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SRQ DAILY Nov 28, 2017

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"This day let's our community truly give as good as it gets."

- Murray Devine, Community Foundation of Sarasota County
 

[Philanthropy]  Giving Tuesday Inspires Development Push
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

Nonprofits along the Gulf Coast hope people will open their wallets for the kind of gifts that don’t go under a Christmas Tree. Giving Tuesday provides a moment to share the time and treasure in a collective way, and a number of local organizations hope to utilize the last—but most philanthropic—of the post-Thanksgiving spending days.

“It gives us a moment to reflect on how much our community can embrace and reflect the generosity we are known for,” says Murray Devine, communications manager for the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. “This day let’s our community truly give as good as it gets.”  The Community Foundation will mark the day by matching contributions to $100,000 worth of contributions made through the Season of Sharing campaign. 

Giving Tuesday launched in 2012 in New York as an effort of the 92nd Street Y and United Nations Fund, and has since grown into an international movement reminding consumers not to forget about charitable giving at the same time they direct cash at retail operations on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday. Blackbloud, a software company tracking online charitable transactions, estimated more than $47.7 million was donated through online giving on Giving Tuesday last year, benefitting more than 6,700 organizations worldwide. 

The event serves as a great way for foundations and charities everywhere to appeal to philanthropists. "At a time when Americans have been thinking about what they’re thankful for and our attention is being drawn toward the commercial elements of the season, this is a day to remember and act on a tradition of giving in our culture," notes Greg Luberecki, director of communications for the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. "Here at Gulf Coast, we work with donors all year round and encourage thoughtful giving when the time is right for the donor. But for a variety of reasons, many people make the bulk of their charitable donations in the month of December, and a lot of charities rely on those year-end gifts."

And, of course, organizations big and small will aim to raise funds today. Art Center Sarasota has a more modest $500 goal set up this year, the first time it has ever held a campaign on Giving Tuesday. Kara Morgan, development director for Art Center Sarasota, says the day gives a fun way of engaging donors, and it comes at the most vital time of year when it comes to fundraising. “As with many organizations, we receive about 75 percent of donations during the end-of-year giving period,” Morgan says. That’s partially because of tax preparation, but also just because “it’s a charitable time of year,” she says. The money raised by the center will help fund more exhibitions and programs at the Sarasota venue. 

And Michelle Williams, marketing director for The Haven, says the generosity on this day also helps reflect to the rest of the world how much this community cares for the causes it supports. “It’s important for seeing how importantly a community values children, especially children with disabilities,” she says. At Haven, money will be used for scholarships to go to the parents of children with disabilities, guaranteeing the youngsters' special needs will be addressed at Haven’s preschool facilities, and for job readiness training at the Sarasota area campus. Williams would love to see enough money raised so handicap ramps can also be installed and equipment refurbished or replaced at the playground sites.

Plenty of other organizations promoted drives. Selah Freedom announced that between today and the end of the year an anonymous donor will match donations to that group. Cat Depot promoted today as a chance to fund a program for rescuing homeless cats and kittens. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium appealed for direct donations in its Thanksgiving e-newsletter. 

[Education]  Bay Haven and Volunteers Prep For "Hour of Code"

All 600 students in grades K-5 at Bay Haven School of Basics Plus will once again join the largest learning event in history, the “Hour of Code,” leading into the national observance of Computer Science Education Week, December 4-10. The school has invited Bay Haven parents, community members and business leaders to attend the Hour of Code kickoff assembly at 2:30pm on Wednesday, Nov. 29, to help students participate in the “Hour of Code” all week, Nov. 30 through Dec. 6, with help from technology teacher Sarah Hu. Participating classes will be held throughout the school day, from 9:30am to 3:45pm. Last year, Bay Haven students wrote over 30,000 lines of computer programming code with the help of parent volunteers, New College of Florida faculty and students, and local IT professionals. This year the school is partnering with the Microsoft Store at University Town Center and New College of Florida to provide a broad perspective on the computing industry. 

Bay Haven School of Basics Plus

[Exec Moves]  Zota Announces Culinary Leadership Team

Zota Beach Resort on Longboat Key has announced its food and beverage leadership team. Selected to develop and implement Zota Beach Resort’s culinary initiatives, including the signature restaurant, Viento Kitchen & Bar, the property welcomes David Miller as food & beverage director, Jason Pellett as executive chef and Jeremy White as sous chef. Miller joins Zota, directing all food and beverage operations, including Viento Kitchen & Bar and developing strategies for the resort’s group event programs. Miller previously led operations at other Ocean Properties Hotels, Resorts & Affiliates, including Treasure Island Beach Resort in Treasure Island, FL and Sanibel Island Beach Resort in Sanibel, FL. Pellett oversees all culinary operations of Viento Kitchen & Bar including staff development and expanding upon the restaurant’s Floribbean concept. Pellett previously served as executive chef of Brio Tuscan Grille in Sarasota. Sous Chef Jeremy White, graduated from L’Ecole Culinare in St. Louis, MO, where he was trained in modern and classical cuisine. Prior to joining the team at Zota Beach Resort, White oversaw all culinary aspects of Racquet Club Ladue in Ladue, Mo., as executive sous chef. 

Zota Beach Resort

[Recognition]  Selby Gardens' Orchid Show Breaks Records

A horticultural exhibit at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is the latest in a string of record-breaking exhibitions hosted by the institution. The Orchid Show: Earth, Air, Fire, Water set double-digit revenue records for the Gardens, with overall revenue increases at 27% over the prior year. Since Selby Gardens changed its operational model two years ago, every exhibition hosted by the research institution has shown double-digit growth year-over-year. The major increases at the living museum come from attendance, membership, events, public food sales and retail sales. For six weeks from mid-October through Thanksgiving weekend, The Orchid Show set new revenue records for attendance, retail and food service and membership sales during the normally quieter fall shoulder season. Compared to the same timeframe as last year, admissions revenue is up by 28 percent, retail shop revenue is up by 28 percent and membership revenue is up by 26 percent. The success of the fall 2017 Orchid Show comes on the heels of the exhibition Marc Chagall, Flowers and the French Riviera: The Color of Dreams, which attracted 100,000 guests during its six-month run and also set revenue records. 

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens



[SRQ Gives Back Holiday Wish List]  The Gift of Gratitude

This season, the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation asks grateful patients of the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System to Give Gratitude through its grateful patient program. Give Gratitude honors doctors, nurses and departments for the extraordinary care they provide. You can recognize and say thanks for kind words from a doctor or nurse, the patience of a technologist, the cheerfulness and comfort of a volunteer or the excellence of a housekeeper or food service staff who went the extra mile to ensure you or a loved one felt cared for. Celebrate these local heroes through 

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation

[SRQ Gives Back Holiday Wish List]  Housing Improvements

The Jewish Housing Council Foundation is in need of a donor to pay for the state-of-the-art audio/visual system in the new Kretzmer Center at Aviva and to help with replacing all the dining room chairs in the Kobernick Dining Room.  

Jewish Housing Council Foundation

[SRQ Gives Back Holiday Wish List]  Pet Care and Shelter Items

The Humane Society of Sarasota County’s holiday wish list includes a high-capacity janitor cart with shelves, lavender and jasmine essential oils for diffusing in the kennels, Kuranda Shelter Beds and Cat Towers, West Marine Men’s Shrimp Boots in sizes 9-12, durable Power Corner Large Angle Brooms, 18-24-inch industrial strength/heavy duty floor squeegees, cordless stick vacuum, cases of low- or no-sodium chicken or beef broth, armless, adjustable-height bar stool and 23” x 16” plastic tubs with lids. 

Humane Society of Sarasota County

[SRQ Gives Back Holiday Wish List]  Socks and Book Bags

Jewish Family & Children’s Service of the Suncoast and its Veterans Services program would appreciate donations of socks and book bags this holiday season to support residents and local veterans.  

JFCS of the Suncoast

[SRQ Gives Back Holiday Wish List]  Educational Aids

Triad Alternative School would like donations to create a sensory room for students that include: color bean bags, crash mats, art supplies, music of any kind, calming meditation posters, sensory blocks and bottles, bubble wrap, hand-held massagers, stress balls, solar 250 projector, fiber optic sensory light and a bubble tube. 

Sarasota YMCA

[TODAY]  PERFORMANCE: Echoes , November 17 – December 17

Tillie and Samira were born 175 years apart, but their parallel stories eerily mirror one another across generations. Tillie is a Victorian pioneer woman sent to Afghanistan to fulfill wifely duties for an officer of the British Raj, while Samira is a Muslim schoolgirl who runs away to Syria to become the jihadi bride of an ISIS fighter. Both are confronted with tragedy in war-torn lands as they face the oppressive realities of their male-dominated landscapes. For more information please visit www.urbanitetheatre.com for show times and tickets. 

Urbanite Theatre , 1487 Second Street, Sarasota

[TODAY]  THEATER: Evita , November 14 – December 30

Directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes and winner of eight Tony Awards, Evita is among the most passionate and memorable productions. The musical retells the story of Eva Perón, Argentina’s celebrated but controversial First Lady. This exemplary musical is set to impress with a spectacular new staging at Asolo Rep.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  MUSIC: Blue Suede Shoes , November 29 – April 1, Varies by day

In the 1950s, Rock 'N' Roll took America by storm. With roots in rhythm and blues, country western, swing and do-wop, this new sound would forever change the world of music. From the father of Rock 'N' Roll, Chuck Berry, to The King himself, Elvis Presley, this revue celebrates the birth of rock and roll.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: A Motown Christmas , November 29 – December 23, 6pm

In celebration of the holiday season, the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will be putting on their signature musical performance. The event is marked by traditional Christmas carols paired with soulful sounds from Motown legends like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1646 10th Way, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Flowers for Algernon , November 30 – December 17, 2pm, 7:30pm or 8pm depending on day

When a laboratory experiment successfully increases the intelligence of a mouse, Charlie Gordon, a spirited autistic man, volunteers as the first subject for human trials. The play grapples with society’s less-than-ideal treatment of mental illness, the ethics of human experimentation and the difficulty faced in accepting and loving ourselves.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton

[SOON]  THEATER: Annie , November 30 – December 17, 2pm, 7:30pm, or 8pm

Rewatch the classic American musical where a little orphan girl takes the stage by storm. See the child heroine work her magic onstage and enjoy the performance live. Tickets are $27, $30 or $37, depending on seating.

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue W., Bradenton

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SB2 Luncheon: Philanthropic Agenda , November 30, 11:00am-1:00pm

Join SRQ Magazine for the launch of 2017-2018 SB2: Luncheon Symposium season on Thursday, November 30, 2017 from 11:00am-1:00pm at The Francis, Downtown Sarasota. The Philanthropic Agenda luncheon and panel discussion will explore the dynamic and ever changing world of non-profits. What’s trending, who’s innovating, why are donor-advised funds growing so rapidly and what exactly are donors looking for? The luncheon will culminate with presentation of the SRQ Gives Good Innovation in Philanthropy Award honoring community leaders in the nonprofit sector who are contributing to our region’s philanthropic strength with their forward-thinking initiatives and perspectives. Special guest panelists include: John Annis of The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Carol Butera from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, Mark Prichett of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Martha Wells of the Southwest Florida Planned Giving Council. Moderated by SRQ MEDIA Executive Publisher Wes Roberts. Tickets are $45/per person and includes a delicious lunch provided by The Francis. Reserve your spot online at SRQSB2.COM.

The Francis , 1289 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  DANCE: Voices of SCD , November 30 – December 3

Their annual spectacle is a hallmark of the company’s approach to dance: full of physicality, thought, and delight. Original and adventurous, the works presented are choreographed by company members and emerging choreographers from around the country.

Jane B Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Bradenton Bluesfest Weekend , December 1 – December 3

The Bradenton Blues Festival Weekend kicks off on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, with a free “Blues Appetizer” Concert, brought to you by Mojoe Productions, Inc. The Bradenton Blues Festival, presented by BMO Harris Bank, is on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, with an outstanding lineup of talented blues musicians on the big stage. In addition to amazing music, our award-winning annual festival features local craft beer, delicious specialty food vendors, and more. The festivities continue with blues after-parties all evening long. The weekend wraps up with a tasty and soulful Bradenton Blues Brunch prepared by award-winning Chef Paul Mattison on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017. The Blues Brunch is presented by Urology Partners. Come and experience the blues in Bradenton!

Riverwalk Amphitheater, 452 3rd Ave. W., Bradenton

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Metropolitan , December 1 – December 2, 2pm and 7:30pm

This three-part production includes a performance of company favorite Sir Frederick Ashton’s enigmatic ballet Illuminations—one of only two ballets Ashton choreographed for the New York City Ballet—as well as the world premiere of new choreography from American Ballet Theatre’s Marcelo Gomes, in his first collaboration with Sarasota Ballet. 

Sarasota Ballet, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Designing Women Boutique 15th Annual Gala , December 3

December 3 when Designing Women's Boutique presents “Jazzy Night”, their 15th annual fundraising gala that will be held at Michael’s On the Bay in beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Each year the gala keeps receiving more notoriety largely due to the positive feedback, growing number of attendees and funds raised for grants. This highly anticipated event will include live jazz-inspired entertainment, an auction, and a photo booth, etc. The evening begins at 5:30pm with cocktails and hors d’oeurves overlooking the stunning Sarasota Bay, followed by dinner at Michael’s On the Bay. One of the most decorated parts of the evening will be the variety of live talent that will be performing which includes The West Coast Black Theatre Troop, Broadway and television actress Savannah Wise and John Rinell with a four to five piece accompaniment. All proceeds from the event will go towards funding Designing Women’s grant program that benefits local arts and human services organizations. Tickets are $250 and may be purchased online at www.DesigningWomenSRQ.org.

Michael’s On the Bay at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 S Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Women's Day , December 4, 11am

Meet two-time gold medalist Aly Raisman at this luncheon. This annual event provides women with the opportunity to come together around a theme with which they all relate. Kate Alexander of Florida Studio Theatre will moderate discussion with Raisman. Tickets are $80, plus a $100 gift to the Federation's development efforts. 

Michael's on East, 1212 South East Ave., Sarasota

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

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