Project Santa’s Helper Makes the Holidays Brighter for Area Families

November 9, 2020 – Sarasota

The holidays will be a bit brighter during this challenging year, thanks to the continued support of Concession Charities’ Project Santa’s Helper event, now in its tenth year. Since 2011, the charity arm of The Concession Golf Club has hosted this annual shopping spree for students of Girls Inc. of Sarasota County. In total, Concession Charities has contributed over $240,000 to help families purchase gifts for their children during the holiday season.

On Friday, November 13 from 4:00-8:00 p.m., friends and family of Concession Golf Club president Bruce Cassidy, Sr. and other volunteers will gather at the Target University Town Center on 101 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, with the mission of shopping for Girls Inc. students and their siblings. In addition to gifts for the family this holiday, funds will be used to purchase Publix gift cards for each family and to fund an emergency account for Girls Inc. that covers a variety of needs throughout the year, including homeless challenges, food, clothing and shoes.

“This event is one that our family looks forward to each year,” explains Bruce Cassidy. “When the Community Foundation of Sarasota first approached us with the need over a decade ago, we knew it would be a long-lasting relationship, because we are committed to helping organizations in the community that serve young people like the students inspired by Girls Inc.”

Girls Inc. of Sarasota County is currently serving girls in their after-school program. Each day, participants receive a nutritious snack, take part in hands-on, minds-on programming and have access to academic support. This year, Girls Inc. has also created the INSPIRE Academy during the school day to provide a safe place for remote learners whose families elected not to send their girls back to school because of safety concerns but may be challenged to home school due to work commitments. There are currently 20 girls enrolled in the INSPIRE program and that number is expected to continue to grow.

“We are so grateful for the generous support of Concession Charities,” says President & CEO Angie Stringer. “Our families have been hit very hard by the economic impact of COVID-19, and this amazing gift will help ease their financial burden and allow them to enjoy the holiday season with their family.”

Media is invited to photograph the November 13 shopping event from 5:00-6:00 PM. Bruce Cassidy, Sr. of Concession Charities and Angie Stringer of Girls Inc. of Sarasota County will be available for interviews, along with select shoppers who volunteer annually. For more information, contact Paula MacDonald, APR at 813-545-1009 or paula.macdonald@imagesuitepr.com.