Season of Sharing Surpasses $1 Million With Community Support

December 11, 2020 – Sarasota

The community has generously donated more than $1 million to this year’s Season of Sharing campaign, helping families and individuals in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties who are in crisis get back on their feet. This expeditious milestone triggered The Patterson Foundation’s second $100,000 gift to Season of Sharing, totaling $200,000 given to the annual campaign in a matter of weeks. Between now and Jan. 31, 2021, The Patterson Foundation will make unlimited $100,000 gifts for every $500,000 the community raises.

This year, the pandemic has caused added financial strains on many members of the community. As a result, people who never expected to request assistance are in need. Through Season of Sharing, neighbors can help neighbors regain their safety and stability by covering critical expenses for basic needs, such as rental assistance, utility bills, child care, transportation or food vouchers. The yearly campaign was created in 2000 through a partnership between the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Herald-Tribune Media Group. Since then, more than $28 million has been raised for more than 35,000 families and individuals in the community. 

“The Patterson Foundation is grateful for the region’s continued commitment to helping our neighbors in need,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “While this has been a difficult year for many families and individuals, it is inspiring to see our community coming together and supporting each other through this time-tested, trusted resource. In the midst of a pandemic, our region has raised an additional $500,000, and The Patterson Foundation is proud to contribute a second $100,000 gift to the Season of Sharing campaign.”

In March 2020, Season of Sharing was reactivated beyond its traditional holiday season time frame for the first time ever to provide support for individuals and families facing difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever, Season of Sharing has more opportunities to serve as a safety net for people in our community who have exhausted government or private assistance.

Since 2010, The Patterson Foundation has supported Season of Sharing, giving $5.7 million during that time span. In addition to The Patterson Foundation’s support, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, media partners and nonprofit agencies have worked tirelessly to ensure that each dollar raised through Season of Sharing goes directly to local families and individuals in crisis. 

To donate or learn more about Season of Sharing, please visit www.CFSarasota.org. Join the conversation on social media using #SeasonOfSharing.