SRQ DAILY Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"The sacrifices that they've made, not only to the country, but to their bodies and their mental health are enormous and to be able to provide something like this is a tearjerker for me every time."
Building Homes for Heroes®, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring hope and independence for our nation’s injured veterans, first responders and their families, recently partnered with PulteGroup’s Built to Honor® program to gift a brand-new, mortgage-free home to U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Daniel Beesting and his family. Located in the Lakespur neighborhood at Wellen Park, the home was custom-built to meet the family's needs, reflecting the organization’s mission to empower heroes with safe, accessible housing and ongoing support to help them thrive.
The groundbreaking ceremony--which was a total surprise for the Beesting family--took place on Friday, May 23. The family, who had applied for a home through the program, believed they were simply being shown a potential neighborhood in case they were ever selected. Beesting knew he was a candidate for a possible home, but so were hundreds of other veterans nationwide who have faced hard times. When he arrived at the Lakespur neighborhood in Wellen Park with his wife and three children, however, they were met by a crowd of 200 people, a motorcycle brigade, American flags and red carpet—and that’s when it became clear: they had been chosen. “It was mind-boggling,” said Sergeant Beesting. “We were so surprised.”
“At Wellen Park, we believe strong communities are built through meaningful connections and a shared purpose,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “While we focus every day on creating an extraordinary place for our residents and visitors, it’s the people who bring that vision to life. We’re honored to welcome the Beesting family to Wellen Park and grateful for the opportunity to support them alongside PulteGroup through this incredible initiative. Our community will continue to be here for them as long as they live here.”
The Beestings’ future home will feature Pulte’s popular Mystique floor plan, offering four bedrooms designed to comfortably accommodate their family and lifestyle. Thoughtfully planned with flexible living spaces and modern finishes, the home will provide the comfort and stability the family deserves. Completion is expected later this year.
“Seeing the faces of the recipients and their families when they are surprised with a new home always blows me away,” says Pulte Group’s VP of Procurement, SWFL Division, Wes Copeland. "The sacrifices that they've made, not only to the country, but to their bodies and their mental health are enormous and to be able to provide something like this is a tearjerker for me every time. We really do get to change the lives of these people and I feel like it's the least we can do. The veterans and specifically Sergeant Beesting–they don't feel entitled to this at all. I think that is the thing that catches us the most off guard.” 
Pictured: The Beesting Family will soon be living in a custom-built home in Wellen Park. Photo courtesy of Pulte Group.
The Child Protection Center (CPC) proudly awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Walter Lambert at the annual Blue Ties & Butterflies Gala. This award honors a career dedicated to protecting children, advancing medical knowledge, and leading transformational change within Florida’s child welfare system. Dr. Lambert has served tirelessly for the past 36 years as a beacon of expertise, compassion, and commitment. As a Child Protection Team (CPT) Medical Director and Associate Statewide Medical Director, his influence is embedded in every corner of Florida’s child abuse prevention and intervention efforts. “Dr. Lambert has been a cornerstone of our field,” said Douglas Staley, CPC’s Executive Director. “He’s trained countless doctors, social workers, and legal professionals, while also lending his time to case consultations and statewide quality assurance reviews. His leadership has improved outcomes for thousands of children and families.”
Citizens to Protect the Ringling celebrated a major victory as the proposed transfer of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the State’s Official Art Museum, from Florida State University to New College of Florida was left out of the 2025 legislative budget. The grassroots organization, formed earlier this year by former museum board chairs, trustees and community advocates, mobilized thousands of citizens to oppose the Governor's plan. The controversy began in February when Governor Ron DeSantis included language in his proposed budget to transfer stewardship of Florida's Official State Art Museum from FSU—which has successfully managed the institution for 25 years—to New College of Florida. New College is the smallest of the State’s public universities and faces a barrage of financial and management crises along with serious allegations of substandard academic programs, enrollment inflation and mismanagement. Not to mention costing taxpayers $500,000 per degree! The Ringling Museum will continue its successful partnership with Florida State University, preserving the institutional expertise, infrastructure and resources that have made it a cornerstone of Florida's cultural landscape.
Since launching in January, Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative has energized the Sarasota-Manatee arts and cultural landscape—most visibly through its “Art Innovation Zone” program, which has presented four dynamic exhibitions to date. Designed to advance cultural equity, the initiative brings the work of Black artists to high-visibility public venues, including performing arts centers, libraries, and museums. Participating partners have included the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota Opera, Manatee Performing Arts Center, and WSLR Fogartyville. The exhibits continue in October at Sarasota Orchestra, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and Venice Theatre.
When Nora Vavere learned about the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton in Sarasota County, and, in particular, its effects on children, she knew she needed to help. The Baltimore fifth-grader has been a member of Girl Scout Troop 2089 for six years, and she quickly developed a plan to help people affected by the storm. Beginning last October and lasting until April, she set up lemonade and hot chocolate stands in her neighborhood of Canton and chose the Community Foundation of Sarasota County as the recipient of the proceeds. A $77.04 check from the Vavere family arrived at the foundation’s headquarters last month along with a handwritten note from Nora. “I wanted to donate this money to the Community Foundation to help people who were in the hurricane get food, rebuild, have water and a home, and be safe with their families,” she wrote.
Pictured: Nora Vavere donated to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County after learning about children affected by Hurricane Milton. Provided photo.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) has received a $20,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to expand its Write a Play program in Manatee County. The funding will cover all participation costs for several Title I schools during the 2025-2026 school year, eliminating financial barriers for students and schools.This is the first grant FST has received from the Bishop-Parker Foundation. The support will allow FST to serve more students at existing partner schools and bring the Write a Play program to at least three additional Manatee County schools.
When disaster strikes, we may not know which organization will show up—but we do know our neighbors will. The truth is, people may be ready to prepare... but they’re never ready to recover. I created Local Relief because I lived through that confusion. The systems we trust to help during disasters are often overwhelmed, disconnected, or impossible to navigate in real time. Help is out there—but it’s scattered across a thousand places, drowning in noise. Local Relief changes that. It’s a nonprofit mobile app that connects disaster survivors with real help, local updates, and trusted resources—from verified nonprofits, government agencies, and community responders. It’s not about replacing those systems. It’s about connecting the dots so people don’t fall through the cracks. This isn’t just helpful. It’s necessary. And right now—we need your help to get it in front of the people who need it most.
The historic Leonard Reid House will break ground on a new community butterfly and pollinator garden on Tuesday, June 24 at 10 a.m. The space, nestled between the paved and gravel parking lots at 2529 N. Orange Avenue will support butterflies, bees, and other vital pollinators while honoring Sarasota’s most influential historical figures through a dedicated legacy walkway. The garden will bloom in vibrant waves of red, yellow, and blue over the coming months, serving as both a living classroom and a reflection space. It is part of an ongoing effort to highlight environmental stewardship and cultural legacy at the historic house.
New College of Florida is honored to announce a transformative $2.5 million gift from the DSF Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic organization of the David Scaife family, to create the Contemplation and Education Center on its Sarasota Bay campus. This visionary contribution will fund the design, construction, and long-term preservation of the space. The DSF Charitable Foundation, led by Co-Executive Directors David and Sara Scaife, is committed to promoting excellence in health, human services, and education. Residing in Florida, David and Sara Scaife have a deep appreciation for the region’s cultural and educational landscape.
Since 2021, Forty Carrots Family Center increased the number of clients served by 65%, expanding its mission of high-quality parenting education, mental health, and early childhood education services for all families regardless of their ability to pay. Program growth of this magnitude comes with large capital and staff expenses and requires flexibility in funding. Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation stepped in to support this growth and to enhance sustainability with a transformative capacity building grant. Securing unrestricted funding allowed Forty Carrots to hire and train new staff, form new partnerships, and stabilize recent program and infrastructure expansions. Moreover, the grant enabled Forty Carrots to respond quickly and strategically to emerging opportunities. One example is the agency’s new partnership with the DeSoto County Library. This collaboration will offer parenting groups for families in an underserved community, where such resources were previously unavailable. The flexible funding allowed Forty Carrots to move forward swiftly when the need and opportunity arose.
Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with music, fun, and a powerful purpose as we rally behind Blake Fitzpatrick’s Men Wear Pink campaign in support of the American Cancer Society. Hosted by Sunshine Movers, this fundraising gala is more than just a celebration - it’s a movement. At Sunshine Movers, we believe in making a difference - both in your move and in our community. That’s why a portion of every single move is donated to the fight against breast cancer. Each month, our team contributes to the Men Wear Pink campaign, with donations based directly on the number of moves we complete. That means every mile we drive and every box we carry is helping fund life-saving research, advocacy, and support for those affected by breast cancer.
Reserve your space in SRQ Magazines' September publication, featuring three opportunities to spotlight your business: Living Lakewood, connecting Lakewood Ranch businesses with the community; Elite Top Attorneys, spotlighting the region’s most trusted legal professionals; and In Conversation: Career-Based Education, a dialogue on workforce development and training. Secure your space and connect with our readers. Contact us!
Clear your calendars and loosen your belts – the feast of the year starts SUNDAY! The 20th Annual Savor Sarasota, presented by Visit Sarasota County, begins June 1st through June 20, 2025, giving food lovers 20 glorious days to eat their way through more than 60 incredible restaurants across our entire region. The prix-fixe experience features two-course lunches for just $25 and killer three-course dinners for $45. But here's where it gets really good, our chefs aren't just phoning it in. They've created show-stopping menus with jaw-dropping appetizers, crave-worthy mains, and desserts that'll make you want to cry happy tears. Plus, tons of spots are throwing in upgrade dishes, craft cocktails, and wine pairings.
Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources invites readers of all ages to join the 2025 Summer Learning Program, a nine-week celebration of reading, creativity and community sponsored by the Library Foundation for Sarasota County. The program runs from May 31 through Aug. 2, with hundreds of free events happening at all 10 library branches and the History Center. With this year’s theme, “Color Our World,” participants are encouraged to explore the joy of reading and engage in vibrant, hands-on programs designed to inspire lifelong learning.
The 34th National Juried Exhibition showcases the best representational paintings produced across North America. With nearly 200 juried artists and many invited Master Signature artists, it serves as a showcase for both up-and-coming talent and some of the most celebrated artists working today. The exhibition does not focus on a single style or theme but instead celebrates the diversity and art produced within the representational oil painting tradition. The exhibition & opening is in conjunction with the OPA National Convention, which features numerous lectures, painting demonstrations, and social events geared to artists and collectors.
ArtCenter Manatee, 209 9th St West Bradenton, FL 34205
Starting today through June 30th, you can make a powerful impact for LGBTQ+ youth by supporting ALSO Youth during the GiveOUT Day campaign. Every dollar helps provide free mental health counseling, scholarships, leadership programs, and safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth across Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Giving early helps us build momentum, and every donation makes us eligible for bonus prizes - each gift counts as an entry to help us win $1,500! Whether you give today, on GiveOUT Day (June 5th), or anytime in the next five weeks, your support helps us uplift, empower, and protect our LGBTQ+ youth.
ALSO Youth
This long-term installation in Gallery 10 of the Museum of Art showcases five outstanding examples of 17th-century Dutch painting on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Featuring a dramatic seascape, an expansive landscape, and captivating portraits set in detailed interiors, this exhibition offers a window into the vibrant artistic production of the Netherlands as the small nation rose to global prominence in the 17th century. The five exceptional paintings from the collections of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, complement The Ringling's holdings of Dutch art and provide additional perspective on the artistry, historical significance, and continuing appeal of Dutch painting from this period.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
The Ringling Museum of Art hosts a significant collection of Creative Prints produced by Japanese artists who believed in the practice of self-designing, self-carving, and self-printing their own work. The Creative Print movement was inspired by early 20th-century European prints that called attention to self-expression and artistic exploration through the medium of woodblock prints.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Every Wednesdat at 6 pm a 5k Fun Run starts and ends at 99 Bottles. Course runs through Downtown Sarasota and along the Bayfront, all skill levels, all fun. Each time you finish a run, you must get yout card punched to get an attendance credit and receive 99 bottles prizes. All runners are expected to obey all traffic laws, be courteous to other runners, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, etc.on the route and to know your limits - running and/or drinking!
99 Bottles, 1445 2nd St Sarasota, FL 34236
Conjuring the Spirit World: Art, Magic, and Mediums explores the essential role art and objects played for mediums and magicians “communicating” with the dead during the 19th- and 20th-century Spiritualism movement in the U.S. and Europe—a time when people actively debated and wondered, "Can spirits return?" See paintings, posters, photographs, stage apparatuses, costumes, film, publications and other objects that will transport visitors to the age of Harry Houdini, Margery the Medium, Howard Thurston, and the Fox Sisters, among others. Whether you’re a believer, skeptic or somewhere in between, gain a new perspective on the timeless draw of mediums and magicians, séances and magic shows.
The Ringling - Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
The figure is one of the oldest records of our existence as a species capable of storytelling; depictions of the human body constitute some of the oldest subjects in art. EMBODIED expands on the definition of the human figure by bringing together varied representations in painting, sculpture, fiber, video, and mixed media by some of the most exciting artists working in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota
Selby Gardens presents an exciting exhibition that explores the deep and meaningful connection between musician George Harrison – best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band The Beatles – and the pastime of gardening, which became his greatest passion. The resulting multi-sensory experience highlights George’s connection to nature and celebrates his life and legacy through the power of plants!
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound Street Sarasota, FL 34236
SCFD is proud to welcome the community into the fire stations, continuing the tradition of open houses. These open houses are a wonderful opportunity for residents to engage directly with neighborhood firefighters. Visit our website to view the open house schedule.
Multiple Location, Multiple Locations
Back by popular demand! Roger Bean's new show is a nostalgic tribute to golden oldie TV show melodies in a wild musical gameshow within a gameshow format. You'll be sure to find yourself humming and playing along!
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave. W, Venice
The Wedding Singer kicks off the season with a high-energy celebration of love and second chances, proving that sometimes, the biggest dreamers come from the unlikeliest places. This is a Sarasota premiere.
The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 3501 S Tamiami Trl Suite 1130, Sarasota
Toss some fun into your Thursday! Join us at Waterside Place for a fun morning of Casual Cornhole! Whether you’re a cornhole pro or a newbie, don’t miss this chance to show off your tossing skills and have a blast with friends! Grab a partner or go solo, we’ve got enough beanbags and boards to keep everyone entertained!
Waterside Place at Lakewood Ranch, 7500 Island Cove Terrace Lakewood Ranch , FL 34240
Celebrate the women who have captivated the world with their dynamic personalities and fierce vocals. Starting in the 1960’s, female artists such as Cher, Barbra Streisand, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion have been pushing boundaries and shattering records with hits such as, “Turn Back Time,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and “My Heart Will Go On.”
John C. Court Cabaret, 1265 1st St, Sarasota, FL 34236
Kate Hamill's bold adaptation of Jane Austen's beloved novel brings fresh energy and wit to the stage. Emma Woodhouse prides herself on being a matchmaker with a flawless record, but when love takes unexpected turns, rivals emerge, and emotions run high, Emma is forced to realize that true love may have been right in front of her all along. This sharp, heartwarming comedy explores women's social standing and the tangled themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.
FSU/Asolo Conservatory, 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
SARASOTA COUNTY - The annual Kids' Summer Beach Runs return to Siesta and North Brohard beaches this June and July, offering one-mile fun runs for kids and families to enjoy healthy activities together throughout the summer.The free Kids' Summer Beach Runs are scheduled as follows: Tuesdays, June 3 through July 29, at Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota. Wednesdays, June 4 through July 30, at North Brohard Beach, 1400 S. Harbor Drive, Venice. Runs will take place the week of July 4.Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. near the playground at Siesta Beach and near the Venice Fishing Pier at North Brohard Beach. Runs begin at 6:30 p.m. at both locations. Participants will receive a finisher ribbon. Kids who complete four runs will earn a free T-shirt, a free kid's meal coupon for Gecko's Grill & Pub and a coupon for New Balance kid’s shoes. The runs can be completed at either location.
Sarasota County Beaches
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