« Back To SRQ Daily Archive

SRQ DAILY Dec 3, 2016

"Let's make Sarasota a place that businesses want to come to grow and hire workers with good paying and quality jobs. "

- Mary Dougherty-Slapp, Gulf Coast Builders Exchange
 

[Community]  Creating a Network of Helping Hands
Roxie Jerde, roxie@cfsarasota.org

In 2000, then-publisher of the Herald-Tribune Media Group Diane McFarlin recognized a need in our community. Beneath the beauty of our region, too many of our residents were struggling to bridge the gap to an economically stable life. Circumstances beyond their control turned what might be a minor inconvenience to some into a life changing emergency that could cause them the anxiety and anguish of losing the place their family calls home.

Diane reached out to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County in order to find a solution to form a safety net for families on the verge of homelessness and an opportunity arose through the availability of two core cornerstones. 

Through the Community Foundation’s understanding and network of local nonprofit organizations, a collaboration was formed between 60-plus community agencies who dedicated themselves to assisting those who fell in the grey area between economic stability and homelessness. Caseworkers were given access to a vital support line from the Community Foundation that would enable them to grant their clients up to $1,000 in immediate, emergency funding to cover rental or mortgage payments, utility bills, medical costs, transportation and other expenses in helping families get back on their feet.

The second cornerstone was one that our community has long been known for—philanthropy. In order to sustain this effort, community support was needed. Realizing the tremendous number of generous individuals who care about their neighbors in need, the Community Foundation and the Herald-Tribune established Season of Sharing as an instrument to tell the stories of families who were about to find themselves homeless, as well as inspire the public to lend a helping hand.

Fast forward to now and Season of Sharing has since raised $15 million to help keep the roof over the heads of more than 20,000 families and individuals from Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. Thanks to this safety net, a senior who has worked hard their entire life does not have to choose between medicine, food, or rent. A single mother can repair her car, so she can still provide food at the table. A young adult transitioning out of foster care can stabilize their life and get on their feet. A family can afford child care so they can continue to go to work each day. The stories go on.

The impact of this campaign is remarkable, as well as the collaboration required to pull it off. Season of Sharing is the collective work of many partners who dedicate time, energy, and money. Staff of foundations, nonprofit organizations, and media partners dedicate hundreds of hours of time for project management, administration, and creative planning so that 100 percent of every dollar from the community goes directly to help those in need. Additionally, thanks to support from The Patterson Foundation, every $500,000 raised by the public is strengthened by an extra $100,000.

It’s a campaign every citizen owns, together. As we embark on our 17th annual campaign, we ask that you join the tens of thousands of long-time residents and visitors who care about our neighbors in need. Our community still has a way to go in ensuring that every single one of our residents enjoys a legacy of economic security and educational success, but until then Season of Sharing is there to serve our most vulnerable families. 

To learn more about Season of Sharing and how you can help, please visit www.CFSarasota.org/seasonofsharing.

Roxie Jerde is president of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. 

[GCBX]  All Politics Is Local
Mary Dougherty-Slapp

Tip O’Neil once said, “All politics is local.” As the country is still reeling from one of the most contentious national elections in our nation’s history, this is an important point to remember. While what happens on the federal level is important and many policy trends do eventually trickle down to the local level, the ins and outs of our daily lives are mostly dominated by leaders elected locally. Issues like education, transportation, infrastructure and growth affect us in almost every aspect of our lives as we live and work, raise families and support the local economy. Here in Sarasota, I believe the stars have aligned for great prosperity over the next few years—driven mainly by proactive, forward-thinking leaders at the helm of some of our most vital organizations influencing the local business climate.

At the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, our membership is laser-focused on enhancing the local business climate to improve economic development and the construction industry—an industry that is the backbone of our local economy. Beaches and culture are wonderful tourism drivers but renovations, build outs and new construction, paired with repairing and building new roads and adding to our top-rated schools, are the keys to creating a long-term and sustainable economy. Our membership, which has shown healthy growth over the past five years, is dedicated to sustaining a strong economy for construction tradesmen and women that can survive through volatile national economical cycles. It is a strong local economy that will create a rising tide for all of us who live and work here, and help attract and retain a quality work force.

Additionally, Sarasota right now has a strong group of business associations with solid and involved members looking to tackle issues critical to our local economy like affordable housing, transportation and education. These issues, if tackled together, can build strong communities long into the future. We are lucky to have leaders like Kevin Cooper, a long-time community advocate with institutional knowledge of our history, at the helm of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and former Sarasota County Commissioner Christine Robinson taking the lead at The Argus Foundation. As we enter an unprecedented growth period in Sarasota, members of those organizations will offer critical perspectives and insight into analyzing issues like the comprehensive plan, the 2050 plan, a unified development code and land development regulations.

Furthermore, the Coalition of Business Associations, the umbrella organization for many of our local business groups, will serve an important role in unifying our plans for the future.

Lets work together to create a strong future for Sarasota so that we win awards for more than our fabulous beaches and tourism attractions. Let’s make Sarasota a place that businesses want to come to grow and hire workers with good paying and quality jobs. So the next time you are tempted to lament over the national political climate, remember that here at the local level, we are poised for great things.

Mary Dougherty-Slapp is executive director of the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange. 

[Education]  Where Super and Intentional Meet
Jennifer Vigne, jvigne@edfoundationsrq.org

We’re all familiar with the saying that a school principal is both a “prince and a pal.” But what of the Principal of the Principals? In the case of Sarasota County Schools, Lori White, who steps down after serving as School Superintendent for eight years, has been “super” and “intentional.” To honor a person who has had a 40-year career impact on a school district as solid as this one is a monumental task.

So the Education Foundation of Sarasota County has risen to the task. Its Lori White Endowment Fund will serve educators throughout Sarasota County seeking professional development and striving for excellence. The endowment fund will be strengthened by a generous capping grant of $50,000 made possible by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation upon the completion of $150,000 raised by March 2017.

Launched at the Education Foundation’s first annual Legacy Society Breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton, the fund is already gaining momentum. Supporters of education from every sector—Sarasota Classified/Teachers Union, School Board members, retired educators, business leaders, philanthropists and nonprofit and community sponsors—joined together at the Legacy Society Breakfast to celebrate this exemplary leader and passionate advocate for education. Remarks by Board Chair Tom Koski and EFSC student intern and Sarasota High School senior Sarah Marin bookended an uplifting speech by the Superintendent herself. During her talk, Lori shared her background as an Alta Vista Elementary School student who loved school and was chosen from among her Sarasota Junior High School peers to attend a new program called the Pine View School for the Gifted. A student in the first graduating class of 35 students, she was excited to extend her passion for helping children with disabilities at a one-of-a-kind program at Florida State University, where she thrived in the collaborative environment of scholarship students.

As she began her career with Sarasota County Schools, Lori was encouraged by educators like Mary Watts and Wilma Hamilton. In turn, she has been an inspiration to countless educators, administrators, students, parents, community leaders and businesspeople. Her lifelong commitment to education merits praise because of her superior leadership and her intentional approach to curriculum and the business of running an A-rated district, one of only three in the state of Florida.

Now is the time to show our appreciation.

You may have your own story of gratitude from receiving a superlative education in this county. Or perhaps you have a child, grandchild or neighbor who has benefited from the programs, policies and processes Superintendent White has deftly and gracefully put into place, often against tough odds and during trying times. Whether you give $5 or five figures, your gift means something to the teachers who shaped you, and to the woman who shaped the environment for our teachers to do their best. We’d love to hear your story and we welcome your support.

Jennifer Vigne is president of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. 

[State of Jobs]  Positive Perspective in 2016 State of Students Report
Chris Laney, Director of Education and Community Investment for CareerSource Suncoast

During the RECAP: State of Jobs event, we unveiled our 2016 State of Students Report with information collected from this year’s conference. We sampled 299 high school students about their perception of Sarasota and how it relates to colleges and careers on the Suncoast. 73.3% of students found that Sarasota is a positive place to live and work while only 6.7% of students absolutely desired to leave the region. Isabelle Crotsley, a student from Suncoast PolyTech High said, “I learned there are a lot of different job opportunities here in Sarasota and Manatee County I didn’t know before.” 

Additional data provided insight on students' desires to have more interactions with industry professionals including mentorship. An average of 66% of students interested in business and healthcare are also interested in having a mentor while still in high school. Venice High School student, Cooper Owen said, “I learned a lot about my future and get to get where you’re headed in life.” Ashley Heed, a student from Riverview High School, gathered guidance on transforming her personal passion into something more. “I learned how I could use my passion for music to create a career out of it.” 

We also examined the perception about colleges in the region. 33.6% of students are likely or very likely to consider attending college in Sarasota compared to 55.4% who plan to attend college in Florida. We found that 33% of students were still undecided as regards their college decisions. An overwhelming number of students listed finances as their largest concern about attending college. This data directly correlates to the 71.2% of students that listed attending a four-year university over community colleges or technical schools as their primary higher education goal.  

The State of Students Report is provided for community partners, educators, and businesses to work together on understanding student’s perception in the region. I believe the community, educators and business professionals alike, have a huge responsibility to prepare students for their futures. 

For more on the State of Jobs and the State of Students report, contact Chris Laney at cdlaney@gmail.com. 

Download the full report.



[SCOOP ]  Foster Angels

'Tis the Season to make a child’s holiday wish come true!  Sarasota YMCA's Safe Children Coalition Foster Angels program ensures each child has a gift under their holiday tree by matching sponsors to the children’s wish lists. This year they will be serving just over 1,450 children. Under the leadership of the Sarasota YMCA, the Safe Children Coalition (SCC) is a collaboration between the Y and local community entities who together provide a continuum of child welfare services for dependent children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Child protection services provided include case management, foster care, independent living and adoptions. This is a great opportunity for you, members of your family, work, or church to make a real difference, one child at a time. Make a donation below to Foster Angels or request a child’s wish list by calling 941-371-4799 x106 or email angels@thesarasotay.org 

Sarasota YMCA

[SCOOP ]  Home Fur The Holidays

This holiday season, the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) has reduced adoption fees to just $25 for dogs over 45lbs and $15 for all adult cats. HSSC’s adoption fee includes a comprehensive medical exam, vaccinations, spay or  neutering, deworming, microchipping, and a free first exam at the Animal Clinic of the Humane Society of Sarasota County. The promotion runs the entire month of December. Visit www.hssc.org/adoption/ to see all available pets, and bring a pet home for the holidays.  

Humane Society of Sarasota County

[SCOOP ]  Giving Tree

Goodwill Manasota has partnered with local businesses to host the Goodwill traveling Giving Tree, encouraging staff and clients to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those in need in our community. Paper ornaments adorn the life–size Giving Tree with gift options offering a number of ways to support Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through the power of work. The Giving Tree will travel to numerous locations in order to give as many community members the opportunity to make donations that will make a real impact on those who need it most. Ornaments offer gift options ranging from “$10 provides an online training class for one person with disabilities or a barrier to employment” to “$1,000 pays for one Job Connection placement for a veteran,” giving people the opportunity to choose the gift amount – and understand how that gift will impact someone in need.  

Goodwill Manasota

[KUDOS ]  Surprise Grants on Giving Tuesday

On Giving Tuesday, Ray Baden and staff members of Manatee Community Foundation surprised local nonprofits with grant awards of $10,000 each. Altogether, $100,000 was distributed to organizations including Turning Points, Visible Men Academy, Just for Girls, Salvation Army of Manatee County, South Florida Museum, Family Partnership Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, and Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee County. Baden also designated $10,000 to the Season of Sharing campaign for Manatee County to prevent homelessness for local families. Ray hopes his giving will inspire others. $400,000 has now been awarded through the generosity of Sara and Ray Baden and through Manatee Community Foundation.  

Manatee Community Foundation

[SCOOP ]  FST Adds Performances To Children's Theatre Series

Florida Studio Theatre is now offering families and children even more opportunities to experience the magic and inspiration of live theatre. Due to popular demand, additional performances have been added to all Children’s Theatre productions. FST Director of Children’s Theatre, Caroline Kaiser, speaks to this exciting announcement stating, “In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives it’s refreshing to just take an hour or two to spend time together as a family and make lasting memories.  With the addition of new performances, I hope FST will be part of those special memories for many more families.” Children’s Theatre subscriptions are on sale with all 4 shows for only $20. Single tickets are only $10.  

Florida Studio Theatre

[SCOOP ]  Mote Releases Hatchery-Reared Snook

Mote Marine Laboratory scientists released hatchery–reared juvenile snook on into Phillippi Creek as part of an ongoing research project focused on finding the most effective methods to replenish and enhance wild snook populations, one of the most sought after catches in Florida’s saltwater recreational fishing industry. This most recent snook release study, is part of Mote’s fisheries enhancement partnership with FWC and a new privately funded Fisheries Conservation and Enhancement Initiative at Mote. Scientists tagged and released 10,000–15,000 hatchery–reared snook in several locations in Sarasota and Manatee counties, including Bowlees Creek, Whitaker Bayou, Hudson Bayou, Phillippi Creek, North Creek and South Creek. By dividing fish among different pilot release experiments, Mote scientists can learn more about the local snook population.  

Mote Marine Laboratory

[SCOOP ]  OriolesREACH To Host 7th Annual Birdland Golf Classic

Registration is now open for 7th Annual OriolesREACH Birdland Golf Classic at the Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club on February 16 to benefit the Miracle League of Manasota, an organization dedicated to providing an opportunity for every person to play baseball, regardless of their ability. The event begins with registration at 11:00am and a shotgun start set for 1:00pm with lunch served on the course during play. The classic will feature a silent auction and the chance to play a round with current and former Orioles players and coaches. Following the event, the golf club will host a dinner for participating golfers, as well as Orioles players and coaches.  The entry deadline is Thursday, February 2 with a limit of 85 golfers.  

Miracle League of Manasota

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

Copyright © 2024 by SRQ Media Group, 331 South Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe

Read More

Where Oil Meets Water

Where Oil Meets Water

Phil Lederer | Mar 1, 2024

Freedom to Wander

Freedom to Wander

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

Drive and Dine

Drive and Dine

Laura Paquette | Mar 1, 2024

A Mesmerizing Journey

A Mesmerizing Journey

Barbie Heit | Mar 1, 2024