SRQ DAILY Nov 22, 2023
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"We take pride in giving back here and in Baltimore. It is especially important during the holidays."
Every year since 2014, All Faiths Food Bank and the Baltimore Orioles have partnered to host a turkey distribution in the East parking lot of Ed Smith Stadium. The event, which benefits families in need in the Sarasota community, was held this year on Wednesday, November 15th. Despite the windy and rainy weather, over 35 volunteers were on hand to fill cars with all the necessities to make for a delicious and enjoyable Thanksgiving meal.
All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, providing millions of meals to those in need each year. Last year alone, the organization donated 13,000 turkeys and side dishes to families across various locations, with a significant portion of the distributions taking place at Ed Smith Stadium.
“This is one of our bigger turkey distributions we do throughout the holiday season so there are multiple opportunities for families to come get a turkey dinner. We are giving out 900 turkeys here today, in total 3.6 million holiday meals throughout all of our distribution sites,” says Nina Harrelson, Director of Strategic Communications at All Faiths Food Bank. “This is all made possible with the help of our volunteers and through generous donations from the community, as well as a $75,000 grant provided by the Kathleen K. Catlin Foundation of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, our partner for the last nine years.”
The turkey distribution is one of the many ways the Baltimore Orioles give back to the Sarasota community. Earlier this year, the team held a baseball clinic for participants from Girls, Inc. and the Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota, they hosted their annual Health & Fitness program at Sarasota County middle schools, invited community members out to Spring Training games through programs like CEO Seats, and honored community members through the Birdland Community Hero program. Coming off a 101-win season and an AL East Championship, the Orioles have a lot to be grateful for this year. “It is really special to be able to get out and give back to the communities that show us so much support every year,” says Jennifer Grondahl, SVP, Communications & Community Development for the team. “The Orioles do a great job of getting everyone involved, from coaches, to front office staff, to alumni and community ambassadors. It means a lot to see everyone come together to give back to a place that so many of us call home.”
Oriole’s Manager, Brandon Hyde, who was named American League Manager of the Year just one night before, was happy to be a part of the turkey distribution alongside his daughter, Addison. “We take pride in giving back here and in Baltimore,” he said. “It’s especially important during the holidays– even in this bad weather!” 
Pictured: Brandon Hyde and daughter, Addison helped to fill cars with Thanksgiving meals. Photo by Barbie Heit.
On November 18, Safe Children Coalition (SCC) provided 450 full Thanksgiving meals to families in need through a drive-thru event at its main office in north Sarasota. Eligible recipient families were those who are currently being served through SCC programs such as Achievers, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY), Schoolhouse Link, and the Youth Shelter as well as other partnering agencies that serve low-income families. This is the 22nd year that SCC has distributed Thanksgiving meals to those in need, thanks to generous community donations – a tradition that began as a community service project for the teens in the Achievers program to give back to the community. Families received a turkey large enough for a family of eight, vegetables, side dishes and pie. The meals were provided by Publix, which offers the food at a discounted cost in support of the effort. Over the past 22 years, nearly 6,000 Thanksgiving meals have been provided to families in need. Special thank-yous are in order for Sarasota lawyer and longtime turkey drive sponsor Dan Dannheisser for – as he has each and every year – spearheading the fundraising campaign and personally funding numerous meals, and to the SCC Achievers students, who helped to distribute the food. Safe Children Coalition is also grateful to Laura Strub-Potter, president of Construction Supply of Southwest Florida, Inc., which continued its longtime tradition of providing a truck to deliver the food to the distribution site. Strub-Potter has been involved with the turkey distribution effort since its inception. According to the USDA, in 2022, more than 44 million people – including 7.3 million children – in the U.S. were food insecure. The pandemic, surging costs of living and recent hurricanes have only worsened the hunger crisis for families who were already at risk. Distributing Thanksgiving meals is just one of the many ways SCC provides crucial support for families in need. For more about Safe Children Coalition, visit sccfl.org.
The Play For Life Foundation, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization with a mission to improve the health and lives of youth, veterans and first responders, recently hosted a Heroes Breakfast at The Pickleball Club’s Lakewood Ranch location to honor local heroes. On Tuesday, Nov. 14, guests were treated to a gourmet breakfast in the Players’ Lounge at The Pickleball Club and heard from eight speakers on the impact their Club-N-Boxes had on their students, youth organizations, firefighters and law enforcement officers. They discussed how pickleball has helped everyone stay active and improved their overall health and well-being thanks to the low-impact nature of the sport, along with its cardiovascular benefits, improved balance and coordination, and social interaction. Adaptive equipment is planned for 2024, as well as the Battle of the Badge, a competition between first responders, and the Battle of Our Military Services, a competition between our veterans, Army, Navy, Air force and Marines. Presenters included Valerie McCarthy, executive director for the Play For Life Foundation and chief operating officer for The Pickleball Club; Brian McCarthy, retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, chairman and president of the Play For Life Foundation, and chief executive officer of The Pickleball Club; Stephen Beecher, administrative officer for East Manatee Fire Rescue; Jennifer Kahler, assistant principal Bay Haven School of Basics Plus and foundation board member; Joe Wiesman, assistant chief of police for Bradenton Police Department; Dr. Kyle Bradshaw, deputy chief of administration for Cedar Hammock Fire; Amber Rylak, physical education teacher for Emma E. Booker Elementary School; and Karen Conkel a Play For Life Foundation board member and master of ceremonies. Also present were foundation board members Linda Gould, Tim Tollette and Justin Salemy. The foundation has donated 87 Club-N-Boxes to its targeted organizations, some of which included the James Tillman Elementary School in Manatee County, the Bradenton Police Department, 10 East Manatee Fire Rescue Stations, Bay Haven School of Basics Plus, Girls Inc. of Sarasota and multiple branches of the Boys and Girls Clubs in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Each Club-N-Box cost $500 and impacts 250 people at an average cost of $2 a person. The youth, veterans and first responders also learned about the Cornerstone Society, the foundation’s annual donation program that provides funding for Club-N-Boxes to qualified recipients. Each Club-N-Box includes nets, paddles, balls and instructional materials, distributed to first responders, veterans and youth in our community. Organizations in Sarasota and Manatee counties encouraged to apply for their own Club-N-Box.
Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) recently received funding from seven grant makers totaling $35,200 in support of its 2023-2024 season of mainstage productions, traveling performances, and more. Four general support grants were awarded: The Faith and Freedom Foundation approved $10,000 in funding to support SJT’s operations; IAMYES and Falk Weinberger Family Charitable Foundation awarded a grant of $5,000; the Gulf Coast Community Foundation provided season support in the amount of $2,500; and the Mackler Goding Foundation awarded $2,000 for general programming. All four grants recognize and fund the overall mission of SJT. The George J. & Alice Pugh Donor Fund through Community Foundation of Sarasota County awarded Sarasota Jewish Theatre $6,700 to hire professional security during mainstage performances. SJT performs at The Players Center in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall. The Johnson Singer Arts and Education Grant – a teaching artist grant –was awarded to Kleinberg for her work with the theatre and “Charting the Lost Continent.” The $7,500 grant was given in support of the development of a staged reading based on poetry by award-winning Sarasota poet Linda Albert. The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee awarded SJT a $1,500 grant in support of Jewish Journeys, the three plays that SJT has available for performances at condominium communities, libraries, synagogues, and community organizations: “Charting the Lost Continent,” “The Rest of the Story,” and “The Bintel Briefs – Memories and Melodies.” Organizations can use these performances for entertainment or as fundraisers. Sarasota Jewish Theatre is a non-profit professional theatre company dedicated to producing plays which explore the Jewish experience, culture, values, literature, and history. SJT celebrates a wide range of classic and contemporary plays by Jewish playwrights. Becky Mode’s “Fully Committed” runs January 31-February 4; M*A*S*H writer Larry Gelbart’s “Better Late” is on stage March 13-21; and “The Immigrant,” by Mark Harelick, runs May 1-12. For more information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org or email info@sarasotajewishtheatre.org. To purchase tickets to the performances at The Players Centre Studio 1130, visit ThePlayers.org or call 941-365-2494.
Sarah Wertheimer, the executive director of Embracing Our Differences, recently announced that the organization has received a $50,000 Arts Appreciation Grant from the Barbara W. Herndon Charitable Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast). The grant will fund various aspects of the organization’s year-round educational initiatives.
Venice Lights of Friendship, Senior Friendship Centers’ annual fundraising event, raised over $100,000 on November 10, 2023, held at Venice Yacht Club. The event paid tribute to Liz Maggio for over 40 years of contribution to the Venice community. Liz and her husband Tony are the owners of Reflections in Gold, yet her impact extends beyond business. She dedicates her time to various Venice area organizations, including serving on the board at the Women’s Resource Center, the YMCA, and the American Cancer Society. As Sarasota County anticipates a significant increase in its 80-and-older population by 2045, the demand for senior services continues to grow. President/CEO Erin McLeod expressed the critical role Venice Lights of Friendship plays in meeting these evolving needs: “For the last eight years, this generous community has turned out for this event to support seniors and ensure they never need to ‘go it alone.’ These amazing donors are addressing hidden hunger with home-delivered meals and dining centers. They’re making sure families have important services like caregiving resources, adult day care. And – they’re making sure exercise classes, lifelong learning, economic assistance, and socialization are there for healthy aging.” Wendy Fishman, event chair, adds that “the event builds support to meet the needs of a new generation of seniors, the baby boomers and beyond, and all who journey through the road of aging.”
Florida Studio Theatre (FST), Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative (SBAC), and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County partnered to host a round table conversation on Monday, November 13, centered on how local arts organizations can better engage with under-represented students and families in Sarasota. Members of organizations representing students and families of African descent, Black community leadership, and leaders of arts organizations met to discuss ways that the groups could collaborate and provide programs for young people of color in the future.
MBJ Group, a talent management company owned by Jim and Mary Beth Bos, is spearheading the search for a president for the Pines of Sarasota Foundation. The foundation was incorporated to support the endowment, capital and programmatic needs of Pines of Sarasota, a not-for-profit senior care community serving residents even after they have outlived their resources. Mary Beth was the first development director and CEO of the newly created Pines of Sarasota Foundation with the assistance of the late Gerald Cavanaugh and Robert Kimbrough, and she will be leading the search. The president will serve as the foundation’s principal leader and have a strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape, while working to build and deepen existing community relationships. The individual will also be accountable to the foundation board, working in conjunction with members to set goals, annual budget, strategic vision, mission and organizational policies. Other responsibilities will include engaging, motivating and managing the organization in meeting its strategic goals while maintaining a culture of excellence, promoting asset development and donor cultivation, engaging community outreach, including relationship development with other philanthropic groups, providing fiduciary and financial oversight ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, and being cognizant of changing community needs and current trends in nonprofit philanthropy. Prospective candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of successful management as an executive and team leader, with experience in community relations, development, sales and marketing. A college degree is required, with an advanced degree and CFRE preferred, and Board of Directors experience is essential. Interested individuals must send a cover letter and resume to Karen@MBJGroup.com, the talent management company spearheading the search and owned by Mary Beth and Jim Bos, by Thursday, November 30. For a more detailed job description, visit MBJGroup.com/Current-Searches.
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Tania Castroverde Moskalenko as Chief Executive Officer. Bringing a wealth of experience and a dynamic approach to arts leadership, Tania will officially assume her role on February 5, 2024, although she will work with the board on key strategic initiatives effective immediately. With over twenty years of leadership experience at complex nonprofit arts and cultural organizations nationwide, Tania is recognized as a results-driven leader with a proven track record of philanthropic outcomes, programmatic excellence, and social impact. Working with the PAF board, Tania will champion accessible arts education and lead the vision for a new Sarasota Performing Arts Center at the heart of The Bay. Tania’s impressive career includes serving as Executive Director of the Miami City Ballet, where she successfully completed an ambitious $65MM capitalization campaign and initiated the organization’s first formal DEI strategy. Her experience leading complex arts organizations and guiding them through strategic, financial, and operational transformations, includes serving as CEO of the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, a 4,000 seat National Historic Landmark in downtown Chicago, President/CEO of the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, IN, and Executive Director of the Germantown Performing Arts Center in Tennessee. Most recently, Tania served as Interim CEO of Oolite Arts in Miami Beach, FL and as Strategic Advisor for the Youth America Grand Prix, the world’s largest and most prestigious ballet audition competition. Tania holds an MA in Philanthropy from Indiana University, a BFA from the University of Memphis, and Executive Certifications from Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Castroverde Moskalenko is a native of Havana, Cuba and was raised in Miami. She serves on the Board of Directors of Philanthropy Miami. The Board’s CEO Search Committee and executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates conducted an extensive national search to identify Tania as the ideal successor to Jim Travers, who has been serving as the interim CEO. The foundation anticipates Tania’s visionary leadership will propel the organization to new heights, ensuring a vibrant and culturally enriched future for Sarasota and beyond. For more information about the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, please visit: www.PerformingArtsFoundation.org. For any media inquiries or interview requests, please contact Anand Pallegar at ap@largeinc.com.
The Florida Center for Early Childhood received an $8,000 grant from funds generated through the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates. The grant will expand the organization’s ability to provide autism screenings and support programs that help individuals with autism receive specialized services. The Autism Services Grants Council awarded a total of $143,043 in grants to 18 Florida-based nonprofit organizations that provide services and programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities. The funds available through grant opportunities offered by the Autism Services Grants Council, are generated through the sale of the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plates. Kimberly Treharne, The Florida Center’s chief program officer, explains that the organization’s comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Screening “is intended for caregivers who want to determine if their child is demonstrating behaviors consistent with the diagnosis of ASD. Our screening is conducted by an experienced clinician and may involve more than one appointment.” Treharne adds that the screening is a valuable option for “families seeking answers about their child and those who need support and direction.” For those children diagnosed with autism, The Florida Center provides an array of developmental therapy program services and resources. During the summer, Florida nonprofits were invited to submit grant proposals and more than 80 nonprofits from across the state applied for funding. Priority was given to creative and innovative approaches to serving individuals with autism and their families. In 2009, the Florida Legislature authorized the “Support Autism Services” specialty license plate and provided for the creation of the Autism Services Grants Council. The Council oversees a grants process to fund service programs for individuals with autism and related disabilities and their families throughout the state. Through a partnership with the Indian River Tax Collector’s office the process of purchasing a specialty Autism License plate throughout Florida has been streamlined so it’s easier than ever to purchase your plate. You can go online or call the Indian River Tax Collectors office directly to purchase your plate from anywhere in the state. For more information on the Florida “Support Autism Programs” specialty license plate, please visit www.autismlicenseplate.com. For more information about The Florida Center’s programs, visit TheFloridaCenter.org.
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is pleased to announce the sheriff's office is hosting its 7th Annual Holiday Toy Drive benefiting the 12th Judicial Circuit of Florida's Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program and two additional partner organizations. Launched in 2017 when the agency moved into its new headquarters, the toy drive has become a holiday project the agency and Sarasota County citizens look forward to every year. With the help of agency members, residents, local businesses, and organizations, the sheriff's office has donated more than 12,500 gifts and $43,000 in gift cards to children enrolled in the GAL program over the last six years. Because of the event's continued growth and success, Sheriff Hoffman invited Teen Court of Sarasota and All Star Children's Foundation to also take part beginning last year. In Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties, there are currently more than 1,000 children removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, and as such, are part of the GAL program. Teens enrolled in Teen Court are supported by the organization's mission to create a second chance for at-risk youth, helping them make positive choices through meaningful consequences, peer mentorship, and civic engagement. Finally, All Star Children's Foundation exists to provide children in foster care with a secure environment where they feel valued, safe, and empowered. Again, this year, SCSO thanks the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Public Safety Department for generously donating a holiday tree to serve as the toy drive's collection site. For more information, contact the Community Affairs Office at 941.861.4005.
Venice Theatre's 2023-2024 season sponsor, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, recently awarded Venice Theatre a $60,000 Arts Appreciation Grant. This was in addition to a grant of $440,000 from Gulf Coast's Hurricane Ian Recovery Initiative. Venice Theatre's Director of Development Eric Watters says, "This $60,000 grant has helped the theatre continue its programing at a time when ticket revenue is less than half of what we would expect to generate if the Jervey Theatre were operational. It has been crucial to our survival." Venice Theatre's 432-seat Jervey Theatre is in the process of being restored after suffering severe damage from Hurricane Ian with plans to reopen in late 2024.
Embracing Our Differences’ “Bucket Fillers” reading initiative took place at 83 elementary schools and early learning centers throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties on Tuesday, November 14. Since her first book, “Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids,” was published in 2006, Carol McCloud, a nationally acclaimed author and Venice, Florida resident, has inspired millions of people of all ages to become daily “bucket fillers” through her books, seminars, and other publications. Her ten children’s books have sold over three million copies worldwide and are used in schools around the world to inspire classrooms built on kindness and respect for all students.
Pictured: Julia Fullgrapp's Kindergarten class at Ashton Elementary School enjoyed the Bucket Fillers Reading event on November 14. Photo courtesy of EOD.
Leaders from HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital and HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital recently toured All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota County to learn more about how the organization collects and provides food for the community. The chief executive officers from each hospital also brought along more than 100 pounds of canned goods and a $10,000 donation. The money will be used to help provide food and assistance to residents in need, especially during the upcoming holiday season.Throughout the month of November, caregivers at each local hospital donated canned food and non-perishable items as part of HCA Healthcare’s nationwide Healthy Foods for Healthier Tomorrows initiative. Last year, HCA Healthcare colleagues across the country provided 878,000 nutritious meals for local food banks by donating food or making financial contributions.
SRQ Magazine is calling home builders, architects, landscape architects and interior designers to submit their projects from the past year. The winning entries are awarded Home of the Year Platinum, Gold, and Silver Awards and the winning entries are published in the March 2024 awards edition of SRQ Magazine.
Sarah Wertheimer, the executive director of Embracing Our Differences, recently announced that the organization will be staging its final exhibit of EOD’s 20th anniversary season at Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, October 21-November 26. “Embracing Kindness” will showcase 14 artworks and accompanying quotations selected from exhibits from the past 20 years. This free exhibit will be located on the Museum’s Great Lawn at 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For more information, visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org.
Duvals Fresh. Local. Seafood. is offering a Thanksgiving meal on November 23rd from 11am-8pm. The menu includes turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, Chefs Signature stuffing, green beans and carrots, sweet potato casserole, and cranberry sauce. The meal is served with a house salad, cornbread, rolls, and a choice of pumpkin or key lime pie for $49 per person. A children’s portion is available for $29 for children under 12. The Thanksgiving menu is the exclusive menu at Duval’s for the day meaning their regular menu will not be available. For guests who would like something different, Duval’s offers three other options on Thanksgiving: Pan-Roasted Gulf Fish, Loaded Seafood Alfredo, or a Grilled 6oz Filet. Reservations are limited, visit duvalsfreshlocalseafood.com.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is excited to bring children and their families the magic of the holiday season with the latest iteration of Deck the Halls. This interactive family-friendly, music-filled show celebrates everything that makes the holidays in Sarasota special. Since Deck the Halls was first produced in 2016, the show has become a holiday tradition for many families on the Suncoast. This year, the festivities return with all-new sketches, all-new songs, and all-new memories ready for the making. Created by Caroline Saldivar and Sarah Durham with additional material by Dellan Short and Jeremy Weinstein, Deck the Halls plays select Saturdays and Sundays with showtimes starting at 10am and 12pm in FST’s Keating Theatre. For more information, visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at the beautiful and conserved Myakka Headwaters Preserve. Located where seven creeks converge to form the mighty Myakka River, our Myakka Headwaters Preserve is a breathtaking slice of natural Florida. The property contains numerous diverse landscapes, including floodplain forests, marshland, longleaf pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks. Fields of wildflowers host pollinators of all shapes and sizes, and fern-lined streambanks rise just a foot or two above the clear-flowing water, which supports submerged aquatic vegetation unable to grow in the sunlight-blocked blackwaters found elsewhere in the Myakka River. Experience this stunning landscape firsthand at our eighth annual farm-to-table luncheon, Feast Upon the Fields. Featuring a one-of-a-kind menu by Chef Paul Mattison, this ticketed event will sell out quickly. Early reservations are strongly recommended. conservationfoundation.com.
The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is excited to announce they will be the new home for the 34th Annual Hob Nob BBQ event on December 6th, previously put on by Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation. This event has been the premier networking event in the region for decades, which brings together the business community from the Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch Region to enjoy an evening of food, drinks and fun. The event will be held at the Premiere Sports Campus from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.For more information, visit members.lwrba.org.
Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources invites children ages 12 and under and their families to the free Breakfast with Santa event, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 16. Enjoy breakfast, holiday music, and a visit by Santa in person at Laurel Park and at Newtown Estates Park. Pre-registration is required to attend this event. Register children ages 12 and under online before Friday, Dec. 8, or until the event is full. Unwrapped toy donations for children ages 12 and under are being accepted through Monday, Dec. 11 at Sarasota County parks, events, fire stations and library locations throughout the county. For more information, or to register, visit scgov.net.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome The Concert, A Tribute to ABBA to Sarasota on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 8 p.m. The Concert: A Tribute To ABBA continues to be the top ABBA tribute group in the world, dazzling all who see with their fantastic performance while playing the most iconic hits from ABBA, including Mamma Mia, S.O.S, Money, Money, Money, The Winner Takes All, Waterloo, Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, and Dancing Queen. Tickets are $30-$75 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining is available through Mattisons at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office.
This monthly gathering of car enthusiasts brings together automobile lovers from every walk of life, not to mention a wide array of spectacular cars. Bring your own vehicle (all makes and models are welcome) to show off, or check out the hundreds of cars on display. Each month, the event sponsors a different charity, and attendees are encouraged to donate $10 to benefit the charity. The event, occuring on the second Sunday of each month, will feature live music, complimentary coffee and more. To learn more, visit facebook.com/carsandcoffee941. Sarasota Cars and Coffee, The West District at University Town Center near Ford’s Garage, 295 N. Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.
Geckos Grill & Pub’s Award-winning Trivia-Think While You Drink! If you love Trivia, join the fun at Geckos all year round. All Trivia starts at 7:30pm. We will have prizes, giveaways and specials plus the Geckos made-to-order fare, signature cocktails and hospitality you love. Monday trivia will be held at the Clark Road location in Palmer Crossing and on Tuesdays at the SR 64 location in Braden River Plaza. The SR 64 location will be taking a break from Trivia in October, but will start back up in April. On Wednesdays, trivia will take place at the Hillview Street location in Southside Village. www.GeckosGrill.com.
Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.
Join Sarasota Art Museum for Jazz Thursdays featuring live jazz music, contemporary art, and sips and bites from Bistro. Hosted by the Jazz Club of Sarasota. Jazz Thursday happens on the second Thursday of each month, 5:30-8 p.m. Galleries, Bistro, and SHOP open. FREE for Members, $20 for Not-Yet Members.
Head out to Waterside Place for a rocking evening as part of the Lakewood Ranch Sights and Sounds Program. Enjoy a live concert in partnership with Easterseals and EveryoneRocks, featuring artists who are rocking their spectrum. This event is free and open to the public; there is limited seating at the Plaza, but attendees are welcome to bring their own seats. Food and beverages will be available from numerous Waterside Place merchants. For more information on shows, dates, and times, visit lakewoodranch.com/sights-sounds/. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota.
Explore labor through The Ringlings Working Conditions photography exhibit, running until March 3, 2024. The Industrial Revolution of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries radically changed the nature of human labor. That era is defined by a global shift from producing goods by hand to manufacturing by machines and technologies that emphasized efficiency. Working Conditions explores the myriad ways in which photographs have communicated ideas about labor since the nineteenth century through examples from The Ringlings photography permanent collection. For more information, visit ringling.org.
Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.
Siesta Key Rum runs free year-round tours for guests to learn the story of the craft distillery, the awards they have won and the secret to how they make their rums taste so good. During our 30-45 minute tour we will discuss the following topics: history of Siesta Key Rum, an overview of the awards our small company has won, what makes our rums taste so good, the rum-making process from mashing and fermentation to distillation, barrel aging and bottling of our rums. After the tour, we welcome you to sample a freshly made Siesta Key Rum cocktail, stock up on your favorite rums and browse our gift shop. 2212 Industrial Blvd., Sarasota.
Calling all Jeep Enthusiasts! The Sarasota Hooters location is hosting Jeep Night on the third Thursday of the month starting at 6pm. Hooters is giving away raffle prizes during the monthly events. The September 21 raffle prize is a Flashcal For Jeep Superchips Calibration Tool. Congratulations to Shawn Miller who won a Jeep Tow Kit during the August 17 Jeep Night. Upcoming Jeep Nights will take place on December 21. Hooters of Sarasota is located at 6507 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Visit Hooters during Jeep Night and present your Jeep key for 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages and an entry for the giveaway. Jeep Night has become a favorite thing to do for the Sarasota community. From regular customers to Hooters Girls who own Jeeps and Jeep lovers everyone is enjoying this opportunity. For more information, visit www.HootersFlorida.com.
Realize Bradenton is happy to announce the return of the Bradenton Market to its weekly schedule. This beloved community gathering will be held Saturdays through May 25, 2024 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm on Old Main Street in Bradenton. Founded in 1979, the Market has expanded to include more than 90 local vendors. In addition to the weekly shopping and music, the Market hosts special event days throughout the season. Halloween at the Market will be held on Saturday, October 28. This family-friendly event includes trick or treating with vendors, face painting with Manatee School for the Arts Academic Team from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, and a dance performance by Slick Motion Studios at 10:00 am. For more information, visit RealizeBradenton.com.
The Orchid Show 2023: A 50th Anniversary Celebration will be on view October 7 through November 26 at the Downtown Sarasota campus. Since its establishment in 1973, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has formed the best scientifically documented collection of living orchids in the world. The Orchid Show 2023, presented by Better-Gro, will celebrate Selby Gardens 50th anniversary and highlight spectacular orchids from the living plant collection for which it is known across the globe. The Orchid Show 2023 will include a horticultural display in the Tropical Conservatory and an exhibition in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. Orchids of various shapes, colors, and patterns will abound in the Conservatory, illustrating the beauty and diversity of one of the largest and most beloved families of flowering plants. The Museum exhibition will present a selection of rare artifacts and historical images to help tell the rich story of Selby Gardens’ first 50 years, with emphasis on the plants and people who have made it such a special place. For more information, visit selby.org.
Starting the week of Oct. 15, a dynamic lineup of weekly fitness activities for the community will begin. Groups will meet in Downtown Wellen, in front of Kind Vibes Outfitters. Yoga and Zumba classes meet on the Great Lawn. Walking Group Meet-Up, every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Cycling Group Meet-Up, every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Running Group Meet-Up, every Monday at 6 p.m. Yoga, every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Zumba, every Monday from 8 to 9 a.m. For more information, visit wellepark.com.
Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens will be on view through August 31, 2024 at the Historic Spanish Point campus. Selby Gardens is excited to present the extraordinary imagery of photographer and conservationist Clyde Butcher throughout the grounds of the Historic Spanish Point campus. Large-scale prints on aluminum of Butcher’s beautiful photographs of plants, animals, and habitats of Florida will be exhibited amid the natural landscape of the 30-acre waterfront preserve, enabling the public to engage with the artist’s work like never before. In the tradition of earlier landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, Butcher captures the beauty and majesty of America’s natural treasures in dramatic black and white. The unique environments of Florida have been subjects of particular interest to Butcher since the 1980s, when he was first introduced to the magic and mystery of sites such as Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Nature Through the Lens will include Butcher’s photographs of regional locales such as Myakka River State Park and Casey Key. This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Clyde Butcher Gallery & Studio in Venice, Florida. For more information, visit selby.org.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is gearing up for the holidays, ready to celebrate the season with its holiday production and Christmas card to the community, Joyful! Joyful! Theater fans of all ages and religious backgrounds are invited to celebrate the season with high-spirited, uplifting songs as only WBTT’s singers, dancers and musicians can perform them. The show runs from November 29-December 30, 2023. The original musical revue – created, adapted and directed by WBTT Founder/Artistic Director Nate Jacobs and performed for the first time in 2021-features a blend of new takes on traditional holiday tunes, gospel-infused classics and pop songs. The show will include Joy to the World, an O’Jays-inspired take on Carol of the Bells, a gospel-infused rendition of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, African Drummer Boy and many more. For more information, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.
Florida Studio Theatre presents Take it to the Limit, a high-energy tribute to the rebel musicians of the 1970s who helped bring Rock and Roll back to its Southern roots. Created by Richard Hopkins, Rebecca Hopkins, and Sarah Durham with Musical Arrangements by Jim Prosser, this all-new Cabaret features such songs as When Will I Be Loved, Ramblin Man, Landslide, and Hotel California. Take it to the Limit begins playing November 29 in FSTs Goldstein Cabaret. Tickets are now on sale at FloridaStudioTheatre.org or at 941-366-9000.
Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet Studio Ballet Company will partner once again for Wintertide on Sunday, November 26th at 4pm at the Sarasota Opera House. Wintertide blends Spanish, Mexican and Puerto Rican carols in Conrad Susas Carols and Lullabies with John Rutters chilly choral cycle When Icicles Hang. Key Chorale and The Sarasota Ballet Studio Company entwine dance and music for this unique program celebrating the blue nights of winter and the magic of the season. Imagine the stage of the Sarasota Opera House filled with more than 30 dancers, 100 singers, orchestra, and soloists for this exciting collaboration. To purchase tickets to Wintertide or a Compose your Own concert series, visit keychorale.org or call 941-552-8768 to reserve the best seats. Pricing varies from $20-$55, with college students just $10 and students under 18 free.
The Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota will open its 2023-2024 season with Holiday Gems on December 5, 2023 at 7:30pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Sarasota located at 2050 Oak Street. The annual holiday program, conducted by music director Robert Vodnoy, includes music by Debussy, Vivaldi, Mahler, and Tchaikovsky, plus holiday favorites. Featured soloists include harpist Giuseppina Ciarla and mandolinist Rafael Ramirez. Tickets are $39 for adults and $5 for students. A series ticket for all three orchestral concerts is priced at $105, and includes an invitation to a pre-concert reception. More information and tickets are available online at www.chamberorchestrasarasota.org, or call 219-928-8665.
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