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SRQ DAILY May 22, 2019

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"It's a win-win, all around."

- Tom Waters, Easterseals Southwest Florida
 

[Science & Nature]  Selby Gardens Partners with Easterseals, Eco Vets for Edible Gardens
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

As Marie Selby Botanical Gardens continues with Phase One of its Master Site Plan, the organization has officially announced a formal partnership with the nonprofits Easterseals Southwest Florida and Operation Eco Vets to plot, plant and cultivate the new edible gardens that will be integral to the operation of the incoming Sky Garden project. This announcement solidifies an existing informal partnership since 2018, which saw volunteers from Easterseals and EcoVets creating and maintaining a previous edible permaculture garden at Selby Gardens.

As one of the flashier parts of Selby Gardens’ Master Site Plan, the proposed Sky Garden has garnered a lot of attention. Simultaneously a visitors center, parking structure and retail space, the Sky Garden also seeks to be an innovator in green construction, complete with a stormwater management system, green walls and enough solar capabilities to generate more electricity than the multi-purpose facility will use. And on its roof, it will also feature the world’s first Net Positive Energy Restaurant, operated by Michael's on East. This restaurant will be fueled in turn by the fruits of these new permaculture gardens to be overseen by volunteers from Easterseals and EcoVets.

“It’s a win-win, all around,” says Tom Waters, president and CEO of Easterseals. “The partnership brings many valuable opportunities to not only contribute to a sustainable restaurant, but an opportunity for people, many with disabilities, to utilize their skills for the greater society.” And for veterans volunteering through Eco Vets, the experience will serve as horticultural therapy.

Of the two edible gardens to be created by these volunteers, one will be available at the restaurant level for visitors to view at their leisure and learn about the plants, while the other will be situated on the roof and be a “significant provider” of edible plant matter for the restaurant below. Both will follow the principles of permaculture, utilizing crops suited for local climes and resources and reducing waste. This will, in turn, affect the menu, infusing it with truly Southwest Florida flavors.

“It is our hope that the citizens and visitors are able to not only enjoy the delicious food that will be grown in a sustainable manner, but that we are able to educate them on the important aspects of edible gardening and permaculture so that they may, in turn, implement these practices in their everyday lives,” says Selby Gardens CEO Jennifer Rominiecki of the possible impact these gardens could have on visitors. “Permaculture is absolutely something that everyday residents can support in their own gardening practices.” 

Pictured: Volunteers from Eco Vets work in the edible garden currently at Selby Gardens. Photo courtesy of Selby Gardens.

[Philanthropy]  Barancik Foundation Board Approves $1.8 Million in Grants

The Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation board has approved $1.8 Million in grant funding. Recent funding from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation strengthens organizational capacity to support the future of the community. Funds include:

A grant of $562,080 over three years to the Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness to pilot the SOAR Team program to connect homeless individuals with available resources and assist those that might be eligible in obtaining social security supplemental income, disability and other benefits. 

A grant of $300,000 over two years to The Bay Park Conservancy to build capacity within the new organization and support fundraising efforts.

A grant of $235,698 over three years to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Foundation to provide start-up funding for a social worker to mentor families and connect them to non-medical supports.

A grant of $230,000 to Project 180 Sarasota for expenses related to acquiring and maintaining property for their Residential Program.

A grant of $200,000 to Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County to establish the Dr. Washington Clark Hill Endowment Fund to support the organization in perpetuity.

A grant up to $157,000 to the Sarasota County School District to fully execute and complete the High School Intensive Language Arts (ILA) Classroom project.

A grant of $75,000 to the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Foundation to support CareerEdge, a highly successful workforce developer program.

A grant of $56,435 to Gulf Coast Community Foundation to establish the Project Nature Bridge Project Fund to support environmental education for underserved youth.

A grant of $36,214 to the Sarasota County School District to purchase supplies to create Reading Recovery multisensory literacy kits to be used in kindergarten and first grade classrooms. 

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

[Philanthropy]  The Exchange to Award $250,000 Regional Arts and Culture Organizations

The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) has announced that it will award $250,000 to 20 regionally based arts and cultural organizations. The grant winners were selected for engaging the public with popular programs that promote diversity and civic engagement, while offering educational opportunities to area students. The groups are also chosen on the basis of their long-term stability and financial health. The money is raised entirely through The Exchange’s 15,000-square-foot consignment boutique in downtown Sarasota. Since 1962, The Exchange has awarded more than $8 million in grants to local non-profits and high school and college students pursuing a higher education in the arts.

Grant recipients for the 2018/2019 fiscal year include the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County, Art Center Sarasota, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Choral Artists of Sarasota, Florida Studio Theatre, FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, Jazz Club of Sarasota, JoMo Productions, Key Chorale, La Musica, Manatee Concert Band, Perlman Music Program, Players Centre for Performing Arts, Sarasota Cuban Ballet School, Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Orchestra, Van Wezel Foundation and Venice Chorale.

In addition, nine high school students and 13 college students will also receive scholarships on the basis of their grades, artistic goals, accomplishments and letters of recommendation. 

The Exchange

[Philanthropy]  WBTT Awarded $15,000 Grant from NEA

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe has received a $15,000 Art Works award from the National Endowment for the Arts to help underwrite its 2020 production of Flyin’ West, as well as to defray the costs of community outreach activities related to the play. Flyin’ West by Pearl Cleage, which will close the 2019-2020 season, is a show that WBTT previously offered as a staged reading. In the 1890s, the lives of a small group of African-American women change after they leave the oppressive South and settle in the all-black town of Nicodemus, Kansas. Their hope and determination to survive in a harsh region are tested as they build new lives for themselves and their families. Resident director Chuck Smith will return to Sarasota to direct this show, which runs June 3 - July 12, 2020. WBTT will take a three-pronged approach to the community outreach activities, including two free performances of Flyin’ West for students and their families, a free “WBTT Voices” community discussion about the play, and a hearing assisted performance either with captioning or ASL interpretation. 

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe

[Philanthropy]  All Faiths' Mobile Pantry Receives $9,000 Grant from Kates Foundation

All Faiths Food Bank has received a $9,000 grant from The Kates Foundation in support of the Mobile Pantry Program for veterans. The Veteran’s Pantry occurs every second and fourth Tuesday of the month and is part of the Food Bank’s larger Mobile Pantry Program, which distributes fresh produce, meats and groceries at 18 locations throughout the community. 

All Faiths Food Bank

[Philanthropy]  Community Foundation Awards Grant to Embracing Our Differences for Unity Days

The McCauley-Brown Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has awarded Embracing Our Differences a $2,000 grant for its 2019-2020 Unity Days program. The initiative engages Sarasota County high school students and staff in a day of team-building activities that inspire cooperation, communication and empathy. During the 2019-20 school year, EOD will provide Unity Days events to all seven Sarasota County public high schools. Through a series of activities facilitated by a trained professional, approximately 75 students at each school will be asked to participate. Prior to each event, a core group of student leaders will be identified and meet multiple times with the facilitator to receive training to help lead the event. The color orange will be worn as a visually compelling expression of solidarity and as a symbol of unity, sending the unified message to students that they are not alone. 

Embracing Our Differences

[Philanthropy]  Students Receive Scholarships from Fine Arts Society of Sarasota

The Fine Arts Society of Sarasota recently awarded 13 local students with $46,300 in scholarships. The scholarship program is part of the Society’s mission to support and stimulate the arts in Sarasota County. Since 1969, the scholarship program has awarded nearly $1.1 million to students whose studies include visual and related arts, dance, writing, music, theater and architecture. All scholarship monies are generated through the Society’s activities. 

Fine Arts Society of Sarasota

[Philanthropy]  Gaylor Awarded SYC Inaugural Anchor Award for Philanthropy

The Sarasota Yacht Club has awarded Chip Gaylor the inaugural Anchor Award for Philanthropy. The award honors an individual or family member who has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable leadership within the Club and whose generosity of time and talents has encouraged others within the Club to be involved.

Gaylor has been instrumental in many important initiatives at SYC. He created the Employee Scholarship Fund overseen by The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and provided a dollar-for-dollar match up to $25,000. He was an integral member of SYC Cares by providing seed funding of $11,300, which allowed SYC Cares to immediately award grants. Most recently at SYC Cares’ annual fundraiser, Gaylor announced that for every dollar raised to benefit SYC Cares Group Donor Advised Fund overseen by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, two dollars would be contributed to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium through the Donnelly Foundation. This resulted in a gift of $112,000 for Red Tide research. 

Sarasota Yacht Club



[TODAY]  FOOD: Sip and Savor , May 22, 5:30pm

Enjoy an extravagant wine tasting and food pairing where dress code is Field Club Casual (dress shorts acceptable, no jeans please). There will be a silent auction featuring wines from Argus member wine cellars!

Field Club, 1400 Field Road, Sarasota.

[TODAY]  MUSEUM: Natasha Mazurka: Order Systems , March 17 – September 29

Mazurka’s work reflects the communicative potential of pattern by combining visual references to architecture, biology, data analytics and instructional code. From her intense research into pattern languages, Mazurka presents an art exhibition that flatters and disturbs concepts of certainty and stability residing within pattern systems existing all-around us.

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[TODAY]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kokedama - A Different Bonsai , May 22, 10am-12pm

Kokedama is a style of bonsai in Japanese culture. In this class you will take a fresh plant (epiphyte) and wrap it in a peat-based soil recipe that is designed to hold its spherical shape; then you will fasten moss around it to make a gorgeous little green orb. You will make two of these plants to take home and display. Registration is $35 for members/$50 for non-members.

Selby Gardens, 900 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Still Life & Flat Lay Photography , May 23, 10am-1pm

Learn how to photograph “top down” from above. Create vignettes, explore props to use, minimalist styles, what to use for backgrounds and how to create backgrounds. Hands on play and photographing. Focus on mobile photography but all cameras welcome. Open to all levels. Registration is $60 for members/$75 for non-members.

Selby Gardens, 900 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  HEALTH: Warrior Pose For Warriors: A Yoga Fundraiser Supporting Veterans at the Sarasota Opera House , May 23

An evening with Operation Warrior Resolution (OWR) supporting military servicemembers with yoga, breath and body work and sound immersions on the stage of the legendary Sarasota Opera House. The event will be led by popular yogi master and Lululemon ambassador, Ms. Ashley Stewart. All proceeds will support OWR’s mission of providing immediate and effective mental health care at no cost for all U.S. military veterans and family members. Operation Warrior Resolution is a locally-based military nonprofit celebrating its first year as an officially recognized 501 c3 with a warrior pose for warriors – doing a downward dog on the same very stage a young Elvis Presley once shook his hips and sang “Hound Dog” at the Sarasota Opera House.

 

A variety of small eats and juices will be provided by local vendors in the courtyard immediately afterwards. Spots are limited, so get your ticket today and support our country’s warriors with a warrior pose yourself at the Sarasota Opera House!

Sarasota Opera House

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Gelli Plate Printing a la Gauguin , May 24, 10am-3pm

Experience the joy of mono-printing without a press thanks to the gelli plate, a product that looks and feels like gelatin and can be used again and again. In recognition of the Gauguin exhibit, special emphasis will be placed on printing leaves and flowers from Selby Gardens Botanical Paradise. Create one-of-a-kind prints using textures, stencils, household items and acrylic paint. Registration is $50 for members/$60 for non-members.

Selby Gardens, 900 South Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Annual St. Armand's Seafood and Music Festival , May 24 – May 26

Take advantage of yummy seafood prepared fresh on site along with drinks. Enjoy your foodie experience while jamming to live musical performances on stage by some of Florida’s and the region’s top musical talents. Music will be from such genres as R&B, jazz, classical, calypso, reggae and more. General admission is free, VIP tent admission is $130.

 

St. Armand's Circle Park

[SOON]  GALLERY: Myakka Light , May 25 – June 28

Frank Bibbins has used infrared and low color imagery to capture the evolving landscape of the Myakka River and State Park over the past decade. This photography exhibit not only presents an intimate look at the preserve but concentrates on conservation and preservation. A public reception will be held June 7, 6-9pm.

Art Uptown Gallery, 1367 Main St., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: SRQ Margarita Festival , May 25, 2:00PM - 10:00PM

Join us for the inaugural SRQ Margarita Festival, the perfect combination of live music and margaritas. Enjoy a variety of margarita flavors, 5 great bands, the areas best food trucks, games, anda spectacular firework display to end the night. Tickets are limited and are on sale now. Proceeds from event will benefit Turning Points, Barking Out Loud Rescue, and Farm Dog Fosters. #SRQritafest

Van Wezel, 777 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota.

[SOON]  FOOD: Venice Brew Bash , May 25, 3:00pm-7:00pm

Sample over 60 different craft and import brews while enjoying great music. This event is the perfect opportunity for beer aficionados, beer lovers or just the casual beer drinker!

 

Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Avenue, Venice.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Annual Myakka River Blues Festival , May 27, 11am-6pm

Tune in for a great lineup of artists this Memorial Day, including The Kat Crosby Band, The Collaboration Band, Sarasota Slim, Ghost Mountain Revival Band and Ben Prestage. Snook Haven is located in a sedate area near the riverbed in a natural cove that holds the true old Florida ambiance. Enjoy two stages with non-stop music with styles from the Chicago blues scene to southern style blues. Tickets are $15 pre-sale and $25 at the door. 

Snook Haven, 5000 East Venice Avenue, Venice. 

[SOON]  GALLERY: Cycle 5 , May 30 – July 5

In Gallery 1, Monumental, a group show, features small-scale sculptures. Next door, local artist Keith Crowley will exhibit a recent series of his meticulously layered photographically-based oil and watercolor paintings in his first solo exhibition at Art Center Sarasota. In Gallery 3, and featuring incisive and satirical investigations of the ego, sexuality, and competitiveness found on full display at gyms, Caitlin Albritton’s paintings and drawings of contorted figures address questions of gender issues and body politics.

Art Center Sarasota, 707 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: The Niceties , May 31 – June 30

Zoe is called into her professor's office to discuss her paper about slavery's effect on the American Revolution. What begins as a polite clash in perspectives explodes into an urgent debate about race, history and power.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Evolve Summer Social "Saturday Night Fever" , June 1, 7-11pm

Don't miss the Evolve Summer Social "Saturday Night Fever" benefitting the Children’s Guardian Fund on June 1st from 7-11pm at the Grove at Lakewood Ranch.  Each year, hundreds of children in foster care go without birthday presents or celebrations.  Through the proceeds from this event and  community donations, the Children’s Guardian Fund can provide $35 Walmart Gift cards to guardians for each child’s birthday.  Last year’s event “Havana Nights” raised over $13,000 providing over 370 gift cards. 

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Art, Animals and You , June 1, 9am - 3pm

Explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt, see what the vendors have in store, enjoy the art of the "Fur, Feathers, Flora & Fauna" exhibit and bring your well-behaved leashed pets for a free Pet Portrait. There will also be 1-hour children's art workshops at this interactive and creative day of family fun.

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

[SOON]  MUSIC: Artist Showcase (AS1): Fairy tales and Fantasy , June 6

Embark on a fantastic journey to faraway places. Various artist will perform to evoke a world of childlike imagination. Also, experience the world premiere of Andrea Clearfield's Ha-Galgal (The Wheel), a prayerful work inspired by the sound of the shofar, for solo horn.

Holley Hall, 709 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Around the World in 80 Days , June 7 – June 23

Eight actors, 109 characters, six trains, six boats, four flights, one storm, a circus act and an elephant take center stage in this play. When Phileas Fogg and servant Passepartout board the train in London in 1875, he has only 80 days to travel the world to win a wager with his fellow members at the Reform Club. An adventure lies ahead that includes romance, danger and surprises with Scotland Yard pursuing him at every turn.

 

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 18th Annual St. Armands Circle Craft Festival , June 8 – June 9

Festival-goers will enjoy works from the state’s best talent of crafters and long-time festival favorites along with the newest names on the contemporary craft scene.  Come see some of America's best crafters displaying one of a kind jewelry, pottery, plant holders, soaps, and more. Also included will be an expansive green market.

St. Armands, 411 St. Armands Cir., 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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