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SRQ DAILY Dec 6, 2023

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"We recognize all of these individuals for their big hearts and for reaching out to strengthen the impact of our regional philanthropic core,"

- Ashley Grant, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, SRQ Magazine.
 

[Event]  SRQ Magazine Celebrates Philanthropy at the 2023 SB2 Giving Coast Luncheon
Barbie Heit, barbie.heit@srqme.com

SRQ Magazine presented the 2023 Philanthropic Agenda and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion yesterday at Michael's on East. The program explores the dynamic and ever changing world of nonprofits and honors individuals who have meaningfully impacted our community for good in the past year, as well as for-profit companies who have been incredible philanthropic partners to the community.

Wes Roberts, Executive Publisher of SRQ Magazine, host and co-moderator opened the program by acknowledging SRQ Magazine’s special milestone of 25 years of publishing as SRQ Media Group. He spoke of the SB2 initiative which is dedicated to bringing the people of the Gulf Coast together to forge new relationships and elevate the entire nonprofit sector of our community. He then gave thanks to legacy series sponsor and good hero award sponsor, Brian Mariash and Bart Lowther of Mariash Lowther Wealth Management, host sponsor, Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini of Michael’s On East, trophy sponsor, Ken Levanti of Sarasota Trophy & Awards and floral sponsor, Chante DeMoustes of Tropical Interiors Florists.

Opening remarks were made by Bart Lowther of Mariash Lowther Wealth Management who spoke of his firm’s mantra to educate, connect and contribute on all things related to the nonprofit sector. Keynote Speaker, Mark Brewer, President and CEO of the Central Florida Foundation then took the stage who shared this year’s shared trends in giving and spoke of hope for the future.

Featured panelists representing community and private foundations in our region were then invited to take part in a discussion moderated by Wes Roberts. This year’s panelists were John Annis, Senior VP, Collaboration and Impact, The Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, Amber Lamerson, Donor Experience Officer, The Bay Park Conservancy, Phillip P. Lanham, CAP®, President|CEO, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Veronica Thames, Executive Director, Manatee Community Foundation and Jay Young, Vice President, Philanthropy, The Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Ashley Grant, SRQ’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement presented the 2023 Good Hero Philanthropic Awards to the very special individuals from all areas of the independent sector who have made a difference in our community. “We recognize all of these individuals for their big hearts and for reaching out  to strengthen the impact of our regional philanthropic core,” Grant said. “Each nominee’s story was shared by someone whose life was uplifted by their generosity —and many were multiple pages in length.” Panelists, sponsors and good hero honorees gathered for a group photo as the luncheon wrapped.  

Pictured: Panelists and Honorees of the 2023 Philanthropic Agenda and Good Hero Awards luncheon. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

[Donation]  Newtown History Tour Leads to a Financial Boost for SAACC

A Newtown history tour on a trolley is the impetus that led to a major gift to the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition. The Henry E. Becker and Pauline S. Becker Charitable Foundation donated $100,000 to SAACC, a non profit, tax-exempt organization whose mission is to preserve, celebrate, and share the rich cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of African Americans in Sarasota and beyond. The organization’s goal to establish a history and cultural center to facilitate learning and contribute to revitalizing the Newtown community will soon be realized when the historic Leonard Reid House opens in December. A board member of the Becker foundation was among the guests on a trolley that traveled through the Overtown/Rosemary district and Newtown. During the 2-hour tour, Alice Schow Bowman learned little known local African American history, walked through the house built in 1926 by Black pioneer Leonard Reid and learned about SAACC’s plans to open a facility after the house was moved from near downtown in May 2022. After gleaning more historical information from the Newtown Alive book, reviewing websites, and following Facebook posts, Bowman proposed the idea about a contribution to her board colleagues earlier this month. SAACC materials were submitted to the board and the plan was approved. The Beckers provided generous financial support behind the scenes for shark research at Mote Marine Laboratory and scholarships for students interested in marine science. Major gifts were made to organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches, Ringling College of Art and Design, the Rotary Club of Sarasota Foundation, Southeastern Guide Dogs, and many more. Mrs. Becker’s support for victims of disasters was unwavering. For more information, contact Mydahlia Glover (941) 740-2126. 

[Nonprofit News]  The Patterson Foundation Matches $185,504 in Nonprofit Earned Income Business Startup Investments

The Patterson Foundation has matched $185,504 total in investments into four earned-income business plans created by regional nonprofits participating in its Margin & Mission Ignition endeavor. The matches strengthened fundraising efforts toward the startup costs of the earned income business plans developed by each organization through Margin & Mission Ignition, a 30-month process to help nonprofits build organizational capacity, boost revenue, and strengthen mission impact. The Patterson Foundation created Margin & Mission Ignition in 2015 to help nonprofits in our region adopt and implement earned-income business strategies, giving them the opportunity to build entrepreneurial capacity and generate revenue that increases their opportunities to serve the community. No Margin, No Mission, a social enterprise and national consulting firm engaged by The Patterson Foundation, provides extensive guidance to each participating organization throughout the 30-month process as they create and launch a new or expanded revenue stream aligned with their mission and work. The matches covered up to 50 percent of the startup costs outlined in each organization’s earned income business plan, which catalyzed investments from other donors. Through these investments, the four participating organizations were able to launch or expand the following services: Arts Center Sarasota: Launched an affordable facilities rental venture that will boost the organization’s revenue and increase mission impact. For those seeking small to medium-sized facilities near downtown Sarasota along the bay with ample parking, Arts Center Sarasota’s four galleries set around a center atrium, sculpture garden, and a lighted patio under an oak canopy, create flexible and unique settings for 50-200+ guests. Beyond the Spectrum: Launched the H.I.V.E., or Helping Individuals through Vocation and Enrichment, a program with two divisions serving young adults’ complex abilities and needs: Education for Employment, and Mission-Powered Enrichment. The two distinct divisions will support employability-driven adults through adaptive vocational training lessons and adults with more complex needs through inclusive day activities and outings. NAMI-Sarasota/Manatee: Launched P.E.E.R., or (Purposely Enriching Education Recovery) Training Program, a start-to-finish program that includes all the necessary education, on-the-job hours, one-on-one supervision and coaching required for peer specialists to achieve their certification and meeting the Florida Certification Board standards. Peer specialists can help address professional shortages in the workforce and reduce depression, improve physical health outcomes, and empower people to better engage in their care. Sarasota Opera: Launched an effort to increase income earned from its Sarasota Opera Costume Studio and its 2019 acquisition of nearly 50,000 costumes from Malabar, Ltd., a leading opera costume rental house. Added to existing stock, the Sarasota Opera Costume Studio is now uniquely poised to become the most significant resource of opera and other costumes ranging in period from the Roman era to the 20th century on the continent. Margin & Mission Ignition is part of The Patterson Foundation’s Nonprofit Thrivability initiative. This initiative connects nonprofits with expertise and resources to learn concepts such as strategic decision-making while adopting and implementing entrepreneurial principles to generate enough revenue to support and eventually grow their operations. Visit thepattersonfoundation.org to learn more about Margin & Mission Ignition, or join the conversation using #TPFMarginMission on social media. 

[Grant]  The Library Foundation for Sarasota County Awarded $15,000 Strategic Partnership Grant from The Community Foundation of Sarasota County to Support the Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon

The Library Foundation for Sarasota County is thrilled to announce the Community Foundation of Sarasota County as Presenting Sponsor of the 12th annual Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon, to be held on February 9, 2024 at the Municipal Auditorium in Sarasota. The sellout event will feature two-time Pulitzer Prize winning author, Colson Whitehead. The Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon is the nonprofit Library Foundation’s signature fundraiser. To date, the event has raised more than two million dollars to support Sarasota County public libraries. The mission of the Library Foundation is to champion strong public libraries, support innovation and help to extend the library system’s reach for everyone in Sarasota County. “We are delighted to have the Community Foundation as our Presenting Sponsor and deeply appreciate their longstanding partnership in supporting the foundation and Sarasota County Public Libraries,” said Alisa Mitchell, Executive Director. 

[Fundraising Event]  Satchel's Last Resort and Sarasota City YMCA Announce 2024 Get Your Mutt Movin 5K Fun Run and Festival

Satchel’s Last Resort Animal Rescue and Sanctuary and Sarasota City YMCA (formerly CoreSRQ) are excited to announce the 4th annual Get Your Mutt Movin’ 5K Fun Run, Walk and Festival scheduled for February 24, 2024 at Payne Park. Runner registration is now open at RunSignUp.com. Get Your Mutt Movin’ features a 5K Fun Run, a choose-your-distance walk, a one-hour Zumba session with local favorite Yael Campbell, and a festival full of vendors, food trucks and more. The event kicks off with the 5K at 8:30am, followed by the walk at 9:30am, and Zumba at 10:30am. The festival will run from 9am-1pm. Funds raised from this event support both Satchel’s Last Resort and Sarasota City YMCA to provide support for programs like medical care for shelter animals, summer camp scholarships and more. 

To register click here

[Event]  Bob Delaney, Former NBA Referee and PTS Advocate Joins PINC’s Dynamic Speaker Lineup

From his days infiltrating the Mafia to working as one of the NBA’s highest-rated crew chiefs, Bob Delaney’s experiences are beyond impressive. He joins the PINC Experience’s roster of dynamic speakers on Thursday, December 7 at the Sarasota Opera House. Delaney has provided training for law enforcement worldwide for more than 40 years, helping many to understand and identify symptoms of post-traumatic stress. As a decorated New Jersey State Trooper, Delaney's undercover work with the mafia led to his own PTS journey. These experiences, and his passion for mental health, have made him an expert in the industry. His contributions to PTS awareness and support of military officials and their families have earned him numerous honors, including the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama, the United States Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, the 2014 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award, and the 2020 NCAA’s highest honor— The Theodore Roosevelt Award (previously bestowed on four U.S. Presidents) and more. His work with the NBA has inspired him to found two academies dedicated to training basketball officials in leadership and resilience. Bob has written two captivating books, Covert: My Years Infiltrating the Mob and Surviving the Shadows: A Journey of Hope into Post-Traumatic Stress. His remarkable experiences have been featured on HBO, ESPN, and ABC. “I’m excited to join the movement toward creating a more trauma-informed community in Sarasota,” says Bob Delaney. “Not all wounds bleed and invisible wounds may hurt as much as the wounds we do see. PINC is where diverse stories converge with humanity and healing taking center stage.” This year's speaker roster boasts an impressive array of individuals, each with a unique story and passion for making a positive impact. Attendees can also look forward to a special performance by Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Sarasota Contemporary Dance. The experience runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with several breaks throughout on Dec. 7 and includes breakfast, lunch, and unique snacks provided by Innovative Dining. An afterparty will be held for PINC attendees at the Sarasota Modern Hotel directly following PINC. The PINC Experience is presented by All Star Children’s Foundation and Ringling College of Art & Design. It is generously supported by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Michael Saunders & Company, Parkside, Project Pride, Sarasota Magazine, SRQ Magazine, The Sarasota Modern Hotel and WUSF Public Media. With special thanks to Shawn O’Malley, Victoria Blooms, and Wonder Cake Creations. For more information, contact Julia Groom at Julia@DreamLarge.org or by calling 941.786.8732.  

To learn more, visit

[Grant]  Hermitage Artist Retreat Receives $50,000 Grant from The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation

The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Sarasota County, Florida) today announced a $50,000 Arts & Culture Grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation for the Hermitage’s “Build Back Stronger: Campus, Community, Care” project. Born out of lingering hurricane repair needs, this multi-component project will enhance the accessibility, sustainability, and security of the Hermitage’s campus. The funds from the Selby Foundation will specifically be used to install new hurricane shutters and an outdoor kitchen. The shutters will protect windows in historic structures and improve preparation for weather emergencies. The communal kitchen will allow artists to cook and share meals together without concern for health or accessibility barriers. The outdoor space will encourage collaboration and community amongst Hermitage Fellows in residency on the historic nine-acre beach campus on Manasota Key. The Hermitage is widely recognized for its national artist residency program and its rapidly expanding community programming, introducing area audiences to some of the world’s leading artists across all disciplines. In addition to serving as a leading national arts incubator, the Hermitage is a historical and ecological preserve. “We are truly grateful for this generous grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, who have been such champions of the Hermitage over the years in recognizing the value of preserving and improving our historical campus in order to further the important work we are doing for our community and beyond,” said Andy Sandberg, Artistic Director and CEO of the Hermitage. “This grant will allow us to build back stronger from damage sustained by Hurricanes Ian and Idalia to better protect our campus and incorporate features that improve the lives of those we serve.”  

[Grant]  Children First Receives More than $250,000 to Boost Services Addressing Economic Impact

As families across Florida and the nation grapple with the choice between providing essential childcare for their children and fulfilling professional responsibilities, employees and employers continue to feel the effects of this difficult balancing act. The Florida Chamber Foundation recently reported that childcare-related employee turnover and absenteeism costs Florida employers $3.47 billion per year. Childcare gaps drive parents out of the workforce, reducing tax revenue, which puts undue strain on households and businesses. As the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, Children First serves children and their families living at or below the Federal Poverty Level ($24,860 for a family of 3) across Sarasota, Venice, and North Port each year. To help combat the early childhood crisis in Sarasota County, the agency has received more than $250,000 that will help to enhance and expand its comprehensive and family strengthening services for children and families living at risk. Recent funding includes two combined gifts totaling $140,000 from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation to fund an Early Childhood Education Nurse and to support the Changemaker Collective Challenge Match, an anonymous gift of $40,000 to support Family Strengthening Services, an anonymous gift of $30,000 to support the award-winning Families First Institute, $25,000 from the Sarasota City Foundation to support Family Strengthening Services, $5,000 from the Bulova Gale Foundation to support comprehensive services, two combined gifts totaling $10,000 from Suncoast Charities for Children to support the Full Tummies – Flourishing Minds program and the agency’s Crisis Fund, and $4,000 from Fifth Third Bank in support of the agency’s scholarship program. "Ensuring accessible and affordable childcare is not just a matter of compassion but an economic priority. Childcare gaps don't just impact families; they reverberate through our workforce and the very fabric of our communities. We are deeply grateful to our community for recognizing that investing in high quality childcare is an investment in our collective future," says Philip Tavill, Children First CEO. 

[Donations]  Local Business Announces Event to Thank and Celebrate First Responders

Manasota Flooring, a local, family owned and operated business with more than 40 years of flooring experience and expertise, will host the 7th annual Community Turkey Giveback Event benefiting police officers, firefighters and paramedics on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. The company will give 500 turkeys to first responders from 9am - 4pm at each of the Manasota Flooring showroom locations in Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice.  “Each year as we plan this giveback event, we are honored to recognize and celebrate our heroes throughout this community. This is easily one of our favorite company traditions - and we are always humbled by the response from our first responders who are able to attend,” said Chris Quattlebaum, Manasota Flooring Manager. “Manasota Flooring is proud to be a part of this incredible community, and we are proud to have an opportunity to show our gratitude during this holiday season, and beyond.”  Manasota Flooring will give the turkeys on a first-come, first-served basis and all police officers, firefighters and paramedics may be asked to show proof of identification. The event will be held at all three Manasota Flooring showrooms, located at: 4551 North Washington Boulevard in Sarasota, 2510 1st Street West in Bradenton and 1734 South Tamiami Trail in Venice from 9am - 4pm on Wednesday, December 20, while supplies last. To learn more, contact Chris Quattlebaum, Manasota Flooring Manager, at CQuattlebaum@manasotaonline.com.  

[Donations]  Mantra Fitness is Giving Back to Children in Need

Mantra Fitness, a premium fitness studio known for its “Pilates on steroids” is actively engaged in helping the local community by supplying gifts (needs, wants, clothing, shoes, toys, etc.) for local children through its Giving Trees in the Sarasota, Tampa, and Lakewood locations. Mantra Fitness has consistently organized donation-based events to raise funds for charitable causes. In the past raising over $5,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness and doing rides for the Maui fires. This shows their commitment to not only physical but also the well-being of their community. The presents collected are in partnership with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. “Last year I saw an angel tree at another retailer, and ALL of the 50 or so tags were on the tree the week before Christmas. It was SO sad,” said Sarah Metzler, General Manager at Mantra Fitness. “I really think it's important the placement of the trees, like at Mantra, so that those who are able to help can! Many of our members have older children, so it's so much fun for them to shop for children's toys. Our studio fills up with presents, bikes, scooters... it's really sweet.” 



[HOTY]  2024 Home of the Year is Live!

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. 

Enter Here!

[Good Hero]  Leading with a Laugh
Barbie Heit, barbie.heit@srqme.com

LEADING WITH A LAUGH | With a sense of humor and a heart of giving, Chip Gaylor has made a significant impact on our community, December 2023.

With a sense of humor and a heart of giving, Chip Gaylor has made a significant impact on our community.

 

Read Here!

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Sarasota Cars and Coffee at University Town Center , March 11 – December 9, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

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.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place , July 28 – May 31, 6 to 9 p.m.

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.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Working Conditions at The Ringling , August 26 – March 3, varied times

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.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Lets Connect at Oscura in Old Manatee , August 31 – December 26, 8:30-10am

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.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Collaborative Coworking Meetup at UTC , September 1 – December 27, 11am-4pm

Attention all business professionals, join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event at Panera Bread at the UTC Mall every Friday. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. Panera Bread, 215 N. Cattlemen Road, Sarasota.

[SOON]  FOOD: Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch , September 3 – September 30, 10am-2pm

Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.

[SOON]  FOOD: Sarasota Hooters Jeep Nights , September 16 – December 21, 6pm

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.

[SOON]  HEALTH: Wellen Park Group Fitness , October 15 – December 16, 8-9am

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.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Wellen Park Fall Music Series , October 25 – December 16, 6-10pm

Wellen Park is hosting a variety of musical genres and musicians throughout each week. Wellen Wednesdays and Thursday Tunes will feature various local bands every week under the Heritage Tree from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday Night Live will host a live band on the Solis Hall stage overlooking the Great Lawn from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday Sounds will feature music on the first, second and fourth Saturday of the month under the Heritage Tree from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday Groove will feature music under Heritage Tree from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors are invited to bask in the captivating scenery and waterfront vibe by bringing their own lawn chairs or blankets for maximum comfort. These upcoming musical gatherings offer an open-door policy, requiring no prior RSVP for attendance. Guests can participate in Wellen Park’s Sip and Stroll program by purchasing to-go alcoholic beverages from Downtown Wellen food and beverage merchants. For more information, visit wellenpark.com.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: 2023 ECOSummit , December 5 – December 6

Get inspired by two days of Big Ideas and Solutions at the ECOSummit as experts share insights and innovations for recharging our environment and reducing our impacts-crucial to sustaining our coastal community’s quality of life. Community storytellers will explore our environmental heritage as a touchstone for a resilient future. It’s a lively and entertaining two-day solutions-oriented experience with lectures, panel discussions, storytelling, and music. Award-winning Americana songwriter Karen Jonas and her band will weave dazzling threads of their dreamy Alt-Country music through the tapestry of stories over two days. Networking coffee breaks, lunches, lunchtime wellness and guided walks, and professional continuing education credits all included. The summit will take place from December 5-6 at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. For more information, visit scienceandenvironment.org.

[SOON]  FOOD: Toys for Tots Progressive Dinner , December 6, 6pm

Taste Dining and Travel invites you to their annual Toys for Tots Progressive Dinner on Wednesday, December 6 at 6pm. The dinner tour will begin at Jpan, where guests will enjoy appetizers and bubbly before boarding the trolley with Mr. and Mrs. Clause and heading to Mattison’s 41 for the main course. The tour will conclude with desserts and coffee at an exciting surprise restaurant. Tickets for the event are $150 and guests are instructed to bring an unwrapped, new toy that will be donated to Toys for Tots. Call 941-366-7950 to reserve your spot.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Holiday Splendor at The Ringling , December 14, 5 to 8 p.m.

Celebrate the holiday season and help support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, serving Sarasota and Manatee counties during Holiday Splendor on December 14. Local schools will provide musical entertainment and there will be Art Making, as well as a free Holiday Book Market. Children will receive a free book of their choice. All venues will be open for self-touring, including the Museum of Art, Ca dZan, and the Circus Museum. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission to this event is free with one unwrapped toy per person. Regular admission will apply without a toy donation. $15 Adult / $5 Child. Guests are encouraged to shop in the Museum Store, which has a large selection of toys under $20. Please enter through the Visitor's Pavilion. ringling.org.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Jazz Thursdays , July 13 – December 14, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

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.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Fresh Harvest Farmers Market at Wellen Park , June 25 – December 29, 9 am to 1 pm

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.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens , November 11 – August 31, N/a

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.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: A Brave New Wonderland , November 18 – December 31, Various times

Hometown hero and international superstar Nik Wallenda is collaborating with the Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) to bring an extraordinary holiday spectacle, A Brave New Wonderland, to the CAC’s Holiday-Themed Big Top in the East District at UTC. The show, with 45 performances through December 31, promises a blend of thrilling circus acts, mesmerizing aerial performances, and uplifting holiday storytelling, curated and produced under the creative eye of the King of the High Wire, Wallenda himself, along with his world record-holding wife, Erendira Wallenda. Through breathtaking performances by artists from diverse backgrounds, captivating narratives, and the shared spirit of Wallenda’s personal tagline, Never Give Up! Brave New Wonderland seeks to plant a seed of unity in the hearts of its audience. It's a show where the magic of the season is not just about traditions and celebrations but also about embracing our differences and finding strength in diversity. For more information, visit circusarts.org.

[SOON]  THEATER: Deck the Halls Returns to Florida Studio Theatre , November 25 – December 24, 10am and 12pm

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.

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