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SRQ DAILY May 3, 2018

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"The community has raised more than it has ever raised."

- Murray Devine, Community Foundation of Sarasota County
 

[Philanthropy]  Giving Challenge Sees Record Individual Donations
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

The Giving Challenge returned with a philanthropic pow as community members raised more than $11.7 million in 24 hours for various causes in the region. That includes $6.1 million raised by individual donors before matching dollars, a record for a giving day here. “I know the sun is already shining, but I feel like it’s shining even brighter today thanks to the generosity of so many people in our community,” said Roxie Jerde, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

A total of 636 nonprofits based in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties participated in The Giving Challenge this year. The event spanned from noon Tuesday through noon Wednesday, during which time some 49,207 donors gave 74,682 gifts. And that doesn’t count $5 million in matching funds from The Patterson Foundation, which matched up to $100 for each donor per receiving organization. "By engaging staff, board and external partners, each organization has built their own philanthropic muscle," says Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. "The Giving Challenge is about so much more than the 24 hours, and The Patterson Foundation was proud to strengthen everyone’s effort with the matching opportunity."

2018 marked a return of the challenge after more than a year hiatus. Murray Devine, communications and marketing manager for the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, said after a record year in 2016, philanthropic leaders decided they wanted to move the challenge from September to May, and rather than embarking on an eight-month turnaround before hitting up donors again, the decision was made to wait until 2018 to hold another one-day giving event.

Nonprofits through the region employed various metrics to boast success. Cat Depot, for example, noted that 1,239 donor contributions to that particular nonprofit would provide support for 1,600 cats and kittens saved this year. The $112,019 raised by that organization marked a high among nonprofits raising dollars through the challenge.

The leader in number of donors was Honor Animal Rescue, which received a total of 1,611 gifts worth $100,243. The organization released a video on its Facebook page announced the event had been the best ever for the nonprofit.

Beyond the donations raised, more than $270,000 got awarded in prizes in various categories for large, medium and small nonprofits. Survivors in Sync, for example, picked up a $7,000 prize for having more donors than any other small nonprofit, after raising $22,825 from 350 donors. 

Picture courtesy Cat Depot, which raised $112,019 in the 2018 Giving Challenge.

[Education]  Bluewater Gear and Braden River High Pool Together
Michala Head, michala.head@srqme.com

Bluewater Gear brings together good causes and great student art in its latest contest fundraiser, arranged through a collaboration with Braden River High School’s art program, and set to benefit Mote Marine Laboratory, Save the Sea Turtles Foundation and Surfers for Autism. Following coverage of production costs, proceeds benefit both the organizations selected and the Braden River Art Program.

Students selected the three local, ocean-themed organizations to align with Bluewater Gear’s Sarasota roots and reverence for the deep, blue sea and then the students crafted a shirt design for each of the organizations. With their donations, people can vote for their favorite shirt design. Each of the designs depicts beautifully drawn and detailed sea creatures and beach scenes. The shirt that receives the most donations will be made and sent to donors. The artwork for the other two designs will be used for a Bluewater decal, which will be sent to their respective donors along with a thank you note.

The contest fundraiser seeks not only to raise money for the Florida-based organizations but also to provide students with professional outlets to develop their art. Directed by the dedicated teacher of 15 years, William Ferrell, Braden River Arts Program students have earned over $1 million in art scholarships and he has led design students to five national and six state art competitions. With this confidence and flair, the students embarked on creating intricate, ocean designs for this Bluewater Gear contest fundraiser.

"I would like to give them opportunity to get their art out there to the public and make a difference in the community, in a professional setting,” says Rachel Stotler, Bluewater Gear’s art director and social media coordinator.

The fundraiser ends on May 17. Voting is currently open. For more information or to donate, visit the website below. 

Pictured: Sketches and brainstorming from Braden River High School artists. Photos courtesy of Bluewater Gear.

Vote for Art

[ShopTalk]  Thrifty Mom Alert
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Lo and behold, Sarasota is invited to shop the #1 Nationally Ranked Children’s Consignment Event. Rhea Lana’s connects families all over the U.S. as parents are looking to become more eco-conscious in their shopping habits. Conveniently emerging as the new way to shop, Rhea Lana’s hosts semi-annual children’s consignment events, supporting local communities and providing countless families with affordable fashion. The ingenious business model has conveivably grown rapidly from a living room in Conway, Arkansas 20 years ago, to 90 locations in 23 states—including Sarasota.

Coordinated by local moms Rachel Tarro and Amber Gingerich, the highly anticipated and thriftastic showdown launches this weekend—transforming the Fairgrounds into a consigning arena of boutique and name-brand clothing, toys, books, furniture and baby gear. Families are also able to sell their gently-used children/maternity items, and receive 70-80% of their sale—simultaneously earning a further stretch in their buying budget during this one-stop-shop. This is the perfect opportunity for moms to help neighboring moms score trendy outfits at a frugal price tag for their fast-growing little ones, while also making a little extra cash. The reputation Rhea Lana’s holds is top-notch, thus every time it is held here, a line accumulates outside Robarts Arena just to get in.

Over 450 consignors will be present with thousands of shoppers expected to attend. The event takes place Sunday, May 6th, through Wednesday, May 9th. All forms of payment for merchandise are accepted, while admission and parking are free. Check out special previews of its inventory, as well as selling/purchasing times in the link below. 

Image provided by Rhea Lana's.

Rhea Lana's Children's Consignment Event, Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.

[Marina Jack]  The Big Short
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

This generous portion of Braised Short Ribs remains an underlined feature on the menu at Marina Jack’s scenic Dining Room. Chef Dabney ultimately decided on a boneless short rib dish so guests would get more bang for their buck, and the presentation itself proves remarkably eloquent compared to the bony alternative. Chef Dabney sears the meat from the chuck before slow-braising it for 6-8 hours in a Wild Mushroom Petite Sirah Demi-Glace until fork tender. Once cooked to perfection, the hefty 8 oz stack of Halperns Aged Beef gets served royally atop sautéed spinach and garlic, as well as smashed truffle and Yukon gold potatoes. If rice pilaf, steamed asparagus or sautéed broccolini sound more appealing, side selections can be easily traded to maximise that Mmm’ moment! Do not let yourself glance over a savory signature entree—this big hunk of short rib is awaiting at your next waterfront supper.

Marina Jack is a member of Nosh, SRQ Magazine's content marketing program for local restaurants.  

Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.

Marina Jack, $33, 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, 34236, 941-365-4232

[Exec Moves]  Nair Elected President of Sarasota County Medical Society

Deepak G. Nair, MD, MS, MHA, RVT, FACS has been elected president of the Sarasota County Medical Society (SCMS). Nair is Chief of Vascular Surgery and Chairman of Medical Education at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. His clinical experience includes all aspects of arterial and venous surgery; in particular, he specializes in endovascular minimally invasive treatment of aneurysms and dissections. Nair is a partner at Sarasota Vascular Specialists. In addition, he serves as a Governor of the American College of Surgeons, and is on the Executive Boards of the Florida Vascular Society, Florida Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, and the Intersocietal Accreditation Association’s Vein Center Board. Nair grew up in Manhattan and attended high school at the Bronx High School of Science. He graduated magna cum laude from the City College of New York and received his medical degree at Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, New York, where he was a member of the AOA honors society. He trained in general surgery at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center. He took further fellowship training in vascular surgery at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.  He serves as Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery at the Florida State University School of Medicine. 

Sarasota County Medical Society

[Community]  More Than 100 Free Trees Still Available in Sarasota

130 free trees are still available to City of Sarasota residents as part of the Community Canopy program, which gives away trees to help expand Sarasota's urban canopy while reducing energy bills. Five Florida-friendly, regionally sourced species are available: Chickasaw plum, Crape myrtle, Red maple, Shumard oak and Sweetbay magnolia. On the website, residents can use a calculator tool to estimate the annual energy savings from planting a tree in the most strategic location on their property. Participants are expected to care for the tree and plant it in the location specified by the online tool. A one-gallon tree will be delivered directly to the resident's home. This is the third Community Canopy tree giveaway for the City of Sarasota. Since the current giveaway started on April 23, approximately 100 trees have been reserved online. Including this round, over 350 trees will have been given away through the Community Canopy program to bolster the urban canopy and help with climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. The program is funded by the City's tree replacement fund, which collects a portion of tree removal permit dollars to be used for urban canopy protection programs.  A grant from the Florida Forest Service enabled the City to double the number of trees given away this time. City residents can reserve one free tree per household by visiting the website below. Residents are encouraged to register soon while supplies last. 

Community Canopy

[Community]  Manatee County, Amazon Donate 1,755 Teddy Bears

This week, the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, with help from Amazon, donated 1,755 teddy bears to benefit Child Protection Services through the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office brought a large truck on Monday to pick up the stuffed animals that were collected during a drive from April 2 to April 30 in observance of Child Abuse Awareness Month in April. Amazon challenged their employees to donate after a Manatee County Clerk of the Court employee told her friend, who works for Amazon, about the drive they were spearheading. The Manatee County Sheriff's Office plans to put the teddy bears into patrol cars so that deputies can hand them out to children during routine calls. 

Child Protection Services



[TODAY]  GALLERY: Sea Debris - Awareness Through Art , December 9 – June 15, 10am to 5pm

Artwork made of marine debris including Greta the Great White Shark and Natasha the Turtle will arrive to Mote Marine this winter. This exhibit will bring awareness to the 4.4 pounds on average of trash genereated by each American daily. These larger-than-life sculptures are entirely made from plastic and other debris gathered from the Oregon Coast.

Mote Marine, 600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota

[TODAY]  GALLERY: Warhol: Flowers In the Factory , February 11 – June 30

This exhibition showcases the surprising and little examined, role of nature in Warhol’s art and life. The spectacular 15-acre tropical setting of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on Sarasota Bay will provide a matchless context for examining Warhol’s fascination with the natural world in this focused, immersive exhibition. It is curated by Carol Ockman, Ph.D., curator-at-large of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and the Robert Sterling Clark Professor of Art History at Williams College

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Hu Dost with Hot Club SRQ duo opening , May 4

Hu Dost combines genres of neo-folk and world-rock in their eccentric tunes. The duo consists of Moksha Sommer and Jemal Wade Hines. Their music has a genuine quality that evokes both tears and laughter among listeners. Opening the show is the Hot Club SRQ duo, Kevin Aland and Jon McLaughlin.

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: A Tribute to Music in Cinema , May 4 – May 5

We will end our Finding Maestro Season in spectacular fashion as acclaimed violin soloist and former concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic, Glenn Dicterow, performs John Williamsʼ themes from Far and Away and Schindlerʼs List. The program also features classics from Oscar-winners Henry Mancini, Jerry Goldsmith and Ennio Morricone.

Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: City Sounds , May 5, 7:30pm

In aconcert that is sure to capture the essence of bustling city life, some of the world's greatest cities provide the backdrop for this Discoveries program. Beethoven's mighty music speaks of the Parthenon's destruction in his Overture to The Ruins of Athens. Night music creeps through sultry Madrid streets in Boccherini's highly evocative Quintet in C Major. See the Big Apple through the lens of dance in excerpts from Leonard Bernstein's ballet Fancy Free and and Gruber's lively swing-style Manhattan Broadcasts. Copland's Quiet City casts the bustling metropolis in subdued and achingly beautiful colors.

Sarasota Opera House, 61 North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Sarasota Veg Fest , May 5

Featuring nationally renowned and local speakers, food preparation demonstrations, plant-based food, live music from a variety of talented musicians, dance performances, eco-friendly vendors & exhibitors, humane education, a veggie kids zone, yoga classes, film discussions, a veg parade, and more, the event is fun for all ages, genders, and species. 

Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FOOD: SRQ Magazine Salsa de Mayo Festival , May 5, 10:30am-1pm

Join us for SRQ Magazine's SALSA DE MAYO FESTIVAL on Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 10:30-1pm outside at Morton’s Market in Southside Village, Sarasota. Local chefs are invitied to create an interpretive gourmet salsa to compete for the title of Best Handcrafted Salsa. Attended by food enthusiasts, families and neighbors, Salsa de Mayo showcases innovative creations from fire-roasted poblano salsas to shrimp salsa ceviches! Join us to celebrate the magazine's 20th Anniversary as we turn up the heat!

Morton's Gourmet Market, Outside, 1924 S Osprey Ave, Sarasota

[SOON]  SPORTS: 88th Annual Sarasota Tarpon Tournament , May 9 – June 17

A party at White Buffalo Saloon will kick off this year's 5 week Tarpon Tournament. This tournament is historic and has taken place in Sarasota anually since 1930. If you’re looking to make new friends, have some fun and test your angling skills, come fish with us and yours could be the next name on that trophy. Tarpon are world-class game fish and are easy to access directly off Sarasota’s beautiful beaches. Described as one of the most exciting fish to catch, tarpon are known for spectacular leaps and determined fights. For more information, click the following website: http://www.sarasotatarpontournament.net/.

White Buffalo Saloon, 5377 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota.

[SOON]  DANCE: Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Evolving/Revolving , May 10 – May 13

The final performance series from Sarasota Contemporary Dance will comprise of diverse new works by past company collaborators and dancers which celebrates the company’s past and future through impactful collaborations.

Jane B Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 9th Annual Harvey Milk Festival , May 10 – May 12

The Harvey Milk Festival features a variety of attractions including live music, film, performing and visual artists, speakers, and vendors designed to engage a large and diverse audience. The mission of the Harvey Milk Festival is to honor the life of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay Americans elected to public office, by fostering emerging talent in musicians and artists who support diversity and reject discrimination, and to promote equality for LGBTQ people through supporting equal rights legislation.

Five Points Park, North Pineapple Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Outdoor Pops: Field of Dreams , May 11 – May 12, 8pm

Join the Sarasota Orchestra for a fan-friendly outdoor Pops concert at Ed Smith Stadium, home of the Orioles. Get yourself a hot dog, some popcorn, and sit back to enjoy the Orchestra in the outfield. The concert will showcase Broadway stars Deedee Magno Hall and Cliffton Hall. Conducted by Andrew Lane, the musicians of the Sarasota Orchestra will play a wide range of popular music including songs from La La LandGrease, Les Misérables, scores from Disney films and other fan favorites.

Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  SPORTS: Teen Court's 2018 Golf Tournament , May 11

Come out and enjoy a beautiful day of golfing for a good cause. Proceeds will benefit Sarasota Teen Court's substance abuse reduction, anti-bullying and character development classes that they provide for young people.

The Meadows Country Club, 3101 Longmeadow., Sarasota.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Southern Watercolor Society Curated Show , May 15 – June 22

Bringing its 41st Annual Juried Exhibition to Bradenton, the Southern Watercolor Society takes over all three of ArtCenter Manatee’s galleries with a collection juried by international award-winning master watercolorist John Salminen. In addition to the exhibit, each annual show brings with it a watercolor workshop for interested artists. Salminen will be teaching the workshop as well.

ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St. W., Bradenton

[SOON]  MUSIC: Sky Stahlmann Returns to the Reserve , May 17

The Reserve's (former) singing barista returns for a very special performance to show off what she has learned at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In her music, Sky Stahlmann grew up singing and dancing opera and plays with the genres of jazz, musical theatre, rock and pop in her music. She is currently working on her first EP in a style that she calls "popera" which signifies her mesh of pop and her classical roots.

The Reserve SRQ, 1322 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  SPORTS: Bombers vs. Swan City , May 19

Watch Bradenton's favorite, fierce roller derby squad face Swan City in their home arena. Prepare for a night of tough competition and keep the good times rolling to benefit Ewenity Farm, a herding dog haven. 

Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex, 5309 29th St. East, Ellenton.

[SOON]  FILM: Bag It Film Screening , May 22, 7pm

Sponsored by Rethinking Plastics, the goal of this screening is to raise awareness regarding the average American's overuse of plastics. Americans use roughly 60,000 plastic bags a day for a few minutes of single use before it is thrown away. Jeb Berrier's film, Bag It, follows where "away" is and the fate of these plastic bags. For environmentalists and for those looking to learn more, the film is an interesting piece that will open eyes to just how much we use plastic, why that is harmful and what people can do.

Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: The Roots of Unity (with Chris Kottke) , May 27, 2pm

This performance is from a jazz ensemble called The Roots of Unity, headed by trumpeter Chris Kottke. Their repertoire includes both straightahead and latin jazz, from classic standards to modern originals. Kottke attended the Berklee College of Music and was active in the Boston jazz scene for about a decade before moving to Sarasota in 2016 to pursue his day job as a math professor at New College of Florida. In addition to the Roots of Unity, Kottke can be occasionally heard in such Sarasota-based jazz ensembles such as Ocean's 11 and the Sarasota Jazz Project.

The Reserve SRQ, 1322 North Tamiami Tr., Sarasota.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Always...Patsy Cline , May 30 – July 1

A tuneful and memorable tribute, Patsy Cline's rise to legendary stardom is told through the eyes of her biggest fan, Louise Seger. From her performances in honky-tonks to the Grand Ole Opry, Patsy Cline will "always" have a place in country music, with hit songs such as, “Walking After Midnight,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Crazy,” “Sweet Dreams,” and many more you know and love.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.

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SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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