many of the guests of this Hyatt Place are regular visitors for hurricane evacuations. This note is a short outline of the acts of Ms. Rosezetta but I assure you that she went above and beyond what was necessary during this challenging time and she always had a smile and kind words for her beleaguered guests. The next time I hear that there is a hurricane coming, I plan to stay at this hotel which is managed so well by Rosezetta and her first mate, Laquandra."
Pictured: (l-r) Rosezetta Fitzgerald Miller with Wes Roberts, Executive Publisher, SRQ Magazine. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.
On Tuesday, April 1, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida (PPSWCF) will officially begin offering early prenatal care for patients in their first trimester. This care will be available for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and includes services such as ultrasounds, prenatal lab tests, including genetic testing, and early pregnancy symptom management. The launch follows a stream of new services from the affiliate, including vasectomy care, IUD sedation, and infertility care. Prenatal care will be available at health centers in Lakeland, Kissimmee, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Ft. Myers, and Naples. However, the initial ultrasound must be completed in Ft. Myers, Kissimmee, or Sarasota. More information can be found online at PPSWCF.org.
Hunger does not take a summer break, and neither do the scholars of Booker Middle School. To support local children facing food insecurity, students and staff at Booker Middle School recently participated in the Walk to End Summer Hunger, raising awareness and funds for All Faiths Food Bank’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger. For more than 40,000 children in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, the end of the school year marks the beginning of a difficult season. Many students rely on free and reduced-price meals at school, and with Florida opting out of the Summer EBT program, families struggling to put food on the table are facing an even greater challenge.
This past Saturday, the Palmetto Marriott proudly hosted Grandpa Joe Day, an educational carnival designed to ignite curiosity and creativity in children throughout the community. The event brought families together for a day filled with interactive activities, live performances, and inspiring storytelling. One of the many highlights of the day was a dynamic performance by Corey Thornton, who captivated the audience with his high-energy show. Attendees were also treated to a special live reading and book signing by acclaimed author Bill Shea, who shared his heartwarming book, A Grandpa Joe Day. “This book is about celebrating the simple, beautiful moments shared between generations,” said Bill Shea. “Seeing children connect with the story in such a lively setting was truly special. Grandpa Joe reminds us all that love, laughter, and learning are the greatest gifts we can pass on.”
Her mother’s heart held a special place for children—always looking for ways to bring comfort, joy, and opportunity into their lives. That love lives on through Mom’s Book Nook, a community initiative founded by Felicia Donson in honor of her late mother, Elaine Rothberg, a retired Sarasota Memorial Hospital nurse whose quiet generosity and boundless compassion inspired a lifetime of giving back. Together, the pair found purpose in volunteering and discovered their shared joy in spreading the love of reading. They began by curating and expanding a classroom library for a retired teacher and family friend—and then made it their mission to place books directly into the hands of students, especially during holidays and summer breaks.
Pictured: Felicia Donson launched Mom’s Book Nook, a community initiative, in honor of her late mother, Elaine Rothberg. Provided photo.
This April, the Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) joins organizations nationwide in recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month, urging the community to take action in safeguarding children. With nearly 600,000 children experiencing abuse or neglect each year in the U.S., CPC is emphasizing the importance of education and community awareness to stop abuse before it starts.
The Program features a triple bill by some of the greatest choreographers of the 20th Century. Opening with the stunning Serenade, Balanchine’s choreography courses through four movements of Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings, leaving audiences mesmerized by its splendor. Robbins’ In the Night is comprised of a trio of pas de deux and contemplates romantic love in stages evidenced by three couples: one euphoric, another restrained, and a third tempestuous. Closing the program, Ashton’s A Wedding Bouquet returns after nearly a decade. Known as an avant-garde work, its fragmented narrative, originally spoken by Gertrude Stein, features a series of incidents at a provincial wedding in France around the turn of the century where, comically, everything seems to go wrong.
Photo Credit: The Sarasota Ballet in George Balanchine's Serenade | Photo by Frank Atura
Anglers, fire up your engines! Only a few short days until the Captain's Meeting "kicks off" the 7th Annual Chad Day Fishing Tournament & Charity Event. Captain's meeting at Tarpon Bay Grill & Tiki Bar on April 5th @ 3 pm. Seven thousand dollars in prize money is up for grabs with one lucky team winning up to $3,700. This is a one-day tourney beginning after the Captain's Meeting, however teams do not have to stay in their boat all night. Last picture submitted before 2 pm Sunday. Fishing boundaries are between the Venice Gettys and just South of the Skyway Bridge. Come support the Tidewell Foundation and have lots of fun while doing it!
Wen young children thrive, communities thrive. That belief is at the heart of “Childhood Matters,” presented by The Florida Center for Early Childhood to spark meaningful conversations about the importance of early care and education. Nationally recognized early childhood policy expert Dr. Dan Wuori—a senior fellow at the Hunt Institute and former director of early learning for South Carolina—will headline the program. Drawing from his groundbreaking book, The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education, Dr. Wuori will challenge common misconceptions and explore why early childhood issues affect everyone—not just parents and educators. The event takes place Thursday, April 10, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Avenue in Sarasota. Tickets are $75 and include lunch, the keynote presentation, and a signed copy of Dr. Wuori’s book for the first 75 registrants. For tickets and more information, visit TheFloridaCenter.org or call Shannon Clement at 941-371-8820.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded a generous $15,000 grant to North Port Meals on Wheels, furthering the organization’s mission to provide nutritious meals and friendly wellness check-in visits to homebound seniors and other disabled adults within the North Port community. This grant was made possible by the David and Faye Dorfman Fund and the South County Senior Citizens Endowment Fund.
We’re back with the incredible 2025 TGIF | BEST OF SRQ LOCAL PARTY celebrating the winners recognized and voted on by our readers in SRQ Magazine’s epic 2025 Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition. Join us on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 5-8 pm at the Aloft Hotel in Downtown Sarasota to taste and experience some of this year's "Best of SRQ Local" restaurants and cocktails. Share a hip evening with our area’s passionate localvores and foodies.
Aloft Sarasota, 1401 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
We invite you to join us for the 12th Annual Blue Ties and Butterflies, an inspiring night of bringing transformational healing to victims of child abuse. This year’s gala will be an unforgettable experience as we celebrate 45 years of protecting the innocence of childhood. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception to be followed with a delicious dinner, dazzling live and silent auctions, and a mission moment with a survivor who resonates hope and empowerment. The celebration will culminate in music and dancing as we rejoice in all that’s been made possible in the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse. We encourage guests to dress in cocktail or formal attire.
The Ritz Carlton, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL
Join a guide from Architecture Sarasota to learn more about several historically and architecturally significant buildings at The Bay. The Cultural District in The Bay park includes several historically and architecturally significant buildings, four of which comprise a US National Register of Historic Places District: the Municipal Auditorium (1937), the Chidsey Library Building (1941), the Blue Pagoda Welcome Center (1956), and the Sarasota Garden Club (1960).
Lace up your walking shoes and join us for an opportunity to meet and walk with other members. Feel free to bring a friend who wants to learn more about Impact100 SRQ. All walks take place weather permitting.
Downtown Sarasota - Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Drive Sarasota, FL 34236
Learn to have the confidence to own every room and conversation, whether its with a client or a partner. This interactive workshop includes tips for dressing, body language, conversation queues, and follow up that will help you approach every situation with confidence and grace.
Sarasota Chamber, 1945 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34236
The Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) will host its annual fundraising luncheon, PAWS 2025: Mission Pawssible at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. You don't want to miss the fun-filled annual event! At Mission Pawssible, guests will be immersed in an exciting, interactive experience with animal “agents” on a mission to find their forever homes. It will be an inspiring afternoon featuring live entertainment, heartwarming stories, and an opportunity to support the lifesaving work of HSSC. It’s a chance to make a real impact on the lives of homeless cats and dogs. The mission is simple: raise crucial funds to help provide shelter, medical care, food, and enrichment activities for more than 3,000 animals yearly.
Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Please join us for our 7th Annual Big Reveal - a truly exciting event for our members and the community. This is the moment where Impact100 SRQ will announce the total number of members for its 2025 Giving Year, the total number of grants to be funded, and the total dollar amount to be awarded to nonprofits in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34236
SCFD is proud to welcome the community into the fire stations, continuing the tradition of open houses. These open houses are a wonderful opportunity for residents to engage directly with neighborhood firefighters. Visit our website to view the open house schedule.
Multiple Location, Multiple Locations
Every Wednesdat at 6 pm a 5k Fun Run starts and ends at 99 Bottles. Course runs through Downtown Sarasota and along the Bayfront, all skill levels, all fun. Each time you finish a run, you must get yout card punched to get an attendance credit and receive 99 bottles prizes. All runners are expected to obey all traffic laws, be courteous to other runners, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, etc.on the route and to know your limits - running and/or drinking!
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St Sarasota, FL 34236
The 27th annual Sarasota Film Festival (SFF) is recognized as a world-class cultural event featuring thought-provoking films from some of the best-known and emerging independent voices. Held in Sarasota, FL, SFF emphasizes the best in cinema alongside exciting programs and events with filmmakers and celebrity guests. It screens over 200 films each year, including features, documentaries, shorts, and a robust educational program.
Various Locations, Various Location
With Peter Rothstein, producing artistic director of Asolo Repertory Theatre. When Peter Rothstein stepped into Michael Donald Edwards’ shoes, his vast experience gave him just the background he needed to guide Asolo Rep to exciting new heights. Rothstein will share his vision for Asolo’s future.
Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
The 20th Annual Dick Vitale Gala will lead the charge to eclipse $100 million in amount raised toward pediatric cancer research and the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. The 19th Gala capped a record-breaking year of fundraising. At the event, it was announced that $24.8 million was raised, bringing the overall funds raised since the inception of the Gala to nearly $93 million.
The Ritz-CarltonThe Ritz-Carlton,The Ritz-CarltoThe Ritz-Carlton,the ritThe Ritz-Carlton,, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
When young children thrive, communities thrive. That belief is at the heart of “Childhood Matters,” presented by The Florida Center for Early Childhood to spark meaningful conversations about the importance of early care and education. Nationally recognized early childhood policy expert Dr. Dan Wuori—a senior fellow at the Hunt Institute and former director of early learning for South Carolina—will headline the program.
Art Ovation Hotel, 1255 N. Palm Avenue in Sarasota
In May - which is Mental Health Awareness Month - Sunshine From Darkness will present the Step Into the Light Mental Health Summit. The event, which is free and open to the community, is designed to raise awareness, provide valuable resources, and foster meaningful conversations about mental health. There will be expert speakers as well as tabling by various mental health- and wellness-related organizations.
The Venue @ LEC, 3650 17th St, Sarasota, FL 34235
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
Toss some fun into your Thursday! Join us at Waterside Place for a fun morning of Casual Cornhole! Whether you’re a cornhole pro or a newbie, don’t miss this chance to show off your tossing skills and have a blast with friends! Grab a partner or go solo, we’ve got enough beanbags and boards to keep everyone entertained!
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch, 7500 Island Cove Terrace Lakewood Ranch , FL 34240
Join The Market on Dearborn every Friday evening from October 2024 - May 2025 from 3pm-7pm on Historic Dearborn Street in Englewood, Florida as we launch an evening market to expand opportunities for local entrepreneurs and provide an additional family-friendly event for local residents and guests of Englewood
The Market on Dearborn, 232 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL, United States, Florida 34223
Selby Gardens presents an exciting exhibition that explores the deep and meaningful connection between musician George Harrison – best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band The Beatles – and the pastime of gardening, which became his greatest passion. The resulting multi-sensory experience highlights George’s connection to nature and celebrates his life and legacy through the power of plants!
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, FL 34236
Conjuring the Spirit World: Art, Magic, and Mediums explores the essential role art and objects played for mediums and magicians “communicating” with the dead during the 19th- and 20th-century Spiritualism movement in the U.S. and Europe—a time when people actively debated and wondered, "Can spirits return?" See paintings, posters, photographs, stage apparatuses, costumes, film, publications and other objects that will transport visitors to the age of Harry Houdini, Margery the Medium, Howard Thurston, and the Fox Sisters, among others. Whether you’re a believer, skeptic or somewhere in between, gain a new perspective on the timeless draw of mediums and magicians, séances and magic shows.
The Ringling - Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
10 speakers will be invited to present 10 images of their work, interest, or inspiration. Slides advance automatically every 30 seconds with brief introductions between the speakers. The informal and fast paced event is intended to showcase and introduce a diverse group of leaders and creative minds from our community. The event is organized by architect Michael Halflants and painter Tim Jaeger.
Sarasota Art Museum , 1001 S Tamiami Tr, Sarasota, FL 34236
The nostalgia of the best decade returns to Fresh Fridays. Join us for our classic Back to the 80s night on Main St. from 7 to 10 pm on April 4. Stay tuned for all the throwback details that are soon to come.
Downtown Sarasota, Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236, United States
Introducing, Booked for Lunch: Supporting Manatee Libraries 2025. The Library Foundation of Manatee County is thrilled to announce our return to our in-person author events this spring! Join us for a luncheon celebrating and supporting Manatee County's wonderful public library system. While guests enjoy a beautiful lunch prepared by GROVE, our Library Services Manager, Tammy Parrott, will moderate a fireside chat with our special guest, Jenna Bush Hager. Attendees will have an opportunity to get a photo with and/or a book signed by Jenna at the conclusion of the luncheon.
Grove Ballroom, 0670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
When Myah punches her boss in the nose and walks out of a soul-crushing corporate job, her life unravels in ways she never expected. Crashing into the spare room of an older woman with her own hidden wounds, Myah embarks on an unpredictable transformation journey. Filled with raw emotion and poignant story-telling that captures the painful process of letting go, finding connection, and embracing change.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First Street Sarasota, FL 34236
Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. From their New Jersey roots to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, this electrifying show captures their journey from a groundbreaking sound to international stardom, revealing a story of fame and personal struggles that continues to captivate audiences.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1265 First Street Sarasota, FL 34236
At Children First’s 25th Anniversary Fairytale Ball: Magic is All Around, enjoy a timeless experience like never before. Step into a world of imagination and whimsical beauty where fairytales bring our mission to life. Learn about your collective impact on our children and families through heartfelt stories and enjoy a delectable dinner and libations from Michael’s On East.
Michael's On East , Michael's on East Ballroom
BAM!Fest (Bradenton Art & Music Festival) is a free event that will transform the Riverwalk into a dynamic, diverse, immersive art and music experience from bridge to bridge! This community collaboration is coordinated by Realize Bradenton and includes: musicians from a variety of genres on multiple stages, pop up performance acts along the Riverwalk, live creation of large scale visual art, interactive art projects, local art for sale, and culinary treats from local food vendors.
Bradenton Riverwalk, 452 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
In the 60s and 70s, a new sound came into mainstream music that changed the scene forever. Led by early folk-rock artists like John Denver, Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez, this musical revue celebrates their top hits and the songs that transcended generations. 59th Street Bridge is a celebration of the timeless music such as, “Annie’s Song,” “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” and “Both Sides Now.”
Florida Studio Theatre, 1239 North Palm Ave Sarasota, FL 34236
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 25th anniversary season, titled "25 Years of Black Heritage," continues through May 25. The remaining shows in the season are "Fences" (through February 23), "Five Guys Named Moe" (March 5-April 6), and WBTT's first-ever, world-premiere tap dancing musical revue, "Syncopated Avenue." Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org to learn more about WBTT and to purchase tickets. Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Lace up your walking shoes and join us for an opportunity to meet and walk with other members. Feel free to bring another women who may want to learn more about Impact100 SRQ. All walks take place weather permitting.
Centennial Park, Downtown Venice, 200 W Venice Ave Venice, FL 34285
This incredible evening will feature inventive cocktails, an elegant dinner, and a one-night-only Pops performance by YOUR Sarasota Orchestra. The performance will feature sensational songs by Marvin Hamlisch and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The Ora, 578 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota FL 34232
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
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