A century ago, a wise Clevelander put forth a brilliant idea. What if someone making a will could turn to a permanent organization, he asked, and say, “I want to leave [a sum of money] to be used for the good of the community, but I have no way of knowing what will be the greatest need 50 years from now. Therefore, I place it in your hands to determine what should be done.”

That idea became the world’s first community foundation, the Cleveland Foundation. Up until then, philanthropy had been the province of industry titans like Carnegie and Rockefeller, who (admirably) channeled their great wealth into private foundations for philanthropic purposes. But this revolutionary concept of a community foundation could attract and organize the aspirations and resources of many different people, across a community, to advance its betterment. It effectively opened up philanthropy to people of all levels of wealth.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation is, in a sense, a great-great grandchild of that original place-based foundation. We stem from the tradition and honor the legacy of our forerunners. But at just over 19 ourselves, we also strive to innovate, leverage technology and push the outer edges of the envelope to redefine the role of a community foundation and potential of philanthropy. We also have a contemporary appreciation that “communities” can form around much more than just geography.

Gulf Coast has its own founding story. The concept of a community caring for its own took shape in 1951, when local citizens pooled time, effort and money to create a community hospital in Venice. The same spirit guided the decision decades later to sell the hospital and use the proceeds to create a community foundation.

That money could have been spent quickly, funding a flurry of agencies and programs in a feel-good community windfall. But the prudent wisdom in the decision to create a permanently endowed resource for the region is borne out by the numbers. Since being seeded in 1995 with about $92 million, Gulf Coast has invested over $177 million (almost double) back into the community through grants to nonprofits, regional-improvement initiatives, scholarships and more. Meanwhile, Gulf Coast’s assets today stand at $274 million, having grown through the stewardship of our board and the pooling of additional funds by hundreds of families, individuals, organizations and businesses that believe in the model of a community foundation.

More meaningful than cumulative dollars, however, are the improvements, innovations and transformations made possible through the unique collaboration that is a community foundation. Things like:

• A statewide change to 911 law that stemmed from a policy report we commissioned after a local woman lost her life when our public-safety system failed her.
• An education partnership that has transformed the way teachers teach and students learn science and math in local schools, even giving our region a competitive advantage touted by economic development officials.
• A permanent memorial fund to be used for the good of North Port because we helped a generous woman structure a gift to benefit the community and neighbors she loved, not only today, but 50, 100, and many more years from now.

As leaders of the now 750-plus community foundations across the country gather this month in Cleveland, ostensibly to celebrate the centennial of community philanthropy, the real work will be imagining the next century. We don’t know what the greatest needs will be 50 years from now, let alone 100. But with the permanence, flexibility and foresight of a foundation for the entire community, we can count on the power of endowed philanthropy—and the generous philanthropists who fuel it—to be ready. 

SRQ Daily Columnist Teri A Hansen is president and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

In October 2013, our City Manager and two City Commissioners attended a closed door, private meeting of downtown merchants and property owners concerning the very real, prominent issue of groups of homeless individuals camping 24/7 on the streets of downtown Sarasota. No minutes were taken, we don’t know the specifics of what was said, or by whom, but we do know from emails that City Manager Tom Barwin and Commissioner Susan Chapman left feeling encouraged.

Later that month, Citizens for Sunshine filed suit claiming the meeting violated the Sunshine Law. The City and Commissioner Suzanne Atwell settled posthaste for what, in the land of attorney fees, amounts to a slap on the wrist. Commissioner Chapman chose to fight. One year and seven defense motions denied later with attorney’s fees approaching $200,000, her supporters continue to ardently defend the 2013 meeting as just a couple of Commissioners hearing from their constituents. Their argument—neither spoke, so no harm no foul.

Okay, let’s go with that, see where it leads. Picture a similar closed-door, private meeting attended by the City Manager and two Commissioners. But this time it’s with Rosemary District development interests hoping for relief from unwieldy building code regulations disallowing density sharing between non-contiguous parcels in the same development. According to the “argument” the Commissioners would be A-OK in the clear as long as neither “said” anything.

Other than topic, how are the two meetings any different from the other? They aren’t, but it begs the question; who could dare argue with a straight face that a couple of Commissioners going to merely “listen” privately to developers would be perfectly acceptable?

Basic commonsense—even the most rudimentary understanding of how elected officials are expected to conduct themselves—ought inform us both meetings violate our Sunshine Law. 

Whatever the individual mindset of any two (or more) Commissioners, the very act of attending any meeting not publicly noticed where no minutes are taken on topics reasonably expected to come up for a vote could easily be construed as a predisposition signaling some future legislative alliance between those Commissioners with those who called the meeting.

But the worst of it, rather than simple admitting to what many of us, even Citizens for Sunshine, were willing to consider an unfortunate lapse in judgment is how the argument that silence is innocence has expanded, contriving to make the Sunshine Law the baddie. Sorta like blaming the speed limit when you get a ticket for driving too fast through a school zone.

A tradition since 1909, born into statute in 1967, our Sunshine Law by popular vote in 1990 became part of our State Constitution. The Law doesn’t play favorites. It is “broadly applied and narrowly exempted,” not the other way around. The State of Florida promises (Art. I, § 24, Fla. Const.)  “meetings of any collegial public body…. shall be open and noticed to the public”.

By the by, that meeting with developers didn’t happen, but, if it had, Citizens for Sunshine would have been all over it, and I’d like to think we would’ve cheered them on. 

SRQ Daily Columnist Diana Hamilton, after living 35 years in Sarasota, labels herself a pragmatic optimist with radical humorist tendencies and a new found resistance to ice cream.

[Diana Hamilton's column] was the first time I had heard anything about Kimmy Yerkes since the end of last year and it was sent yesterday by someone else who knew her in Sarasota. I moved back to San Diego last year, but I knew Kimmy, not only in Sarasota, but also, Key West, where I lived for 10 years, where we became good friends. I too am an artist/photographer.  Kimmy and I exchanged some snail mail until I sent a card/letter the end of December last year, and I heard nothing after that. My other friend had not seen Kimmy either. And then, I received the news article from my friend, SRQ Daily, only yesterday. I was devastated. I found the obit, but I know nothing else other than that. I am going to call the Resurection House and I have an email in to a Gretchen that was listed in the obit to find out more info.

The description of Kimmy by Diana was right on and I am glad to know who bought her the bus pass. I helped as much as I could, but Kimmy never asked for anything.  Occasionally, I would pick Kimmy and John up where there boat was with 3 or more huge bags of dirty clothes to wash at my house. She always smiled... I only saw her cry once, in Key West, but I got her laughing again. She was a ray of sunshine. She will always have a place in my heart. I will miss her. 

Judy Waterman, responding to the "Not Too Late To Learn Column" in the Oct. 4 edition of SRQ Daily

Susan [Nilon]: I enjoyed your op-ed piece and your passionate opinions. Just one thing where you are definitely wrong. History is not a science. It is far from it. It is totally subjective and written through the lens of historians. In fact, history can be interpreted in many ways and include different events and different facts.  For example,  in many classrooms the Holocaust is not extensively covered, nor is American slavery. In my opinion, the best way to cover history is to include different theories and a variety of historians.  

There should be free discussions in high school and college on the interpretation of history. But in today's age of political correctness there is not always a free exchange of ideas. And this is the fault of both teachers and politicians. 

One thing we totally agree on is the need for parent involvement in education from an early age on.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and opinions. As a new permanent resident of Sarasota, I look forward to reading more of your pieces. 

Lou Grossman, responding to the "These Things I Know" column in the Oct. 11 edition of SRQ Daily

Thank you for articulating so clearly, so logically, so passionately, my very thoughts. This is a must read for every politician, every educator and every community minded individual.

I no longer live in Sarasota but I did for 40 years. I raised my children there and had a wonderful career in nonprofit management. Even then we experienced many of the same issues....homelessness (you are dead on with your comments)....local government (those serving now appear to be clones of their predecessors)....little regard for history.

You go girlfriend. 

Caroline Cramer, responding to the "These Things I Know" column in the Oct. 11 edition of SRQ Daily

Center for Architecture Sarasota is recognizing landmark buildings this month as part of their Archtober celebration of design and architecture. We'll be sharing a few buildings from their series in the upcoming weeks. Below is the Tampa Bay Hotel.

The Tampa Bay Hotel was designed by J. A. Wood in 1888 and is not only known for its historic architecture but it also served as the headquarters for the United States Army’s invasion of Cuba during the Spanish-American War. It was built by Henry B. Plant, who was the founder of the Plant System of railroads and steamboats and brought the railroad to Tampa in 1884. The 511 room hotel was considered one of the premier hotels not only for its Moorish Revival Architecture, but also because of its innovations. It was the first hotel in the state of Florida to have an elevator as well as the first to have electric lights and telephones in the rooms.

The Moorish Revival style of the building was chosen to appeal to the taste of the Victorian customers that would frequent the hotel. Keeping in the style, it featured six minarets, four cupolas, and three domes that were all restored to stainless steel in the early 1990's. The hotel closed in 1930 as a result of the Great Depression and remained unused for three years until the Tampa Bay Junior College took over the space and converted hotel rooms into classrooms. The size of the building, spanning a quarter of a mile, afforded the college room to expand into the University of Tampa as we know it today. The Henry B. Plant Museum in the south wing of the old hotel building and Plant Park provide visitors the opportunity to experience this historic place. In 1972, the building was designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. It was also featured in AIA Florida's list of Florida Architecture: 100 Years. 100 Places. in 2012.

Center for Architecture Sarasota is a 2014-15 SRQ Story Project partner. 

Join SRQ | The Magazine and panelists Dave Sanford, Deputy Executive Director of Port Manatee and Fredrick Piccolo, President and CEO for the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, to look ahead at how the growth of these two regional assets will impact economic development, business opportunities, demographics and tourism. This SB2 symposium is hosted on Wednesday, October 22, 2014, from 11:30am-1pm at the IMG Academy Golf Club in Bradenton; 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy, Bradenton. Symposium tickets are $35/person and include a plated lunch. 

IMG Academy Golf Club, 4350 El Conquistador Pkwy Bradenton, FL 34210

SB2

Looking for unique gifts for the holidays like the gorgeous "Moondance" by Tonya Smith shown above? Head over to the Starkeeper's Cafe in Sarasota on November 23 from 1-4 pm for Every Child, Inc.'s Holiday Bazaar. Sip wine and listen to the tunes of Howlin' Bob as you peruse unique treasures created by eighteen artists local artists. A great way to get into the holiday spirit, find the perfect gift for your loved ones and at the same time help provide a happier holiday for some of our area's neediest children.  

Every Child Inc.,

Ringling College of Art & Design students Marisabel Fernandez and Alexander Bernard have won Grand Prize in the 2014 Adobe Design Achievement Awards with their senior thesis film ‘Listen,’ which seeks to interpret life through the eyes of a non-verbal autistic child and her constant struggle to cope with the world around her. They also won top honors in the editing and post production category. “Alexander and Marisabel rose to the top in a highly creative and competitive entry field with an extremely sensitive interpretation of the world seen through the eyes of a young autistic child,” said Tacy Trowbridge, Adobe Education Programs Lead. “We are very proud to recognize their achievement and help showcase the power of visual storytelling as an agent for social awareness and benefit.”

ADAA Grand Prize-winning video

The Sarasota Area Sports Alliance in collaboration with the Sarasota County Sports Commission is hosting its next “Sports Spotlight” networking event on  October 28 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at New Balance Sarasota on Stickney Point Road.  The “Sports Spotlight” speakers are Sarasota Music Marathon event organizers and owners Tony Driscoll, Molly Jackson and John Korff who will be  highlighting the Sarasota Music Marathon on February 8, 2015 which will span the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, the Ringling Bridge and surrounding neighborhoods.  The half marathon is the first ever to include a run through Selby Gardens. Selby Gardens will host mile 10 of the run and include free family entertainment festival race morning with one of the race's 15 bands, food and more.  The October 28 Spotlight admission fee is $15 for pre-registration and $20 at the door.  Attendees will receive one complimentary beverage and light appetizers. All proceeds benefit and further the mission of the Sarasota Area Sports Alliance (SASA) which includes offering college scholarships to local high school athletes. 

Sarasota Area Sports Alliance

Fuzión Dance Artists, Sarasota’s cutting-edge contemporary dance company, will present “Voices of Fuzión” on December 5-7 at the Jane B. Cook Theater at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.   The program features works by company members, highlighting both seasoned and emerging choreographers, as well as a new work choreographed by Artistic Director Leymis Bolaños Wilmott in collaboration with composer Mark Dancigers and sculptor Nathan Wilson. The three performances are at 7:30 pm on December 5-6, and 2 pm on December 7. “We are thrilled for a second season to present 'Voices of Fuzión' as a complement to our March season concert,” comments Bolaños Wilmott. “Based on the success of last year's 'Voices,' it is clear that our audiences are eager to open themselves up to works by new and emerging choreographers, and to experience work that erases the boundaries between what we think can and cannot be accomplished for and by dancers of all abilities." 

Fuzion Dance Artists

The Ringling’s new hour-long Family Workshops program invites children ages 4-10 to discover an area of The Ringling through a science experiment or art project. The workshops begin at 1 or 3 pm on Saturdays in the Visitor Pavilion. Today, October 18,  Families will design a “Tabletop Sculpture Garden”.  The group will explore the Courtyard of the Museum of Art for inspiration and then create clay figurines to pose as “tiny sculptures” inside terrariums, which they will build and take home. A parent or guardian must accompany any child participating in the program. The Ringling cannot ensure participation without prior registration. The program costs $5 per student.   

The Ringling

Want to learn more about Opera? For the second year in a row, Sarasota Opera will offer its popular “Understanding Opera” seminar series open to anyone interested in learning more about this dynamic art form. Executive Director Richard Russell and Director of Artistic Administration Greg Trupiano, who have more than 60 years of collective experience in the opera industry, will team up to offer specially crafted discussions designed to delve into different areas of the world of opera. These enjoyable morning talks will take place at the Jonas Kamlet Library in the Deane Carroll Allyn Pavilion Building next door to the Opera House. The cost per session is $25 or you can purchase all for sessions for only $75.  

Sarasota Opera