The Patterson Foundation Contributes First $100,000 Gift to Annual Season of Sharing Campaign

November 20, 2020 – Sarasota

The Patterson Foundation has contributed $100,000 to Season of Sharing in recognition of the first $500,000 raised by the community to help families and individuals who are in crisis regain their safety and stability. To strengthen giving throughout Season of Sharing, The Patterson Foundation will make additional $100,000 contributions each time the community raises $500,000 between now and Jan. 31, 2021. There is no cap on the number of $100,000 contributions donors can activate throughout the campaign.

Season of Sharing is a trusted way for neighbors to help neighbors following an unexpected crisis, be it hurricanes, Red Tide, economic downturns or even a global pandemic. Funds from the annual campaign are used to cover crucial expenses for basic needs such as rental assistance, utility bills, child care, transportation or food vouchers. Since its creation in 2000 through a partnership between the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Herald-Tribune Media Group, Season of Sharing has raised over $26 million for more than 35,000 families and individuals in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties.

“Season of Sharing has long proven to be a time-tested, flexible resource to support our neighbors in need,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “This year has emphasized the effect an unforeseen disaster can have on people’s lives and well-being, especially those who are already working hard to make ends meet. Time and again, our caring community has demonstrated its generosity for these families and individuals during Season of Sharing, and The Patterson Foundation cherishes this new opportunity to strengthen the givers who make this impact possible.”

While Season of Sharing traditionally runs from November to January, it was reactivated in March 2020 for the first time since its inception to provide additional support to individuals and families facing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ongoing crisis has created more opportunities for Season of Sharing to provide a vital safety net for people in our region when government or other private assistance is exhausted.

The Patterson Foundation has been a longtime supporter of Season of Sharing, contributing $5.6 million since 2010. A $500,000 gift combining community and legacy giving from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County triggered the initial $100,000 contribution from The Patterson Foundation. Beyond The Patterson Foundation’s support, a collective donation of time, resources and expertise by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, media partners and several nonprofit agencies ensures that every dollar raised through Season of Sharing goes directly toward helping those in need.

Visit www.CFSarasota.org to donate and learn more about Season of Sharing. Follow the conversation on social media using #SeasonOfSharing.