Season of Sharing Surpasses $3.2 Million With Weeks Left for Matching Opportunity

January 13, 2023 – Sarasota

Some three weeks until the official giving timeframe concludes, Season of Sharing, the area’s long-trusted way for neighbors to help neighbors in need, has raised more than $3.2 million, including five $100,000 gifts from The Patterson Foundation. 

Thanks to local donors offering support through the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s annual campaign, people in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties who encounter an unexpected crisis will also be met with financial support. 

Through Season of Sharing, those who need help can request support from these funds all year long by contacting 2-1-1 or a social worker. Money is earmarked for assistance with rent, utility bills, childcare, and transportation. A wide network of more than 50 social services agencies administers payments to landlords, utility providers, and others on behalf of families and individuals in crisis.

“The giving, generous nature of our community is special, and Season of Sharing makes that evident, year after year,” said Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “Whatever challenge our community faces, Season of Sharing is a resource to call upon.” 

Since its inception in 2000, Season of Sharing has raised and distributed more than $34 million benefiting more than 41,000 individuals and families, paying for essential expenses, like rent or mortgage, utilities, car repairs and childcare. Rising rents and damages caused by Hurricane Ian that have displaced hundreds in this region have brought about an uptick in need. 

More than 55,000 individual gifts have come in over the years, highlighting the campaign’s underlying philosophy that everyone can be a philanthropist. Donations in any amount are welcome and maintain the safety net. 

Between now and January 31, 2023, The Patterson Foundation will continue its longstanding and inspiring support of Season of Sharing, contributing $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community with no cap on the number of contributions donors can activate throughout the campaign. Since 2010, The Patterson Foundation has contributed more than $6 million to inspire giving at all levels for this vital, community-wide effort.

“Season of Sharing provides a strong avenue for everyone to have a hand in making a difference in the lives of people throughout our region,” said Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “As our community’s generosity extends beyond the holiday season, The Patterson Foundation will continue to strengthen the impact of that generosity through the conclusion of the 2022-2023 campaign.”

Donations to Season of Sharing can be made throughout the year at any level. Gifts can be made online at http://www.cfsarasota.org/community-impact/community-care/season-of-sharing or by sending a check (payable to Community Foundation of Sarasota County) to Attn: Season of Sharing, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237. All donations are tax-deductible, with every dollar going directly, and quickly, to those who need it most.

For 23 years, Season of Sharing has had the staying power to restore confidence and replenish hope for neighbors in crisis, with support from our community. Built on collaboration and trust, the community-wide campaign is a partnership between the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation. To read stories from families and individuals who have been helped throughout this year by Season of Sharing, visit www.heraldtribune.com.