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SRQ DAILY Sep 13, 2023

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"With housing and interest rates in Sarasota County at an all-time high and very little change in salaries, many families can no longer make ends meet."

- Jennifer Fagenbaum, Executive Director, Family Promise of South Sarasota County.
 

[Housing Crisis]  Family Promise of South Sarasota County Hosts 7th Annual Dream Walk
Barbie Heit, barbie.heit@srqme.com

Family Promise of South Sarasota County (FPSSC) is pleased to announce details for the 7th Annual Dream Walk, a Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser that provides an opportunity for the community to help support the FPSSC mission and advocate for those in need of services. The event will feature a choice of a short or long walking path, engaging activities at each stop along the way, and a pancake breakfast. Walkers and teams register to participate and are provided with an online page to help them garner support from their friends and family by making donations to them to walk.

Funds raised from Dream Walk support FPSSC’s four major comprehensive programs for families with minor children: The Bridge Housing Program is a 60–90-day shelter program that helps stabilize families who find themselves in a housing crisis; The Open Doors Program is a homeless prevention and diversion program that provides rent assistance and move-in assistance for qualified families; The Pathways Home Program is a one-year transitional shelter program that families from the Bridge Housing Program can qualify for if they cannot find housing they can afford at the end of the shelter program; The Home Goods Pantry provides toiletries, cleaning supplies and other household items to families in the other programs to help them cut down the cost of going to the store. All items in the Home Goods Pantry are donated from individuals and groups in the community. FPSSC also has a Sustainable Housing Project underway. In 2022, the FPSSC Board of Trustees saw that with the rising cost of housing, the families in their programs had no hope of finding affordable housing or achieving the stability they were working so hard for. The Board then created a three-year Strategic Plan to start purchasing and building housing that the workforce and the families they serve can afford. The housing units in the plan will be long-term rentals that have income qualifications and annual re verification of income eligibility.

The Dream Walk is FPSSC’s largest annual fundraiser, raising between $30,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on the year. “With housing and interest rates in Sarasota County at an all-time high and very little change in salaries, many families can no longer make ends meet. Every child deserves a home. Dream Walk brings the community together to be part of the solution. It is also a very fun event that we look forward to every year,” shares Jennifer Fagenbaum, FPSSC Executive Director.

“There are so many pieces involved in launching this event, but it is all worth it to see everyone out walking, smiling, and showing their love for the work we do,” adds Stacy Graison, FPSSC Development Associate. “We simply cannot help families without the support from our community. Adding a superhero theme and a pancake breakfast after the walk makes this year’s event even more fun and hopefully draws more families out.”

October 14, 2023, from 8 am to 10 am, Venice Presbyterian Church, 825 The Rialto, Venice. 

To learn more, visit

[Grant]  Art Center Sarasota Receives Substantial Tourist Development Cultural/Arts Grant

The Sarasota County Commission awarded Art Center Sarasota a $72,855 Tourist Development Cultural/Arts grant to help fund its 2023-2024 exhibition season, which runs through September 2024.  The season, comprised of seven exhibition cycles, most encompassing up to four exhibits, showcases the works of professional and emerging artists from Florida and around the country. 

[New Hire]  Greg Luberecki Joins Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation as Chief Communications and Learning Officer

Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation has hired Greg Luberecki as its Chief Communications and Learning Officer. Luberecki will serve as the organization’s chief storyteller, responsible for managing its brand and all external communications. His role will include documenting lessons and reporting results of Barancik Foundation’s initiatives and grants, so that the Foundation and other organizations can learn from and build upon past efforts. He also will provide strategic communications support to the Foundation’s nonprofit and other community partners to promote the impact of their work. Luberecki brings over 18 years of professional communications experience in the philanthropic and nonprofit sector of the Sarasota region. He joins Barancik Foundation from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, where he served as vice president for strategic communications. Prior to that, he held communications and marketing roles of increasing responsibility over 16 years at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Luberecki began his career in the Washington, DC, area, where he spent nearly a decade working in business, university, and association publications.  

[Event]  JFCS Hosts Their 12th Annual Stand Down Event Providing Connection and Support to Homeless Veterans

FCS of the Suncoast will host their 12th annual Stand Down event at the Sarasota Fairgrounds at 3000 Ringling Blvd., 8 a.m. – noon on Saturday, September 23rd. Dozens of community partners, including small and large businesses, and local and state agencies will be on hand to assist homeless veterans in receiving medical care and to provide eligibility for housing and employment. JFCS’s Director of Veteran Services, George Maggio says, “we value all the help we get with our community partners and volunteers. It takes a small village to help a homeless veteran gather the strength they need to become self-sufficient once again.” Stand Down takes place every year, and this free event provides a day of relief, support, and assistance to those who have served in the armed forces and who now need a helping hand. This year JFCS expects over 100 homeless veterans to attend. The day will start with an opening ceremony honoring those who’ve served. Each veteran will have access to multiple health services and free screenings and will also be given a large rucksack filled with toiletries, clothing, boots, undergarments, personal items, and non-perishable foods. Throughout the event, there will be a drawing for gift cards that provide additional needs. Among the many services available, local judges will attend whereby veterans can learn if they may have charges dropped at Veterans Amnesty Court in order to more readily apply for rental properties. This event gives primarily homeless veterans the opportunity to care for their physical and mental health and to receive the supportive services they need to become connected. At Stand Down each veteran visits at least ten social service agencies and engages in wellness activities like dental care, legal assistance, and substance use treatment options. There are many positive outcomes for homeless veterans that happen at Stand Down including a particularly young homeless veteran JFCS helped at last year’s event to become and remain both employed and housed - his life and future now filled with hope and promise. The main objective in JFCS hosting this Stand Down event is to empower individuals to become self-sufficient. Maggio shares a fitting quote from an unknown author on what he’s seen with some of those he’s assisted, “Sometimes you have to get knocked down lower than you have been, to stand up taller than you ever were.” For more information on the JFCS Stand Down event contact 941-366-2224 x164.

  

[Fundraising Event]  Eat Well, Do Good and Let Your Appetite Do The Giving!

The Columbia Restaurant Group will once again be supporting Suncoast Charities for Children, and several other local non-profit agencies, during their 26th Annual Community Harvest program during the entire month of September. The Tampa-based restaurant group is donating 5% of all diner’s checks to local charitable organizations in communities near their various restaurant locations. Here in Sarasota any customers dining inside or ordering takeout, at either the Columbia Restaurant or Cha Cha Coconuts, are able to choose a charity from a ballot that is included with their check or write in the charity of their choice. Both restaurants are located on beautiful St. Armands Circle. Once the program ends, the Columbia Restaurant then provides each charity with gift certificates that can be used for up to 12 months. Over the past 25 years, the Columbia Restaurant Community Harvest has donated $3 Million to non-profit organizations throughout Florida. 

Pictured: Lisa Baer, Special Events Director, and Lucy Nicandri, Executive Director, Suncoast Charities for Children, Casey Gonzmart Jr. and Casey Gonzmart Sr., Columbia Restaurant Group.

[Grant]  KFC Foundation Gives Back to Resilient Retreat with $10,000 Kentucky Fried Wishes Grant

The KFC Foundation has granted Sarasota-based non-profit Resilient Retreat, who empowers survivors of trauma, first responders and helping professionals to be resilient and thrive by providing them accessible, confidential, evidence-based programs and education, granting them $10,000 to make a project on their wish list come true. Kentucky Fried Wishes is the community giving program of the KFC Foundation that invites non-profit organizations to apply for a grant to fund a project on their wish list. This year the KFC Foundation is funding a million dollars in Kentucky Fried Wishes to 100 non-profit organizations across the country. There is a significant need for financially accessible trauma informed services in our community, region, and the nation. In addition, our first responders and helping professionals are struggling with the symptoms of compassion fatigue (also known as vicarious trauma) and have a need for training and wellness activities to support their mental health as well as the mental wellness of their fellow staff members. Resilient Retreat is here to help meet these needs and this grant will assist in providing a beautiful natural space for participants to utilize while on their healing journey. Kentucky Fried Wishes is just one way the KFC Foundation supports, empowers and serves joy to KFC restaurant employees and communities. The KFC Foundation also provides programs focused on education accessibility and financial assistance for KFC restaurant employees. Operating independently from KFC Corporation and led by a board including KFC franchisees, the KFC Foundation receives its financial support from Round Up fundraising and its annual donation program, a voluntary program where KFC franchisees contribute a portion of their restaurant sales of Secret Recipe Fries to engage in and support the Foundation’s initiatives. 

To learn more, visit

[Grant]  Child Protection Center Awarded Grant to Expand the Capacity of Hope

The Child Protection Center, Inc (CPC) has been awarded a grant by Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to expand our Capacity of Hope. The Child Protection Center has continued to grow over the last 43+ years to meet the demands of our community, and as the region continues to enlarge, we are steadfast in comprehensively serving victims of child abuse and neglect. One of CPC’s partners over the years that has made our impact possible is the Barancik Foundation, and their recent investment of $450,000 in CPC’s mission will create the ability to recruit and retain expert talent to service our community’s most vulnerable children. Expert team members at CPC deliver trauma informed and individualized care to children and their families, establishing hope and healing after children have endured unimaginable abuse or neglect. No child should have to suffer, and CPC’s ability to serve those in need without a waiting list is vital to our community’s success. This grant supports our growth by creating the ability to hire new expert therapists, in addition to supporting current staff to keep CPC’s retention rate high. In addition to supporting CPC’s team capacity, a portion of the Barancik Foundation funds will be used for communications and partnerships, to ensure the community is aware of resources and programs available at the Child Protection Center through a new strategic marketing and communications plan launching this year. The Child Protection Center’s mission is the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse, as the organization envisions a community where children are safe from abuse and free to thrive. For over 40 years, CPC has been serving Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in the State of Florida and is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. For more information on CPC or to inquire about ways to get involved, please visit us at www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277. The Charles and Margery Barancik family has long believed in the power of philanthropy to shape our world and enrich the lives of all people. It was the expression of this belief that led them in 2014 to establish Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation—a private, family foundation located in Sarasota, Florida. Barancik Foundation creates initiatives and awards grants in Sarasota and beyond in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment, and medical research. For more information, visit www.barancikfoundation.org. 

[Fundraising]  The Patterson Foundation Kickstarts Sarasota Opera's Entrepreneurial Plan Fundraising With Up to $50,000 Match

The Patterson Foundation is strengthening Sarasota Opera’s effort to boost earned income matching up to $50,000 in growth capital investments toward its Sarasota Opera Costume Studio. Sarasota Opera is one of the regional nonprofit organizations currently participating in Margin & Mission Ignition, an opportunity presented by The Patterson Foundation that helps nonprofits develop and implement an earned-income plan to strengthen their impact in our community. Nonprofits are selected to participate in Margin & Mission Ignition’s 30-month planning and implementation process after a months-long application period. No Margin, No Mission, a social enterprise and national consulting firm engaged by The Patterson Foundation, consults with the participating nonprofits on strategies and best practices to generate revenue throughout that process. In 2019 Sarasota Opera greatly expanded its costume rental inventory with a historic collection of nearly 50,000 costumes from a leading opera costume rental house. This earned income opportunity was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the worldwide shutdown of opera and theater institutions, but as they reopen, the company is revisiting its business plan to greatly expand its costume rental activities, to generate revenue to invest in its mission of presenting world-class opera. Sarasota Opera recently shared its earned-income plan with potential donor investors during a fast-pitch-style event presented by The Patterson Foundation. Donations for Sarasota Opera’s Costume Studio will be matched dollar for dollar by The Patterson Foundation – up to $50,000 maximum. Pledges, in-kind contributions and debt funding are not eligible to be matched. Margin & Mission Ignition is part of The Patterson Foundation’s Nonprofit Thrivability initiative. This initiative connects nonprofits with expertise and resources to learn concepts like strategic decision-making while adopting and implementing entrepreneurial principles to generate enough revenue to support and eventually grow their operations. For more information about Margin & Mission Ignition, please visit thepattersonfoundation.org or join the conversation using #TPFMarginMission on social media. To learn more about Sarasota Opera’s mission or contribute to its effort, please visit SarasotaOpera.org, or contact Director of Development Scott Guinn at sguinn@sarasotaopera.org or (941) 366-8450, ext. 416. 



[35 Under 35]  Nominate a Young Professional Today

The 3rd Annual SRQ Magazine 35 Under 35 Competition recognizes and honors young professionals, innovators, scientists, creatives, entrepreneurs and philanthropists who have distinguished themselves with their leadership in the field. From pitching the next big idea to developing their bandwidth, young professionals are thriving in our region and leading the way for the next generation. Could you or someone you know be one of our 2023 Class of 35 Under 35 Honorees? 

Nominate Here!

[SRQIST]  EDC Future is Smooth As Silk
Jacob Ogles, jacob.ogles@srqme.com

EDC FUTURE IS SMOOTH AS SILK | Erin Silk seeks a future for the EDC built on collaboration, September 2023. 

Read Here!

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Divorce 101 , September 13 – October 11, 6-7:30pm

The Womens Resource Center presents Divorce 101, a free, five-part workshop series that provides a comprehensive understanding of the divorce process. It is divided into five sessions, each dedicated to a specific topic. The sessions will delve into the emotional aspects of divorce, the laws governing divorce in Florida, ways to assert your financial rights, dealing with children and the family home during divorce, and house and forensic accounting. This in-person series is at the Womens Resource Center Sarasota, 340 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota. Participants can attend one or all of the sessions. To register, visit mywrc.org/divorce101. For more information, call 941-366-1700.

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: State of Mind, A Trauma Informed Experience , September 21, 1-7pm
All Star Childrens Foundation and DreamLarge are thrilled to announce State of Mind: A Trauma Informed Experience, a half-day event curated to raise awareness among community leaders about the profound impact of trauma on individuals and society. This event serves as a catalyst for open and thought-provoking discussions on the importance of trauma-informed approaches. The conference will take place on Thursday, September 21, 2023 from 1pm to 7pm at Florida Studio Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for $75 and can be purchased online at dreamlarge.co/som or StateofMind.org
[SOON]  GRAB BAG: NAMI Walks in Sarasota and Manatee , October 7, 8-11am
The power of our mission is being felt as never before. The achievement of Mental Health for All has never felt this critical yet closer to being realized. It is not how far we walk at NAMIWalks Sarasota and Manatee on October 7 at Payne Park, but how far we have come to make our milestones count. With your support and high spirits, we intend to make an unprecedented impact on mental health in our community. NAMIWalks 2023 represents a powerful chance to leave a significant mark on the local mental health landscape. Whether you're a previous participant or a new voice waiting to be heard, we're pretty sure you'll find the festivities inspired and inspiring.
[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Charity Halloween Fashion Show , October 13, 6-9 pm
Come on out and join our Halloween Fashion Show. Have some fun, listen to great music and see how unique the costumes are. If you want to be a part of the Fashion Show it will be a $25 donation going toward our Suicide Awareness Project. We will have local small business vendors, lawn games, song trivia and raffle prizes and a 50/50 raffle. We will have individuals that will share their passion for bringing awareness and prevention to suicide. Big Top Brewing Company, 975 Cattlemen Rd., Sarasota.
[SOON]  GRAB BAG: 7th Annual Dream Walk , October 14, 8-10am
Family Promise of South Sarasota County is pleased to announce registration, donation information, and walk details for the 7th Annual Dream Walk. This event is a Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser with a charity walk that will be on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Funds raised from Dream Walk support FPSSC comprehensive programs for families with minor children. The event will feature a choice of a short or long walking path, engaging activities at each stop along the way, and culminates with a pancake breakfast. Funds raised will directly support our programs that help local working families achieve lasting housing stability. Venice Presbyterian Church, 825 The Rialto, Venice.
[SOON]  GALA: 21st Annual Buddy Walk with Bringing Up Down Syndrome , October 28, 10 am to 2 pm

Bringing Up Down Syndrome will hold its 21st annual Buddy Walk on Saturday, October 28th from 10 am to 2 pm at Bayside Community Church, located at 15800 FL64 in Bradenton, Florida. This exciting event is the largest Down syndrome awareness and celebration experience in the area. This event will feature live music with celebrated vocalist and DJ, MoTown Ross Brown, silent auction, carnival games, a 50/50 raffle, food and beverages, and a variety of other family friendly activities. All donations support programs and services offered to over 250 families across Manatee and Sarasota counties. Register now at manasotabuds.org.

[SOON]  GALA: SPARCCle in the Garden with SPARCC , November 3, 6 pm

The annual SPARCC black tie gala, SPARCCle in the Garden will take place on Friday, November 3 at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Enjoy live musical entertainment by The Bay Kings, an open bar and passed hors doeuvres, a delicious three course dinner and exclusive live auction packages. All proceeds support free and confidential SPARCC programs and services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

[SOON]  GALA: Resilient Retreat Farm to Table , November 5, 4 pm

Please join us for the annual Resilient Retreat Farm to Table dining experience on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 4:00 pm. The funds raised at the event are critical to Resilient Retreat to continue to serve survivors of trauma and first responders and helping professionals. Come immerse yourself among the majestic oaks at 84 acres of conservation land on the retreat. In true farm to table fashion, our local chefs will craft a tasting menu featuring the very best local seasonal foods. Dine under the stars nestled among the beautiful live oaks while experiencing al fresco farm to table dining. Farm to Table proceeds will benefit the Resilient Retreat mission to empower survivors of trauma to thrive through self care and community. Visit https://givebutter.com/farmtotable2023 for more information and to purchase tickets.

[SOON]  GALA: Night of Hope and Healing with the Child Protection Center , November 9, 6 to 9 p.m.

Join us in bringing hope and healing to the fight against child abuse in our community. Night of Hope and Healing will feature a wide selection of tastings from crowd favorite restaurants, fantastic live and silent auctions, and most importantly, you will leave the event knowing that you are bringing change, protection, and hope to the most vulnerable children of our community. Sponsoring this event will expose your business to a compassionate, caring, and loyal community while providing the necessary support to give local children access to life saving services. These partnerships provide hope in raising awareness, hope in bringing comfort and joy, and hope in building a world where kids can just be kids. We look forward to seeing you there. Plantation Golf and Country Club, 500 Rockley Blvd., Venice, https://cpcsarasota.org/events/night-of-hope/.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Choral Artists of Sarasota Present Veterans Day in Song , November 11, 1pm

Choral Artists of Sarasota presents the songs that brought hope and inspiration during military conflicts, from the Revolutionary War through Desert Storm. The featured guest artist is baritone Bob McDonald, a retired Sergeant Major from The US Army Chorus. The performance will be on Saturday, November 11, 1pm, at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. Tickets are $40 for guests and $25 for Veterans. Student tickets are $5. For more information, visit www.ChoralArtistsSarasota.org.

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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