WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025
MICHAEL'S ON EAST, 1212 S. EAST AVENUE, SARASOTA
GIVING TREE PROGRAM AND REGISTRATION—10:30AM-11AM
LUNCHEON PROGRAM —11:30-1:30PM
The Annual Giving Coast Luncheon celebrates the independent sector in the Sarasota and Manatee region featuring the Philanthropic Agenda With Community Foundations and the Good Hero Awards Program. The Philanthropic Agenda panel discussion will explore the dynamic and ever changing world of non-profits from the perspectives of our regional community foundations. What are the trends in donor development and giving for the coming year? What insights have we gathered on resiliency in lights of the recent storms? We also ask our local funding and capacity-building organizations for their advice on successful pathways for regional nonprofits.
The luncheon will culminate with the SRQ Good Hero Philanthropic Awards Program at which we will honor the incredible individuals who have meaningfully impacted our community for good in the past year— from nonprofit leaders to philanthropically-minded for profit companies.
PHILANTHROPIC AGENDA PANEL DISCUSSION
As we prepare for the interactive and highly anticipated Philanthropic Agenda Panel Discussion, we invite luncheon attendees to be part of the conversation by submitting questions for our panel in advance.
Questions may be directed to the panel as a whole or to a specific panelist. The SRQ Team will thoughtfully review and curate submissions to help guide a meaningful discussion during the luncheon. Click below to bring your question to the table.
HONORING THE SRQ GOOD HERO
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT
SRQ MEDIA is proud to honor Dr. Larry R. Thompson, Former President of Ringling College of Art and Design, as the 2026 Good Hero Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient. During his 26-year tenure, Dr. Thompson helped transform Ringling College into a world-renowned art and design institution while championing creativity, innovation and opportunity across the Sarasota community. His visionary leadership and lasting impact on arts education, cultural engagement and the region’s creative economy embody the spirit of the Good Hero Awards.
TICKETING LINK WILL GO LIVE JULY 2026.
SRQ MEDIA, powered by the Giving Coast, is proud to reintroduce The Giving Heart—a collective art installation celebrating the generosity, compassion and community spirit that define Sarasota and the Gulf Coast.
Created as a visual tribute to the people and organizations who give so much to our region, The Giving Heart invites community members, nonprofit partners, volunteers, philanthropists and friends of The Giving Coast to contribute a small item that represents gratitude, service, generosity, mission or meaningful connection.
These items may be simple or symbolic—notes, photos, ribbons, fabric, charms, tokens or other small objects that tell a story. Whether it reflects a personal moment of giving, honors someone who has made an impact, or represents the mission of an organization, each contribution will become part of a larger installation unveiled at the Giving Coast Luncheon.
Together, these pieces will form one unified work of art—an expression of the many hands, hearts and stories that shape our philanthropic community.
Drop-Off Location:
SRQ MEDIA
331 S. Pineapple Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34236
Please note: contributed items will not be returned. We kindly ask that you do not submit anything of personal or monetary value.
GIVING TREE PROGRAM
Share Your Nonprofit's Wishes for the New Year
Join us to celebrate our giving culture and help make a year of wishes fulfilled!
We invite attendees to bring wishes pertaining to their favorite local charity. Attendees can write their wishes on special tags provided at the event and hang them on the Giving Coast Trees placed at each table. From tangible items needed by a local charity such as books, food donations, children's toys, clothing, pet food, etc., to volunteer opportunities within the organization, let us know what your wishes are and we will post them for the community to see and help.
CEO
Michael's On East Ballroom
Michael's On East, 1212 East Drive, Sarasota, FL 34239
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