SCF Foundation Celebrates Local Hometown Heroes

November 24, 2021 – Sarasota

The State College of Florida (SCFF) Foundation dedicated an afternoon to recognize its local hometown heroes at the Annual Scholarship Luncheon Wednesday, Nov. 3, at Michael’s On East in Sarasota. 

The longstanding tradition and unique event allows SCFF donors to meet and engage with the students they directly impact. Similarly, the luncheon also provides student recipients the platform to personally thank their scholarship supporters for making their higher education dreams a reality. During the 2020-21 fiscal year, the Foundation awarded nearly $1.6 million in scholarships.

This year’s luncheon spotlighted Manatee and Sarasota counties’ everyday hometown heroes – SCF students, alumni, service industry members, future business leaders, aspiring creators, inspirational instructors and hopeful health care workers – people whose unwavering commitment to their future prove they are anything but ordinary.

“Heroes can take many forms,” said Ebony Philips, recipient of Manatee Memorial Hospital Excellence in Nursing Scholarship. “The faculty and staff who support us along our educational journey are also heroes because they prepare us to serve in the community.”

The second student speaker, Nancy Rubio, recipient of Blake Medical Center Excellence in Nursing Scholarship, Brown Family Foundation Scholarship, and Palm Aire Women’s Club Scholarship, expressed, “With the opportunities that are given to us, such as the scholarships that donors give to the SCF Foundation, our journey becomes less stressful, and your generosity goes a long way.”

“SCF has been resilient this past spring and summer to serve our students,” said Cassandra Holmes, executive director, SCF Foundation. “We engaged with our Manatee and Sarasota County business leaders and community partners to maintain an accessible learning environment that resulted in insurmountable student success and prosperity.”

The event included a paddle raise and featured live music by SCF’s Presidential String Quartet. 

This was Suncoast Credit Union’s 21st year as the premier SCFF Scholarship Luncheon title sponsor. For more information about the SCF Foundation or to make your own scholarship donation, visit SCF-Foundation.org or call 941-752-5390.