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.