By Julie Milton | March 2024

We asked our loyal e-readers and local non-profit leaders to nominate a person or persons who they believe are community champions. The nominations are heartfelt and heartwarming, and we are honored and delighted to share their stories.

EDUCATION CHAMPION

Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, President of State College of Florida

Nominated by Jamie Smith, Community for her impact on higher education, and for her personal philanthropy in support of SCF’s mission.

Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld has been dedicated to this community since joining State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) in 2003 as vice president of business and administrative services and was named SCF president in January 2013. SCF is a $100 million enterprise that makes a $432 million annual economic impact on the region.

Through her leadership at SCF, Dr. Probstfeld has expanded the privilege and access for community members for higher education and industry resources. Her accomplishments and contributions include:

• Dedicated to Manatee and Sarasota Young Professionals as a corporate sponsor to help cultivate emerging leaders in our current students and staff at SCF. 
• Dedicated to providing local support through hurricane recovery efforts while sending resources to our other impacted communities.
• Received $8.15 million in the Florida State Budget to expand the A.S. in Nursing program by 60 students and implement Telehealth training for SCF and to remodel and add to the SCF Bradenton Science Building, one of the College’s oldest and most-used buildings.
• Received a $3.6 million Florida Job Growth Grant in 2019 from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to establish the Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation on the Bradenton Campus.
• Completed the purchase of 74 acres in Parrish for a future campus and to expand the College’s physical presence east of I-75 and north of the Manatee River.
• Completed the agreement to establish the Gator Engineering @ SCF program at the Venice Campus in partnership with the University of Florida. The number of engineering majors available to students expanded in 2019 due to program success.
• Entered articulation agreements with Florida A&M University (FAMU Ignite), Edward Waters College and the University of South Florida FUSE program, creating a pathway for SCF AA graduates to complete bachelor’s degree programs.
• Instituted seven new certificate and workforce degree programs including Risk Management, Cyber Security and Studio Art in 2016 and Received approval for SCF to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management degree.
• Responded to community need by receiving approval to return the A.S. in Fire Science degree to the SCF catalog in 2019.
• Completed construction of a new $17.6 M Library and Learning Center in 2018 that serves the entire community.
• SCF Collegiate School is annually recognized as a high-performing charter school with an “A” grade, named a National Blue-Ribbon School in 2016.
• SCF recognized as among the top 50 associate degree Producers in the United States.
• Personally, she endowed the Carol F. Probstfeld Commitment to Academic Excellence Fund to provide support for students who compete academically such as the SCF 2015 Brain Bowl National Champions.
• Established dual enrollment agreements with all regional school districts and many regional private and charter schools.
• Established faculty partnerships between SCF and every Manatee and Sarasota County public high school aimed at improving the college readiness of students.
• Co-founder of regional college consortium including public and private higher education partners – New College, Ringling School of Art and Design, University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee, and SCF.

Dr. Probstfeld has also served the community as board chair/vice chair, member, volunteer and active citizen with the following organizations: Manatee Memorial Hospital, Kiwanis Bradenton, International Women’s Forum, National Association of Professional Women, Leadership Florida, Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Manatee County United Way, Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Cross College Alliance and United State Coast Guard Auxiliary to name a few.

Philanthropically, Dr. Probstfeld has personally donated more than $200,000 to the SCF Foundation to support the College’s mission. Through her leadership, advocacy and responsiveness to our community, Dr. Probstfeld has increased educational opportunities and resources as well as funding to serve those in need.

Steven and Marjolaine Townsend

Nominated for their philanthropy supporting education at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota & DeSoto Counties

Steven and Marjolaine Townsend have been making post-secondary education more accessible since 1999, when they established their first scholarship fund in their home state of Connecticut. Both were the first members of their respective families to attend college, so education has always been important to them. They have adopted the promotion of education as their life goal and enacted that goal by helping as many young people as possible access higher education.

In 2018, The Townsends established the Steven & Marjolaine Scholarship Fund at Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties to empower Club members to pursue their dreams. In partnership with Take Stock in Children, the Townsend Scholars recognized each year can use their scholarship to cover two years of tuition at a Florida college of their choice – from technical or vocational schools to four-year institutions. The students are selected on criteria like being active members of BGCSDC, being enrolled in grades 6-9 at a public Sarasota County school, having demonstrated financial need, and having consistent school attendance and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Once awarded a scholarship, Scholars have access to a school mentor, a Take Stock in Children Success Coach, and various Take Stock in Children events and workshops to prepare them for success beyond high school.

Sheila Birnbaum

Nominated by Children First for her educational support of the organization’s literacy programs and programs at other local organizations.

Sheila Birnbaum is an exemplary advocate for literacy and community engagement, dedicating her time and efforts to supporting the development of children, families, and senior citizens in our community.

Sheila’s commitment to community service in Sarasota began in 2015, when she initiated the “Take a Look, Buy a Book” program for Jewish Family and Children’s Services. Over eight years, Sheila successfully managed the program, rallying the community to donate over 24,000 books. In 2023, Sheila got involved with Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County. This resulted in the “Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader” literacy program and book drive, because Sheila believes that reading is the doorway that makes all other learning possible. This initiative, focused on serving children aged birth to five years, aligns with Sheila’s belief and the Children First mission that early exposure to literacy provides children with a crucial “head start” in life. Beyond those served by Children First, the donated books will also be distributed to hospitals and various nonprofit organizations, ensuring that all children can receive the gift of literacy during what can often be a tumultuous time in their young lives. Sheila understands the power of collaboration and has forged partnerships with organizations such as Bank of America, the National Council of Jewish Women, and Goldman Sachs to further promote the importance of literacy. Sheila’s commitment goes beyond literacy support. Her passion is deeply rooted in celebrating children, as evidenced by the personalized labels on each book bearing the “Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader” logo, serving as a reminder of the ongoing work in the community and emphasizing the continuous impact on children’s lives. Her unwavering dedication to promoting literacy makes her the ultimate champion for children, families, and seniors across the community. 

Alix Morin

Nominated by Robin Bell of State College of Florida Foundation for her exemplary support of education as a board member, philanthropist, volunteer, and influence.

Alix and her late husband, Mark Morin, established the Mark & Alix Morin Scholarship at SCF Foundation in 2013, which, by itself, may not sound remarkable, but when you realize three important aspects of the scholarships, you start to see how amazing this lady is.

• Most people would rank students who apply for their scholarship from highest GPA to lowest. Not Alix. She wants to see the students with lower GPA’s have just as much of a chance to get a scholarship as those who will qualify for many other scholarships due to their high GPAs. Each year, Alix asks the SCF Foundation to send her the applications of those students whose GPA ranges between 2.0 and 2.5. She knows these students will most likely not be offered any other scholarships, and she purposefully selects those students to receive her scholarship.

• Most people who establish a scholarship at the SCF Foundation stipulate that the student must be in a particular field of study. Not Alix. Her scholarship is for any student, no matter their career goal or major. To Alix, every student has value and deserves an opportunity for a low-cost, high-quality education. Her mission is to make sure that happens.

• Alix certainly contributes funds to her and Mark’s named scholarship, but what makes Alix so remarkable is that she brings in her sphere of influence to also contribute to the scholarship fund, and this connects them to the students and academic programs at State College of Florida. She purchases four tables of eight at the SCF Foundation Annual Scholarship Luncheon, brings all her friends who can attend, and during the event, they donate to the Mark & Alix Scholarship Fund. This remarkable peer-to-peer influence makes Alix a special donor who helps expand SCF Foundation’s donor base and helps spread the mission of this incredible institution.

When Alix’s good friend, Dr. Herbie Solomon, passed away in 2017, Mark and Alix helped his widow, Brandy Solomon, establish a nursing scholarship in his name at the SCF Foundation, further evidence that Alix’s love and passion for supporting SCF students has a continued reach through her network of friends.

In January 2023, Alix’s sister, Janine Larose, passed away from cancer. Janine, like Alix, was an educator, and to honor her memory, Alix has recently established a 3^rd scholarship at SCF Foundation. The Janine Larose Scholarship will be awarded to an SCF student majoring in education.

This past November, as the SCF Foundation was ramping up efforts to raise money during the “Giving Tuesday” event, Alix generously offered to match all donations up to $3,500. We surpassed that amount and Alix was enthusiastic to meet her pledge. 

And finally, Alix gives to SCF Foundation and SCF students through her sponsorship at SCF Foundation fundraising events. She has been the underwriter for table centerpieces, student ambassadors, and the pinning ceremony during the Annual Scholarship Luncheon. She has also sponsored SCF Foundation’s Avenues to the Future event and been a champion of the Volunteer Sphere program, both volunteering and connecting SCF Foundation with other volunteers in the community.

She is a philanthropist for education who goes above and beyond, in so many ways, all because she believes in students who attend State College of Florida, Alix Morin does it all, and everyone at SCF Foundation feels so proud and lucky to have her in their lives and the lives of SCF students.

CORPORATE EDUCATION CHAMPION

Sarasota County Bar Association

Nominated by Community Foundation of Sarasota County for its support of students pursuing a career in law.

Together with the Community Foundation, the Sarasota County Bar Association (SCBA) has administered dozens of scholarships to students aspiring to pursue a career in law.

With the priority of creating access to students of color or those who may not otherwise have access to quality post-secondary law programs, the SCBA, through scholarships with funds held at the Community Foundation, is helping individuals achieve their dreams and, at the same time, helping to diversify the profession to ensure that those serving in the noble field of law represent the public they serve. Additionally, SCBA funds have created and supported programs in elementary, middle, and high schools that teach students concepts of law. 

Over the years, SCBA members have contributed to the funds that support these scholarships, and more than $150, 000 has been awarded to students across four scholarship opportunities: the Richard R. Garland Diversity Scholarship Fund, which supports diversity and highly trained legal professionals who plan to practice in Sarasota County; the SCBA Diversity and Inclusion Fund; the Jan Jung Fund to Promote the Study of Law in Sarasota County Schools; and two donor advised funds for the purpose of advancing diversity and equity in the legal profession. 

The bar association represents a wide range of attorneys practicing in the area from a wide range of boutique, corporate and independent law firms. You can learn more at sarasotabar.com.

Photo: Richard R. Garland scholarship recipient Nora Mitchell, who graduated from Booker High School and now attends Harvard University, along with Sebastian Martinez, Booker High School Law Academy graduate and community activist. 

HUMAN SERVICE CHAMPIONS

The Karp Family

Nominated for their philanthropy to several important human service organizations including the Child Protection Center.

Sheila Miller (VP Philanthropy) and Elizabeth Topp (Capital Campaign Manager) of the Child Protection Center (CPC) describe the Karp Family as local catalysts for change, not only giving their financial resources, but their time, talents, connections, and love. For more than two decades and across four generations, the Karp Family has partnered with the CPC to protect our community’s children.

While they are important supporters of the Child Protection Center, they have been investing in other local nonprofits for decades including Forty Carrots, Children First, Easterseals Southwest Florida, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, CAN, Southeastern Guide Dogs, and others.

When the Karp Family moved here from Atlanta in the early 90s, the Sarasota culture of philanthropy quickly became integral for their family, and an aspect of residing here they adored. Family patriarch Arthur S. Karp started the foundation in 1992 as The Arthur S. Karp Family Foundation, and since, the family has managed its assets and invested in numerous organizations for almost 34 years. His wife Susan was introduced to CPC by another CPC champion, Graci McGillicuddy, and Susan immediately understood the importance of the work being done at CPC. In fact, CPC was the first organization The Arthur S. Karp Family Foundation partnered with to change lives.

Second generation leaders Richard and Tammy Karp have continued the legacy and raised their daughters with philanthropy as a core value of their family. Taylor Karp-Teymuri, eldest of the third generation, shares that it is such a large part of her life and although the foundation is the vessel for their contributions, the desire to give back and make an impact is the fuel to it all. A truly special aspect of this family is their comprehensive philanthropy.

Sarah Karp-Renkliyuz, sister of Taylor, enjoys the hands-on and service-based approach that mom and dad (Tammy and Richard) showed her growing up; the importance of action and volunteerism are just as important as financial support. This has always been an aspect of philanthropy Sarah was partial to, and in recent years she has become more involved with Taylor’s favorite: social events and community engagements. Together they are emerging recipients of this family legacy as Tammy passes the torch, like Susan once did for her.

Sarah expressed how impactful her first tour of CPC was, noting its Pillar of Hope and her admiration for the butterfly’s significance. “Our kids are in a cocoon not knowing where to go or find help, but CPC gives them the tools to become that butterfly and spread their wings to fly,” she shares. Sarah and Taylor are also members of CPC’s Butterfly Guild, a young professional advocacy group supporting our mission and connecting the next generation to philanthropy. As Richard shares with us when commenting on the foundation for his passions, “It’s all about the next generation.”

Two decades and counting, the family can be seen expressing their passion for CPC’s important work in many ways. Tammy is a current board member, and all three women volunteer on other committees. Tammy, Taylor, and Sarah will chair CPC’s 11th Annual Blue Ties and Butterflies Gala on April 10, 2024, an event Tammy and the family foundation have been a part of since its inauguration.

HUMAN SERVICES CHAMPION + BEST DRESSED

Megan Howell, MS

Nominated for her work as Founder and Executive Director at Second Heart Homes and for her unique and meaningful style.

Second Heart Homes is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing permanent housing to those with mental illness who have experienced or are at-risk of homelessness. Its goal is to provide long-term solutions that revive dignity and enhance quality of life through self-sufficiency. These solutions include affordable, supportive housing that integrates accountability and community integration.  The team at Second Heart Homes also collaborates with many other services in the community to add extra layers of support.

Megan Howell founded this organization in 2019 by helping a severely mentally ill man off the street who had been homeless for 25 years. All while attending college and working at a local Sarasota restaurant. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and her experience includes serving those with developmental disabilities including Alzheimer’s and dementia, mental illness, and homelessness. She has completed extensive comparative work in the way of multi-cultural issues surrounding homelessness in Japan and lived on the streets of Tokyo for a study.

Megan was nominated by Melanie Stanek, a fundraising and public relations specialist, for her service to others and for her artistic and meaningful style.

According to Melanie, Megan takes her life cue from the Japanese philosophy of “Ikigai,” which means “find joy in life through purpose.” Nowhere is her passion for lifting hearts and minds more on display than in her life’s work and in her Art Basel-inspired style. In her role at Second Heart Homes, she believes that a work of art opens the door to healing and lights a path to love. In this way, Melanie believes Megan Howell shines.

“Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress.” – Coco Chanel

HEALTH & WELLNESS CHAMPION

Richard Pocker

Nominated by one of the grateful recipients of his knowledge and support for those with hearing loss.

When it comes to hearing loss, Richard Pocker helps so many people both in Sarasota County and around the world. He is leading the effort to get hearing loops installed in county libraries and was successful in getting hearing loops in Sarasota Memorial Hospital and at the Sheriff’s office. Richard is also spearheading a Sertoma outreach program to get free, reconditioned hearing aids to low-income people and has been asked by three audiologists to lead a tinnitus support group in the county.

Richard serves on the board of the Ear Research Foundation. He has created and runs various websites for people with hearing loss and he continues to give away his book on Cochlear implants for free and provide information and support to individuals. This is an all-volunteer effort that costs him time and money. To sum it up, he is a tireless advocate for anyone suffering from hearing loss.

Deb Entsminger, who nominated Richard, haspersonally benefitted from Richard’s generosity. He came alongside her and helped her get bilateral cochlear implants five years ago. She went from being 100% deaf, believing she would end her days in silence, to regaining 99% voice recognition. It was a radical life change!

Deb says she is just one of many people with hearing loss Richard has personally helped as well as thousands he has helped through his book Cochlear Implant Basics, various websites, and his podcast for which he has personally funded to bless others. He has even funded the translation of his book into numerous languages to globally help even more people. He has given his own time and resources repeatedly, generously helping others and has never received a penny for his selfless efforts to help others.

CONSERVATION CHAMPION

Margaret “Meg” Lowman Ph.D.

Nominated for being a local and global champion of conversation and preservation.

Dr. Lowman, a pioneer in forest canopy ecology, is known throughout the world as “Canopy Meg.”  She is an author, scientist, arbornaut, mom, and a change-agent for conservation. Dr. Lowman is also Executive Director of the local TREE Foundation and works tirelessly in support of the organization’s mission, which is to pursue and promote research, education, and exploration to advance conservation of the planet’s botanical resources and ecosystems. Vanessa Wassener, President of TREE Foundation, knows firsthand of Dr. Lowman’s conservation impact, and she has nominated Dr. Lowman as a conservation champion.

Dr. Lowman has spent more than 40 years as a leader of conservation and preservation, both locally and globally. She was the driving force behind the construction of the canopy walkway in Myakka State Park and continues to improve its interpretive value.

While she is paid as the executive director of the TREE Foundation, she has volunteered as an educator to teach the value of these efforts to approximately 10,000 students around the country. Ironically, the pandemic has expanded her reach and impact by making it possible to use Zoom as a teaching tool. Additionally, the national association of science teachers has adopted some of her work as required curriculum.

Recently, when leading a group of elementary students on a field trip on the Myakka walkway, they discovered an insect previously unknown to the scientific community!

Her work has been widely recognized and she has received the designation of National Geographic Explorer. Dr. Lowman was the recipient of the 2023 annual award of the Explorers Club in New York, and, internationally, was just awarded the 2023 Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize by the Tällberg Foundation. These many honors (among others) have given her the means to continue her volunteer work.

Examples of her volunteer work are her personal establishment and financing of a summer camp for under-served students, as well as devising the mechanical means for mobility-challenged youth and adults to reach tree canopies and discover the magic that happens there.

Her volunteer and philanthropic contributions are many, both locally and globally, and she is an invaluable asset to our community.

ARTS CHAMPION

Roger Sandt

Nominated for his support of films of hope and resilience.

Award-winning educator and filmmaker KT Curran of the non-profit Wingspan Productions works with targeted community organizations and individuals, to identify, explore, enlighten, and educate young adults on vital issues we face in our daily lives including communication, polarization, mental health, addiction, bullying, systemic racism, and homelessness. and pursuit of happiness. The films she directs and produces distribute inspirational and educational films that encourage connection, listening and understanding.

KT has nominated Roger Sandt, who has been a champion of her work. She first met Roger and his wife Judy during the Sarasota Film Festival at the premier of her film about high-risk teenage girls. During the film’s audience engagement time, many teens involved with the film project spoke. They were tearful, sharing how working on the film had saved their lives.

Roger and Judy were in the audience. He raised his hand and asked how he could give us money and what Wingspan was doing next. His inquiries began a beautiful friendship with KT, Roger, and his wife Judy. They offered significant financial support for Wingspan Productions and Wingspan’s subsequent films about bullying, mental health, young adults, first responders, and fentanyl overdoses.

Wingspan’s films have been distributed all over the US and abroad, winning numerous awards, and through it all, KT shares that Roger has been there as a friend, wise counsel, and generous philanthropist. KT believes that one person can make a tremendous difference in the world, and she, along with everyone at Wingspan Productions, has the utmost gratitude for Roger and Judy Sandt.

VOLUNTEER CHAMPIONS

The Food Distribution Volunteers at Second Chance Last Opportunity

Nominated by SCLO’s Founder and CEO April Glasco for their dedication generosity helping others.

Second Chance-Last Opportunity (SCLO) is a community-based non-profit grassroots organization offering life management skills classes to at-risk teens and their low income and/or homeless families since 1995. SCLO clients often face multiple health, social and economic challenges, and SCLO’s approach is both holistic and empowering. SCLO classes provide skills and strategies for success, and it also provides counseling, health education, youth programs, food distributions, and shelter referrals.

SCLO Founder and CEO April Glasco nominated the organization’s food distribution volunteers, who along with their teams, provide a vital service to those who need it most.

Every Monday through Thursday, these volunteers bring unsold baked
goods donated by Longboat Key Publix, groceries donated by Longboat Key residents, sandwiches, and often monetary contributions for the people SCLO serves. These deliveries have been happening since April of 2020 during the beginning of the pandemic. Temple Beth Israel has also been involved in the food distribution and as volunteers at SCLO events.

SCLO is alwayslooking for individuals and groups to help the organization improve the lives of at-risk teens, families, and individuals. There are many ways you can help—whether on an ad hoc basis at one of SCLO’s special community events or in an ongoing capacity on a committee or in the office.

Pictured left to right: Second Chance Last Opportunity, Inc., (SCLO) Food
Distribution Volunteers:  David Dieppa, Steve Zenuh, Bryce Donnelly, and
Marc R. (not pictured: Anna Azmi, Arthur Boyce, and Arlene Skversky)