SRQ DAILY Jan 10, 2024
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"Together with our donors, we have invested more than $10.8 million to promising students through scholarships, ensuring that our region prepares the skilled workforce we need for the future."
Each year, SRQ Media invites the community to nominate individuals with hearts of giving who have made a significant impact with local nonprofit organizations — from volunteers and board members to individual staff members and donors. Tuesday, December 5th, attendees happily joined together to recognize our annual Good Hero Philanthropic Award recipients at the SB2: Philanthropic Agenda and Good Hero Awards Luncheon at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. We are delighted to feature each of the twelve honorees in our Wednesday Philanthropic edition of SRQ Daily.
Today, we are recognizing Brena Slater, CEO of the Safe Children Coalition. Brena is known to be a tireless advocate for child welfare in our community who oversees about 300 employees, a $54 million budget and five offices serving over 1500 abused and neglected children per day. Brena did not come from the corporate world; her journey began working in the child welfare arena. She came to Florida in 1996 and began working with the Florida Department of Children and Families. Over the past decade, Brena has climbed her way up the ranks at Safe Children Coalition, eventually becoming CEO of the non-profit community-based care agency that provides a full spectrum of child welfare services in Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto Counties. She is truly compassionate, understands the child welfare system, and understands what it takes to run a successful community-based care agency. Congratulations on a well-deserved award, Brena. 
Pictured: Bart Lowther (left) of Mariash Lowther Wealth Management with Brena Slater, CEO of the Safe Children Coalition. Photo by Wyatt Kostygan.
The Bay Park Conservancy (BPC), the non-profit organization responsible for designing, developing, operating and programming a signature public park on 53 acres of City-owned land along Sarasota Bay, has reached another significant milestone. Thanks to generous donors, local businesses and other friends in the community, The Bay has raised a third $5 million from private sources, triggering a third $1 million match from The Patterson Foundation’s (TPF’s) current challenge match – resulting in a total cumulative TPF gift of more than $8 million to date. This additional match marks the third major milestone in The Patterson Foundation’s challenge for the $24 million campaign announced in July 2021, which has now generated over $15 million from private philanthropic, community sources, and matches. All funds will be used to operate, maintain and program the first 10 acres of The Bay which has been visited by more than 300,000 park guests. In 2019-21, The Patterson Foundation generously donated $5 million to support the initial $20 million challenge campaign to start up The Bay Park. In July 2021, The Patterson Foundation announced its continued support for The Bay by committing up to an additional $4 million in matching funds to catalyze private donations for developing and operating the first phase of the park. Each time private philanthropy donates $5 million to The Bay through 2024, The Patterson Foundation will provide a $1 million match, up to a total contribution of $4 million. TPF’s contribution coupled with $20 million in private philanthropy results in a total investment of $24 million to The Bay. This current challenge match follows a previous $5 million challenge match provided by The Patterson Foundation which donors achieved in July 2022. The Bay Park Conservancy is well on its way of raising the next $5 million from philanthropists to earn the fourth and final $1 million The Patterson Foundation match by the end of 2024. Every dollar and every donor matters toward achieving this next important fundraising milestone.
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation hosted its 7th annual Hospital Gala at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on January 6, 2024, with 625 guests in attendance. The event raised over $1.4 million and featured SMH’s Level II Trauma Center, the only trauma center in our area. The evening was hosted by the Healthcare Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Since opening in 2015, SMH’s expert trauma, emergency and surgical teams have treated well over 34,000 patients. During the night’s mission moment, a severely injured and now recovered trauma patient was reunited with the trauma team who saved his life. He was also joined by the Sarasota County EMS captains who were on duty the night of his accident. The evening also included mission-focused speeches and concluded with dancing to a live performance by The Royals.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat (Sarasota County, Florida) today announced new programs extending into February and March. Continuing its commitment to innovative year-round arts programming, these events will be presented throughout the Gulf Coast region, from the Hermitage’s beautiful beachfront campus on Manasota Key to the heart of Sarasota’s vibrant downtown arts scene in collaboration with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, The Ringling Museum, Nathan Benderson Park, The Town of Longboat Key, and more. Hermitage programs introduce world-renowned artists to Florida’s Gulf Coast community and invite audiences across the country to experience candid and engaging conversations, open studios, music performances, play readings, film screenings, and more.
More than 270 guests packed Michael’s on East on December 1 for the sold-out event, which featured an inspirational speech from a family whose lives were transformed through The Florida Center for Early Childhood’s programs. The funds raised, which includes a $100,000 challenge grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, will help support the Florida Center’s celebrated initiatives.
Asolo Repertory Theatre has received a $77,500 Strategic Partnership Grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. This grant comes from the Allen Wirtz Nobbe and Jo Bowen Nobbe Fund, the Two-Generation Approach Fund, and the Zella I. and Junius F. Allen Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. In addition to being the Lead Sponsor for Asolo Rep’s Access to the Arts program, this funding supports the 2023-2024 season and additional events, including the Director’s Take Luncheon, Annual Gala and special events programs. Asolo Rep’s Access to the Arts brings theatre to local schools and community locations, providing students with the opportunity to see productions at Asolo Rep. This generous donation allows many students to experience the power of the arts for the first time. In addition to sponsoring educational and community outreach opportunities, the grant provides support for the entire 2023-2024 performance season. Asolo Rep’s 65th Sapphire Season is a celebration of the human spirit and testament to the power of communal storytelling. It kicked off with Crazy for You, a brand-new production of a deliciously old-fashioned musical. The season continues with a dynamic collection of classics and new works, including Inherit the Wind, Born with Teeth, Intimate Apparel, and Dial “M” For Murder. We close our Sapphire Season with the breathtaking and powerful Twelve Angry Men: A New Musical, a groundbreaking musical about our potential to work together to create a better world. The grant will also support related special events throughout the year. The Director’s Take Luncheon allows patrons to dine and enjoy conversations with the directors of upcoming shows. The Annual Gala raises funds to support the season and Asolo Rep’s award-winning Education and Engagement programs. The Starry Night Dinner Series presents three intimate evenings at local locations themed to this year’s productions.
Bank of America recently granted $30,000 to All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) to help provide nutritious foods to individuals in need within the Sarasota community. This is the tenth year Bank of America has provided funds to strengthen AFFB’s hunger relief efforts, with all grants totaling over $250,000. All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties. AFFB provides millions of meals each year through robust programs and partnerships with hundreds of charitable organizations throughout the community. In addition to food distribution, AFFB operates a roster of innovative direct service programs that not only solve the immediate problem of hunger but also strive to end hunger by helping families and individuals to gain long-term food security, enjoy better health outcomes, and achieve self-sufficiency. The funding is designated for AFFB’s Mobile Pantry Program, which offers food distributions in the neighborhoods where hunger is greatest, reducing the barrier of transportation for individuals in need. Currently, AFFB operates a total of 32 Mobile Pantries, all located in high-need areas of Sarasota and DeSoto counties. Nine of the pantries are Mobile Farm Markets, which exclusively distribute fresh fruit and vegetables. AFFB is just one of 16 Sarasota/Manatee nonprofits the bank is supporting with economic mobility grants awarded to local nonprofits throughout the year, helping the bank drive meaningful and sustainable progress to help tackle society’s biggest challenges. For more about All Faiths Food Bank, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org.
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation announces that Shana Meadows has joined the organization as Director of Finance and Operations. Meadows brings more than 25 years of financial management and operational oversight and will be responsible for implementing policies and procedures in finance, accounting, compliance administration and granting and gift processing. Before joining the Healthcare Foundation, Meadows most recently was the manager of the Finance Department at the Sarasota Police Department – City of Sarasota. Her career spans various sectors, encompassing private, non-profit and government organizations where she held positions as Chief Financial Officer, Controller, Senior Accountant and Business Office Administrator. Meadows earned her Master of Business Administration from Pittsburgh State University, Pittsburgh, Kan. She also holds a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va.
Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) announces the appointment of three distinguished individuals to its Board of Governors: Kathy Mason, Jennifer McAlister Stutler, and Jack Schlegel, to advance the nonprofit’s work in Sarasota, Lee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.Kathy Mason is a career educator with an education and community service background. She also participated in the Plantation Community Foundation, holding positions such as Chair of the Grant Committee, Board Director, Fundraising Chair, and Vice-President. Furthermore, she helped establish 100+ Women Who Care-Greater Venice, a philanthropic organization supporting our community's social, health care, and educational services. Jennifer McAlister Stutler has an extensive background in the construction industry. Holding a degree in Building Construction Management from the University of Florida, Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in project development consulting, strategic planning, and marketing. She is also involved in various industry and community organizations, including board service for USGBC Florida Gulf Coast Chapter and Leadership Sarasota Governing Counsel. In addition, Jennifer has been a caregiver for parents and can personally attest to the power of support for family caregivers. She has a passion for the mission of Senior Friendship Centers and has served on the Finance Committee since 2022. Jack Schlegel is an accomplished professional in the field of pharmacy and association management. He has a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and was the President and CEO of the American Pharmacists Association. Jack also established Schlegel & Associates, an independent consultancy serving various professional and trade associations. Jack and his wife Priscilla, Sarasota residents since 2000, are dedicated patrons of the cultural arts and are also actively involved in philanthropy with social service organizations. Jack has served on the SFC Governance Committee since 2023.For media inquiries, please contact jvelarde@friendshipcenters.org.
In honor of their 75th Anniversary season, Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) has awarded Sarasota Orchestra a $60,000 Arts Appreciation Grant to provide core support for its 2023-24 concert season. This grant was made possible through the Elizabeth Miller Charitable Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. With an additional $15,000 granted in celebration of their 75th anniversary, Gulf Coast’s generous support will help fund several of Sarasota Orchestra’s most impactful events: the Saturday Great Escapes series, the annual Sarasota Orchestra Brunch to support education programming, and the 2023-2024 Special Concert & Gala event featuring conductor Peter Oundjian and pianist Garrick Ohlsson. This brings Gulf Coast’s total support of Sarasota Orchestra to $75,000 for the year. Sarasota Orchestra’s 2023-2024 programming features a broad array of musical genres in five different series: Masterworks, Discoveries, Pops, Great Escapes and Chamber Soirées. The Great Escapes series, supported in part by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, presents themed programs showcasing light classical and pops music. The 2023-2024 Pops series, also supported by Gulf Coast, featured the tremendously popular presentation of Star Wars: A New Hope back in October, with the Orchestra performing the iconic soundtrack live as the movie played in its entirety on the big screen. Alongside its concert series, the Orchestra's extensive education offerings include the Sarasota Youth Orchestras, Summer Music Camp, and Young Artists Competition. Many alumni of these award-winning programs have become performers with major symphony orchestras throughout the country, including Sarasota Orchestra. To learn more about Sarasota Orchestra’s 2023-2024 season and programs, visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.org.
Bishop-Parker Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Wendy Deming as the organization’s first Chief Executive Officer. Bringing a wealth of experience in the philanthropic sector and community leadership, Deming succeeds Adell Erozer, the Foundation’s current executive director, who is retiring in February. Deming currently operates Deming Consulting, a firm providing capacity-building services that strengthen nonprofit organizations in southwest Florida and beyond. As a BoardSource Certified Governance Consultant since 2016, she has partnered with hundreds of non-profit executives and board members to make positive and lasting contributions to the organizations they lead. Before launching Deming Consulting, Deming served for five years as Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, FL, where she was responsible for leading internal operations, overseeing finance, marketing, development, human resources, strategic planning, and board governance. Prior to her tenure at Selby Gardens, Deming served in various roles at Gulf Coast Community Foundation in Venice, FL, from 2000 to 2018, most recently as Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary. Deming holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Furman University (Greenville, SC) and a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University (Fairfax, VA). In addition to being a Certified Governance Consultant, she has certificates in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as well as Ethical Leadership from the University of South Florida.
The Manatee Community Foundation is thrilled to announce the opening of its annual scholarship program starting January 1st, 2024. Designed to support the educational aspirations of promising students, the application will run until March 1st, 2024, offering a vital opportunity for Manatee and Sarasota students to pursue their academic goals. In the previous year, 2023, the Foundation proudly awarded 152 scholarships, embodying its commitment to fostering educational excellence and empowering our community. The scholarship program is a testament to the Foundation's unwavering dedication to investing in the future of our region by building the workforce needed and providing opportunities for everyone in our community to thrive. With a diverse array of scholarships tailored to various fields of study and academic achievements, the Manatee Community Foundation aims to provide accessible pathways to higher education for deserving local high school students and adults who want to attend college or trade school. Applicants are required to complete a single application to be considered for all available MCF scholarships. Information needed to complete the application includes: A FAFSA confirmation email showing their Student Aid Index Estimation (required due to 2024 FAFSA changes); Two (2) reference surveys completed individuals known by the student (NOT family members or friends); A personal statement that highlights the student's life path, goals, and career ambitions; Transcripts from the last school the student attended. For further details and application guidelines, prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the Manatee Community Foundation’s scholarship page. The link to apply for MCF scholarships will be live on this same page on January 1, 2024.
In the parking lot of Lewis Marine Supply sits the shell of a 1975 18' SeaCraft center console. In the coming months, Lewis Marine technical staff, customers and key vendors will donate their time and products needed to bring the classic boat back to life. After the boat restoration, the package will be completed with a Suzuki outboard and an Atlantic Marine trailer, and raffled off. Proceeds will benefit Captains for Clean Water, with the winner announced at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. As part of the Lewis Marine Seacraft Tech Tour, each segment of restoration will be videotaped and available online. Content will be promoted through social media outlets, Lewis Marine Supply and customer web sites. Captains for Clean Water works to reverse decades of water mismanagement and protect it for future generations by focusing on Everglades restoration, water advocacy and the dangers of nutrient pollution. Its website is www.captainsforcleanwater.org. Contact Lewis Marine Supply, 220 SW 32nd St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315. 800-327-3792. sales@lewismarine.com; www.lewismarine.com.
The Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation (SAHP), in collaboration with the History and Preservation Coalition of Sarasota County (HPCSC), announces nominations are now open for the 2024 Sarasota County Heritage Awards. Both organizations seek to recognize individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and understanding of Sarasota County’s prehistoric, historic and historical resources. Besides honoring those who have devoted themselves to maintaining the integrity of our region’s remaining architectural, archaeological, and historical assets, and educating the public about their importance, the Heritage Awards aims to raise the level of public support for governmental and citizen-based efforts to preserve our common past so future generations may learn from it. All nomination materials must be submitted by email or regular mail by January 15, 2024. Award recipients will be notified on or before February 15, 2024, and the Awards Ceremony will be held on the evening of Thursday, March 21. Visit PreserveSRQ.org.
Pictured: The Eagle House at 2516 Mulberry Terrace in Sarasota won in the Historic Rehabilitation category at the 2023 Sarasota County Heritage Awards.
The nonprofit Kids’ Needs Englewood is the newest recipient of an Englewood Spirit Award. Randy Moore, the publisher of Englewood Healthy Living made the announcement today. The award recognizes an individual, couple, business, or nonprofit making a sustained and meaningful contribution to the health and vitality of the region. Board members include Becca deRosa, Mary Jo Holleran, Marcia Ziegler, Cindy Handrick, Karen Current, and Marie Laforge. The late Ann Dever was the founder with Marcia Louden and Tom Dignam. Kids’ Needs Englewood is the eleventh recipient of the Englewood Spirit Award since 2019. Prior award winners include Real Bikes Englewood, A. Marie Bronson, the owner of Shear Sailing & Salon, Sunnybrook Realty and Swirls-N-Curls Ice Cream, Englewood Art Center, A Better Scoop Ice Cream, Marie Laforge with Mango Bistro, Englewood Community Care Clinic, Dr. Noël Crosby with Advanced Hearing Solutions, Hooked on SUP, One More Day Foundation, and Lata and Robert Coykendall with Loving Light Yoga.
Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is now accepting applications for its 2024-25 scholarship program. Prospective applicants may visit GulfCoastCF.org/scholarships to review scholarship requirements and complete the online application. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 3 at 11:59 p.m. and scholarship awards will be announced in late spring. “Our scholarships at Gulf Coast Community Foundation give students the opportunity to reach their full potential through education. Together with our donors, we have invested more than $10.8 million to promising students through scholarships, ensuring that our region prepares the skilled workforce we need for the future,” said Gulf Coast’s President | CEO Phillip Lanham. Through its annual scholarship program, Gulf Coast assists students of all ages in pursuing higher education at accredited two and four-year colleges, universities, or technical schools. Applicants must reside in Sarasota County, Charlotte County, or Boca Grande, and they must plan to attend a qualifying postsecondary institution during the 2024-25 academic year. Gulf Coast awards scholarships from more than 60 scholarship funds it administers, including many established by donors to support particular fields of study or assist students from specific schools or communities. Candidates can complete a single application to be considered for all scholarship opportunities for which they qualify. Since establishing its scholarship program in 1997, Gulf Coast has awarded more than $10.8 million in scholarships to help students pursue their dreams of higher education. Last year, the Foundation awarded 563 scholarships totaling over $720,000 to deserving local students.
Pictured: Kassidy Saba, Gulf Coast Community Foundation scholarship recipient from 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, is majoring in Advertising at Florida State University.
Celebrate 75 years of inspiring music all season long, and our Celebrate 75 special concert and gala experience will be the party to top them all. We invite you to support 75 more years, and beyond, of enriching lives through music by purchasing tickets to Celebrate 75. For access to the best seats and the full celebration, opt for a Gala ticket, which includes pre-concert cocktails and a gourmet dinner after the performance. Concert-only tickets are also available for purchase. The concert program, led by Creative Partner Peter Oundjian, captures all the euphoria of reaching this milestone in our history as Florida’s oldest continuously operating orchestra. After two stirring fanfares written by Aaron Copland and Joan Tower, legendary pianist Garrick Ohlsson joins Sarasota Orchestra for the monumental Piano Concerto No. 3 by Rachmaninoff. Paired with An American in Paris by Gershwin, a rhapsodic portrait of a stroll through the City of Lights, this one-night-only program promises to thrill. Gala begins at 6:00 pm, and concert begins at 7:00 pm. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, sarasotaorchestra.org.
The ALSO Youth Annual Prom is the most highly anticipated event for our LGBTQ youth each year. Youth from Sarasota County, Manatee County and beyond attend this unique celebration where they are free to come as they are, with whoever they wish, without fear of judgment or needing to mask who they are. We anticipate between 250-300 youth sending their RSVP to attend the ALSO Youth Prom on Saturday, February 3, 2024. Attendees will enjoy fun music, dancing, games, themed crafts, an awesome photo booth, and so much more. alsoyouth.org
The 2024 Forks and Corks Food and Wine Festival, hosted by the Sarasota Manatee Originals, will take place January 25 to 29. Grand Tasting tickets go on sale in October. A full five day slate of food and wine themed fun is planned, including the University Master Classes, wine dinners at area restaurants, wine shop tasting events, a trade tasting and the much anticipated Grand Tasting at The Ringling Museum of Art. Due to the unprecedented demand for tickets, ticket sales for The Grand Tasting launch on two consecutive Tuesdays: On October 10 at 9 a.m. there is a presale of the VIP and Early Access tickets and on October 17 at 7 p.m. General Admission tickets will be available and historically have sold out in a matter of minutes. All Forks and Corks Grand Tasting tickets will be available online only. For more information, please visit www.eatlikealocal.com.
Sunshine From Darkness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the funding of local mental health services and programs and mental health research, has announced its 2024 Inspiring Hope Dinner. This annual fundraising event will take place on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive. The keynote speaker will be American comedian, actor, producer and writer Tom Arnold, who will speak about his journey with anxiety and longtime battles with addiction. The evening will feature Faces Behind the Stories, shining a spotlight on the personal, sometimes difficult journeys of four members of our community. The event will also feature the awarding of the 2024 Lee and Bob Peterson Legacy Award to Bunny Skirboll, founder of Compeer, Inc., a lively paddle raise, live music with Quintessence, featuring some very special guest vocalists, including Chris Eisenberg, and dancing. Tickets are $350; proceeds will benefit Sunshine From Darkness blue door services, which will focus on emotional literacy for youth, and youth mental health research. For more about Sunshine From Darkness or to purchase tickets to the Inspiring Hope Dinner, visit sunshinefromdarkness.org.
Enjoy the extraordinary opportunity to experience the work of contemporary artist Shinique Smith in conversation with the collection of European art at The Ringling. Unfolding across six galleries of the Museum of Art, the exhibition creates a series of unique stories that together form an abstract narrative of the parade as a metaphor for life. Well known for her monumental sculptures created from an array of materials, including luxurious textiles, personal clothing, dyed fabrics, ribbon, and wood, and for her abstract paintings of calligraphy and collage, Smiths work in this exhibition speaks to various facets of the European artistic tradition, such as classical drapery and religious iconography, while foregrounding notions of Black femininity and the history of the circus. Learn more at ringling.org.
Visit Fresh Harvest, the newly launched weekly farmers market in Downtown Wellen. Fresh Harvest offers a selection of local goods from nearly 40 local vendors. Fresh Harvest takes place every Sunday in Downtown Wellen from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can peruse different vendor booths and stock up on a variety of goods. Vendors will offer a wide variety of locally grown and produced food, including herbs, spices, cut flowers, teas, canned and preserved fruits and vegetables, syrups, baked goods, pickled foods, fresh seafood, meats, poultry, eggs, milk and prepared food and beverages. A limited selection of craft vendors also participate in the farmers market. For a listing of participating vendors and more information on Fresh Harvest Farmers Market, visit wellenpark.com/events/fresh-harvest-farmers-market. Downtown Wellen, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd., Venice.
Head out to Waterside Place for a rocking evening as part of the Lakewood Ranch Sights and Sounds Program. Enjoy a live concert in partnership with Easterseals and EveryoneRocks, featuring artists who are rocking their spectrum. This event is free and open to the public; there is limited seating at the Plaza, but attendees are welcome to bring their own seats. Food and beverages will be available from numerous Waterside Place merchants. For more information on shows, dates, and times, visit lakewoodranch.com/sights-sounds/. Waterside Place, 1560 Lakefront Dr., Sarasota.
Attention all business professionals. Join us for a productive and inspiring coworking event every Tuesday at Out and About Coffee in downtown Sarasota. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and collaborate with fellow professionals in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Limited spots available, so register now on Eventbrite. O and A Coffee Supply, 1316 Main St., Sarasota.
Explore labor through The Ringlings Working Conditions photography exhibit, running until March 3, 2024. The Industrial Revolution of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries radically changed the nature of human labor. That era is defined by a global shift from producing goods by hand to manufacturing by machines and technologies that emphasized efficiency. Working Conditions explores the myriad ways in which photographs have communicated ideas about labor since the nineteenth century through examples from The Ringlings photography permanent collection. For more information, visit ringling.org.
Experience some of the best food and flavors of the region with more than 100, and still growing, curated vendors. The Farmers Market at Lakewood Ranch has fast become a favorite weekly tradition for people from all over the region seeking farm-fresh produce, delicious prepared foods, and specialty items and gifts. Aside from all the goodies you can shop at the Farmers Market, find your flow in a free yoga class or have the kiddos get creative during weekly-hosted workshops. 1561 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch.
Realize Bradenton is happy to announce the return of the Bradenton Market to its weekly schedule. This beloved community gathering will be held Saturdays through May 25, 2024 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm on Old Main Street in Bradenton. Founded in 1979, the Market has expanded to include more than 90 local vendors. In addition to the weekly shopping and music, the Market hosts special event days throughout the season. Halloween at the Market will be held on Saturday, October 28. This family-friendly event includes trick or treating with vendors, face painting with Manatee School for the Arts Academic Team from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm, and a dance performance by Slick Motion Studios at 10:00 am. For more information, visit RealizeBradenton.com.
Join us for our Coffee With A Scientist series, a free public event held on Tuesdays in Boca Grande and hosted by Mote Marine Laboratory. Hear from Mote scientists on January 16, February 13 and March 26 as they share with you the latest in their groundbreaking research and their plans for the future with a Q and A session to follow. On Visit mote.org/pages/coffee to sign up and for more information.
Registration is open for the 2024 winter semester at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, OLLI, at Ringling College, which offers noncredit educational opportunities for adults to pursue new interests, expand intellectual horizons, and enrich their lives. The semester, which runs Jan. 8-March 1, 2024, features more than 50 courses, workshops, lectures, and special presentations covering a wide variety of topics, including arts and entertainment, history, music appreciation, health, literature, philosophy, religion, and science. Semester highlights include Searching Dr. Google. What Should I Believe, The History of Psychiatry: Winners and Losers; Voting Behavior and the Electoral Process; Glass: The New Hot Contemporary Art Form; and The Historic First Federal Prosecution of a U.S. President. Classes are offered at the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota; and online via Zoom. To register, or for more information about becoming an OLLI member, visit www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org or call 941-309-5111.
The Manatee County Fair returns Jan. 11-21, 2024, and for the first time, fair lovers can purchase admission tickets online. Daily admission and parking prices are unchanged from recent years with adults 13 and older, $10, active duty military, $6, children ages 6-12, $6. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Parking near the Fair is available in several locations for $10. Adult tickets can be purchased at a $1.50 discount per person online at www.manateecountyfair.com and clicking on the Buy Tickets button at the top of the page. An individual ticket price is $8 and a 50-cent-per-ticket fee is added at checkout. The Fair begins Thursday, Jan. 11 when gates open at 5 p.m. Daily hours are listed on the website. This Fair theme is Fun is in the Air at the Manatee County Fair. The 2024 Fair is packed with fun activities for families of all ages including livestock shows, a petting zoo, camel rides, a one-man band, circus performers, pig racing, blacksmith demonstrations and more. To learn more about the 2024 Manatee County Fair, visit www.manateecountyfair.com.
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is excited to welcome Mutts Gone Nuts to Sarasota on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 5pm. Tickets on sale now. Imagine some of the most talented four-legged performers in the world in an uproariously funny, comedy dog spectacular, and you get Mutts Gone Nuts. The all-star lineup includes Feather, a Guinness world record holder, a two-time World Champion disc dog, an Americas Got Talent fan favorite, and a host of previously discarded dogs that will dance, prance, flip, and skip their way right into your heart. The family-friendly show runs about 70 minutes and was created by veteran comedy team Scott and Joan Houghton, who performed their duo act Jessie and James on variety stages from Tokyo to Las Vegas. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at www.VanWezel.org, by calling the box office at 941-263-6799 or by visiting the box office Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups of 10 or more should contact 941-263-6726. Pre-show dining is available through Mattison’s at the Van Wezel which is located inside the theatre. Reservations can be made on VanWezel.org or through the box office. Mutts Gone Nuts is locally sponsored by Nates Honor Animal Rescue. Adoptable dogs from Nates Honor Animal Rescue will be at the Van Wezel before the Mutts Gone Nuts performance.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens will present Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe as the eighth iteration of its annual Jean and Alfred Goldstein Exhibition, which examines the work of major artists through the lens of their connection to nature. The exhibition, which will be on view from February 11 through June 30, 2024, at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus, will explore the unexpected yet profoundly impactful mentoring relationship that developed between iconic artists Yayoi Kusama and Georgia O Keeffe. The theme of the upcoming Goldstein Exhibition is the latest announcement of programming planned for Selby Gardens 50th anniversary season. For more information, visit selby.org.
Geckos Grill & Pub’s Award-winning Trivia-Think While You Drink! If you love Trivia, join the fun at Geckos all year round. All Trivia starts at 7:30pm. We will have prizes, giveaways and specials plus the Geckos made-to-order fare, signature cocktails and hospitality you love. Monday trivia will be held at the Clark Road location in Palmer Crossing and on Tuesdays at the SR 64 location in Braden River Plaza. The SR 64 location will be taking a break from Trivia in October, but will start back up in April. On Wednesdays, trivia will take place at the Hillview Street location in Southside Village. www.GeckosGrill.com.
Siesta Key Rum runs free year-round tours for guests to learn the story of the craft distillery, the awards they have won and the secret to how they make their rums taste so good. During our 30-45 minute tour we will discuss the following topics: history of Siesta Key Rum, an overview of the awards our small company has won, what makes our rums taste so good, the rum-making process from mashing and fermentation to distillation, barrel aging and bottling of our rums. After the tour, we welcome you to sample a freshly made Siesta Key Rum cocktail, stock up on your favorite rums and browse our gift shop. 2212 Industrial Blvd., Sarasota.
Clyde Butcher: Nature Through the Lens will be on view through August 31, 2024 at the Historic Spanish Point campus. Selby Gardens is excited to present the extraordinary imagery of photographer and conservationist Clyde Butcher throughout the grounds of the Historic Spanish Point campus. Large-scale prints on aluminum of Butcher’s beautiful photographs of plants, animals, and habitats of Florida will be exhibited amid the natural landscape of the 30-acre waterfront preserve, enabling the public to engage with the artist’s work like never before. In the tradition of earlier landscape photographers like Ansel Adams, Butcher captures the beauty and majesty of America’s natural treasures in dramatic black and white. The unique environments of Florida have been subjects of particular interest to Butcher since the 1980s, when he was first introduced to the magic and mystery of sites such as Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Nature Through the Lens will include Butcher’s photographs of regional locales such as Myakka River State Park and Casey Key. This exhibition is presented in partnership with the Clyde Butcher Gallery & Studio in Venice, Florida. For more information, visit selby.org.
MARA Art Studio and Gallery presents ChromaShock: A Modern and Vibrant Exploration, an exhibition of work by 13 artists that pushes the boundaries of chromatic expression, inviting viewers into a mesmerizing world of vivid hues and dynamic compositions. The exhibit runs January 4-31, with an opening reception on Friday, January 12, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The exhibit features work by Laura Arteaga Charlton, Ralph Berger, Bill Buchman, Lori Childers, David Erdman, Christina Jensen Vicente, Midge Johnson, Pamela Olin, Julia Rivera, Ashley Rivers, Jack Shapiro, Javi Suarez and Mara Torres Gonzalez. The gallery is located at 76 S. Palm Avenue, Sarasota. MaraStudioGallery.com.
Natural wonders of the tropical rainforest as depicted on the handcrafted masks of the Indigenous artists of Boruca, Costa Rica will be on view in the Museum of Botany and the Arts from January 6-21, 2024. The cultural practice of mask-making honors the heritage of the Borucan people and reflects the strong connection they maintain with their beautiful natural environment. This exhibition will highlight the history and tradition of Borucan mask-making, as well as celebrate the 20th anniversary of displaying masks at Selby Gardens. Since it was first launched in 2004, this popular annual event at Selby Gardens has brought the beauty of a unique art form to a wider audience, while also empowering the artists to earn income from mask sales that help support their village and their growing conservation efforts. Proceeds from mask sales support the Borucan village and also benefit Selby Gardens education, research, horticulture, and scientific work. Learn more and purchase tickets at selby.org.
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