Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Ferlazzo as the new Philanthropy Officer on our development team. Melissa joins SPARCC with a wealth of experience in nonprofit fundraising and a deep commitment to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence. As Philanthropy Officer, Melissa will be responsible for strengthening relationships with SPARCC’s donors, expanding fundraising efforts, and helping to advance the organization’s mission of providing a safe haven and promoting empowerment, awareness, and social change to end domestic and sexual violence. Melissa was born and raised in New York city before moving to Sarasota, Florida in 2005. She brings 8 years of experience in fundraising and philanthropy, having previously worked with other nonprofit organizations where she successfully led various fundraising campaigns and community engagement initiatives.