Bank of America Becomes Title Sponsor of USFSM’s Brunch on the Bay

The 2019 rendition of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee’s signature fundraising event for student scholarships, Brunch on the Bay, will feature a premier partner, as Bank of America has agreed to become the title sponsor of this year’s event.

The Bank of America Brunch on the Bay will be held on Sunday, Nov. 3, on the USFSM campus with a renewed emphasis on raising funds for student scholarships.

According to Lee Williams, regional vice chancellor for advancement and alumni engagement at USF Sarasota-Manatee, “The organizing committee has developed sponsorship packages based on the annual cost of tuition at USFSM. For example, a $5,000 sponsorship covers the majority of tuition expenses for one year, and that level of sponsorship corresponds to a table of eight at Brunch, plus considerable recognition and exposure through the event.”

Sponsorship levels range from $2,500 for a half table to $25,000, which covers slightly more than four years of tuition and includes two VIP tables. For more information, visit http://usfsm.edu/brunch or call (941) 359-4603.

Co-chairs for the 2019 event are USFSM alumni Lauren Henry and Pete Petersen. The team hopes to build on last year’s success, when more than 870 supporters attended the event, raising more than $325,000. Since its inception 26 years ago, Brunch has provided more than 1,800 scholarships for USFSM students, most of whom are from Sarasota and Manatee counties.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Bank of America to raise scholarships for local students, including many who are the first in their families to attend college,” Williams said. “We appreciate all of our corporate and individual donors who have generously contributed over the years — enabling students to graduate and succeed in their careers. Most of those students remain in the region and give back to our communities.”

Brunch showcases USFSM’s role as a local university that provides a preeminent, affordable education for students who become valued members of the workforce and vibrant contributors to the Sarasota-Manatee community.

Bank of America, as Brunch’s premier sponsor, shares USFSM’s commitment to enabling students to lead lives of impact upon graduation.

“At Bank of America, we believe higher education ultimately empowers individuals to make a difference in the world around them by creating access to higher paying jobs and the opportunity to achieve long-term goals,” said Mike McCoy, Sarasota-Manatee market president for Bank of America. “Through initiatives such as the Bank of America Brunch on the Bay, we’re helping drive our area’s economic growth by providing students with opportunities to pursue their careers.”

As a current Brunch scholarship recipient, senior Kayla Collins appreciates first-hand the event’s importance. Collins, who plans to pursue a master’s degree in criminal justice at USFSM after graduating, commutes daily from North Port and works 40 hours a week, in addition to attending classes.

“Brunch literally makes a difference in my life,” she said. “I am a first-generation college student and I’m pretty much on my own when it comes to tuition and books. That’s why Brunch is so important to me and other students. Without a Brunch on the Bay scholarship, I don’t know how I’d pay for college.”

In addition to raising scholarship support, Brunch is widely considered one of the region’s top social events. Guests enjoy mimosa, Bloody Mary and champagne bars and a menu featuring fresh grilled lobster and other gourmet brunch fare offered by the following restaurants, caterers and beverage providers to date:

Apple Spice SRQ
Buzz Pop Cocktails
Cafe L’Europe
Gold Coast Eagle
Grove
Gulfstream Provisions proudly presents Boar’s Head
Manatee Technical College
Mattison’s Catering
Metz Culinary Management
Mission BBQ
Nassau Candy
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Ophelia’s on the Bay
Overture Restaurant @ Art Ovation Hotel
Pier 22
Sophie’s at Saks Fifth Avenue
Sea Breeze Coffee & Tea
Tableseide Restaurant Group, featuring Libby’s, Lemon Tree Kitchen and Muse at The Ringling
The Westin Sarasota
USFSM College of Hospitality & Tourism Leadership

Including state matching grants, endowment earnings and in-kind support, Brunch has helped generate more than $5.5 million toward scholarships for USFSM students, including many first-generation students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Sponsorships and individual tickets are now available. Visit http://usfsm.edu/brunch or call (941) 359-4603.

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