Tuesday, January 28th, SRQ Magazine hosted the annual Giving Coast and Good Hero Philanthropic Awards Luncheon. Local nonprofits, foundations, corporate donors, individuals and civic leaders came together to celebrate the community's spirit of giving and recognize leaders in philanthropy. Attendees were invited to share their “giving wishes” on behalf of area nonprofits by writing their wishes on gift tags and hanging them for display on the SRQ Giving Wish Tree.

Child Protection Center wishes to fund an expansion of therapy available to victims of child abuse cases in North Port. To help facilitate this, contact Sheila Miller (SheilaM@CPCSarasota.org).

The Senior Friendship Center wishes to have community collaboration to help all. To initiate this collaboration, reach out to Kathy Pappas (kpappas@friendshipcenters.org).

Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue wishes to gain support for 10 animal treatments at their organization. To fulfill this wish, reach out to Megan Baxter (mbaxter@honoranimalrescue.org).

Project 180 wishes to gain sponsorships for first week out clients with products such as hygiene products or socks, as they return to Sarasota. To help Project 180 with this wish, contact them (info@project180la.com).

Walk a Teacher to Poland wishes to be in every high school in Sarasota County. To make this happen, reach out to Katherine Adams-Love (theoaksend@aol.com).

As these organizations call on the community to fulfill their wishes, click on each organization to learn more and find ways to give back. The spirit of giving is for all who want to give back to our local community!