Community Foundation and Selby Gardens Bring Underserved Families Together

December 20, 2024 | Sarasota

More than 1,500 local children, families, teachers, and school staff enjoyed complimentary access to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Lights in Bloom® holiday light show this season thanks to a partnership between Selby Gardens and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Through the Family Togetherness program, which is funded by the Community Foundation, Selby Gardens offered a complimentary evening for children and families from Title 1 schools and local youth-serving organizations who otherwise might not have been able to see the award-winning light show. This marked the seventh year that families experienced this exclusive opportunity to attend Lights in Bloom® through support from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Kirsten Russell, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County stated, “Lights in Bloom® truly delivers the magic of the holidays, sparking awe and delight that will create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. For years, we’ve been honored to partner with Selby Gardens in making this enchanting evening accessible to all families in our community.”

In addition to the stunning light show set throughout Selby Gardens’ 15-acre Downtown Sarasota campus, guests enjoyed complimentary food, holiday treats, and activities like face painting and balloon art. Generous vendors that donated all food for the evening included Micheal’s on East, Purple Bell Ice Cream, Reform Coffee, Uncle Dave’s Popcorn, and Five-O Donut Co., while Greg Art Balloon Twister and Suzie Kalin of Pixie Face Painting donated their services. Families also had a holiday photo opportunity, and Santa was on hand to sit for photos and hear children’s wishes.

                “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to provide local families with a place of joy, wonder, and the chance to experience the magical Lights in Bloom®,” says Jennifer Rominiecki, president and CEO of Selby Gardens. “The joy this program brings to children and their families is truly unmatched and remains a cherished highlight of our holiday season.”

The dedicated evening at Lights in Bloom® sponsored by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County is part of a multiyear partnership that includes additional Family Togetherness programming and innovative new educational opportunities at Selby Gardens. Local families will have access to more special events at the Gardens in the spring and summer. 

The Family Togetherness program is part of the Ann Winslow Donelly and Norbert P. Donelly Family and Community Engagement Series at Selby Gardens