Twenty-one-year-old Allison Cross is a young lady with a philanthropic spirit. As a child, she donated her birthday presents to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Later, concerned about climate change, she planned a concert to raise local awareness amongst her peers. Currently, Cross is planning a Halloween event, Ghouls Save the World: A Lahaina Charity Event, at Oscura in Bradenton to raise money for Aloha United Way’s Maui fire relief effort.

Cross, a graduate of Venice High School, has attended SCF with hopes to become a film director one day. Taking a bit of a break from school, she is now dedicating her time to helping others in need. “I’ve been hearing such terrible stories about the destruction in Maui,” she says, “and I want to do as much as I can to help them, even if it's just a little bit.”

Ghouls Save the World is planned to be an entertaining Halloween event, with dancers performing the Halloween favorite, Thriller, by Michael Jackson, song provided by classically-trained soprano singer, Katy Cristiani, and Halloween-themed music played by other musicians, including Cross herself, who is a bass guitar player. Guests are encouraged to come in costume and take part in the Halloween costume contest. In addition, there will be vendors who will also be donating money earned at the event to United Way’s Maui fire relief effort.

“The event is open to those 18 years of age and older for a suggested donation of $5.00 at the door, but of course you can give more if your spooky heart desires,” says Cross. Cash or check is welcomed (checks can be made out to Aloha United Way, memo Maui Fire Relief). All of the proceeds will go to Aloha United Way.

Ghouls Save the World, Oct 31, 2023, 7 pm, Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, 941-201-4950, https://oscura.live/. 

To learn more, visit

The national law firm Shumaker has proudly donated $5,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) in support of the organization’s Great Futures Academy (GFA) initiatives. This contribution is a part of Shumakers recently launched Make a Difference through Literacy Initiative supporting the firm’s ongoing commitment to literacy and community engagement as it nears a century of dedicated legal service in 2025. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties are committed to enabling all young people, especially those in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The GFA program provides intensive out-of-school instruction for Club members, ages 6-12, in key subjects like Reading, Math, and Science through a school-year
program aimed at helping Club members achieve grade-level benchmarks and on-time grade advancement, as well as a summer program designed to prevent learning loss while youth are out of school. The program also provides Club members with homework help, tutoring, educational activities, and project-based learning. Shumaker’s Make a Difference through Literacy Initiative is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals through the power of words. Committed to fostering positive change, Shumaker aims to improve literacy for more than 100,000 individuals by 2025 as part of the firm’s centennial celebration. 

The Child Protection Center (CPC) has received funding from the Libertore Fund for Children to assist CPC’s Personal Safety and Community Awareness (PSCA) program and their expansion into DeSoto County. Currently, CPC’s PSCA program provides no-cost primary prevention and educational programs on child abuse and maltreatment throughout Sarasota County. Workshops introduce children to basic personal safety information, promote pro-social behaviors, and teach self-protective skills, all of which reduce a child’s vulnerability to abuse and exploitation. Highly trained educators facilitate each of the workshops. PSCA also functions as a crucial entry point for a child victim to intervention and treatment services CPC offers. This grant, generously awarded by the Libertore Fund for Children, provides essential funding for PSCA’s planned expansion into DeSoto County public and private schools, faith-based and civic organizations, and other organizations providing care for children, such as sports leagues, youth camps, and after school care. The Child Protection Center’s mission is the Prevention, Intervention, & 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 book a personal safety workshop, visit www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277. 

Pictured: Prevention Educator teaching a personal safety lesson. Photo courtesy of CPC.

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County awarded a generous grant of $6,200 to Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program. This funding will enable the organization to update its computer system and website, further enhancing its ability to serve the community effectively. Founded in 1987 by Mayor Fredd Atkins, Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program was developed to alleviate hunger in the local community of Sarasota. Over the years, this exceptional program has expanded its reach to include all of Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Today, Mayors’ Feed the Hungry enjoys the endorsements of all nine mayors and both County Commissions. The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program combats hunger through various initiatives including food drives, community feeding events, fund drives, and community fundraisers. The organization collects food and gift cards, distributing them free of charge to participating County agencies responsible for operating local food pantries. The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program is made up of dedicated volunteers that have been able to make a substantial difference in the lives of those facing hunger. Thanks to the generous donation of a refrigerated truck, the organization is now able to offer fresh and frozen food items. Additionally, a cargo trailer has been donated to conveniently store and transport supplies for events, further facilitating their charitable efforts. 70 percent of individuals in need of food also have pets. The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry strives to address this challenge. These individuals often share what little food they have with their beloved companions. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s grant will allow the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program to operate more effectively and enhance its business operations and donations. As the organization has experienced significant growth over the years, an updated computer system and website are crucial for the efficient management of resources, donor engagement, and volunteers. Mayors’ Feed the Hungry extends our sincere gratitude to the community for its continued support. Together, we can make a significant difference in the fight against hunger and contribute to the wellbeing of our community members in need. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast launches the Empower Potential campaign. Building on our sustained success and growing need for our programs, we are launching the Empower Potential campaign, a $7.5 million effort to further the mission of BBBSSC and help transform the lives of more children in our community. The campaign will accelerate meeting BBBSSC’s four key strategic plan goals: achieving strategic growth by increasing to at least 2,000 matches; investing in our staff to continue attracting and retaining top talent; raising new funds to support and sustain our growth; and developing a bolder and more inspiring physical presence that engages more people in our mission. The campaign will specifically focus on expanding and sustaining our operations by centralizing our corporate office to reach and mentor more children through a state-of-the-art mentoring center. The campaign will also provide the means necessary for us to build capacity so that we can fulfill two identified community needs: to serve more children through professionally supported one-to-one mentoring; and to meet the increasingly more expansive and complex needs of our youth and their families. To learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast’s Empowering Potential campaign or to become involved as a mentor, volunteer, or donor, visit BBBSSUN.ORG or call (941) 488.4009. 

In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Month this September and in support of the Alzheimer’s Association, Sarasota seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are creating art to be featured on fundraising greeting cards. Artwork created by Bruce White, a professional sculptor and retired art professor, and other members of adult day center Town Square Sarasota are featured on the front of the cards. Town Square Sarasota is selling the cards to members, their families and the general public, and donating the proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Florida Gulf Coast chapter. Over 10 talented Town Square Sarasota members have created art featured on the fundraising greeting cards. One is sculptor Bruce White, a retired professor of art from Northern Illinois University, who has produced many large-scale public works that are installed throughout the U.S. and abroad. In Sarasota, these include "Four Winds," at New College; "Meander," behind the Federal Building; and "Samurai," near Sarasota City Hall. Town Square Sarasota’s members, most of which have Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, use various media and materials to create the artwork featured on the cards – from watercolors, colored pencils and acrylic to felt, string, cotton and more. The 1950s-themed adult day center provides members with meaningful care, engagement and socialization, including frequent art classes. Over the past few months, Town Square Sarasota and its members have created and sold greeting cards that have resulted in donations of over $1,115 to the Alzheimer’s Association. Leaders are also in talks with a few local boutiques about selling the fundraising greeting cards at their locations. From their font desk, Town Square Sarasota sells a single greeting card for $5 and a set of five cards for $20. The location is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All money collected will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Florida Gulf Coast chapter. September is World Alzheimer's Month, the international campaign from Alzheimer's Disease International. People unite from all corners of the world to raise awareness and to challenge the stigma that persists around Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia.  

Pictured: Fred and Bruce with their cards. Photo courtesy of Town Square Sarasota.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Office of Angelina “Angel” Colonneso, Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller for Manatee County, along with HOPE Family Services, is hosting a free seminar on how to recognize domestic violence on Tuesday, October 3, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave, Bradenton, FL, in the Jury Assembly Room on the 2nd floor. How to Recognize Domestic Violence is an event aimed at empowering the community to become strong advocates against domestic violence. Each year, thousands of women, men, and children in Florida are impacted by domestic violence. Since 1989, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month has been dedicated to acknowledging survivors and heightening awareness of the services available to help protect individuals affected by domestic violence issues. The event’s speakers include domestic violence experts, law enforcement, and public officials who will shine a light on what domestic violence is, the court process, and where to access resources safely. The event not only empowers the mind, but the body as well with a one-hour self-defense demonstration by Olivera Jiu Jitsu and Fitness Academy. In the last fiscal year, ending on September 30, 2022, the Clerk & Comptroller’s office processed nearly 1,000 injunction applications. HOPE Family Services provides services to survivors of domestic violence and helps them stay safe, gain strength, and evaluate their options. All services provided by HOPE are confidential and free. By the end of this event, attendees will leave with the valuable information needed for themselves and their neighbors, friends, and family to live a violent-free life. For more information and to register, visit https://recognize-domestic-violence-oct-3.eventbrite.com or contact the Clerk’s Public Information Office by phone at (941) 741-4007. 

Sarasota County is home to two national-model senior centers in the nation. In observance of National Senior Center Month this September, Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) highlights senior centers' role in addressing isolation and loneliness among seniors. In Sarasota County, around 23% of the population, or more than 40,000 seniors are solo dwellers. The U.S. Surgeon General's recent eighty-two-page report emphasizes the detrimental effects of loneliness on older adults, including increased depression, anxiety, and mortality rates comparable to smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol use, and physical inactivity. According to the report, it is crucial to participate in community-based organizations like Senior Friendship Centers. It’s that simple. Since 1972, Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) has been working to address isolation and loneliness among older adults by providing opportunities for self-discovery and connection. From brain fitness classes to educational programs, neighborhood dining centers, volunteer opportunities, etc., SFC’s activity centers serve as a community hub where older adults find friendship, support, and purpose. In addition to finding enrichment and entertainment, resources and connection, senior centers are also a place where older adults come to serve. Volunteers make up a large portion of the center’s offerings, playing live music, instructing those new to pickleball, or providing counsel. Places to serve and to be served. To encourage seniors, and their loved ones, to discover the power of these connections, find a new hobby and other opportunities, Senior Friendship Centers is hosting the following events to celebrate Senior Center Month: Sarasota Campus | 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota: SFC Sarasota Campus Program Fair | September 20| 10 AM – 2 PM - Discover a variety of classes, including Tai Chi, Ballroom Dance, Language Classes, Dance Fitness, Sing-along, and Book Club. Volunteer Instructors are available for question and answer. Aging Well – Let’s Talk Safety (Fall Prevention) | September 20 | 10 AM -11 AM - Learn the safest way to operate equipment in your home for yourself and your loved one through hands-on demonstrations presented by Adaptive Equipment & Caregiving Corner. AECorner.com. In the early 1970s, our founder Brother William Geenen, SFC founder, picked up on the national crisis of isolation when he said, “Isolation and loneliness are the malnutrition of aging.” During National Senior Center Month and beyond, let us unite to combat senior isolation, celebrating the power of connection as a cornerstone of finding meaning and purpose. For more information about our programs and services, please call (941) 955-2122 or visit www.friendshipcenters.org. 

Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is recognizing the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian with a reflection on impact and the ongoing rebuilding and recovery. On September 28, 2022, southwest Florida was struck by Hurricane Ian, one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit our state. Gulf Coast’s Board of Directors approved funding within 24 hours of the storm’s impact and generous donors locally and from across the country matched it quickly. Gulf Coast provided dozens of grants to nonprofit organizations just days following the storm with a focus on health and human service needs in southern Sarasota County. Now, one year later, thanks to generous donor contributions, Gulf Coast’s Board of Directors, and dedicated team, Gulf Coast’s Hurricane Ian Recovery Initiative has realized over 200 grants totaling $3.5 million in relief.  Gulf Coast provided Venice Theatre with multiple grants totaling $640,000 to support their staff and the rebuilding of the Jervey Theatre. The theater has maintained its staff and is working diligently on redesign and rebuilding efforts. A funding commitment of $1 million over three years to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties was approved by Gulf Coast’s Board of Directors to rebuild the Gene Matthews Club in North Port that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Prior to the storm, the Club provided over 450 children and teens with award-winning programs that empower them to become great leaders. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens in Punta Gorda took a direct hit from Hurricane Ian and received $20,000 from Gulf Coast’s Hurricane Recovery Initiative to assist them in re-opening to the public. Children First, the Sarasota Head Start provider, received a $50,000 grant from Gulf Coast. Mental health services were a critical need following the storm. Tri-County Counseling received a $15,000 grant to support services in their North Port Office, and Dr. Charlton Cerbone, CEO and clinical director, attributes the grant to a necessary expansion in services.  This snapshot of the Hurricane Ian Relief Fund impact sheds light on the resilient and strong nonprofit community who work tirelessly to support our region in times of need. Together, with the generosity of the community, transformative Hurricane Ian recovery has provided strength for rebuilding and future storm preparedness. To learn more, visit https://www.gulfcoastcf.org/hurricane-ian-relief-grants. 

Pictured: Families with Children First received clothing, gift cards, gas cards, and other necessities following Hurricane Ian with funding from Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast, Inc. was awarded a $400,000 grant by Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to support five new mental health counseling interns. The interns will complete a two-year supervision and training program with Samaritan Counseling to become fully licensed clinicians in the State of Florida. The objective of the effort is to attract and retain highly qualified future mental health counselors to meet growing need in the region. During this program, interns will serve children and adults regardless of their ability to pay. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Sarasota and Manatee Counties have been designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas. With an average of one mental health provider per 500 people in Sarasota County and one per 820 people in Manatee County, the current mental health system lacks the capacity to meet a rapidly increasing demand for services and provide timely
access. Samaritan Counseling Services of the Gulf Coast seeks to remain an integral part of the communities it serves by building its capacity for a long-term role in mental health counseling. “At any point in time, about 175,000 people in Sarasota and Manatee counties suffer from a mental health concern,” said Rick Howell, Executive Director, Samaritan Counseling. “Although we’ll provide 17,000 counseling sessions this year, we can and need to do more. Because of this generous investment from Barancik Foundation, Samaritan Counseling can continue to instill hope and transform lives.” To learn more about Samaritan Counseling, visit www.samaritangulfcoast.com or call 941-926-2959.