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SRQ DAILY Apr 10, 2024

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"Origami is like storytelling. You have to share it with others for it to live on."

- Megan Howell, Executive Director and Founder, Second Heart Homes.
 

[Nonprofit Event]  Gulf Coast Community Foundation Celebrates Transformation with 2024 Better Together Event
Barbie Heit, barbie.heit@srqme.com

State Street was rocking on April 4, when Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) presented its Better Together Block Party, a free, fun-for-all-ages party bringing together philanthropists, nonprofit partners, and the public to celebrate all the ways we transform our community together. The event featured live music from the gifted Florida Reggae Band Jah Movement and activity booths representing Gulf Coast’s Focus Areas: arts, education, environment, and health and human services.

Some special highlights of Better Together 2024 included an interactive activity to improve water quality with Oyster Boys Conservation and a science experiment with Suncoast Science Center’s Faulhaber Fab Lab. In keeping with the event’s theme of community transformation, there was also a beautiful butterfly release with Cathleen Strong and friends, butterfly gardeners/enthusiasts with the Lakewood Ranch Garden Club, and magical bubble acts with Bubble Artist Blaise Ryndes, who has broken world records and appeared on America’s Got Talent.

Event attendees were also given a hands-on opportunity to create love-inspired origami with Megan Howell, the the executive director and founder of Second Heart Homes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing permanent housing to those with mental illness who have experienced or are at-risk of homelessness. Howell started the nonprofit in 2019 after helping one gentleman get off the streets and into a home back in 2015. Today, Second Heart Homes has grown to include ten homes and 62 beds across Sarasota and Manatee Counties, ten full-time employees and about 35 volunteers, providing housing support and love for homeless single adults who have a mental illness. Working with Ringling students to design special folding paper for the event, Howell shared her personal mental health hobby, origami, with Better Together participants who created butterflies and hearts that ultimately came together on a canvas as a collage. “Origami is like storytelling,” explained Howell. “You have to share it with others for it to live on.” 

Pictured: Origami butterflies and hearts were created with the help of Megan Howell of Second Heart Homes as part of the 2024 Better Together. Photo by Barbie Heit.

[The Circus Arts Conservatory]  WONDERBALL - See Grammy-Winning DJ Alan Walker this Saturday, 4/13!

ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT and see Grammy-Winning DJ Alan Walker at WONDERBALL, an electronic dance music concert fundraiser where we AMPLIFY THE IMPACT together for The Circus Arts Conservatory’s local youth education programs this Saturday, April 13th at 7pm at the Sailor Circus Arena, 20275 Bahia Vista, Sarasota, FL.  WONDERBALL, is the CAC’s newest fundraising evolution and is returning for a second year with another mega DJ following last year’s EPIC performance by Steve Aoki to an enthusiastic crowd of over 1,000 guests. The evening includes a keynote Sailor Circus student mission moment performance which showcases the age range and incredible skills of these young performers. The high-energy, immersive, all ages-welcome WODNERBALL dance party starts with opening DJ’s AU-GUST, PUSHMAN and Peter DiCaro. Exclusive, limited drop, Alan Walker + WONDERBALL merch, concessions and alcohol for guests 21+ will be available for purchase. The Official WONDERBALL After-Party continues the night, with all the right vibes courtesy of SRQ Beats and DJ’s AU-GUST and NATIPITCH at the transformed Michael’s on East ballroom from 11pm-1am.  WONDERBALL tickets start are $100 and dance floor tickets with discount code EPICWB50 are available on circusartswonderball.com. Tell your peeps, get your WONDERBALL tickets now and feel the ethereal neon vibes at the most EPIC dance party of the year in Sarasota! See you there! 

Click Here To Learn More

[Grants]  Sisterhood for Good Invites Area Nonprofits to Apply for their Annual Community Grants

Sisterhood For Good (SFG) invites nonprofits in Sarasota and Manatee Counties to apply for one of SFG’s Annual Community Grants. This is a reminder that the submission period, having been open since January 1st, has a deadline for submission of Friday, April 26, 2024, by 5:00 PM. In 2023, the dedicated all-volunteer group of local women successfully raised over $110,000 to support 32 local charities with programs supporting the local area. For the 2024 Grant cycle, SFG will exceed this amount and continue to help additional organizations with their programs. The success of SFG’s Annual Community Grant initiative highlights the impact of collective efforts in making a difference in the lives of those in need. The Grant funds are distributed through a strategic grant application process, ensuring each organization receiving support aligns with the group's mission of fostering positive change within the community. Qualifying non-profits selected to receive grants will be presented with the funds in June of this year. Grants have been awarded to various organizations, including those focused on education, healthcare, social services, veterans, and environmental conservation. The grant application process was designed to be transparent, fair, and inclusive. Charitable organizations are invited to apply for grants, detailing their projects and initiatives and how the funds would benefit the local community. The final decision on the grants is determined by a voting process conducted by the full membership of Sisterhood For Good after each project is meticulously reviewed and recommendations are made based on the potential impact and alignment with the group's goals. Nonprofits will find the application on the SFG website, www.sisterhoodforgood.org, under the heading Apply For Grants. 

Pictured: 2023 SFG grant recipients.

[Leadership]  Goodwill Manasota Announces new Board Chair, Betsy Benac

Goodwill Manasota is pleased to announce a new board chair for the 2024-2025 term: former Manatee County Commissioner and longtime planner Elizabeth “Betsy” Benac will lead the volunteer board for the next two years. The 2024-2025 directors are Xtavia Bailey, Steve Boone (immediate past chair), Rich Cautero, Rod Hollingsworth, Eric Kaplan, James McClure, Rob Morris, Laurie O’Loughlin, Laura Ritchey, Allen Weinstein, and Brad West (chair emeritus). Goodwill is grateful to longtime board member Debbie Douglas, who completed her term in December 2023, for her dedicated and expert leadership. Benac has extensive experience as a planner, working as a regional planner in East Central Michigan for several years before she and her husband, a school teacher, moved to Sarasota in 1983. She worked for 11 years for Manatee County, where she rose to assistant planning director before working in the private sector as planning manager for Wilson Miller – which became Stantec, a leader in planning, permitting, and designing most of the communities in the fast-growing area of Lakewood Ranch – for 18 years. After a stint as senior planning manager for Benderson Development, she ran for office and, in 2012, earned a seat on the Manatee County Commission. On the Commission, she served as one of two at-large commissioners representing the entirety of Manatee County. During her eight-year term of office, she was elected by her peers three times to serve as chair of the commission, most recently in 2020. She is now retired. Some of the volunteer positions she served in included: a Gubernatorial appointee for nine years on the Manasota Basin Board; an appointee on the Board of Zoning Appeals of Manatee County; a director on the Manatee Chamber of Commerce; Chair of the Government Review Committee for the Sarasota Chamber; and an officer and director on the Boards of the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton, the Kiwanis Foundation, and the Girl Scouts of Southwest Florida. In the coming year, some of the top priorities to be addressed with the board’s input and guidance will include: strengthening community collaborative efforts to maximize impact; upskilling its own workforce and the community; and solidifying its operations in its recently expanded footprint, as the organization added parts of Charlotte and Lee counties last spring. For more about Goodwill, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721. 

[Recognition]  Academy at Bradenton Named Bank of America's Neighborhood Champion in Manatee County

Bank of America has selected Academy at Bradenton, part of the Academy at Glengary, Inc., as it’s Neighborhood Champion® in Manatee County. The Academy will receive a $50,000 grant for its work supporting economic mobility among adults who live with a serious mental illness and face significant barriers to employment. Academy at Bradenton is an expansion into Manatee County, following the success of Academy at Glengary in Sarasota. The grant will support a long-term solution in workforce development for adults living with serious mental illness, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression. Participants will receive vocational training in graphics arts and multimedia, culinary arts, , and business and technology to prepare for careers or further education. As part of the bank’s Neighborhood Builders program, one of the largest philanthropic investments into nonprofit leadership development in the nation, Neighborhood Champions provides funding to nonprofits that are advancing economic mobility and building up underserved neighborhoods. The invitation-only program is highly competitive, and nonprofits are selected by a committee comprised of community leaders and past awardees. The grant includes the opportunity to participate in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector on topics such as human capital management, increasing financial sustainability and storytelling.  Since 2004, Bank of America has invested more than $300 million in nearly 100 communities across the U.S., partnered with more than 1,600 nonprofits and helped more than 3,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills through the Neighborhood Builders and Champions program.  

[Gala]  Cause 4 Hope Kaleidoscope Gala Presented by Neuro Challenge Foundation, Featuring Event Chairs Aimee Chouinard and Terry McKee

 On April 20th, starting at 5:30pm, Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s proudly  presents "Cause 4 Hope - Kaleidoscope – A multifaceted gala celebration". Guided by the passionate  leadership of event chairs Aimee Chouinard and Terry McKee, this uplifting and joyful evening promises  to be an unforgettable event. Additionally, this year's gala holds special significance as Cause 4 Hope will  honor the founder of Neuro Challenge, Dr. Dean Sutherland.  The Cause 4 Hope is not just any other gala; it's a testament to the power of community and the  unwavering commitment to encourage a better quality of life to those living with Parkinson’s. Through a  kaleidoscope of artistry, immersive experiences, storytelling, and philanthropy, guests will embark on a  journey of empathy and inspiration, gaining insight into the diverse challenges faced by the Parkinson’s  community. Each year, Cause 4 Hope raises critically needed funds to provide personalized care advising, local  resource referrals, and ongoing education, therapeutic and support programs to people with  Parkinson's and their loved ones. The Cause 4 Hope Kaleidoscope Gala is presented by the Amicus Foundation with special guest  emcee and auctioneer, Ray Collins, award-winning TV newscaster turned top Realtor! The event starts at 5:30 p.m. on April 20th at Michael’s On East Ballroom, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota. Individual tickets are $300. Get your ticket before they sell out! To purchase ticket – www.neurochallenge.org/events/cause4hope or call 941.926.6413.  

[Hospital Event]  Donate Life Month Flag Raising Ceremony

HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital will hold a special flag raising ceremony to help raise awareness and to honor organ donors and their families. National Donate Life Month is celebrated annually in April. The observance encourages people to learn about organ and tissue donation and how to register to help save lives. Hospital colleagues, nurses and physicians will be joined by Jill Rust. Rust, a Bradenton resident, received a kidney donation and transplant in 2010. She will speak about her transplant and how a donation from a deceased donor impacted her life. The Donate Life flag will be solemnly raised and will fly the entire month of April in front of the hospital. The hospital will also hold a blood drive, as part of the nationwide We Show Up for our Communities effort. Colleagues at HCA Healthcare hospitals across the United States partner with nonprofit organizations for acts of service in April. The blood drive will benefit Suncoast Blood Centers and the flag raising ceremony will be held in conjunction with LifeLink® of Florida, the local organ and tissue recovery organization.

Wednesday, April 10 at 9:15 a.m.- flag raising; 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.- blood drive, HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital, 5731 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. 

[Leadership]  TREE Foundation Names Vanessa Wassenar Board President

The TREE Foundation has named Vanessa Wassenar president of its board of directors; her three-year term began January 1, 2024. Wassenar will work closely with Executive Director Meg Lowman to guide the board in its day-to-day operations and long term strategic goals. Based in Sarasota, Florida, TREE is an international non-profit organization, dedicated to tree and forest research, exploration, education, and conservation across the globe.  Wassener has served on TREE’s board of directors for the past three years. Wassenar is a strategic consultant for schools and non-profits, with particular expertise in helping organizations manage change.  She previously served as Director of Resource Management for Proctor Academy in New Hampshire, and founded and served as Chief Operating Officer for Creating Resilient Schools (2001-2023), providing consulting services and executive coaching in matters of finance, governance, accreditation, and organizational analysis for educational and non-profit organizations. “There is so much work to be done to save our eighth continent, as Dr. Lowman calls tree canopies, and we need to move quickly and intentionally,” said Wassenar. “TREE Foundation is very involved in the local community and also values the opportunity to work globally in those countries experiencing devastating destruction of forests, biodiversity, and genetic libraries.” TREE Foundation is in its third decade of working to save local and global forests, as well as continuing to promote environmental education for youth. One of Wassenar's top priorities will be advancing the foundation's global canopy program which aims to build canopy walkways or "bridges" in the world's highest biodiversity forests where species of plants and animals are most at risk. Learn more at the TREE Foundation's website, treefoundation.org. 

[Food Program]  All Faiths Food Bank Announces $1 Million Match for Campaign Against Summer Hunger

All Faiths Food Bank (AFFB) has announced that this year’s Campaign Against Summer Hunger will be bolstered by a $1 million challenge match – the largest in the history of the fundraising effort – provided by Campaign investors. The Campaign provides food for students and their siblings in Sarasota and DeSoto counties over the course of the summer. The community campaign began on April 1 and runs through May 15, with donations of all amounts welcome – and all gifts to be doubled. Nearly 50% of Sarasota County and 100% of DeSoto County students rely on free and reduced-cost meals at school. The Campaign supports efforts to feed area children during the summer months when they no longer receive those meals – as well as school pantries, which also provide nutritional assistance throughout the school year. AFFB estimates that more than 40,000 local kids will need food this summer. On top of an already high cost of living and growing inflation, Florida has opted out of the Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer for Children (Summer EBT) program, which would have provided $250 million in funding to help families in need buy food this summer.  AFFB is thankful for lead investors Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation for helping to fund the challenge match, as well as the more than 300 community partners – including schools, libraries, early learning centers, summer camps, community centers and numerous other organizations throughout Sarasota and DeSoto counties – that help the organization reach all who might be in need. In 2023, the Campaign raised over $2 million. With this support, nearly 38,000 local children received nutritious meals. Since its inception in 2014, donors have contributed more than $16 million to the Campaign. For more about All Faiths Food Bank or to learn more about the Campaign to End Summer Hunger, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org or call 941-379-6333. 

[Celebration]  Project Pride Announces Pride Month Events

As local organization Project Pride SRQ settles into its cheerful new headquarters in the Rosemary District, it is now kicking things into high gear with two major special events to mark Pride Month in June. On June 1, it will present the Grand Carnival In Bloom; on June 8, it will be a partner in offering Silver Pride Sarasota. Event organizers are looking forward to launching Pride Month in grand style with the Grand Carnival In Bloom, an enchanting evening filled with flowers, a DJ spinning today's hits, cool country performances (artists to be named soon), and delightful surprises. Dive Bar Wine & Spirits will be on-site to craft specialty cocktails that will elevate the experience, and some of Sarasota's finest restaurants will tantalize guests’ taste buds with lite bites and desserts. The Grand Carnival takes place on Saturday, June 1, 8-11 p.m. at the Sailor Circus Arena (2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota). Tickets, which include open bar, food and entertainment, are $125/VIP (enables early entry at 7 p.m.), $85/general admission; door price is $150, subject to availability. Major sponsors include CAN Community Health, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, McCarver & Moser, and SRQ Beats. Proceeds from the event will support Project Pride’s programs and events. On June 8, Project Pride, Senior Friendship Centers and Golden Girls Solutions will present Silver Pride Sarasota, celebrating LGBTQ+ ages 50 and better. This free event celebrates our senior members of the LGBTQ+ community; the afternoon program will feature live music, vendors, food trucks, and more from community partners. Takes place on Saturday, June 8, 12-5 p.m. at Senior Friendship Center (1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota). Valet and individual parking will be available on-site. Booth space is available to interested businesses and organizations; deadline to sign up is May 15, 2024. Sponsors of $500-$1,500 are also welcome. For more about Project Pride and its Pride Month events, visit www.ppsrq.org. 

Pictured: On June 1, Project Pride SRQ will present Grand Carnival In Bloom, with proceeds benefiting Project Pride's programs and events Provided photo/Project Pride.



[WWR]  2024 Women Who Roar Competition

2024 WOMEN WHO ROAR NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN | We invite our readers to nominate an individual who best exemplifies the attributes of professional acumen, philanthropic passion, personal integrity and community leadership. Nominations close Friday, April 26, 2024. 

Nominate Here!

[Good Hero]  Caring for the Community

CARING FOR A COMMUNITY | With five branches throughout Sarasota, Venice and Bradenton, Liberty Savings Bank is committed to serving the local community, April 2024. 

Read Here!

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Ranching Foundations , April 26, 9am-3pm
UF/IFAS Extension South Florida Beef-Forage Program is hosting Ranching Foundations on Friday, April 26 from 9 A.M.-3 P.M. This program is perfect for beginners new to ranching as well as established professionals looking to stay up to date on the latest research. Located at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona, participants will rotate through cattle management classes covering topics such as calf care, heifer management, cow management, bull management, and the legality of selling meat from the ranch. Admission is $40 per person and includes lunch and educational materials. Register at ranchingfoundations.eventbrite.com.
[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: WONDERBALL at The Circus Arts Conservatory , April 13, 7pm

The Circus Arts Conservatory is thrilled about the return of WONDERBALL, a high-energy event that will feature a world-famous electronic dance music star. The proceeds will benefit its youth education programs. WONDERBALL promises to be an epic dance concert experience, headlined by renowned Norwegian DJ and producer Alan Walker. The event will take place on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 7 p.m. in the Sailor Circus Arena at 2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota. The event features a larger stage for a more immersive experience with enhanced LED lasers, lights and video screens, and the vibe for WONDERBALL 2024 is neon and guests are encouraged to dress in dance-ready festival/clubwear. This is an all-ages welcome event; alcohol and bar service will be available to guests ages 21 and up with proper ID. Concessions and including snacks, soda, and water will also be available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit circusartswonderball.com.

[SOON]  GALA: Blue Ties and Butterflies , April 10, 6pm
The Child Protection Center, Inc. hosts its 11th Annual Blue Ties and Butterflies signature event to raise critical funds for programming during Child Abuse Prevention Month. Blue Ties and Butterflies is a celebration of the transformational healing CPC brings to survivors of child abuse. On April 10th at 6pm, community members are invited to join the Child Protection Center in the fight against child abuse at Michaels On East. CPC has a remarkable program lined up that will inspire attendees and show how their support is a beacon of light for every child or adult who is on their healing journey. Attendees can expect not only a delicious meal by the incredible Michaels On East team, but also a jazz hour for dessert, an opportunity to meet the PAWS therapy dogs from Pet Advocates Working in the Suncoast, and the chance to partner with CPC to change lives, forever. There are multiple ways to get involved including an exhilarating live auction with unique packages, a chance drawing for a custom ombre sapphire butterfly necklace, and even client-created art pieces you can take home for a donation. Tickets, sponsorships, and chance drawing opportunities are available on the Child Protection Center’s website at www.cpcsarasota.org/events.
[SOON]  GALLERY: Fierce and Fabulous , April 6 – April 27, Various times

Fierce and Fabulous, a show of works by Elisabeth Trostli, will be on exhibit from April 6-27, Saturdays only from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Arts Advocates Gallery in the Crossings at Siesta Key Mall, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Trostli uses a creative digital painting process to incorporate detailed visual references and embellishments into her works. The paintings in this exhibition are inspired by her travels: vintage scientific engravings, Steampunk, Pre-Raphaelite and Baroque sources, Celtic, Asian and African mythology, Medieval knights and armor, tribal textiles and Victorian jewelry. Admission is free. On April 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Arts Advocates Gallery, Trostli presents the art talk, From Digital Painting to AI. She will discuss and demonstrate her artistic process in creating her work on the computer. Surrounded by unique images of intricately detailed fantasy portraits of women warriors, geishas, divas, and angels, she will highlight the possibilities of digital artistry. Free for Arts Advocates members; $5 for non-members. To learn more, visit artsadvocates.org.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Mystery Reef , April 2 – June 30, Various times
Get ready to use your brain coral and start Kraken the case at the new Mystery Reef exhibit Mote Aquarium. Coral reefs, the rainforests of the sea, are in serious danger. Help us find out what is hurting the corals and how we can help. Become a coral detective and uncover clues throughout Mystery Reef while learning about real coral science and restoration at Mote Marine Laboratory. For more information: mote.org/mystery.
[SOON]  GALLERY: Through Sorrow into Light , March 14 – April 20, Various times
Art Center Sarasota presents Through Sorrow into Light by Natasha Dikareva features a new body of freestanding and wall-hanging ceramic sculptures, expressing the perspective of the Ukrainian-born artist on the current sociopolitical climate. Artist Talk on Thursday, March 28, 5:30-7 p.m. To learn more, visit www.artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.
[SOON]  MUSEUM: Free Second Sundays , March 10 – December 8, 11am-5pm

Enjoy a day of art and family fun at Sarasota Art Museum. On the second Sunday of each month, we offer free admission for visitors, special performances, and art-making activities for the whole family. To learn more, visit sarasotaartmuseum.org.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Embracing Our Differences , January 24 – April 14, Various times
Embracing Our Differences celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. Visit the exhibit at the downtown Bayfront Park in Sarasota. The winning artworks combine a deep understanding of both medium and message. Awards are given for Best-in-Show Adult, Best-in-Show Student, and Peoples Choice categories, with the last chosen by visitors to the exhibit. Adult winners each receive $2,000, and students receive $2,000 to be split with their school’s art or writing program. The statements accompanying each artwork are also vital and provide insight into our common humanity as well as the differences that make us all unique. For more information, visit www.embracingourdifferences.org.
[SOON]  DANCE: Celtic Throne, The Royal Journey of Irish Dance , June 2, 7:30pm
Irish dancers and musicians from Edmonds Herbert W. Armstrong College and Armstrong Dance will embark on their fifth U.S. tour beginning May 5, visiting 10 states over seven weeks with their show Celtic Throne, The Royal Journey of Irish Dance. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall will host a one-night performance at 7:30 p.m., June 2. Celtic Throne, The Royal Journey of Irish Dance explores the ancient origins of Irish step dance and celebrates the millennia-long journey of a music-and-dance-loving people as they migrate from the ancient Near East to Ireland, Scotland, England and the United States. Tickets to Celtic Throne, The Royal Journey of Irish Dance begin at $25 and can be purchased at VanWezel.org. For more information, please visit celticthrone.com.
[SOON]  MUSIC: Patriotic Pops and Fireworks Concert, American Heroes , May 25, 7:30pm
The Venice Symphony is proud to present the fifth annual Patriotic Pops and Fireworks Concert, American Heroes, on Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 pm at CoolToday Park, the Spring Training home of The Atlanta Braves. A spectacular fireworks display will follow the concert. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Visit the CoolToday Park Box Office at 18800 S. West Villages Parkway, Venice, or call 941-413-5004 or visit Ticketmaster to purchase tickets.
[SOON]  MUSIC: Friday Fest , May 24 – October 4, 5-9pm

Friday Fest, the free, outdoor summertime concert series at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall returns with an exciting lineup of bands who will bring the audience to their feet. This year the festivities kick off in May. Each event runs from 5-9 p.m. on the lawn of the Van Wezel overlooking beautiful Sarasota Bay. Bring blankets or lawn chairs, take in the music and the sunset, and enjoy food and beverages from local vendors. 

[SOON]  FOOD: Mothers Day Brunch , May 12, 10:30am, 12pm and 1:30pm
Celebrate Mothers Day amid Mother Nature at Selby Gardens Downtown Sarasota campus. Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet catered by Michaels On East with a special performance by the female vocal trio The Vocalitas at each brunch seating. Tickets to Mothers Day Brunch grant you full access to our Downtown Sarasota campus to view our Spring Exhibition Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia OKeeffe before and/or after brunch. Check-in opens at 10:00 a.m. outside of the Welcome Center. Mothers Day Brunch takes place inside the Event Center. To learn more, visit selby.org.
[SOON]  SEMINAR: Writing for the Stage , April 24, 3:30pm
Annette Dignam State College of Florida Residency in Literature at the Hermitage presents Writing for the Stage with Hermitage Fellow Sarah Gancher, Wednesday, April 24, 3:30pm: An Obie Award-winning playwright whose work has been produced at some of the top theaters in the country, Hermitage Fellow Sarah Gancher is no stranger to writing for the stage. From works such as the recent Off-Broadway play Russian Troll Farm to collaborative musical projects like Hundred Days and The Lucky Ones with The Bengsons, Gancher has done it all. In this special program, Gancher will offer insight into how she approaches a range of projects, give updates on what is next for her, and share samples of her original works. Presented in partnership with State College of Florida. Registration is required at HermitageArtistRetreat.org. $5/person registration fee. State College of Florida, Venice Campus, 8000 S Tamiami Trail, Venice.
[SOON]  FOOD: Wine Walk , April 19, VIP start at 5:30pm and General Admission start at 6pm
Calling all wine lovers and foodies to support the legacy of John and Mable Ringling and join us on our Wine Walk Around the World with Ringling. This year we will explore wines and food around the globe by indulging in a wine-tasting tour along the drive to the legendary home of the Ringlings overlooking Sarasota Bay with live music and entertainment. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit ringling.org.
[SOON]  BUSINESS: Summer Hiring, Compliance Considerations and Tips for Success , April 18, 1pm
Experiencing an increase in demand during the summer can be exciting for small business owners, but finding the right hire to meet that demand can be challenging. In this webinar, we will dive into the fundamentals of hiring a seasonal worker and the strategies you can use to hire the right employee fast while staying compliant with regulations. From posting job listings to on-the-job training, we will cover everything you need to know about the hiring process. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
[SOON]  PERFORMANCE: Sights and Sounds at Waterside Place , July 28 – May 31, 6 to 9 p.m.

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.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Business Networking and Cowork Session , August 22 – June 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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.

[SOON]  FOOD: Siesta Key Rum Distillery Tours , September 2 – September 30, Various times

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.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Jazz Thursdays , January 11 – June 13, 5:30 pm-8 pm

Join us for live jazz at Sarasota Art Museum, hosted by the Jazz Club of Sarasota, featuring Hot Club of SRQ, and extended hours in the galleries, Bistro, and SHOP. Sip on refreshing cocktails and enjoy small bites in the Bistro. Each second Thursday of the month features a different style of jazz, from straight-ahead to free jazz, bebop to swing-programmed in partnership with Jazz Club of Sarasota. Galleries are open until 7 pm on Jazz Thursdays. Learn more and purchase tickets at sarasotaartmuseum.org.

[SOON]  GALLERY: Yayoi Kusama: A Letter to Georgia O Keeffe at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens , February 11 – June 30, n/a

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.

[SOON]  MUSIC: Duo Beaux Arts , April 16, 7:30pm
Founded in 2008 by the husband-and-wife team of internationally renowned pianists Catherine Lan and Tao Lin, Duo Beaux Arts takes the power of the piano and doubles it. Known for their adrenalized performances, this dynamic duo has performed to critical acclaim across the U.S., Europe, and China. This recital features works for piano four hands and two pianos, including Sonata for Two Pianos in D major, K448 by Mozart, Fantasie in f minor for piano four hands, Op 940 by Schubert and pieces by Vivaldi, Debussy, and Strauss. The pair will perform at the Studio for Performing Arts Recital Hall at State College of Florida on April 16 at 7:30 pm. Single ticket: $40. For tickets and more information, visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org or call 941-306-1202.

SRQ Media Group

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