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 17^th 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.