SRQ DAILY May 8, 2024
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"I am grateful to be a part of this community that cares so much for its residents and staff members, too"
Residents at a local senior living community are giving back in a big way to the caring staff members who help them every day.
Freedom Village of Bradenton residents have been raising scholarship funds for eligible staff members to attend college classes, seek advanced degrees or certificates, and pursue other professional development opportunities–something they have been proudly doing for over 25 years. Recently, in order to encourage more staff members to take advantage of the scholarship program, Freedom Village increased the maximum amount a student may receive up to $5,000 per semester, or $15,000 per year. Currently, there are currently 17 staff members leveraging this opportunity.
“This scholarship has enabled me to continue my education financially and pursue my registered nurse (RN) license faster than I would have been able to without it,” said Shelleatha Smith, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) unit manager. “I love working here; we have a great team, and I hope to move up in the company. I’m grateful to be a part of this community that cares so much for its residents and staff members, too.” Other health center staff members who have benefitted from the opportunity include Liz Mackey, RN Wound Nurse, Laura Eisch, RN Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Jacob Rossi, LPN, Sylvia Garcia, LPN, Hailey Valverde, LPN, and Jacob Castellanos, C.N.A. While many are utilizing the scholarship to pursue careers in the medical field, some, like Adrianna Sanchez, have plans to pursue an MBA, while others, like Lee Dilts will begin work on a bachelor's degree in the fall. Cecelia Cortez, who was an attorney in her country before coming to the United States, is currently a C.N.A. using the scholarship fund to complete her education as a paralegal.
Resident Betty Yackels has been managing the boutique at Freedom Village for about seven years. She started selling some of her clothes and jewelry from her own apartment and enjoyed it so much that she inspired others to do the same and donate the proceeds to the scholarship fund.
“I try to encourage the staff to continue their education because it gives me great pleasure to see young people succeed,” she said. “Our residents really enjoy shopping and buying new things, and we all want to help the kids who otherwise may not be able to pursue their education. I always wanted to own my own shop and never had the opportunity. Now I do, and it’s for a great cause.”
Beginning next month, the Boutique will be open for members of the general public to shop once per month. Prior to COVID, residents would invite friends and family to come "thrifting" each month. They will have the opportunity to do so once again on June 4. For more info about this contact Betty Yackels at 941-755-8187. In addition to shopping at the boutique, those interested in contributing can also make financial donations directly to the Associate Scholarship Fund.
Aside from the scholarship fund, Freedom Village residents show their philanthropic spirit by participating in several fundraising activities to support the Alzheimer's Association, Southwest Florida chapter. In the last year or so, they have held a casino night, a carnival and bake sales. As one of the 2023 corporate sponsors of last year's Walk to End Alzheimer's at Benderson Park, Freedom Village was recognized as one of the top fundraisers, donating more than $8,500 to the organization.
Pictured: Freedom Village of Bradenton resident, Betty Yackels. Photo courtesy of Freedom Village of Bradenton.
On Wednesday, April 24, Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources received a donation of $65,000 from the Friends of Phillippi Estate Park, a chapter of Friends of Sarasota County Parks (FOSCP). This contribution is earmarked to support the ongoing 1916 historic Keith Farmhouse Restoration Project, a future interpretive center that will show the history and natural environment of the park. The donation brings the total to more than $200,000 that has been provided to the county from the Friends of Phillipi Estate Park in support of improvements to protect and enhance the historical and cultural significance of Phillippi Estate Park. April 24 also marked the conclusion of the Phillippi Farmhouse Market for the season. It was a poignant moment as Fred and Grace Whitehouse retired from their roles as managers of the Phillippi Farmhouse Market. However, they will continue their volunteer work serving on the FOSCP Board. During their 13-year tenure as market managers, they expanded the Phillippi Farmhouse Market from 19 vendors to more than 50 vendors, offering a wide array of produce and plants, prepared foods and specialty and sustainable items. Net proceeds from the market are donated to the renovation of the historic Keith farmhouse. The Whitehouse’s legacy will continue as Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources resumes management of the Phillippi Farmhouse Market next season, November 2024-April 2025. To learn more about the Phillippi Farmhouse Market, Phillippi Estate Park or the Friends of Sarasota County Parks, call 311 or visit www.sarasotacountyparks.com.
Children First is proud to announce that longtime volunteers and supporters Stephanie & Allen Hochfelder were recognized for their commitment to improving the lives of children and families. In a ceremony held at the agency’s main campus, the Purple Crayon classroom was dedicated in their honor. For more than a decade, Stephanie has been an integral part of the classroom, volunteering her time and forming lasting bonds with both children and educators. The Hochfelders have emerged as key pillars of support within the community. Their enduring dedication has been amplified through a substantial multi-year investment and a significant legacy commitment, which will help bolster the organization's endowment for years to come. “Stephanie and Allen exemplify the essence of community spirit. We are thrilled to recognize them for their continued impact on our most vulnerable children and families. Through their generosity and compassion, Stephanie and Allen represent what it means to put children and families first, and we are immensely grateful for their continued support," says CEO Philip Tavill. As the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services for Sarasota County, Children First serves nearly 1,100 individuals daily at multiple sites across Sarasota, Venice, and North Port. The agency has been ranked in the top 1% of more than 1,800 programs nationwide and is a four-time designated Head Start Program of Excellence. Like the Hochfelders, you too can be a part of this incredible journey by making a difference in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable. Volunteer today!
As the summer months approach, All Faiths Food Bank - the area's only food bank and largest hunger relief organization - is facing a shortage of volunteers to help distribute food to our neighbors facing hunger. The organization will need around 800 volunteers to cover approximately 12,000 volunteer hours for its 60 planned outdoor mobile food distributions, but is well short of that mark at this time. For more about All Faiths Food Bank or to learn how you can be a hands-on “Hunger Hero” this summer, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org/volunteer.
Pictured: Dedicated All Faiths Food Bank volunteers Lois Lewis (middle) and Fay Donaldson (right) supply a community member with food during a Mobile Pantry Photo by Harry Sayer
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) is proud to announce the launch of multiple initiatives this month through The Recovery Project aimed at utilizing the arts to combat addiction and promote recovery. Developed over the past year in collaboration with Live Tampa Bay, these initiatives represent an ongoing focus in addressing addiction within the performing arts community. One of the cornerstone efforts unveiled today is the release of a comprehensive HR video tailored to guide performing arts organizations in fostering recovery-friendly workplaces. This resource, featuring puppeteering by esteemed Henson Board Member Raymond Carr, and generously supported by technical assistance grants from the Opioid Response Network, provides practical insights and strategies for organizations seeking to create supportive environments. The video, available for free, serves as an accessible tool for organizations of all sizes, aiming to bridge the gap between intention, and action in promoting recovery advocacy within the workplace. Recovery Friendly Workplace Video: https://vimeo.com/934479853.
“I have found myself in symbolist paintings,” notes Ruth Schmidt from Budapest, Hungary, whose work “Friendsheeps” won the People’s Choice award at Embracing Our Differences’ 2024 outdoor exhibitions celebrating kindness, respect, and inclusion at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park and St. Petersburg’s Poynter Park. “My wish is to achieve paintings that speak the unspeakable. My goal is not only copying the visible world, but also capturing the intangible world, including affection, child-like faith, human cooperation, God-to-human relationship, grief, hope, love, loss, pain, and humor. They are based on my own experiences, situations, and concepts, and because each of them is a small piece of my soul, these are the closest to my heart.” Schmidt received a $2,000 cash award for her work.
Pictured: Ruth Schmidt with her work, Friendsheeps. Photo courtesy of EOD.
May is National Foster Care Month and All Star Children's Foundation is urgently seeking compassionate individuals and families in the regional community to become foster parents, responding to a critical shortage of foster homes for children displaced from their families due to abuse or neglect. In the United States, there are over 391,000 children and youth in foster care. Approximately 20,000 youth age out of the foster care system each year without a permanent family. Currently, there are approximately 115 foster homes in the Sarasota area, a significant decline from nearly 200 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. This decreasing trend poses a serious challenge, as more foster families are needed to accommodate the rising number of children requiring care.
Pictured: All Star Children's Foundation campus.
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation is excited to announce that funding for the design concept phase of the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center will be entirely provided by the Foundation. This private funding represents the Foundation's contribution to the 50/50 public-private partnership with the City, ensuring a collaborative and successful development process. This marks a significant step forward for the project and demonstrates the organization’s unwavering commitment to creating a world-class performing arts center for the Sarasota community that will inspire minds for generations.Renowned architecture firm Renzo Piano Building Workshop, in collaboration with local Architect of Record Sweet Sparkman, is set to embark on the design concept of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center immediately following the City of Sarasota's approval of the Piano contract, which is scheduled for consideration later this month. This path forward is similar to the successful approach taken during the 2018 Master Planning process for the Bay Park’s design concept phase, also initially funded through philanthropy.
Bank of America Client Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee has awarded Mothers Helping Mothers $35,000 in grant funding to increase their capacity to serve families in need in Sarasota County. The span and scope of services provided at Mothers Helping Mothers have skyrocketed in the past year necessitating additional space. This project will add 1,700 square feet to the building by creating a new second-floor area and provide for the installation of an elevator. For over 30 years, Mothers Helping Mothers (MHM) has been supporting local families in need by fostering resiliency, self-sufficiency, and family stability. Mothers Helping Mothers is a volunteer only staff providing programs and services to over 2,500 families and 5,000 children annually. “MHM expanded our footprint and services in 2020 with the purchase of our building, but now, with the increasing number of families seeking our assistance, and the significant number of donations and support materials necessary to support our mission, we desperately need additional space,” states Cheri DeVries, Executive Director at Mothers Helping Mothers. She adds, “We are so thankful for the grant from Bank of America Client Foundation which will help us achieve our goal.”
The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF) is pleased to welcome M/I Homes of Sarasota’s Village Nautique to its Builders Give Back program. Through this program, which launched in May 2023, builders make a $100 donation per closing to the LWRCF in the name of the new homeowner. M/I Homes of Sarasota joins the other builders currently participating in the program: Anchor Builders, AR Homes, Homes By Towne, John Cannon Homes, Lee Wetherington Homes, Neal Communities, Neal Signature Homes, Pulte Homes, and Stock Luxury Homes. The program is further supported by Lakewood Ranch Communities, which donates a matching $100 per closing to the LWRCF. The Builders Give Back program benefits the LWRCF by developing engagement with homeowners in their community and introducing them to local philanthropy, which in turn will help create support for the LWRCF into the future. The mission of the LWRCF, which is financed fully by residents and businesses, is to enhance the quality of life in and near the Lakewood Ranch community by responding to local needs, granting funds, and building lasting relationships. As Lakewood Ranch continues to grow, the needs of the community – including human services, education, animal services, and arts and culture – will also grow. For more information, visit lwrcf.org or call (941) 208-6799.
2024 WOMEN WHO ROAR APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN | SRQ Magazine invited our readers to nominate women in our community who best exemplify the attributes of professional acumen, philanthropic passion, personal integrity, and community leadership and who have deeply contributed to our community. Applications close Friday, May 24, 2024.
JOINING FORCES FOR THE GREATER GOOD | In our vibrant city, philanthropy thrives through a network of dedicated nonprofit organizations making a meaningful impact on a great number of community causes, May/June 2024.
On June 1, Project Pride SRQ will present the Grand Carnival In Bloom. 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 music hits, cool country performances, and delightful surprises. Dive Bar Wine and Spirits will be on-site to craft specialty cocktails that will elevate the experience, and some of the finest restaurants in Sarasota will tantalize your 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. Proceeds from the event will support Project Pride programs and events. For more about Project Pride and its Pride Month events, visit www.ppsrq.org.
The annual Tribute to Heroes Parade is back and bigger and better than ever. Join us on Sunday, May 26th, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Lakewood Main Street for a celebration of our local veterans, active duty, and fallen heroes. This special event aims to pay tribute to those who have served our country with honor and bravery. The parade will feature floats, live entertainment, delicious food and drink vendors, and activities for children, providing fun for the whole family. Admission to the parade is free, and event proceeds from the event will support local non-profit and veteran organizations. It is a great way to show our heroes the love and appreciation they truly deserve, so come out and join us in honoring our heroes. If you or if you know of anyone interested in participating in the parade, visit LWRTributeToHeroes.org.
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.
Starting a business requires careful planning and analysis of the financial aspects of the venture. In this webinar, you will learn how to estimate the cash requirements for your business, including the initial purchases and expenses, as well as the ongoing revenue and costs. You will also learn how to forecast the cash flow and profitability of your business over time, using various tools and techniques. This webinar will help you to understand the financial feasibility and viability of your business idea and to prepare realistic and accurate financial projections for your business plan. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
The Behind the Curtain: Exploring the Van Wezel from the Art to the Stage tour on May 20 from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. is presented in partnership with the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The art in the Van Wezel, 777 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, was created by noted Florida artists and is on loan from Arts Advocates. A docent leads a tour of the paintings and sculptures including those by Robert Chase, William Hartman, Eugene White, Ben Stahl, Thornton Utz, Frank Colson, Dean Mitchell, and others. Participants then step onto the stage where a Van Wezel guide shares stories and anecdotes about the colorful world of show business. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at the Van Wezel box office or by calling 941- 263-6799. Proceeds benefit the education/outreach programs of Arts Advocates and the Van Wezel. To learn more about or become a member of Arts Advocates, or to register for programs and events, visit ArtsAdvocates.org.
We will review basic WordPress site structure, how to add and edit menus, and how to use both the classic WordPress editor and the Gutenberg editor, review tags and categories, and the importance of Alt tags and optimization for images and photos. We will also review the difference between blog pages and web pages and review the widgets most commonly available in themes. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
Geckos mixologists created The Magnolia, a refreshing cocktail that combines the rich, smooth flavors of NYAK peach brandy with the sweetness of peach nectar and the tang of orange and lemon juices. Topped off with a splash of sparkling wine, this drink is the perfect blend of sweet, just like Mom, and citrus in every sip. www.GeckosGrill.com.
Treat Mom to a special meal at Amore Restaurant, which will be open from 5 to 9 pm on Mothers Day. Enjoy their regular menu and live music with Eddie Tobin, the former music director of Engelbert Humperdinck. To learn more, visit amorelbk.com.
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.
As part of the Art of Performance Series at The Ringling, ensembleNEWSRQ presents Paris Refraction, a four-part micro festival that explores new music compositions that embody or have been inspired by the City of Light. The four-concert festival will be presented in both Dallas and Sarasota, with faculty and students of Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) Meadows School of the Arts involved in the Dallas presentation. In Sarasota, the festival is May 9, 7:30 p.m., May 10, 7:30 p.m., and May 11, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at the Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. Single tickets are $30-40. For more information on ticket packages and single tickets, including student ticket pricing, visit https://www.ringling.org/event/ensemblenewsrq/ or call 941-360-7399.
In this session, we will be reviewing how to install a WordPress theme and install plugins. We will review how to keep your WordPress theme and version up to date, as well as keeping your plugins updated. We will also review backing up your WordPress site and how to recover from some common issues that may occur when updating. We will also be touching on on-site security. Free, online webinar. score.org/manasota.
Check out The Petticoat Painters, an exhibition of female artists, at SPAACES. The exhibition runs from May 3 through June 1, with an opening reception on Friday, May 3 from 6-8pm. The Petticoat Painters is one of the oldest continuously exhibiting art groups of women in the U.S. This group was formed in 1953 to showcase the talents of female artists at a time when women had difficulty finding venues to show their work. Seven women participated in the first show held at a local Sarasota, Florida gallery. These original members selected the name Petticoat Painters, thinking it would be a one-time show of their work. The name continues to be used both in honor of the founders and to retain its historical signature. While we revere our history, each generation of members evolves its own identity framed by contemporary thinking. As we continue to engage new members, we actively move into the 21st Century in concert with the dynamic metamorphosis in art philosophy and aesthetics. Learn more at Petticoatpainters.com. SPAACES Art Gallery, 2051 Princeton Street, Sarasota.
Yoga at The Ringling, May 1 and May 15, taught by Ashley Stewart, is an all levels vinyasa class. You can expect a mix of seated, standing, and lying down postures synced with the flow of your breath. Ashley will guide you through connected movements to help increase your self-awareness while immersed in the healing powers of being in nature. Music is played in the background to enhance the senses as your eyes dance across the sunset sky to see birds, dolphins, and fish that often make an appearance in the evening. Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. Please bring sunglasses, water, towel, a yoga mat, and sunscreen to make it the most pleasurable experience. $20 / $15 Member.
The Ringling, Ca' d'Zan Terrace
Students from 18 elementary, 7 middle, and 6 high schools throughout Sarasota County will show off their creative talents at the North County K-12 Spring Art Show, April 30-May 13, at Art Center Sarasota. Nearly 50 teachers are part of the effort. The North County Art show is presented in conjunction with the South County Art Show at the Venice Art Center, April 29-May 9, to comprise the Sarasota County Schools Spring Art Show, serving all the public schools in the county. Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. For information, visit www.artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.
Connect with local business owners at every Thursday at Oscura. Lets Connect is a community of collaborative business professionals from the Manatee and Sarasota County areas. RSVP on Eventbrite to attend, admission is free.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe