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SRQ DAILY Jul 24, 2019

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"This is a strategic addition to our protected lands and an outstanding example of how Conservation Foundation skillfully collaborates with federal, state and private organizations, and people to accomplish large goals."

- Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources
 

[Philanthropy]  Sarasota YMCA to Shutter Both Fitness Centers
Philip Lederer, Phil.Lederer@srqme.com

Sarasota YMCA has announced that “with a heavy heart” it will be permanently closing its two Sarasota Family YMCA fitness centers on Friday, September 13 at 5pm. The affected fitness centers are the Evalyn Sadlier Jones Branch at Potter Park Drive and the Frank G. Berlin Sr. Branch on South Euclid Avenue.

In a message to the community, the organization reports that despite efforts to the contrary, the centers have “operated at a financial loss for the past several years” and are no longer sustainable. As a result, the YMCA Board will be turning “100% of its focus” to operating the YMCA’s ongoing foster care and social services programs that have served vulnerable populations in the community for many decades, including abused, neglected and at-risk children. “The YMCA’s mission has always been to meet community needs,” the statement reads, “and in continuing to operate these important foster care and social service programs this mission of the YMCA will continue to be fulfilled.”

A “last possible alternative,” the decision to close the fitness centers came only after several different approaches were tried and found insufficient. Despite price changes, modified offerings and even “substantial cost-cutting,” the centers continued to operate at a loss. The national YMCA organization was contacted, as well as neighboring Florida YMCAs, to see if Sarasota YMCA’s fitness centers could be merged with another organization and thus preserved, but no attempts were successful. “We also spoke with important funders in the community seeking financial support,” stated the message from Sarasota YMCA, “but those efforts were not fruitful.”

As for immediate impacts: members will have access to both fitness centers through 5pm on Friday September 13, 2019; the last membership payment draft will be on August 15, 2019; members who have prepaid their annual or semi-annual membership fee will receive a pro-rated refund; programs and sports activities will not be continued past the closure date and refunds will be processed on a pro-rated basis.

However, the before- and after-school program will continue at the Southside, Gocio and Fruitville elementary schools.

“This is not the outcome we wanted,” the statement concludes. “Our hearts go out to everyone in the extended Sarasota YMCA family affected by this. The YMCA exists to serve the needs of the community and it will continue that mission through our foster care and social services programs.” 

Sarasota YMCA

[Environment]  Protecting Myakka River's Marshes
Brittany Mattie, brittany.mattie@srqme.com

Permanent protection of the 543-acre Murphy Marsh within Manatee County’s Myakka River watershed region was recently announced by the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. Murphy Marsh remains in the most threatened portion of the watershed and links three different Myakka River conservation areas: Triangle Ranch, Lettuce Lakes and Conservation Foundation’s newly conserved Tatum Sawgrass Scrub Preserve.  

Conserving this large tract of private property will enable Conservation Foundation to protect and restore the core of the 2,500-acre Tatum Sawgrass marsh. A landscape-scale restoration plan is being facilitated by the foundation, based on hydrologic modeling of the entire Upper Myakka River watershed. The plan hopes to reduce flooding downstream, increase habitat for animals such as the wood stork, deer, snook and even the endangered Florida panther, and overall, improve the health and vitality of Myakka River. Protecting Murphy Marsh is critical to maintaining the region's water quality, as water flows off the land into the Myakka River and through the more than 40 miles of protected lands that buffer the river before it flows into Charlotte Harbor estuary.

“This is a strategic addition to our protected lands and an outstanding example of how Conservation Foundation skillfully collaborates with federal, state and private organizations, and people to accomplish large goals,” says Charlie Hunsicker, director of Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provided critical funding, and will hold the perpetual conservation easement and provide additional funding for restoration. This protection success was made possible by the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, The Gardener Foundation, the Felburn Foundation, the Myakka River Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation, the Disney Conservation Fund, Skip and Janis Swan, and the Everett W. Erdoesy & Gretha M. Erdoesy Foundation. 

Photo of Tatum Sawgrass Preserve, taken by Glenn Gardner.

Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast

[Philanthropy]  Ringling Museum Names Terman as Senior Director of Development

The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art has announced that Mark Terman has joined the staff as the senior director of development. With more than 30 years of development experience, Terman served as executive director of principal gifts for 19 years at Michigan State University where he worked most recently with MSU leadership on the university’s successful $1.8 billion campaign. He was the lead fundraiser on the Eli & Edythe Broad Art Museum at MSU, which opened in 2012. Before his time at Michigan State, he was the president of the Michigan Fitness Foundation Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports. 

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

[Philanthropy]  Kellman Promoted, Young Joins Community Foundation Philanthropic Team

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has announced that Heidi Kellman has assumed the role of Director of Philanthropy Administration, serving as an internal liaison for donors and professional advisors, and Michelle Young has joined the foundation as Senior Philanthropic Advisor.

Kellman has worked as part of the Philanthropy team at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County since 2015, most recently in the role of Manager of Donor Services for the Philanthropy department. As Director of Philanthropy Administration, she is responsible for overseeing the internal functions of the department, which include information management, creating fund documents and stewardship tools, developing department policy and procedures, and providing an online resource for charitable giving support.

Young served most recently as the Senior Development Officer for the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. As Senior Philanthropic Advisor, she will be responsible for working with individual donors and corporations to identify, plan, and measure their charitable giving to local nonprofit organizations. 

Community Foundation of Sarasota County

[Philanthropy]  Neal Communities Commits $150,000 to Brain Health Initiative

Neal Communities has committed $150,000 to help fund the Brain Health Initiative at Lakewood Ranch (BHILWR). BHILWR is a three-phase project formed by Lakewood Ranch, The Academy for Brain Health and Massachusetts General Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital. This collaborative effort is designed to uncover the various positive and negative factors that affect brain health performance, as well as discern, develop and implement interventions aimed at optimizing brain health throughout the lifespan. The BHILWR also aims to establish Lakewood Ranch and the Gulf Coast community as a scientific leader in brain health discovery and innovation.

The Brain Health Initiative team will build from insights gained during the initial Phase 1 surveys that were conducted last year. During Phase 2 of the study—taking place September 2019 through April 2020—researchers will conduct focus groups across the region and use the findings to create strategies for the pilot study, as well as receive input from additional scientific leaders and develop the brain health baseline survey to be implemented in Phase 3.  

Brain Health Initiative at Lakewood Ranch

[Philanthropy]  RCAD Receives $1 Million Endowment Grant for Osher Lifelong Learning

Ringling College of Art and Design has announced the receipt of a $1 million endowment grant from The Bernard Osher Foundation to support the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College and its mission to enrich the lives of mature adults in Sarasota and Manatee counties by providing outstanding educational programs.

OLLI at Ringling College was formed in December 2017 when the Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy (RCLLA) was awarded an initial $100,000 grant from The Bernard Osher Foundation. RCLLA was renamed the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College to commemorate its inclusion in the national network of 123 lifelong learning programs supported by the Osher Foundation at institutions of higher education across the country, including American University, Florida State, Johns Hopkins and more. 

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College

[Philanthropy]  Mattison's Hosting Benziger Winery Dinner for Niman Ranch Scholarship

Chef Paul Mattison, executive chef and proprietor of Mattison’s Restaurants and Catering, will host a six-course Benziger Family Winery Dinner to benefit the Niman Ranch Next Generation Scholarship program. This exclusive dinner, featuring the portfolio of Benziger wines, will be held at Mattison’s Forty-One, 7275 South Tamiami Trl., Sarasota at 6:30pm on Wednesday, August 28. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Niman Ranch Next Generation Scholarship Foundation.

The scholarship is designed to raise awareness around the loss of traditional farming and ranching practices, and to ultimately offer agriculture opportunities and funding for students pursuing their education in farming related fields so they are able to return to their family farms with a viable way of supporting themselves and sustaining their farms and families. Niman Ranch believes in sustainable and environmentally friendly practices with a strong focus on humane treatment of animals and clean food production. Special guest, hog farmer and past scholarship recipient, Aaron Williams, will be attending to share his story and explain the importance of the program. 

Niman Ranch Next Generation Scholarship Dinner

[Philanthropy]  New College Foundation Appoints Five to Board of Directors

The New College Foundation, the philanthropic organization supporting New College of Florida, has announced the appointment of five new members to its board of directors.

Glenn P. Hendrix, a 1981 graduate of New College, is chair of Arnall, Golden & Gregory, LLP, in Atlanta. He is the founding president of the Atlanta International Arbitration Society and active in the American Bar Association, presently serving as the ABA’s representative to the U.S. State Department's Advisory Committee on International Law. Steve Jacobson is a 1975 graduate of New College and chair of the New College Alumni Association Board. He is currently employed at Northwestern University as a cryogenics engineer. George Quarterman, owner of a State Farm Insurance and Financial Services office in Sarasota, has 28 years of experience providing insurance and financial services. John F. “Jack” Schlegel served as the chief executive officer of three major national associations in health care before becoming a consultant with experience in strategic planning, board orientation, leadership and management development, organizational assessment and more. Henry Smyth, who graduated from New College in 1981, is director and investment manager for Granville Cooper Gold Fund II, Ltd. He resides in the Bahamas. 

New College Foundation



[TODAY]  THEATER: The Swingaroos: Hollywood Serenade , July 23 – August 30

Back by popular demand, The Swingaroos return to FST with a brand new show. Inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood, this jazzy music revue pays tribute to such icons as Frank Sinatra, Cab Calloway, and Fred Astaire. Travel back in time this summer to the ‘30s and ‘40s when big bands and swing dancing were all the rage. 

Florida Studio Threatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota

[TODAY]  MUSEUM: Conversation: Behind the Scenes with the Events Department , July 24, 10:30am

Join Events staff for an informal discussion of their work, including an explanation of their day-to-day tasks, highlights of their favorite parts of the job, trade secrets of the profession and what they wish museum visitors knew about what goes into planning museum events.

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

[TODAY]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip: Caspersen Beach to Lemon Bay , July 24, 8:30am–11:30am

Enjoy quiet water and open-seated kayaking from Caspersen Beach to Lemon Bay with John Sarkozy. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip. Contact John for additional information, exact launch location and required reservations. Get out and explore the area! 

[SOON]  BUSINESS: SB2 Transformation in Philanthropy Symposium- July 25; 11:30am-1pm , July 25, Registration 11am. Program 11:30am-1pm.

Join us for the SB2: Transformation in Philanthropy Luncheon on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota from 11:30am to 1pm. The topic of discussion will be creating bold and resonant impact through the nonprofit mission. Registration opens at 11am. Panelists include special guests: David Moore of Moore Strategic Consulting, Sabeen Perwaiz of the Florida Nonprofit Alliance and Lilly Weinberg of the Knight Foundation. Tickets: $55/person. Table Sponsorships Available. Purchase tickets online at SRQSB2.COM. 

Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota

[SOON]  THEATER: Scorch , July 26 – August 25

For Kes, falling in love for the first time happened online. But the exhilarating fantasy quickly turns into a terrifying reality when the young teen is accused of criminal conduct. Inspired by real cases of ‘gender fraud,’ Scorch is a touching and provocative story of love though the eyes of a gender-curious teen.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Sunset Kayak Trip , July 26, 6:00pm–8:30pm

Enoy the beautiful sunset on a kayak paddle on Little Sarasota Bay. See birds and marine life, and have a great time on the water with a break at Palmer Point Beach. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip. Contact John for additional information, exact launch location and required reservations. 

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Family Saturdays: Pond-themed Sensory Bottles , July 27, 10am

Delve into the Ringling Museum of Art with a creative project: creating sensory bottles! Work in the Education Building classrooms and explore the Museum with a special handout to help locate and learn more about the objects and places that inspired the project.

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip: Curry Creek , July 28, 8:30am–11:30am

Take a kayak paddle and enjoy the great outdoors. This trip, led by John Sarkozy, will be in the Nokomis area and pass through the Curry Creek Preserve. Just bring drinking water, sunscreen and your sense of adventure! All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip. Contact John for additional information, exact launch location and required reservations. 

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Museum of Art Mondays: Greek Pottery Designs , July 29, 10am

Join the Ringling staff in the Education Building for a Greek Pottery Design art-making program, bridging active creation with artwork in the Museum. Then visit the galleries to find each day’s featured artwork and learn more about it from a docent!

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Kayak Trip: Myakka River from Snook Haven , July 30, 8:30am–11:30am

Take a kayak trip on the wild and scenic Myakka River. This trip will travel the portion of the river that is downstream from Snook Haven. All kayak equipment will be provided and is included in the cost of the trip. Contact John for additional information, exact launch location and required reservations. 

[SOON]  THEATER: The Cottage , July 31 – August 24

Set in the English countryside in 1923, this sexy comedy of love and betrayal unfolds when Sylvia Van Kipness decides to expose her secret love affair to her husband. The true meanings of love and marriage are called into question as a surprising, hilarious web of secrets unravels in this ridiculous—potentially murderous—romantic comedy.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota

[SOON]  FILM: Gazebo Starlight Cinema Series , August 2, 8pm

Join the Gazebo Starlight Cinema series with this month’s movie: Mrs. Doubtfire. With a screen stretched around the Gazebo pillars and family flicks back-projected from within, what better place than the facing grassy knoll to relax in a beach chair or curl up on a blanket? Bring the whole family to kick off your weekend while enjoying the park! Support local Venice Avenue businesses by bringing snacks, dinner, ice cream (or gelato!) to enjoy during the movie. 

Downtown Venice Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Ave.

[SOON]  MUSEUM: Family Saturdays: Colorful Classical Sculpture , August 3, 10am

Delve into the grounds and gardens of Ringling with a creative project: creating classical sculptures! Work in the Education Building classrooms and explore the Museum and grounds with a special handout to help locate and learn more about the objects and places that inspired the project.

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Friends of Manatee County Animal Services Adopt-A-Palooza Pet Expo , August 3, 11am

Join us at Adopt-A-Palooza, the area’s largest one-day pet expo and animal adoption event on August 3, from 11-4 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. The event will feature over 100 adoptable animals, more than 50 pet retailers displaying and selling pet related products and services, a search and rescue demo, plus raffles and silent auctions. Adopt-A-palooza is fun for the whole family, and the first 500 people will receive a goodie bag. Even if you aren’t looking to adopt, come to shop and support the Friends of Manatee County Animal Services’ efforts to help shelter animals find forever homes. Free to attend/free parking. Leashed pets are welcome.

Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL 34221

[SOON]  FILM: Art and a Movie: Summer Film Series , August 5, 1:30pm

Visit the showing of Kusana: Infinity as part of The Ringling and Monda Collections’ Summer Film Series. Ringling staff will introduce the film and lead a brief discussion about each of the three highlighted women artists of the series. Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of free Mondays at the Museum of Art to visit the exhibition before or after the film.

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: 3rd Annual Woodstock Revival , August 10

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Woodstock while supporting Sarasota Farmers Market and Downtown Sarasota. Kettle of Fish will be the band this year. See vintage Volkswagens, participate in the "Best Dressed Hippie" Contest, buy local produce and reexperience peace and love. 

Sarasota Farmers Market, 1 N Lemon Ave.

[SOON]  FILM: Sun Xun: Time Spy , August 11 – February 16

A mesmerizing 3D animated film by Chinese painter and draughtsman, Sun Xun incorporates traditional techniques including ink painting, charcoal drawing and woodblock printing. He uses analog and digital technologies to explore pressing concerns of the time.

The Ringling, 5401 Bay Shore Road

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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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