Feature

The 2020 Giving Book

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Sarasota Giving: Unstoppable Amid A Pandemic

“During the pandemic, we’ve seen people learn a lot about themselves,” says Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, which has matched donors with causes ranging from basic services to arts and culture since 1979. “People have gotten closer to their values during this critical time.”

Sarasota is among Florida’s most affluent communities, yet COVID-19’s economic effects have rendered some families just a paycheck away from homelessness. 

“The hospitality industry was hit so hard,” Jerde says, “and the effects fell disproportionately on servers and others doing those jobs.”

A community’s stability depends on families being able to remain in their homes and feed their families, emphasizes Jerde. “Families hit a bump in the road, they get behind on rent, and if there’s a court order involved, that record may work against them in the future.”

LOCAL EFFORTS RAMPED UP

This year, philanthropists faced a learning curve as they strove to understand urgent needs in the community and how to meet them. 

As in so many endeavors, digital technology provided a safer substitute for in-person gatherings. Getting equipped and up to speed required new skills and adaptation. “When the pandemic started, we didn’t have a Zoom account; now we have five,” says Jerde. “We innovated to connect with our donors and nonprofit partners.”

In mid-March, to meet the dramatic increase in need, the annual community-wide fundraising drive called Season of Sharing was reactivated. “With giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation, we raised another $2.8 million,” Jerde says. “The Patterson Foundation donated a half-million dollars and provided another half-million-dollar match.”

This was followed in late April by the Community Foundation virtual fundraiser, the 2020 Giving Challenge, in which The Patterson Foundation provided a dollar-for-dollar match for all unique donations, up to $100 per donor, per organization. That event received an outpouring of support, raising $29.1 million via 124,000 transactions in 24 hours. “More than 59,000 people gave,” says Jerde. “Donors were waiting to do something.”

Now, says Jerde, “We are working in the short-, mid-, and long-term on recovery from the crisis. We will be in that mode for a long time.” 

The annual Season of Sharing campaign launched on Nov. 15, 2020 and is in full swing through Jan. 31, 2021. One hundred percent of Season of Sharing donations are distributed to those in need in our four-county region. “If you’re sitting at home, wondering how to help, this is something everyone can do,” Jerde says.

— Betsy Friauf

Giving Book Profiles

Click on foundation name to view profile.

State College of Florida

At SCF, we rise above!

All the challenges our students face only amplified in the year 2020! The fear of food insecurity, homelessness, unemployment and lack of child care while balancing coursework with overwhelming family obligations and having little to no money became a harsh reality for too many of our students because of the pandemic.  

At SCF, we exist to serve our students and the community at-large by being responsive and adaptable to offer solutions that meet the region’s educational and workforce needs. In response to all the trials and, most importantly, the unknown, we have adapted the motto “be flexible.” That motto has served us well!

820 students persisted and graduated in spring 2020 despite the challenges of COVID-19.

98-100% of our health sciences students passed their clinical licensure exams on the first attempt.

97% of SCF’s curriculum was converted for online instruction over a three-day period with the support of our dedicated faculty and staff.

$100,000 was raised for the SCF Foundation Coronavirus Student Emergency Fund with contributions from our faculty, staff and supporters.

16,000 viewers watched our virtual Spring 2020 Commencement ceremony that also aired over the local WSLR 96.5 FM community radio station with participants as far as Italy.

Nearly 500 classes were offered with flexible start and end dates to suit students’ family and work commitments.

100+ boxes of personal protective equipment (PPE) were donated to our local hospitals from our health sciences programs.

Three campuses were safely maintained, and three major construction projects continued thanks to the dedication and hard work of essential SCF facilities staff.

Thousands of community members received food from the Feeding Tampa Bay program run from SCF Bradenton.

Our responsiveness to the community and our students was met with words of hope and gratitude.

“My most heartfelt thanks to you for the generosity of the SCF Foundation. This is such as big relief! I thank you so much for this gift. My hard work and concentration are now able to be focused on school,” shared SCF student Valentina V.

“OMG, you have no idea how much this has helped us. I’m literally in tears. Thank you so so much,” cried SCF student Caitlin C.

We have always praised our students for their grit, our faculty and staff for their dedication and our supporters for their graciousness that allows us to remove the financial obstacles for all deserving students, to fulfill our program needs and raise capital for modern facilities.

Although we still face uncertainties, have students with dire needs, and buildings to raise, we wanted to end this year on a positive and grateful note. Despite all the barriers 2020 has created, with your support, we have adapted and will continue to provide engaging and accessible learning environments that result in student success and community prosperity. 

At SCF, no matter the challenges, we rise above and provide a return on investment to our community.

To support State College of Florida, please contact the State College of Florida Foundation Executive Director, Cassandra Holmes at 941.752.5390 or HolmesC@SCF.edu.

CONNECT >>> 5840 26th St W, Bradenton, FL 34207 | 941.752.5390 | scf.edu

Children First

Early childhood education and family strengthening services for local children and families in need

When Ted and Ethna Wishnie of Sarasota walk through the halls of Children First in Sarasota, they are touched by the success stories, the gratitude, and the children’s songs.

That zest for life reminds them of Eric Wishnie, Ted’s son and Ethna’s stepson, whose death at age 45 came amidst a successful broadcast career as senior producer for NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw that left a global footprint, producing everything from interviews with world leaders to Olympic coverage. 

“Eric through his education, learning, and traveling had such a wonderful, fulfilling life. We wanted to honor that as we feel education gives children a chance to prosper,” says Ethna. 

Children First serves hundreds of Sarasota County’s most vulnerable children from birth to age five, as well as their families through multiple locations.

Its mission of strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being includes Head Start programs and Families First Institute classes for all family members. 

Ted had established, successful managerial careers in the retail and restaurant industries; Ethna did so in the financial sector. They also are proud grandparents.

What Ted calls the ‘famous walk’ through Children First headquarters more than 10 years ago ultimately led to their support.

“You become committed,” he says. “Children First assisted us in creating the Eric Wishnie Memorial Fund.”

The Wishnies made their first bequest to Children First in their wills at the time and recently doubled it. Eric’s sister and brother-in-law Dawn and Mitchell Epstein are also contributors.

 “We love that when they take care of a child, it encompasses the whole family,” Ethna notes. “It is a wholesome way to teach children, break unhealthy cycles, and put them on a level playing field.” 

CONNECT >>> 1723 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, Florida 34234 | 941.953.3877 | childrenfirst.net

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast

Putting passion for conserving Florida’s natural bounty into action.

Over the next 25 years, southwest Florida’s population is expected to grow by 40 percent, and in less time than that, future water demands will exceed its capacity by 538 million gallons per day. As a fifth-generation Floridian and president of  Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast, Christine Johnson feels a protective affinity for the state’s lands and waters upon which she grew up. “Our mission is to protect land and water in Southwest Florida for the benefit of people and nature,” she notes. “And we are running out of time.”

“People may not be aware of how nature works for them,” she says. “The land cleans our water, holds our stormwater, and prevents flooding better than we can.” A case in point: Sarasota County’s Celery Fields. Historically a marsh, it was reclaimed as a stormwater retention site, and became a world-class birding spot.

“Now we have a park around it which residents enjoy, nearby property values increase, and tourists visit, which helps our whole economy,” Johnson points out.  

Saving land helps wildlife too. “People want to see the native habitat, like scarce Florida sand pine scrub, home to the charming Florida scrub jay. People also want to see a Florida panther or at least know that the panther has a fighting chance,” she adds. 

The foundation successfully saved 5,777 acres known as Orange Hammock Ranch by raising the $1.5 million necessary to augment the $19.5 million purchase of the land by Florida Forever. “The community rallied in less than two months,” says Johnson. “We were enormously proud to make that happen. The extraordinary impact is clean water, protected wildlife, and public access.” 

The foundation’s successes are made possible through event-based fundraising efforts, individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and extensive volunteer work.

CONNECT >>> 400 Palmetto Ave, Osprey, FL 34229 | 941.918.2100 | conservationfoundation.com

The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee

Reimagining the future of the Jewish community with a Campus for Jewish Life.

“It’s important for us all to make a meaningful, positive difference in the lives of our fellow man and woman here on earth, regardless of their station in life or faith,” says Randon Carvel, president of The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee (JFSM) board of directors.

To that end, the Federation’s Proud & Strong Capital Campaign is raising $25 million to renovate buildings on the 33-acre Larry & Mary Greenspon Family Campus for Jewish Life|Klingenstein Jewish Center to 2020 building standards and create additional programming and events. 

The capital campaign emanates from a year-long Brandeis University study for JFSM  showing the area’s Jewish population has more than doubled in 20 years to 35,300.

“It was an incredibly eye-opening report for us in so many ways because everything we do is to meant to engage our community in a meaningful way through programing and events,” says Carvel of JFSM’s 60 years serving the community. 

“The campus will be our town square where we’re inviting not only the Jewish community, but the entire non-Jewish community to learn more about the Jewish faith, culture, food, music and Israel.” 

Other efforts will include Holocaust education and anti-Semitism advocacy. A Jewish youth camp will serve the area’s 3,000 Jewish children as well as others in the community regardless of their faith.  Outdoor sports and activities and a venue seating several hundred also are planned. 

“We’re building upon the foundation that previous generations have provided us,” Carvel notes. “There’s a story in the Talmud that says that just as my parents planted for me, so I will plant for my children. We in the Jewish community constantly feel strongly inspired by that message. In many ways, the capital campaign reflects that.”

Those wishing to donate money, in-kind services or volunteer their time may email info@jfedsrq.org or call 941.371.4546.

CONNECT >>> 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232 | 941.371.4546 | jfedsrq.org

JoshProvides

Improving the lives of those living with epilepsy or other seizure disorders.

For Brooke, daily activities most of us take for granted are beyond her reach. 

Brooke – diagnosed at age 22 with epilepsy – cannot drive if she’s had a seizure within a six-month time frame as per Florida law. She has trouble working. She suffers from social isolation.

Particularly vexing is her inability to recall highlights of her two daughters’ lives. “It’s so embarrassing,” she says. “When I can’t remember something or screw something up, people get really frustrated with me.” 

Brooke would have found a kindred spirit in Joshua David Chapnick. Diagnosed with epilepsy at age 16, Joshua passed away at age 28, sustaining a lethal blow to his head after falling during a seizure. 

Following his death in 2008, Joshua’s family started the JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation. 

 Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder with more than 400,000 Floridians diagnosed with seizures. One in 26 people will experience a seizure during their lifetime, which can strike anytime, anywhere and anyone.  

Brooke experiences up to 20 incapacitating partial or full convulsive epileptic seizures daily. At one point, she took 27 pills daily. She currently takes 12. Surgery was supposed to help control her seizures, but hasn’t prevented them.    

“My brain has to work a lot harder than other people for even little tasks,” says Brooke. “It’s exhausting.”

Through JoshProvides, Brooke has found a support system where people don’t brush off her feelings, but instead listen and understand what she’s talking about because they or a loved one have the same experiences.

“I’m not just someone with epilepsy,” she says. “I’m also a mother, a woman and a human being.”

In addition to helping Brooke, JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation last year awarded 163 direct assistance grants, provided assistance with seizure alert and detection devices, trained service dogs, transportation, and medical services, and offered local epilepsy support groups.

CONNECT >>> 5428 Sundew Dr., Sarasota, FL 34238 | 800.706.2740 | joshprovides.org

New College Foundation

Pei for the Future: Preserving an extraordinary architectural legacy.

I.M. Pei is renowned as one of the world’s most significant architects. His revolutionary designs include the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the glass pyramid at the Louvre, and the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston. But Pei valued humanity, as much as bricks and mortar. He once said, “I want to bring out the best in a community and contribute something of permanent value.” 

Pei achieved this goal in our area when he was selected to design part of New College of Florida’s campus in 1963. In doing so, he helped establish the Sarasota-Manatee region as a global leader in architectural innovation.

Established 60 years ago, New College is one of the finest affordable public liberal arts colleges in the United States. In fact, out of all the nation’s college graduates, a higher percentage of New College graduates receive distinctive academic honors, including having the highest numbers of annual Fulbright awards per capita. Most first-year students live and work in the geometric, cantilevered Pei Residence Halls and Hamilton Student Center. These graceful, modernist buildings represent a compelling chapter in Sarasota’s architectural history and their significance goes well beyond New College. These treasures are important to the surrounding community—and the world.

After 55 years, Pei’s iconic structures are showing their age. The New College Foundation has established a $15 million Pei for the Future campaign. Headed up by Monica Van Buskirk, funds raised will go toward renewing the Pei Residence Halls to meet 21st-century standards.

“We’re inviting our entire community to participate in preserving this extraordinary architectural legacy,” says Van Buskirk. “This legacy is a treasure both for the people of New College and for all of us who live in the area. Pei looked beyond the needs of the present. He built for the future. The humanist legacy of his work is timeless. It’s now up to us to pass it on.”

Intrigued? Found out more at ncf.edu/peiforthefuture or call Monica Van Buskirk at 941.487.4800.

CONNECT >>> 5800 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota 34243 | 941.487.4800 | ncf.edu/peiforthefuture

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation

Supporting greatness through philanthropy.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s accolades keep pouring in. In 2020, Newsweek named it one of the world’s best hospitals, U.S. News spotlighted it as one of only 37 “standout” facilities in the nation, and Watson Health named it among the 100 Top Hospitals for overall quality and among the Top 50 for cardiac care. The 839-bed regional health system cares for more than 1 million patients per year.  Its philanthropic partner, Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, has provided support since 1976, raising money for state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, medical education, clinical research, and patient care.

A case in point is the Healthcare Foundation’s cancer campaign, which received a $25 million gift from the Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation in support of the new Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial. In the past, Sarasota cancer patients often had to travel to cities far from family and friends to receive comprehensive care. The newly named Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute opened its first facility, the Radiation Oncology Center in August 2020 at the health system’s University Parkway campus. By next fall, cancer patients will be able to access comprehensive care in the Oncology Tower currently under construction on the hospital’s main campus.

Alongside this long-term project, the Healthcare Foundation continues to support other initiatives, including the Florida State University Medical Residency Program at SMH that started in 2017 and trains medical residents in internal and emergency medicine. Other Healthcare Foundation grants have helped expand behavioral health services at the hospital, replace the urology surgical video system, and purchase cribs and bassinets for the pediatrics unit.

To date, in the fight against COVID-19, the Healthcare Foundation has contributed over $2 million toward new ventilators, disinfection robots, telemedicine communication carts, enhanced rapid testing, and devices for patients in respiratory distress. With the Healthcare Foundation’s support, SMH joined two national clinical trials. One assessed safety and effectiveness of the antiviral drug remdesivir. The other evaluated whether antibodies in plasma from patients recovered from COVID-19 could help the newly infected. 

Once a hospital gains an outsize reputation for quality, it attracts top-notch health professionals trained for superior levels of care. Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation helps community members take good care of the hospital that takes good care of them.

CONNECT >>> 1515 S. Osprey Ave., Suite B4, Sarasota, FL 34239 | 941.917.1286 | smhf.org

Suncoast Blood Centers

Live Here. Give Here. Save Here.

What if we told you that just a few moments of your time could save three lives? Or, if you recovered from COVID-19, you could help someone locally battle the virus? How about the fact that our blood supply is perishable and dwindling, yet only 3% of our population donates? Your donation makes a lifesaving difference. This is the call to action of SunCoast Blood Centers, a not-for-profit, independent, locally operated blood center that directly serves and saves the people of our region.

With state-of-the-art donor locations in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice and Port Charlotte as well as eight bloodmobiles, SunCoast Blood Centers provides a safe and reliable source of blood products and services to patients in need. Serving our area for decades, the organization holds more than 1,000 blood drives annually and collects more than 40,000 units of blood, a feat it largely attributes to the generosity of its loyal, local donors who support its lifesaving mission. 

While a blood donation is relatively quick at 30 minutes, donating platelets can take up to two hours. So, SunCoast has designed its donor centers and bloodmobiles to provide an environment where you can relax, watch a movie, or simply enjoy some “me” time while performing a vital, lifesaving service. All blood and platelet donations are tested for the antibodies to COVID-19.

This past year, while businesses were shut down, the need for blood products never stopped. SunCoast Blood Centers helped save countless lives by providing convalescent plasma to our local hospitals. Convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients contains antibodies that can save the lives of those who are still battling the virus in our local hospitals. Once you are a convalescent plasma donor, you can donate every 14 days – saving more lives each time. 

To learn more about SunCoast Blood Centers or to schedule an appointment to make a donation, visit SuncoastBlood.org.

CONNECT >>> 3025 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton, FL 34211 | 1-866-97-BLOOD | suncoastblood.org

The Florida Center for Early Childhood

A leading provider of therapeutic services, early education, and healthy development for children in Southwest Florida.

When 3.5-year-old Justin ‘JJ’ Gillis asked for “more pizza,” his parents were thrilled – as a child with mild autism, he’d always struggled to communicate his needs. 

JJ’s parents, Gigi and Justin Gillis, viewed the simple request as confirmation their only son would likely overcome his disability, thanks to the early intervention he had received at The Florida Center for Early Childhood. 

At just three months old, JJ was enrolled at The Florida Center’s Starfish Academy, an inclusion preschool where typically-developing children learn alongside those with special needs. At the time, the Gillises were only concerned with convenient, quality childcare. 

But when JJ was around 18 months old, Starfish Academy became important for another reason. The teachers noticed he wasn’t reaching the milestones typical for his age. He soon received an autism diagnosis and was moving forward with speech and occupational therapies at the school. 

“Normally parents, after receiving the heartbreaking news that there might be something wrong with their child, have to go out and find therapists and adjust their work schedule to accommodate appointments,” said Gigi. 

“But for us, everything was already in place. He received the extra services while he was in school, with therapists and teachers working together to create an individualized plan specifically for him.”  

In just a few months, Justin and Gigi began noticing significant improvements in JJ’s behavior, interaction with others, and communication skills. 

“The Florida Center provides exactly what families need in these situations,” said Gigi. “It’s a place full of miracles and it’s a place that makes miracles happen.”

The Florida Center is the leading provider of therapeutic services, early education, and healthy development for at-risk children in southwest Florida, from infants to fifth grade. 

CONNECT >>> 4620 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34235 | 941.371.8820 | thefloridacenter.org

The Players Centre for Performing Arts

Community theatre & studio providing an artistic outlet to experience live performances and training

Ninety-one years ago, The Players Centre for Performing Arts became the first performing arts organization on Florida’s west coast, helping set the stage for Sarasota’s cultural mecca reputation.

“We’re very proud of that history,” notes William Skaggs, recently-hired CEO of The Players Centre. “We’re equally excited about the future.”

Despite theatre’s difficult path due to COVID-19, The Players is hopeful. The halting of performances has emphasized the gap it has left in people’s lives, notes Skaggs.

In October, outdoor performances of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at the Sarasota Polo Club – with limited

audience size, social distancing and masks – were sold out weeks in advance.

“Part of it is certainly The Players’ place in the community,” says Skaggs. “It’s also people clamoring for the opportunity to be with others who value live theater in their lives.”

Skaggs sees continued community enthusiasm from patrons, donors and volunteers translating into The Players’ capital campaign to build a new facility. The capital campaign includes corporate sponsorships, individual donations, philanthropic partnerships and event-based fundraising.

“The most important aspect is relationships and building confidence that The Players will continue adding value for the entire community,” says Skaggs. 

“My background provides an understanding of how much goes into running an arts organization,” says Skaggs, who brings to The Players his experience as a chief development officer for a Bowling Green, Kentucky performing arts center, registered financial advisor, philanthropic and alumni engagement with Western Kentucky University, and an undergraduate music degree.

“Sarasota is blessed with something extremely unique and special in community theater here,” says Skaggs. “We have patrons who may come to The Players for the first time and not even realize it’s community theater. Our production value and the quality we expect from our volunteers is very high.”

CONNECT >>> 1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Suite 200, Sarasota, FL 34236 | 941.365.2494 | theplayers.org

The Sarasota Ballet

We enrich lives, captivate emotions and strengthen community through the art of dance.

“Ballet transcends itself,” says Frank Martucci, President of the board of The Sarasota Ballet. “All art has a transcendental quality. It takes you beyond nature and is very fulfilling,” he believes. “When you combine art with broader causes, that’s what really catapults The Sarasota Ballet to the next level.”

Beyond dance performances, those causes include public outreach for all ages. “Dance – The Next Generation” has equipped over a hundred local youths with electronic tablets so they can participate in dance classes virtually. Silver Swans ® delivers dance and movement to those over 55, while “Joyful Movement Through Parkinson’s” partners with The Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s to provide free classes for individuals living with the disease.

As board president, Martucci sees himself as a facilitator, an internal liaison who connects with the dancers and administration, while at the same time as an advocate, sharing his enthusiasm for the organization with donors. 

“I am inspired by the dancers and their commitment,” says Martucci of the young corps members who leave their families, attend school in the evening, and devote days to practicing this athletic and demanding art form. He marvels at how they perform at an intense level, even when wearing masks for safety during rehearsals.

Martucci views the dancers and administration as a family. “What makes us unique is that all of the dancers in the company are located here. Over the years, they develop relationships with the audience and patrons who have­ been tireless in their efforts toward keeping this company viable during this difficult time.”

Thanks to a combination of support from the government and generous donors who have been deeply charitable over the past year, the organization continues to thrive during the pandemic. “My personal concern is what happens next year,” says Martucci. He invites the public to tune in to The Sarasota Ballet’s digital programming, learn about the beneficial outreach programs, and consider making a gift. 

CONNECT >>> 5555 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota 34243 | 941.359.0099 | sarasotaballet.org

Tidewell Foundation

Brightens the lives of the patients, families, and residents of communities served by Tidewell Hospice and its affiliated companies.

The Tidewell Foundation was established mid-year 2020 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the legacy hospice serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. The Foundation raises funds to provide perpetual support to Tidewell Hospice and affiliated not-for-profit Stratum Health System companies and primary physician practices.  

“It comes down to the work of one caregiver helping one family in a really desperate time,” says vice president Marlo Turner. “Donated products and services make a difference to have that quality of life coming to a wonderful end.” 

Many services are provided at no cost to patients, families and communities.

Last year, more than $4 million in charity care was provided to patients and families preparing for their final days, and community-wide for grief services.

“We see 1,200 patients daily in adult living facilities, retirement centers, long-term care centers, hospitals, one of our eight hospice houses, and even the homeless where they camp,” says Debbie Mason, president.

Services also are provided to those who’ve experienced loss through miscarriage, disease, accidental death, or trauma in their workplace, school or elsewhere.

The evidence-based Blue Butterfly Family Grief Centers – one of the few such programs nationwide – provides community outreach for children ages 5 to 18. 

“We were the first program nationwide to have an We Honors Veterans program where all of our clinicians are trained for veterans’ special mental and emotional needs,” says Mason. “Our nurse residency program trains nurses how to be hospice nurses.”

Other services include art therapy, charity hospice care, emergency non-medical financial relief grants, and a program helping grant patients’ final wishes.  

Complementary services include pet, message and music therapy and Reiki. Financial support comes from the Treasures Thrift Shop, a Tidewell Turkey Trot run, the Signature Luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, and third-party community group fundraising, corporate sponsorship and personal giving.

CONNECT >>> 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238 | 941.552.7546 | TidewellFoundation.org

All Faiths Food Bank

Providing food to children, families, seniors and veterans.

All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Together with its partners, All Faiths Food Bank provides healthy solutions to end hunger in our community.

Since mid-March, All Faiths has experienced a 125% increase in distribution, with a 45% increase in new clients. In 2020, All Faiths had expected to provide 10.8 million meals to those in need but now – due to the devastating economic impacts of the pandemic – the organization believes it will need to provide more than 18 million meals to children, families, seniors, and veterans facing hunger, a 58% increase over last year.

For all who are struggling to put food on the table, All Faiths Food Bank is here for you. For those in a position to help, we hope you will join us as we work to end the scourge of hunger … forever.

CONNECT >>>  8171 Blaikie Ct., Sarasota 34240 | 941.379.6333 | allfaithsfoodbank.org

All Star Children’s Foundation

Transforming foster care through innovation, science, and compassion.

“Adverse Childhood Experiences (trauma) are the single greatest unaddressed public health threat facing our nation today.”  Dr. Robert Block, former President of the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

All Star Children’s Foundation has opened their Campus of Hope and Healing, a refuge for children, a place where healing occurs, hope is restored, and spirits are renewed. All Star is providing trauma-informed and research-based treatment. This beautiful campus is thoughtfully created with the joy and wonder of healing children. The campus is comprised of a pediatric treatment and research center, 6 homes, a clubhouse, playgrounds, vegetable garden, and movie theatre. Living on campus are foster parents who are trained in trauma, caring for kids in each beautiful home. Biological families are thoughtfully incorporated in the healing process. Behind this idyllic setting is a multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinical staff, and child welfare experts all dedicated to transforming foster care through innovation, science, and compassion. This has been the dream of Graci and Dennis McGillicuddy and with the help of many others, their dream has become a reality! 

Join us in changing the life of a child.

CONNECT >>>  3300 17th St., Sarasota, FL 34235 | 941.217.6503 | allstarchildrensfoundation.org

Boys & Girls Clubs of  Sarasota and DeSoto Counties

New Name. Same Mission.

For 50 years, thousands of youth in Sarasota County have created paths to greatness at the local Boys & Girls Clubs. Over the last year, we took our award-winning programs beyond county lines to serve more deserving youth and opened the very first Boys & Girls Club in DeSoto County. As our impact expanded, our name evolved into Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.

Now, more than ever, we are committed to the success of our area’s future leaders. Inside our Clubs, children and teens are becoming leaders, developing life skills, discovering passions, connecting with mentors and participating in programs that they may not otherwise have the chance to experience. You can help us ensure youth continue to chart their paths to greatness at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. Support our programs, make a contribution or register to get involved today at bgcsdc.org.

CONNECT >>>  3130 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237 | 941.366.3911 | bgcsdc.org

Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice

Proving Help. Creating Hope. Serving All.

Every day, Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice lifts people out of poverty and positively impacts their lives. For over 35 years, Catholic Charities has been helping the people of Southwest Florida by offering a means to empower them to achieve self-sufficiency. Last year we provided over 208,000 services to people in our community. Our programs and services provide to those who are less fortunate not only the necessities of food, clothing, and shelter but additional assistance and resources to help rebuild lives. Catholic Charities strives to assist everyone who asks for help, offering support and services to children, adults, seniors, and Veterans. With your support, we empower, encourage, and care for all our neighbors in need.

At Catholic Charities, we provide help, create hope, and serve all our neighbors in need.

CONNECT >>>  1000 Pinebrook Rd, Venice, FL 34285 | 941.488.5581 | catholiccharitiesdov.org

The Circus Arts Conservatory

More than a Circus!

Photo by Cliff Roles

The Circus Arts Conservatory is a non-profit organization whose mission is to keep the Circus Arts Alive and Thriving. The CAC’s innovative programs enhance the incredible value and impact of the Circus Arts to both young and old in our community and beyond. Through world class performances, excellence in youth training and educational outreach, The CAC inspires a passion for the performing arts while offering quality opportunities to learn life skills as well as entertain appreciative audiences. 

The Sailor Circus Academy, a CAC outreach program has transformed the lives of youth in our community for more than 7 decades. Through this interdisciplinary, athletic performing arts program, students develop life management skills, self-discipline and confidence, while learning the circus arts. These experiences provide an environment where young people of differing abilities and backgrounds connect and learn the value of collaboration, teamwork, trust, respect and leadership in meaningful ways.

CONNECT >>>  2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota 34239 | 941.355.9335 | CircusArts.org

Florida Studio Theatre

Making theatre accessible and affordable to as many people as possible.

Nick Anastasia, Nathaniel P. Claridad, Micah Jeremiah Mims 
& David Marmanillo. Photo by Matthew Holler.

Florida Studio Theatre is Sarasota’s contemporary theatre. With a diverse range of theatre offerings spanning six core programs: Mainstage, Cabaret, Stage III, Children’s Theatre, FST School, and New Play Development, there is truly something for everyone at FST. Our ticket prices are some of the lowest in the nation, with ticket revenue only covering about 70% of our actual operating costs. 

We rely on generous contributions from our individual donors along with support from Foundations to make up the difference between our low ticket prices and the actual costs of all our programming. With this support, FST develops theatre that speaks to our dynamic, ever-evolving world. 

We believe that the theatre is a vital part of human life. In this vein, we strive to provide affordable, quality theatre programming to as many people as possible. We believe that if you put the world on the stage, you will find the world in your audience. Our goal is to continue to produce a diverse array of professional theatre opportunities so that all have the ability to engage in the art of contemporary theatre.

CONNECT >>> 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota 34236 | 941.366.9000 | floridastudiotheatre.org

La Musica International Chamber Music Festival

Communicating joy through performance.

La Musica International Chamber Music Festival, which will present its 35th season at the Sarasota Opera House in April 2021, is an artistic and critical success and an outstanding American cultural institution. Guided by Artistic Director Bruno Giuranna and Associate Artistic Director Derek Han, La Musica brings together the finest musicians from around the world to present exciting programs of familiar and seldom-heard chamber music.

Rehearsals are open to the public, offering a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity to watch musicians collaborate. Events include the season fundraiser, Sonata a Due; and special occasions to meet, greet, and cook interactively with the musicians.

La Musica recently launched “La Musica at Home,” a monthly documentary series exploring the personal lives, musical passions and performances of its renowned musicians. The series is available to view for free at LaMusicaFestival.org, Facebook.com/LaMusicaSRQ, and on YouTube. Featured musicians include Derek Han, Steven Lin, Dee Moses, and Ann Hobson Pilot, among others.

CONNECT >>> P.O. Box 5442, Sarasota, Florida 34277 | 941.366.8450 Ext. 7 | lamusicafestival.org

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