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SRQ DAILY Feb 13, 2019

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"You get wrapped up in city stuff, and you forget about the world."

- Clyde Butcher, photographer
 

[Gallery]  Clyde Butcher and the Mission for Myakka River
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Ask Clyde Butcher what the Myakka River means to him, and he responds first with a heavy sigh and a pregnant pause, before firing back with a question of his own: “What does the Earth mean to you?”

Acclaimed in his own time, Butcher has been photographing the Myakka River region for going on 20 years now, by his reckoning, and the Old Florida ecosystem still holds a special draw, bringing him back to its wilds season after season. “It’s a primeval place where you can get away from the hectic-ness of civilization,” he says. “And people need to have places they can go where nature influences, not industry.” And with his latest photographic exhibition, Myakka River: A Florida Treasure, the artist teams up with the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast to raise awareness for the region’s protection.

“We’re trying to bring some awareness to the beauty and fragility of it,” says Butcher, who will be showing photographs taken from his entire 20-year exploration, from 1999 to just three months ago. Through his work, viewers will venture through the region’s five distinct ecosystems, and experience everything from the flowers abloom in springtime to the flocking birds of winter. “It’s an ever-changing place,” he says. For his part, Butcher prefers Myakka River in the summer, when the waters flood and the resurrection ferns fan green and full. And between the rushing river and the tree canopy, “it’s the coolest place in Sarasota County.”

Overlooked too, says Butcher. “You get wrapped up in city stuff, and you forget about the world,” he says. And then when people do leave their concrete confines, it’s almost always for the beach, not a drive inward to explore the rarities of Myakka River. “You can get beaches anywhere,” he says. “You can’t get places like Myakka just anywhere. Get out there. See it. Feel it. Be there.”

Myakka River: A Florida Treasure opens this Friday, February 15, at the Clyde Butcher Gallery on St. Armands Circle. Butcher will be in attendance from 1pm to 5pm for the opening, and the following day at the same times. 

Pictured: "Myakka Swamp" by Clyde Butcher.

[Education]  Meet ProjecTHINK Keynote Speaker: Ismet Mamnoon on Creativity as Necessity
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

This March 1–2 comes the return of ProjecThink—an annual conference dedicated to exploring the world of innovation and creativity in learning. Hosted on the Ringling College of Art and Design campus, the conference kicks off this year with a presentation from Ismet Mamnoon, founder of Beyonder, TedX speaker and featured by Time magazine for her work weaving creativity into parenting and education. SRQ grabbed a seat up front for a preview.

Why is creativity just now being thrust to the forefront and seen as a necessity? Mamnoon: It’s been a necessity all our lives. Evolution would have made us extinct if we hadn't had been creative right from the start. But it has certainly come to the forefront in the last 10 years.

Why? Because the world is changing at such a rapid pace, and that creates all kinds of stresses in our lives. It creates all kinds of challenges that we didn't necessarily have to deal with even 30 years ago. In this landscape of constant change—the only constant is that there will be change. And if we're not going to raise a generation that is agile, adaptable, has the ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity, we are really doing a disservice to the next generation.

What are you most looking forward to in your engagement with ProjecThink this March? I love it when I know that the audience is going to be people with an open mind. They’re open, they're looking, they're listening carefully, and that is such a wonderful relationship to have with an audience. It really is a very powerful thing to come in and have willing participants, people I can learn from.

Everything goes both ways, right? Exactly. When I was creating my parenting model, I actually did a project with 86 teenagers, to get their point of view on this approach to parenting. We don't engage with them in this conversation. If nothing, if I can get people to go home and engage someone new in the conversation, someone who is a stakeholder but doesn't get a voice, then that is everything. 

Pictured: Ismet Mamnoon.

[Philanthropy]  Time to Shine
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

You may recognize her voice from Flo Rida's number-one single "Right Round", or from her own hit “Tik Tok”, or perhaps you know her more for her rainbow-colored hair and avante garde outfits. Forty Carrots Family Center excitedly announced landing the pop superstar Kesha for its annual fundraising Firefly Gala. Saturday, March 30, the GRAMMY-nominated singer and songwriter will headline the award-winning event, now in its 9th year. Presented by the Dart Foundation at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Sarasota, the gala will feature a fabulous dinner, exciting live auction, an intimate concert with a performance from Kesha and of course, an after-concert dance party.

“Every year, the Firefly Gala excels itself with an exclusive featured artist performing at a high-energy event that benefits Forty Carrots’ extensive community parenting education, mental health and early childhood learning programs provided through the agency’s 17 nonprofit partner agencies in Sarasota and Manatee Counties,” says Ariane Dart, nine-time chairwoman and Firefly Gala creator.

Previous Firefly Gala headliners have included namedrop-worthy musicians such as KC & The Sunshine Band, Blondie, The Go-Go’s, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, Bret Michaels, Flo Rida and Jason Derulo. This year, Sarasota plans to turn up the amplifier for the vibrant bombshell with as much personality as vocal peaks, who will be showcasing some tracks off her latest No.1 album 'Rainbow,' as well as some of her breakthrough radio sensations. Kesha has sold over 41 million tracks and streams in the U.S alone and over 87 million tracks and streams worldwide to date. As a songwriter, she has even penned her own music, as well as lyrics for mega artists including Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande.

And as Forty Carrots celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the organization toasts to its own star-studded successes in the philanthropic community, and continues to take the stage as a trailblazer in providing parental/childhood educational and mental health services for families from all walks of life, to help children with Good Beginnings Last a Lifetime.

For more information about the event or to learn how to be involved, email events@fortycarrots.com or call 941-365-7716. 

Photo courtesy of Forty Carrots Family Center

Firefly Gala 2019

[Philanthropy]  New College Receives $1.2 Million Bequest from Isermann Estate

New College of Florida has received a $1.2 million bequest from the estate of Howard and Betty Isermann, a large portion of which will be used to establish an endowed scholarship fund to benefit out-of-state students who wish to attend New College. Howard Isermann passed away in August 2017, and his wife Betty died in June 2018. The couple’s commitment to New College dates back to the 1990s, and left an indelible stamp on the campus, with endowment gifts funding various academic initiatives and scholarships, construction of the Keating Center, and the dedication of the Betty Isermann Fine Arts Building, a teaching facility and gallery on the Caples campus that opened in 1998. In 2007, they established the Isermann Science Medal program in 2007, which provides an opportunity for academically talented first-year students from outside the state of Florida to get hands-on research experience in mathematics and the natural sciences. 

New College of Florida

[Philanthropy]  Habitat for Humanity Sarasota Releases Community Impact Report

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, Inc served 22 families, including 34 children, with permanent, affordable housing during thitseir last fiscal year, effectively increasing their impact in the community by 82% over the previous year, according to the organization’s annual Community Impact Report. This growth was made possible thanks to the support of 717 volunteers who contributed 17, 176 hours building homes, 477 donors who supported the organization financially, and patrons to the ReStore which generated $1.86M in sales revenue.

Habitat Sarasota also reported progress on Lives Transformed: The Campaign for Hammock Place. To date, the capital campaign has achieved 67% of its $7 million fundraising goal. The first home is now under construction and Habitat Sarasota has a goal to complete the neighborhood by the end of 2021. Hammock Place will provide permanent, affordable housing to 40 families and 100+ children. 

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota Community Impact Report

[Philanthropy]  Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Names Evans Director of Development

Barbara E. Evans, CFRE has been named director of development for Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation. In her new position, Evans will be responsible for cultivating relationships within the Sarasota community on behalf of the Healthcare Foundation in support of its philanthropic mission. She brings nearly 20 years of fundraising experience to the Healthcare Foundation. Prior to joining Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, she served as chief development officer for Grace Place for Children and Families in Naples, spearheading fundraising efforts since 2012. She also served as a major gift officer for Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI, and as director of development for Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco. 

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation

[Philanthropy]  RASM Accepting Applications for 2019-20 College Scholarships

The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) has released college scholarship applications for the 2019–20 school year. Every year, the Association awards scholarships to six deserving students in the Sarasota and Manatee area, as selected by the RASM Scholarship Committee. Members of RASM, their immediate family and members of the community who are continuing education at a public or private university, college, community college or technical school are eligible to apply. Scholarships support tuition, textbooks and other course-related fees. Three scholarships are awarded to applicants from the public at large and three are awarded to applicants who are immediate family members of members of the Association or current RASM members who are continuing education.

Application materials are due by 5pm on Friday, April 5. The 2019 applications and additional information can be found at the website below. 

Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee

[Philanthropy]  Music Compound Raises $5k for Music Education with Shred the Love

The Music Compound held its second annual Shred the Love event on Jan. 25, at the Compound headquarters off Cattlemen Road. Organized by local high school students, Shred the Love is a silent auction and concert raising funds to benefit Every Child Inc., an organization that allows underprivileged students the opportunity to pursue music. This year’s festivities raised $5,000 for area music programs. Last year, the inaugural Shred the Love campaign raised $5,000 for Music Heals Us, which provides ukuleles for children with cancer. The youth-driven event raised nearly $2,000 from tickets and a silent auction. Additionally, the Music Compound received an anonymous donation of $3,040 earmarked for Shred the Love, for a grand total of $5,000.
Funds raised are planned to be utilized as follows: $1,500 to Bridge a Life - funds will be used to scholarship foster children to attend Music Compound’s Summer Camp; $1,500 to be used for individual scholarships for youth to attend Music Compound for lessons; $1,000 to Boys and Girls Club Sarasota; and
$1,000 to Girls Inc. 

Music Compound



[Localpreneur of the Year]  SRQ Magazine | Localpreneur of the Year Showcase

This February SRQ MEDIA recognized the Localpreneur of the Year Award winners and nominees. Be sure to check out our special section about the 2019 Localpreneur of the Year program on issuu.com to read about the inspiring contributions that these individuals make in our community. Congratulations, Localpreneurs!  

Click here to view the feature

[TODAY]  THEATER: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time , January 23 – March 17

Adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s novel of the same name , Christopher is exceptionally intelligent, but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an ear-shattering discovery.

[TODAY]  SEMINAR: Careers & Internships: U.S. Department of State , February 13

The U.S. Department of State is dedicated to protecting and strengthening America’s interests abroad and right at home. Attend the information session where there will be an opportunity to meet Diplomat in Residence for South Florida, Monique Quesada, and explore careers, internship and fellowship opportunities with the U.S. Department of State.

USF Sarasota-Manatee, Room A203, 8350 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Mary Poppins , February 14 – March 3

Set in London, 1910, Bert, a jack-of-all-trades, guides audiences into the dysfunctional home of the Banks family, where the children have gone through numerous nannies. Mary Poppins magically flies into their lives bringing whimsy, magic and commonsense discipline for both the children and grown-ups, and everyone learns that “anything can happen if you let it.”

Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Staged Reading of "The (M)others" , February 15

“The (M)others” is a collection of excerpts from interviews conducted by Dr. Nikki Yeboah with Bay-area mothers who have lost loved ones at the hands of police. Through their stories, there is a closer to understanding of the toll police violence takes on families. The folllowing day the locations will be moved, Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center at 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota

USF - Sarasota Manatee, 8350 North Tamiami Trail., Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  DANCE: Martha Graham Dance Company , February 15 – February 17

In its long-held tradition of featuring a visiting company each season, to provide audiences a different insight to the art of dance, the Sarasota Ballet presents the Martha Graham Dance Company, the oldest dance company in the States, founded by contemporary dance legend Martha Graham and called “one of the great dance companies of the world” by the New York Times.

FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival , February 15 – February 17

The 21st Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival is a three day event held at the Sarasota Fairground to benefit Suncoast Charities for Children. Bring you lawn chair and enjoy continuous live music featuring rock, blue, and country featuring national recording artist StealHeart performing Saturday, February 16th. This year's Festival includes a Sunday charity ride (open to all vehicles), vendors, freestyle acts, a motorcycle & truck show, burnout competition, great food, and much more! Admission is $5, children 12 and under free. $10 three day passes and VIP tickets may be purchased online in advance at thunderbythebay.org.

Sarasota Fairgrounds

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Night for the Agricultural Museum , February 16

The Manatee County Agricultural Museum presents Night for the Museum. The evening will feature a live and silent auction, a cash bar, and barbecue dinner. Dress is jean casual.

Woman's Club of Pametto, 910 6th Street W., Palmetto

[SOON]  SEMINAR: The Business of Artificial Intelligence , February 21

Speakers, Dr. Ehsan Sheybani and Sarah Gentry will present a seminar that will introduce different topics in artificial intelligence, including components such as: Wireless mobile applications, A.I. in eco-arts education, pattern recognition or generation, visualization, image processing, video/image editing, audio visual media, data analytics and voice recognition.

USFSM - Selby Auditorium, 8350 North Tamiami Trl.,Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Starry Night Soiree , February 23, 6:00PM

Celebrate the wonder and magic of the cosmos, accompanied by a gourmet dinner, live auctions, dancing and more!

Funds raised at this special event help make a local impact and support essential American Cancer Society programs, services and extensive research for all cancers in all stages of life. The American Cancer Society’s Starry Night Soiree will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. with a pre-event reception which includes a silent auction followed by an elegant dinner, a live auction, and incredible entertainment. 

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Dr, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALLERY: Fine Arts Festival of Manatee County , February 23

This annual festival celebrates its 18th annual Festival featuring local and regional artists. All media. Held at Bradenton Rivewalk in the pavilion area.

[SOON]  FILM: African Diaspora Film Festival – Tongues United by Marlon Riggs , February 26

Filmmaker Marlon Riggs, winner of the Los Angeles Film Critics Award, and Best Documentary prize at the Berlin Film Festival, is as relevant as ever. The film gives a voice to communities of gay black men, presenting their cultures and perspectives on the world as they confront racism, homophobia and marginalization.

Academic Center – ACE 115, 5800 Bay Shore Rd.,Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Russian Folk Music and Dance , February 28

This interactive program of popular Russian and folk songs from the Barynya Russian Balalaika Duo incorporates colorful costumes and dance into a full experience. Highlights include “Tara’s Theme” from Dr. Zhivago, the Russian Gypsy dance “Two Guitars,” the “Cossack Dance,” “Moscow Nights,” “Kalinka” a charming “Tongue Twister Medley” and more. Instrument highlights include the balalaika, garmoshka and contrabass.

Michael's on East ballroom, 1212 South East Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Black Literature Read-In , February 28

The read-in is an event where members of the NCF community read aloud inspirational texts written by Black authors. Wes Bellamy is the youngest person to ever be elected to the Charlottesville City Council and was involved with the initiative to move the Confederate statue.

Jane Bancroft Cook Library , 5800 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: SRQ Media's ProjecTHINK Conference , March 1 – March 2, March 1, 5:30-7pm — March 2, 8:30am-1pm

Join SRQ MEDIA for PROJECTHINK, a collaborative community initiative designed to explore the world of innovation and creativity in learning. PROJECTHINK is a two-day conference hosted at the Ringling College of Art and Design on March 1-2, 2019. The conference kicks off on Friday March 1 from 5:30-7pm with celebrated TEDx keynote speaker and global education innovator Ismet Mamnoon, followed by presentations from Dr. Larry Thompson, Ringling College of Art and Design; Jennifer Vigne, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, and Chris Laney, CareerSource Suncoast. On Saturday March 2 from 8:30am to 1pm, PROJECTHINK opens the world of creativity through hands-on engagement through creativity workshops and immersive workshops that transform the creative process facilitated by Ringling College faculty. The conference concludes with Lunch on the Lawn from 1-2pm, featuring local food trucks. PROJECTHINK is produced by SRQ MEDIA in partnership with the Ringling College of Art + Design, the Education Foundation of Sarasota, and CareerSource Suncoast.

Ringling College of Art and Design Campus, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  GALA: Goodwill Mardi Gras Gala , March 5, 6pm-10pm

Goodwill Manasota and Michael’s On East invite the public to the most anticipated event of the season: the Mardi Gras Gala. This event features authentic Cajun food, open bar, fabulous live auction items, New Orleans-style music, and dancing. The 2019 Mardi Gras Gala will take place on Tuesday, March 5, 6-10 p.m. at Michael’s On East (1212 East Avenue S., Sarasota). This is the fourteenth year of the event, which was conceived by Michael’s On East co-proprietor Philip Mancini. Guests dress in beads and masks and enjoy New Orleans style drinks and dinner offerings such as Crawfish Étouffée, crab cakes, Jambalaya, Oysters Bienville, and much more. Co-chairs are Tim Schalch and Megan Baers; major sponsors include CS&L CPAs, NDC Construction, and Seaside Bank. Tickets are $150 per person; visit experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721, ext. 251 for reservations or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Michael's on East, 1212 East Avenue S., Sarasota

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Mendelssohn’s Elijah , March 10 – March 11

Mendelssohn’s powerful choral masterpiece brings to life some of the most dramatic moments in the Old Testament. Fire comes from the heavens, storms gather, and the people cry for vengeance. From the prophet’s curse of drought, to confronting an evil queen, to his ascent to heaven on a fiery chariot, Elijah is an extraordinary musical experience.

First United Methodist, 104 South Pineapple Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Love Sung in the Key of Aretha , March 13 – April 28

Four women musically review their life experiences as told through the songs made famous by the late and legendary “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin. Join to pay tribute to one of America’s most iconic voices in this joyful appreciation of Aretha’s music and its impact on our lives.

Westcoast Black Theatre Mainstage, 1646 10th Way., Sarasota

SRQ Media Group

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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