Resilient Retreat Recognizes Five Local Honorees on National Philanthropy Day

November 21, 2022 – Sarasota

Resilient Retreat, a new Sarasota non-profit providing free and confidential support for survivors of trauma, first responders and helping professionals, proudly recognizes five key individuals who have helped contribute to the organization’s successful launch. During a National Philanthropy Day celebration held on November 8, by the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the following honorees were recognized: 

For the past two years, Stacy Fradkin has volunteered with Resilient Retreat, providing compassionate, empowering services for trauma survivors in the Southwest Florida community. As a yoga teacher and sound meditation facilitator, she has provided tangible tools for trauma survivors to cope with stress and to regulate the nervous system. Her services have been particularly valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic and the post-Hurricane Ian recovery and continue to be some of the most beloved programs offered at Resilient Retreat.

 
With more 15 years of event planning experience, Samantha Kingsley has spent countless hours–many of which as a volunteer–working on behalf of local area nonprofits, including Resilient Retreat, Embracing Our Differences, The Florida Center and the Palmetto Youth Center. Samantha and her team were critical to the success of Resilient Retreat’s recent Campus Building Dedication and Open House and its sold-out Grand Opening Luncheon with keynote speaker, actress and humanitarian Ashley Judd. 

Debbie and Gino LaMarca are a dynamic couple that are always willing to roll up their sleeves to help Resilient Retreat. Gino serves on the Board of Directors, ensuring good governance, financial accountability and sustainability, and a clear, focused strategic plan. Debbie serves on the Events Committee, helping to build awareness and raise funds to support the no-cost services provided by Resilient Retreat. 

Love IV Lawrence Foundation provides funding to reduce stigma and to build awareness about mental health. Thanks to the foundation’s generous support, Resilient Retreat received funding to provide trauma-informed equine therapy and neurofeedback for community members impacted by trauma. These programs have helped produce real change in the community, including lowering depression and PTSD. 

Sherri Mills serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and the Fundraising Chair for Resilient Retreat. As a real estate agent, she donates 10 percent of every house she sells to local non-profit organizations. She has also created her own non-profit, Live2Give, which provides financial support to trauma non-profits, including Resilient Retreat. 

“As a new non-profit, we rely not only on the financial support of our donors and sponsors but also on key individuals who lend their expertise, time and resources. So often these volunteers work behind the scenes and go unrecognized,” said Resilient Retreat Executive Director Lisa Intagliata. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of these five honorees, who have played such a vital role in our organization’s success. Through their unwavering support and commitment, even during the most trying of times such as the global pandemic and Hurricane Ian, we have been able to continue our mission to provide free, confidential and much-needed resources for trauma survivors, first responders and helping professionals.”