Spotlight | Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota: Honoring Women Impacting Our Community

By Tom Reese | Photos by Harry Sayer | July 2024

Sarasota is home to some of the world’s most generous philanthropists and is currently the number one city in charitable giving per capita in the nation. Women are a driving force in philanthropy, often going unrecognized for their contributions.

After years of dreaming of ways to honor and recognize these women, well-known philanthropists Margaret Wise and The Honorable Katherine Harris (former US Congresswoman) have recently launched their official non-profit organization—Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota. 

The organization’s mission is simple, yet significant: “To honor the indelible legacy of exceptional women philanthropists, past and present, whose virtues of integrity, compassion, humility, and kindness have perennially enriched our community’s fabric for decades. From these women, we aspire to motivate and engage new generations in virtuous and intentional community enrichment and help to create generations of charitable giving for our future.”

“For many years I have wanted to honor the women who have really shaped this community into the wonderful place we call home,” shared Margaret. “I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing women in my time here.” 

According to Katherine, “My desire for this organization is to inspire younger generations who are exercising leadership to create a legacy of philanthropy.”

Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota will host several recognition events throughout the year to celebrate the generosity and character of women going above and beyond for their community. These will include luncheons featuring prominent speakers, including the honorees, awards ceremonies, exclusive fashion experiences, and an end of year wrap-up celebration. 

The Inaugural Soirée will be held on November 9, 2024 at Cap de Joie, the home of The Honorable Katherine Harris. The event will honor a distinguished group of twelve philanthropic women of the past and present who have all had an extraordinary impact on our community and will serve as role models for future charitable projects, passing on a tradition of giving and community enhancement.

This very special evening will start with a beautiful reception honoring these women, exclusively for donors and sponsors. Guests arrive to a champagne reception in the auto court. The Soirée then officially begins with a cocktail party, followed by an exclusive Fashion Couture Experience, a fabulous dinner, and live music and dancing under the moonlight on Sarasota Bay. 

Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota’s Creative Director and Fashion Couture Expert, Tatyana Sharoubim Stewart, is curating an unconventional format for a special fashion experience to debut during the Soirée. Throughout her new concept titled “Making Philanthropy Fashionable,” guests will be enchanted by models draped in couture in staged vignettes while strolling through the transcendent 18th century rooms of the home.  

According to Tatyana, “It will be like stepping into a storybook of art and fashion that will stimulate all the senses creating an experience unlike any other.”

Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota will collaborate with other organizations and individuals to amplify the impact and reach of its initiatives. Initial partners include the Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF), Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and major banking institutions such as PNC Bank, and UBS, with exciting announcements to come. 

The organization is also developing programs and workshops regarding philanthropy, investment and life-management skills. Additionally, mentorship programs will provide guidance and support to aspiring women through philanthropic examples, internships, and volunteer opportunities. These programs will include networking opportunities for women to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on philanthropic efforts. 

There are currently four women leading the way for Women in Philanthropy: Margaret and Katherine are the Co-Chairs and Founders, Tatyana is the Creative Director, and Dayle Hoffmann is the Administrator for the organization.

Margaret Wise moved to Sarasota in 1989, and she has since been one of the community’s most active supporters. She is widely known for her involvement and generosity to many organizations including Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC), the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, and Pines of Sarasota. She has served as President and Board Member of the Asolo Repertory Theatre, Sarasota Opera, and Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. 

Margaret has been the distinguished recipient of the Sarasota Opera Grand Finale and Impresario Awards, the Girls Inc. “She Knows Where She’s Going” Award, the Golden Gavel Award from the Sarasota Herald Tribune, and more. Margaret was appointed to the Florida Council on Arts and Culture for two terms advising the Secretary of State regarding cultural grant funding and other matters of arts and culture throughout Florida.

Margaret, along with Jean Weidner and Diane Roskamp, founded Designing Women Boutique, a high-end resale boutique whose foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Sarasota, donating almost $8M to date. 

“Our ambition is to immortalize a legacy that motivates future generations to emulate the altruistic endeavors of the women who came before us. The Soirée not only celebrates monumental contributions but also fosters a refined ethos of philanthropy among women,” said Margaret. 

The Honorable Katherine Harris is a champion for economic development, public diplomacy, and sound legislation through her private business and government service. She is the co-founder of Ori International, a multi-national media organization that specializes in media distribution, AI technology development, and high-performance content production. 

Katherine felt fortunate to have had Sarasota philanthropists mentor her through their lives and events. Within months of her arrival, she joined the Boards of Historic Spanish Point, the Sarasota Arts Council, Leadership Sarasota and transferred her membership of the Junior League to Sarasota, later chairing numerous fundraising events. Katherine served on the Asolo Board and was appointed by Governor Lawton Chiles to the Board of Trustees of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art when the Museum was under the State’s ownership.  

Katherine was later elected to the Florida Senate, representing the Southwest Florida region from 1994 to 1998. She was the last elected Secretary of State serving from 1999-2002 before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida’s 13th congressional district from 2003 to 2007. She won the worldwide bid and hosted the World Cup Pentathlon for the Olympics in Sarasota for three consecutive years, creating a $12M economic impact.

“I have long said that Sarasota is a remarkable place to live. The National Endowment of Arts quantified our arts and cultural experience as the equivalent to a city of 5 million people; we have amazing health care professionals, outstanding education opportunities, and some of the best beaches in the world. However, the greatest aspect of being in Sarasota, are the incredible people who live here,” Katherine shared.

As the team continues to ramp up traction and prepare for their inaugural Soirée and award ceremony, Dayle Hoffmann says, ”We encourage individuals to promptly secure their tickets, tables, and sponsorships, as availability is limited for this enchanting experience.”

If you are interested in Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota, please visit www.womeninphilanthropyofsarasota.com or find them on Facebook by scanning the QR code. You may also follow Women in Philanthropy on Instagram: @womeninphilanthropysrq, or email the organization at wipsarasota@gmail.com.

If you are interested in attending the inaugural Soirée or becoming a sponsor of the event, please visit https://7082.blackbaudhosting.com/7082/Women-in-Philanthropy-Soiree.