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.

All Faiths Food Bank wishes for backpacks for the children of our region. To help facilitate this wish, reach out to Denise Cotler (dcotler@allfaithsfoodbank.org).

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens wishes for help with repairing and restoring the seawall found at the Historic Spanish Point. To help with repairs, reach out to Caitlin Whiteaker (cwhiteaker@selby.org).

Walk a Teacher to Poland wishes for donations to send a teacher to Poland to learn and share awareness about the Holocaust. To make this happen, reach out to Katherine Adams-Love (theoaksend@aol.com).

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) wishes for help with their Housing Stability Program.  To make a gift, please reach out to MaryEllen Mancini (Mmancini@sparcc.net).

Take Stock in Children manatee wishes for donations for scholarships to fund their students' education. To help facilitate this wish, reach out to Michael Higley (michael@takestockmanatee.org).

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!