The Prevent Cancer Foundation, founded in 1985, is the only U.S.-based nonprofit solely dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection. Its vision centers on health equity—a world where cancer is preventable, detectable and beatable for all—with universal access to affordable screenings and detection.

Its impact includes providing seed funding for the development of Cologuard and advocating for the HPV vaccine, Gardasil. The Foundation is also pushing for passage of the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Act to ensure Medicare coverage for emerging multi-cancer blood tests.

Local resident and Board Treasurer Sharon Cook is working to expand fundraising efforts in Southwest Florida, aiming to raise $72,000 for a grant supporting community programs and advocacy. “If you can detect it in stages one and two, chances of living a quality of life and surviving are very good,” she explains, emphasizing the gap in screenings. “Not everyone can afford these screenings and not everyone has access to them. A lot of the research is being done is on finding a cure, but I've actually seen the benefits of the research efforts to develop screening tools.”

Cook’s current goal is to raise $72,000 in funding for an 18-month grant to advance early detection for harder-to-find cancers, including uterine, stomach, bladder and liver cancers. “It’s just a matter of getting the funding for these scientists and continuing the trials for the multicancer early detection blood tests. If you can detect cancers in stages one and two, chances of living a quality of life and surviving are very good,” she says, adding, “Everybody is looking for that magic bullet when many of these cancers, if detected early, are beatable.” 

Pictured: Sharon Cook is working to raise funds for detecting and preventing cancer. Provided photo.

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Each year, SRQ Media invites the community to nominate individuals with hearts of giving who have made a significant impact with local nonprofit organizations—from volunteers and board members to individual staff members and donors. This year, attendees were thrilled to be together as we recognized these individuals at our annual Giving Coast and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion on December 10 at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. In the coming weeks, we are happy to feature each of the ten honorees in our Wednesday Philanthropic edition of SRQ Daily.

Today, we are recognizing Mike Martella. Shortly after Mike was introduced to Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, he was 100% committed and his involvement was significant. He joined the organization’s Board of Directors in 2020. From philanthropic support, to commitments of his time and insight, as well as utilizing his network to enhance the organization’s ability to raise critical programming dollars, he created positive and meaningful impact. One individual investor in the Club’s mission said, “I’m doing this, because if Mike is involved, I know it’s a worthwhile project. He has been an intense advocate of our mission, consistently introducing his network of friends and colleagues to our organization.” Congratulations, Mike! 

Pictured: Bill Sadlo, Jodany D. and Mike Martella at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and Desoto Counties Martella Family Foundation Holiday Party. Provided photo.

Sarasota Jewish Theatre (SJT) recently received a $5,000 grant from Manatee Community Foundation to support its 2026 Holocaust Education Week program, “I Never Saw Another Butterfly.” The grant from Manatee Community Foundation enables the production to be taken to local middle and high schools. In 2025, in partnership with Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee, the play was performed for over 2,000 students who had insightful comments and questions. For more information, visit SarasotaJewishTheatre.org. 

The results of the 2025 Regional Scan, powered by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, have identified affordable housing, protecting our natural environment, and helping people in times of crisis as the top priorities for the region. Based on input from over 1,500 residents across Sarasota, Charlotte, and DeSoto Counties, the findings highlight both the strengths that define our region and the opportunities we share ahead. Residents identified the arts and culture sector, along with parks and recreation, as key assets that make our region unique. At the same time, they pointed to areas, including the three aforementioned primary community priorities, where we can grow. The survey results also highlight broader themes, including shared responsibility across issues and sense of belonging, within community sentiment and include important context for interpreting the overall findings. Visit GulfCoastCF.org/ReadyToAct to read the full results. 

Each year, the Boar’s Head “Circle of Friends” employee giving campaign selects a cause to make a real-world impact across hunger-relief, healthcare and/or education. This year, Boar's Head chose All Faiths Food Bank, raising an impressive $90,000 to purchase a new, fully-funded refrigerated cargo van. This successful fundraiser is the latest chapter for the Circle of Friends campaign, which has raised over $1 million for the community to date. Past efforts have funded two sensory rooms for children with disabilities, a 360-degree immersive therapy room for behavioral health patients, and 240 cancer screenings for uninsured patients, demonstrating a deep, long-term commitment to Sarasota and DeSoto counties. 

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All Faiths Food Bank has launched the 13th annual Campaign to End Summer Hunger. The Campaign helps to feed area students - particularly those who may rely on free or reduced-cost meals at school - when school is out for the summer. Since its inception in 2014, the Campaign has raised over $20 million and helped to feed thousands of children in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. The Campaign was officially launched with the Walk to End Summer Hunger, which took place this past Saturday at Riverview High School. There were nearly 350 compassionate community members in attendance. During the brief remarks, Campaign chair Dr. LaShawn Frost and AFFB President and CEO Nelle S. Miller announced a $1 million challenge match to super-charge the effort; all donations will be matched 1:1, until the match is met. To learn more and donate, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org. 

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation’s “Small and Mighty” grants provide capital support for local nonprofits with annual expenses of $300,000 or less. Four organizations will receive grants in April to strengthen their impact in programs and community engagement. Grants will fund electric forklifts to help Awaken Outreach Center move heavy pallets of food distributed each month to neighbors in North Port; furniture that supports volunteer-led horticulture programs and events that generate vital earned income at Palma Sola Botanical Park Foundation; risers and iPads for music to help Sarasota Chorus of the Keys engage in new community performances; and a new shelving system for Venice Heritage as it catalogues and preserves historical documents important to the history of Venice. The grants total more than $48,000. The next Small and Mighty grant cycle opens on June 1 and is open to 501(c)(3) charitable organizations in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. Visit SelbyFdn.org for more information. 

Oysters Rock Hospitality is participating in the Giving Challenge, a 24-hour community- wide fundraising event that brings together individuals, businesses, and nonprofits to support causes across the region. During this year’s Giving Challenge, Oysters Rock Hospitality is raising funds for Shuckin’ Good Cause and its initiatives, including Dive Into Reading, which provides local students with access to books, mentorship, and opportunities to strengthen literacy skills. All donations during the Giving Challenge are eligible for triple matching, allowing contributions to go even further in supporting these programs. The Giving Challenge reflects the power of community coming together to create meaningful impact. Through Shuckin’ Good Cause, Oysters Rock Hospitality supports initiatives focused on education, quality of life, and helping those in need. Dive Into Reading has already impacted thousands of students across Manatee, Sarasota, and Desoto counties, helping build confidence, improve literacy, and create brighter futures. Participation in the Giving Challenge allows the community to play a direct role in continuing that impact. Every donation, no matter the size, helps strengthen programs that support local families and the next generation.

Noon on April 15 to noon on April 16 , 24-hour giving period ,Online at GivingChallenge.org/Organizations/Shuckin-Good-Cause or by scanning one of the QR codes available throughout our restaurants. 

The Giving Challenge brings together hundreds of nonprofits and tens of thousands of donors in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties for 24 hours of philanthropy and fun. This year’s challenge runs from noon to noon, April 15-16, and involves a record number of nonprofits, around 750! And once again, The Patterson Foundation is matching every donation from $25 to $100, doubling your impact and inviting everyone to become a philanthropist.  Many nonprofits are also teaming up to organize Pop-up Giving Stations, events that donors can attend during the challenge to meet the organizations and make on-the-spot donations. They’re a fun, interactive way to learn about the needs that exist in our community and how you can help. Find a full list of Pop-up Giving Stations at GivingChallenge.org. 
 
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County invites you to #BeTheOne to make a difference in your community during this year’s Giving Challenge, April 15 to 16.  

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The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a top-rated cancer research charity, and ESPN Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale will host the 21st Annual Dick Vitale Gala on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, FL. The acclaimed Gala honors Dickie V’s All-Courageous Team, all pediatric cancer thrivers and the recently created Dickie V’s Alumni Team, all pediatric cancer survivors, recognizes influential figures in the sports world and raises money for the V Foundation’s Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund. To learn more about The V Foundation, the Dick Vitale Gala, and the impact we are having in the fight against cancer, please visit v.org/vitale.

This April, the Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) joins organizations nationwide in recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month, urging the community to take action in safeguarding children. Having reviewed over 3,500 local reports of child abuse last year alone, CPC is emphasizing the importance of education and community awareness to stop abuse before it starts. For more information on CPC or to inquire about ways to get involved, please visit them at www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277. 

Join us on May 18 at The Founder’s Club for the Jack Byers Golf Tournament and be part of a day that makes a lasting impact. Spots are filling quickly, and we are expecting a full field. Now is the time to secure your team or sponsorship and be part of this meaningful event supporting Teen Court of Sarasota. Proceeds from the tournament help fund programs that provide local teens with the support, accountability, and guidance they need to build a stronger future. Do not miss your chance to be part of a memorable day of golf, community, and purpose. Register today to reserve your spot! 

For ticket information click here.

In recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month this April, Neuro Challenge for Parkinson’s is proud to raise awareness and spotlight the comprehensive support, education, and resources available to people living with Parkinson’s (PWPs), their care partners, and families throughout the community. Throughout the month, Neuro Challenge invites the community to get involved, learn more, and connect through a wide range of opportunities designed to support quality of life and overall wellbeing. From educational workshops to wellness and support offerings, each program is thoughtfully designed to empower individuals and families navigating Parkinson’s.  Community members are encouraged to visit the Neuro Challenge website calendar to explore upcoming programs, services and events, all offered at no cost. To learn more about Neuro Challenge for Parkinson’s or to get involved this April, visit www.NeuroChallenge.org or call 941-926-6413.