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SRQ DAILY Jul 13, 2022

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"My motivation has always been about vision, passion and determination to make this world a better place. Work does not get better than that. "

- Dr. Mark S. Pritchett, President and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
 

[Announcement]  Gulf Coast Community Foundation CEO Dr. Mark S. Pritchett Announces Retirement
Barbie Heit, barbie.heit@srqme.com

This week, President and CEO of Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Dr. Dr. Mark S. Pritchett announced his plan to retire in 2023. Pritchett joined Gulf Coast in 2008 as Vice President of Community Investment and was named President|CEO in 2015.

With Pritchett at the helm, Gulf Coast has provided strategic and financial support to pioneering projects such as The Legacy Trail, The Bay, and the COVID-19 Response Initiative. He has led historically impactful initiatives in the region including: 911 Reform, CareerEdge, and STEMSmart, which revolutionized how math and science and eventually language arts and social studies is taught in middle school.

Although he has worked for 55 rewarding and productive years in a variety of careers; Pritchett looks back at his years at Gulf Coast as some of the most fulfilling. “One of the most rewarding initiatives was the 911 Reform work which I completed my first year at Gulf Coast in 2008-2009,” he tells us. “The Denise Amber Lee story was tragic and heart wrenching. Her kidnapping and murder made national headlines and was featured on shows like Dateline and 48 Hours. It was an honor to work with widower Nathan Lee, his family, and law enforcement professionals to help him turn a tragedy into a national training network for 911 operators and responders. We did groundbreaking research, public policy work, lobbying, and helped him get his own foundation up and running. This is just an amazing story and shows the power of a community foundation to impact positive change not only locally, but statewide and nationally.”

Under Pritchett’s leadership and together with donors, Gulf Coast’s asset growth and philanthropy is at an all-time high. It has seen growth of nearly $360 million in new gifts since he became CEO while grants to nonprofits increased by $342 million. Pritchett played a significant leadership role in two successful initiatives: Florida’s 2000 post-election reforms and the process to resolve homeowner damage disputes from the 2004-2005 catastrophic hurricane seasons.

“Gulf Coast is peaking and we have never been stronger across all measures,” says Pritchett. “We have an exceptionally talented team, passionate board, and some exciting goals we want to accomplish over the next 3-5 years. I have been planning my retirement since COVID and now is the perfect time for that next leader to take Gulf Coast to that next level.” As a retiree, he looks forward to visits with family and friends, hiking near his Colorado home, and traveling with his love, Gina Taylor.

“I am fully committed to supporting our board, our team and to help our next leader fully succeed,” adds Pritchett. “I am most grateful for the opportunity to have served the Sarasota region and communities throughout Florida. My motivation has always been about vision, passion and determination to make this world a better place. Work doesn’t get better than that.” 

Pictured: Dr. Mark S. Pritchett, President | CEO, Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Photo courtesy of Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

To learn more, visit

[Board Member]  CEO of World’s Largest Resiliency Webinar Joins Resilient Retreat Board of Directors

Resilient Retreat welcomes its newest board member, Joy Miller, Ph.D., an internationally-known licensed psychotherapist, professional trainer, and author of seven books. Dr. Miller is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Certified Master Addictions Counselor. She has been featured on Oprah Winfrey and many other syndicated talk shows. Most recently, she volunteers her time creating the international Resiliency Forum, which is the largest resiliency conference in the world. She is currently a Director of the Board at Resilient Retreat. Focused on personal empowerment and promoting strategies to enhance resiliency, Dr. Miller’s Resiliency Forum brings together inspirational speakers, empowering clinicians, talented artists, life-changing authors, and noted professionals, all dedicated to enhancing our ability to bounce back and thrive. In 2021, 7000+ participants from 111 countries around the world joined together to focus on strategies to enhance their resiliency in an ever-changing world. 37 celebrities shared their voice and vision for personal empowerment in a 4-hour webinar. Resilient Retreat has been selected as one of the charity partners featured during the webinar, which provides opportunities to donate directly to Resilient Retreat. Anyone is invited to join the free webinar on Friday, September 9th from 12 – 4 pm EST. Find out more about Resiliency 2022 at https://resiliencyandhappiness.com. 

[Fundraising]  The Bay Park Conservancy Reaches Fundraising Milestone

The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC), the non-profit organization responsible for overseeing the transformation of 53-acres of city-owned land along Sarasota’s bayfront into a world-class public park, has reached another significant milestone. Thanks to generous community donors, The Bay has raised a second $5 million from private sources, triggering a second $1 million match from The Patterson Foundation’s current challenge match.This additional match marks the second major milestone in The Patterson Foundation’s challenge for the $24 million capital campaign announced in July 2021, which has now generated over $12 million from private philanthropic, community sources, and matches. This brings the capital campaign to the halfway point with 18 months left in the campaign. All of the funds will be used to develop and build new public park space at the Bay. In July of 2021, The Patterson Foundation announced its continuing support for The Bay by committing up to $4 million in matching funds to catalyze private donations to complete development of the first phase of the park. Each time private philanthropy donates $5 million through 2023, The Patterson Foundation will provide a $1 million match, up to a total contribution of $4 million — resulting in a $24 million investment into The Bay. The current challenge match follows a previous $5 million challenge match provided by The Patterson Foundation, which donors achieved in May of 2021. The $5 million in matching dollars helped catalyze a $20 million total investment by private philanthropy into Phase 1. This is the second major milestone in the current challenge match. This additional $12 million takes the total raised from community, private, and local government sources to over $36 million, with additional private and government commitments not included. 

[Recognition]  Nine Icard Merrill Attorneys Selected as 2022 Florida Super Lawyers

Nine Icard Merrill attorneys have been selected to the list of 2022 Florida Super Lawyers  and Rising Stars. Super Lawyers is a Thomson Reuters rating service of outstanding lawyers with less than five percent of lawyers in the state selected each year to receive this honor. Icard Merrill attorneys selected to the list of 2022 Super Lawyers are Drew Clayton, Securities Litigation; Thomas F. Icard, Jr., Construction Litigation; William W. Merrill III, Land Use & Zoning; Alyssa M.
Nohren, Real Estate; and Telese L. Zuberer, Real Estate. Attorneys named to the list of 2022 Florida Rising Stars are Natalie G. Coldiron, Real Estate; Worth Graham, Securities Litigation; Bianca N. Manos, Family Law; and Jordan Riccardi, Estate Planning & Probate. Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a patented multiphase selection process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with independent research. The annual selections are made using a rigorous process, including a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys. 

To learn more, visit

[New Design]  Local Design Firm Unveils Multiple Projects

Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors—a local design firm that brings a contemporary Florida Modern style to its projects—recently unveiled six new projects in six consecutive weeks, expanding the firm’s portfolio of public designs. Though the six consecutive ribbon cuttings represent a milestone for the company, its partners continue looking to the future as they solidify a reputation for collaboration, community stewardship and consensus-building. The projects, which span a broad array of industries in the public sector, include:Dearborn Plaza Bandshell , Charlotte County Fire Station #10, C. V. Walton Racquet Center at G.T. Bray Park, Robert L. Anderson and South County Courts, Cape Coral Fire Station 12 and Lincoln Aquatic Center. 

To learn more, visit



[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Charity Poker Tournament at One-Eyed Jacks Poker Room , July 14, 6pm

The Charity Poker Tournament will take place on Thursday, July 14 at One-Eyed Jacks Poker Room, 4404 Bee Ridge Road. There will be a welcome reception at 6pm with complimentary appetizers, tournament welcome gift, and full cash bar. The tournament will begin at 6:30pm. The entry fee is $115 and all participants must pre-register. $500 will go to each top 5 winner.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Lobster and Wine...Oooooh La La , July 14 – July 17

Bonjour Sarasota! Come Join Us and Cafe LEurope for some French fun. Celebrate Bastille Day July 14th-17th. Feast on lobster and other French favorites. Sample a flight of French wines or enjoy your selection by the glass or bottle. Make your reservations Today. 941-388-4415.

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Love, Linda at The Players , July 14 – July 24, 7:30 pm and 2:00 pm

The Players Centre presents Love, Linda: The Life of Mrs. Cole Porter. July 14-16 & 21-23, 2022 at 7:30pm; July 17 & 24, 2022 at 2pm. The timeless music and lyrics of Cole Porter weave through the compelling narrative of Linda Lee Thomas, the Southern beauty who was the driving force behind the legendary songwriter. Studio 1130-The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Please park and enter the mall at the Connors Steak & Seafood.

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: St. Armand's Circle: Lotus Cars on the Circle , July 16, 9am-3pm

Lotus Cars on the Circle will take place on July 16 from 9am to 3pm. Join Lotus Car and British Car owners for this free event in St. Armands Circle Park. Sponsored by Lynches Pub & Grub www.Lynches.pub. For further information regarding this show and registration, please contact Jason@Lynches.pub. On-site registration and show parking taking place between 7am to 9am. 

St. Armand's Circle Park

[SOON]  SPORTS: International Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew World Championships , July 18 – July 24

The 13th CCWC will be held from July 18 to 24, 2022 at Nathan Benderson Park (NBP), located in Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida. Held in alternate years, these championships are for entire boats from individual clubs around the world. Dragon boat races are water sport activity in which teams race in a canoe-like vessel.

Nathan Benderson Park

[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Florida Studio Theatre: The Jersey Tenors: Part II , July 19 – September 11, Varies.

Back with a new show, this opera/rock mash-up sensation blends iconic opera classics with Rock & Roll hits from artists like Queen, Journey, and Elton John, along with the songs from Jersey’s finest—Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and Bon Jovi. From Frank Sinatra to Figaro, hear The Tenors’ original arrangements of songs celebrating artists from the stage to the screen, including “Walk Like A Man,” “Your Song,” “That’s Life,” “Eye of the Tiger,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and many more. The Jersey Tenors: Part II, created and conceived by Brian Noonan, will play beginning July 19, 2022 in FST's Goldstein Cabaret. Run Time is 70 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.

Florida Studio Theatre's Goldstein Cabaret

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Selby Gardens: Seeing the Invisible , September 25 – August 31, 10am-5pm

The most ambitious and expansive exhibition to date of contemporary artworks created with augmented reality (AR) technology will premiere at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, opening on September 25, 2021 and ongoing through August 31 2022, as one of 12 participating gardens across six countries. Seeing the Invisible features works by more than a dozen international artists such as Ai Weiwei, Refik Anadol, El Anatsui, Isaac Julien CBE, Mohammed Kazem, Sigalit Landau, Sarah Meyohas, Pamela Rosenkranz, and Timur Si-Qin—including several artists’ first work in AR. Visitors will engage with Seeing the Invisible via an app designed for the exhibition downloadable to smartphones and tablets. Forging new links between botanical gardens located in diverse biomes around the globe, the exhibition fosters collaboration between institutions, artists, and audiences, highlighting the power of art to connect people around the world.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: The Bishop: Laser Light Nights , May 26 – August 13, 7pm and 9pm

Break out the big hair and acid-washed denims—Laser Light Nights are back at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night from May 26 through August 13 at 7pm and 9pm, we are rocking out to some of your favorite artists in the Planetarium. A variety of food options and drinks are available for purchase onsite with cash or card. Tickets are going fast—get yours today! Please note: Laser Light Nights run at a volume similar to a rock concert. Ear plugs are advised for those who prefer a lower volume.

Bishop Museum of Science and Nature

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Tripletail Seafood and Spirits Wine Down Wednesdays , July 11 – July 31, 3pm-close

Every Wednesday from 3:00 to Close we offer discounted pricing on select bottles of wine. Explore our extensive domestic and imported wine list or just indulge in your favorites. Tripletail Seafood & Spirits will extend Savor Sarasota to Tripletails Summer Savor, through July. Taste Chef Traes extensive special Savor Menu of appetizers, entrée’s and desserts, with suggested wine pairings from our imported and domestic wine selections. Tripletail Seafood and Spirits Happy Hours menu. 3pm-6pm Every Day, Classic & Signature Cocktails, Wine and Beer $1 off plus some delish new Small Bite offerings. https://www.tripletailsrq.com/

[SOON]  HEALTH: Health and Wellness Beauty Fair , August 6, 11am-3pm

This relaxing day will feature the latest technology in non-invasive, no down time facial/neck treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, SofWave. On-site treatments, demos, discounts & samples, vendors & shopping, food, wine & live music + amazing door prizes! Free EMSlim body sculpting session w/ SofWave purchase. Please come out and meet Nancy Dowe, RN, BSN, Licensed Esthetician with 30 years of nursing and skincare experience and owner of Esteem Medical Aesthetics of Bradenton. Saturday, August 6th, 11 am to 3 pm, Peridia Golf and Country Club, 4950 Peridia Boulevard East, Bradenton, RSVP by text: 615-319-3603.

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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