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SRQ DAILY Jun 26, 2024

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"At Top Tier K9, we have solidified the best process in the world for training puppies and to get them paired with handlers."

- Julie Madison, Owner, Top Tier K9, Bradenton.
 

[Fundraising Event]  Julie Madison's Record-Breaking Swim Aims to Raise Awareness and Support for Veterans
Barbie Heit, barbie.heit@srqme.com

Julie Madison, a renowned swimmer and trainer with Top Tier K9-Bradenton, set a record for the distance around Siesta Key with a historic marathon swim on Tuesday, June 4. This achievement is part of an inspiring campaign by SOF Missions, in partnership with Top Tier K9-Bradenton, to raise $250,000 to support veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by providing them with specially trained service dogs.

Top Tier K9-Bradenton, which is owned by Madision, is known for its expertise in training foundation dogs and service dogs. Their mission is to produce the highest quality working dogs, capable of performing a variety of tasks to aid individuals and organizations. Top Tier K9-Bradenton’s training programs are designed to ensure that each dog is prepared to meet the specific needs of their handlers, including veterans with PTSD. SOF Missions is a nonprofit dedicated to combating the veteran suicide crisis by supporting veterans and their families. According to the National Library of Medicine, service dogs can reduce PTSD symptoms by up to 82%, improve overall mental health, and enhance social interactions for veterans.

"SOF's mission is to focus on the rehabilitation of the veteran by helping them get them better sleep, therapy and to just better be in a solid place," says Madison. "At Top Tier K9, we have solidified the best process in the world for training puppies and to get them paired with handlers. I work with SOF missions when they have a handler that's ready for service. I train their handlers and the dogs so that they can be successful teams."

Dr. Damon Friedman, co-founder of SOF Missions, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Service dogs have been proven instrumental in helping veterans deal with PTSD and other medical issues. These highly trained animals help our heroes manage life’s stressors and reintegrate into civilian communities.”

Madison's marathon swim covered approximately 36 miles in 18 hours, 12 minutes, and 53 seconds. She began her journey at 4:20 a.m and ended at about 11 pm, navigating the waters of Florida with determination. Supported by eight kayak teams, Madison overcame numerous challenges, including a flipped kayak, lost electronics, and rough waters, to complete her swim. “Our mission was to stay the course, no matter the challenges,” she said. “We faced a five-mile detour due to shallow waters and rough seas, but I was determined to complete what I started.”

Madison's swim, while highlighting her endurance and commitment, primarily serves as a call to action for the community to support our veterans. The funds raised through this effort will provide essential service dogs for veterans attending Be Resilient Clinics, which are put on by the staff at SOF Missions. These clinics provide 12 months of comprehensive care addressing psychological, physical, spiritual, and social aspects of recovery for veterans. 

Pictured: Swimmer Julie Madison, supported by members of her volunteer kayak teams. Photo courtesy of Julie Madison.

To learn more, visit

[Scholarship]  Selby Foundation Supports 45 Students With Academic Scholarships, Renewable for Up to Four Years of College

The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation has named 45 new Selby Scholars, outstanding students who are eligible for up to four years of a renewable scholarship award to their chosen accredited college or university. Twenty-four Scholars are first gen students, the first in their families to attend college. Graduating high schools in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto Counties, students are engaged in their communities and plan to use their education to help others. Many Scholars plan to major in STEAM fields including mechanical engineering, food and nutrition science, computer science, bioengineering, aerospace engineering, and chemistry and more specifically, in health-related fields including nursing and behavioral cognitive neuroscience. Others will pursue degrees in business, finance, journalism, and other disciplines. The Selby Foundation scholarship program is unique, offering “last dollar funding” to students that is personalized based on individual student need and financial aid. Annual support varies and can increase for many, as single-year scholarships from other providers are not renewed. Throughout their experience in undergraduate school, Selby Scholars also receive access to special opportunities such as mentor matching with a professional in their desired field of study; education sessions to help students succeed in life, studies, and work; and options for a Student Emergency Persistence Fund for certain expenses that may prevent students from remaining enrolled. College students in the 2020 class of Selby Scholars have either graduated from college this year or graduated early. Some are pursuing advanced degrees, while others are entering the workforce or military service. The Selby Foundation is the legacy of Bill and Marie Selby, two caring people who wanted others to have access to the same opportunities they experienced. Established in 1955, the Foundation has an expansive history of supporting students in post-secondary academic success through scholarships and nonprofits in community gains through capital investments. Susie Bowie is President & CEO. Susan Hines is Board Chair. Learn more online at SelbyFdn.org. 

Pictured: The 2024 Selby Scholars. Photo courtesy of The Selby Foundation.

[Recognition]  Jennifer Rominiecki Named Key Chorale's 2024 Perfect Pitch Honoree

Key Chorale, the Suncoast’s premier symphonic chorus, announces it will bestow its 2024 Perfect Pitch Award to Selby Gardens’ visionary President & CEO, Jennifer O. Rominiecki. Rominiecki began her tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in February 2015. Since she arrived, she repositioned the institution as The Living Museum®, securing a trademark from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Enacting this new operating model has yielded increases of 170% in membership and 141% in overall earned revenues. Rominiecki has also overseen the creation and execution of a five-year Strategic Plan, a new three-year Strategic Plan, as well as an innovative Master Site Plan for which more than $57 million has been raised. In May 2020, she oversaw the adoption of Historic Spanish Point as a companion campus to Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota location to form one organization with two bayfront sanctuaries connecting people to air plants of the world, native nature, and regional history. Revel in the natural beauty of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens on November 4, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota, to celebrate the impact that choral music can have throughout life, from youth to adulthood, affecting our lives, careers, and communities. Honorary Chair Sally Arthur, and event Co-Chairs Katherine Martucci, Audrey Robbins, and Charlie Ann Syprett invite you to attend this annual fundraiser. Guests will be welcomed with a wonderful performance by the Key Chorale Chamber Singers and the 2024-25 Student Scholars. In addition to this fundraising effort, the Student Scholar Program is generously funded in part by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Tickets will go on sale July 9. For more information, visit www.KeyChorale.org or call 941.552.8768. Luncheon ticket prices range from $125 for a single ticket, to $1200 for a table of 4, and $5,000 to become a Presenting Sponsor.

  

[Board of Directors]  Community Foundation of Sarasota County Welcomes New Board Members, Appoints Officers

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has elected officers and appointed new members to its Board of Directors, which governs the organization. The Hon. Charles E. Williams, a circuit court judge of the 12th Judicial Circuit, will step into the role of secretary. Continuing service in their roles of chair, vice chair, and treasurer, respectively, will be Marilyn Thompson, a retired human resources executive with Johnson & Johnson; Paul G. Hudson, market leader at Northern Trust; and Andrew Stultz, president and owner of Atlas Building Company of Florida. Joining the Board for three-year terms are Dan Denton, Erin Duggan, and Mitzie Henson.  Continuing their duties as board members are Daniel DeLeo, Dr. Karen Hamad, David Joyner, Patricia A. Mathews, Dr. Laura Mattia, Mercedes Soler, Jeff Troiano, Janet Taylor, MD, MPH, Terri Vitale, and Mary Lou Winnick. 

To learn more, visit.

[Apprenticeship]  ELC Pre-Apprenticeship Program Gains Approval to Join Florida Apprenticeship System

The Early Learning Coalition is thrilled to announce that the Early Learning Coalition Pre-Apprenticeship Program has been officially approved to participate in the State of Florida’s Apprenticeship System. This milestone marks a significant step forward in enhancing the quality and availability of early learning professionals in Manatee County and underscores our commitment to workforce education. The approval aligns with Governor Ron DeSantis’s and the Florida Department of Education’s strategic goal of becoming the number one state in the nation for workforce education by 2030. The Early Learning Coalition’s pre-apprenticeship program is poised to play a crucial role in this ambitious vision, ensuring that Florida continues to produce well-trained, highly skilled early learning professionals. The program offers participants hands-on experience and mentorship, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. The hope of creating the Pre-Apprenticeship Program is to make a new career as accessible and affordable as possible while also helping to staff Manatee County child care centers. Students secure a position at one of the local child care providers after completing the Pre-Apprenticeship course and then continue their education and career development with the Level I Apprenticeship course and eventually the Director course. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all stakeholders, partners, and supporters who have contributed to the approval and development of this program. Your dedication and commitment to workforce education are vital to our shared success. For more information regarding the Pre-Apprenticeship Program, contact Francesca Ricciardo at fricciardo@elc-manatee.org or call (941) 212-4994. 

[Entertainment]  Live Music B-I-N-G-O Tonight

Music Bingo is happening this Wednesday, June 26th  from 6-8pm at Hamlet’s Eatery with a total twist! Talented local musician, Sabrina McClenithan, will be hosting and playing some of the songs LIVE! Come for dinner, stay and enjoy the tunes and win prizes! Doors open at 5pm for dinner!  Music Bingo is similar to regular Bingo but instead of calling out numbers, music is played and you find the song title on your card. There will be four rounds and no charge to play. You can play one round or all four. Prizes for each round and you can Shazam it! Yes, “cheating” is allowed. This month is Pride theme with fabulous prizes including tickets to see RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Live show.  Dinner is available featuring traditional and vegan options. There is Prosecco on tap and a great selection of craft beers and wine. Hamlet’s Eatery is located in the courtyard of The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime at 821 Apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information call 941-445-1938 or visit www.HamletsEatery.com. 



[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Project Phoenix and Resale , June 12 – September 1

Project Phoenix and Resale will help clients who are starting over due to losing a home through a fire or other life changing events. Residents Sarasota and Charlotte County who have experience said events get household, personal, and or food items at no cost. Must first call for an appointment and be reffered by a local nonprofit.

Project Phoenix and Resale, 36 W Dearborn St., Englewood, FL 34223

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Workforce Development Program , June 12 – September 1

All current jobs through the Department of Transportation for road/construction are listed on a map of Florida. Clients of the Women's Resource Center will first apply online and then begin the job search. Local agent for Manatee and Sarasota counties will work directly with client helping with job search and building a resume. Currently, they are working to promote womrn in this field. 

The Womens Resource Center, 340 S Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Awaken Outreach , May 30 – September 1, 9:00am

Awaken Outreach in North Port/Venice has a drive through food pantry every Friday from 9:00am-12:00opm. Food is supplied by All Faiths Food Bank. Food pantry for walk in clients is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9:00am - 1:00pm and Wednesday from 3:00pm - 7:00pm. The first Saturday of every month from 9:00 am- 1:00pm clients may get a hot meal, haircut, and shower, clothing and household items.

Awaken Outreach , 4940 Pan American Blvd. in North Port

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Salvation Army of Sarasota Food Pantry , May 30 – September 1, 12pm

The Salvation Army of Sarasota has a new Food Pantry that is now open Mondays and Thursdays from 12:00om to 2:00pm at 1701 South Tuttle Avenue. Food is being supplies by All Faiths Food Bank. 

Salvation Army of Sarasota , 1701 South Tuttle Avenue

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Lets Connect at Oscura in Old Manatee , August 31 – December 26, 8:30-10am

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.

[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]  MUSEUM: Shinique Smith, Parade , January 4 – January 5, Various times

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.

[SOON]  BUSINESS: Sarasota County Connect Business Networking and Panel Discussion , May 9 – July 11, 5:30-8pm

Offered in conjunction with 26 West, the State College of Florida Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation, the monthly Sarasota County Connect Business Networking and Panel Discussion series held through July is for those interested in entrepreneurialism. The program taps into the fast-growing small business climate. Upcoming sessions include: the May 9 workshop with Zeev Wexler, a digital industry leader, marketing automation disrupter and the CEO of a growing marketing firm, who will present on brand-boosting with AI, the June 13 session which features Problem-Solving for Entrepreneurs by Stephen Diasio, a podcaster and professor of entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of South Florida, and July 11 Business IDEA Lab, community forum moderated by Chris Williams, managing director of a Sarasota digital marketing firm, offers an opportunity for participants to share business ideas and gain expert feedback. Sarasota County Connect events run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and are free with advanced registration required at 26west.scf.edu/sarasotaconnect.

[SOON]  SCIENCE AND NATURE: Magic, Myths, and Mysteries , July 1 – July 3, 8:30

There are many things to explore and discover at The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature Summer Camp. Learn, explore, craft, play, snack, and have fun every day! Camp Times are 9am-3:30pm Monday through Friday with 8:30-9am Drop off & Pick up 3:30-4pm. $250 members/$300 non-members per week. Summer Science Camp is for campers in Grades 2-5, Ages 7-11 (starting second grade/Leaving fifth grade). Real or Magic? Truth or Myth? Who done it? Those are the questions we will be asking in this new and exciting mini-week.

The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St. West Bradenton

[SOON]  FOOD: Catch all of the Soccer Action at Hooters , June 20 – July 14

Make sure to visit your neighborhood Hooters during the Copa America tournament from June 20 to July 14.  Catch the soccer action while enjoying world famous Hooters wings and other favorite menu items. This summer your neighborhood Hooters restaurant is offering several Surfside Summer specials including crab legs ($20), Blue Point Oysters (6 for $6) and 10 Buffalo Shrimp and Fries ($10).  Add an ice-cold draft beer for only $3 with the purchase of the Surfside Summer Specials. Choices include Kona Big Wave, Michelob Ultra and Samuel Adams Summer Ale.

Hooters, 6507 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: Summer Circus Spectacular , June 14 – August 17

The Ringling, in collaboration with The Circus Art Conservatory of Sarasota, presents a fantastic, jaw-dropping, fun-filled show for the entire family. The Summer Circus Spectacular showcases some of the most thrilling circus artists from around the world in performances that will entertain and delight audiences of all ages.

The Ringling , 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  FOOD: Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar Celebrates Summer Early with Creative Lunch Specials , June 3 – August 1

Located on the banks of historic Phillippi Creek in Sarasota, The Creek Village consists of the Oyster Bar & Restaurant and The Creekside Trader Gift Shop.  Call ahead seating for large parties and plenty of room on the enclosed porch, deck and inside dining rooms. Full Bar and Catering available. The best of your old time favorites and the new flavors of the season, always the best quality with freshness the key and a view on the water like no other.

Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar, 5353 Tamiami Trail Sarasota, Fl. 34231

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SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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