Inside the Ace Hardware store serving Wellen Park, you’ll find everything from tools to grills—and dogs. On the third Saturday of every month from 11am to 2pm, the hosts a meet-and-greet with adoptable dogs and puppies from Suncoast Humane Society, a no-kill shelter dedicated to helping animals and people live safer, healthier love-filled lives.

Serving Southwest Florida, Suncoast supports over 50,000 animals and people each year through shelter services, prevention programs and community outreach. At these monthly adoption events, visitors can meet, foster or adopt pets, learn about volunteering and donate to support Suncoast’s mission.

Store owner Chandler Short and employee Matt Considine launched the partnership with Suncoast in 2023. The idea was sparked after Considine’s parents visited Suncoast’s aging facility. Seeing an opportunity to help, they aimed to create a convenient adoption site for the Wellen Park community, about 30 minutes from Suncoast’s Englewood headquarters.

“We didn’t really know what we were doing at first,” says Considine. “But we knew we wanted dogs here, we wanted to help and we wanted to make it fun.” They added BBQ cooking and raffles, turning the events into a community staple. “Now we're going on three years of hosting.”

The event is always held on the third Saturday, so visitors can plan ahead. In warmer months, dogs stay inside the air-conditioned store with individual handlers. Puppies are typically kept in a separate section, with Humane Society volunteers on hand to help.

Public response has been enthusiastic, with many successful adoptions each month. “We see a lot of smiles—especially from people who walk in for the first time and see four dogs lying on the floor and kids running around with puppies,” says Considine. “Our customers tend to be in better moods on dog days.”

Considine and Short have each adopted two dogs themselves. Their pups often come to work, though they’ve recently “banned” their partners from events—“They always seem to bring home another puppy,” laughs Considine.

Funds are raised through hot dog and pulled pork sales, along with a donation jar at the register. Supporting Suncoast fits naturally with Ace Hardware’s charitable culture, which also backs the Children’s Miracle Network and All Children’s Hospital in Tampa.

"Matt and Chandler have been tremendous supporters of Suncoast Humane Society," says Suncoast's Director of Development and Communications, Christine Varcoe. They go above and beyond to turn the adoption events at Ace into a celebration of our animals and our mission. We are truly thankful for their continued partnership with us."

Ace Hardware of Wellen Park, 12236 Mercado Dr., Venice, acehardware.com; Suncoast Humane Society, 2620 Worth Ave, Englewood, humane.org/ 

Pictured: On Saturday, June 21, Ace Hardware and Suncoast Humane Society teamed up for their monthly adoption event, hoping to find homes for dogs like Slade, pictured here. Photo by Cecilia Marty.

Caldwell Trust Company, an independent financial institution committed to community engagement and charitable giving, is proud to announce a $10,000 contribution to the Family First Institute, a transformative program led by Philip Tavill, CEO of Children First. The gift includes a $5,000 grant from Caldwell’s Board of Directors through the company’s Trustee Annual Giving Program. That amount was matched dollar-for-dollar through a federal matching initiative, doubling the donation’s impact to $10,000. The Family First Institute—developed and operated by Children First—has been empowering families for five years through comprehensive workshops focused on parenting, early childhood development, career readiness, English language skills, and financial literacy. The program equips parents and caregivers with the tools needed to build healthy, stable, and successful lives. 

To learn more click here

Hot dog lovers, rejoice! The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime is the place to be this July 5th as we celebrate Hot Dog Day in style! Whether you fancy your frankfurter with all the wild toppings under the sun or prefer a classic New York or Chicago twist, Hamlet’s Eatery has got you covered. With options galore, you can load up your dog just the way you like it – even if that’s just a squeeze of mustard! But that’s not all! We’re teaming up with local brewers, Big Top and Sun King, to bring you FREE beer samples that’ll make you say “cheers!” Sip on some cold ones for just $4 and find your new favorite brew while you munch. And what's a day of fun without a furry friend? We’ve partnered with Seeking Forever Home Dachshund Rescue to help adorable rescue dogs. We love all dogs but these weiner dogs will steal your heart (and your hot dog if you’re not careful!)

821 Apricot Ave , Sarasota. 

To learn more click here

“I never thought I’d be tucking my son in again,” says one mother who recently reunited with her child after a year apart. “All Star helped me get there—without judgment, just support.” This June, in honor of National Reunification Month, All Star Children’s Foundation recognizes the children longing to return home, the parents working to rebuild their lives, and the professionals guiding them toward healing. Through trauma-informed mental health care, structured family visits, and ongoing support for both children and caregivers, All Star helps families reconnect and recover—together. 

To learn more click here

Children First, the exclusive provider of Head Start and Early Head Start services in Sarasota County, is proud to announce more than $170,000 in recent grant funding to support its mission of strengthening children and families. These generous contributions will directly benefit the agency’s comprehensive services, which include early childhood education, family strengthening, emotional and behavioral support, and health and wellness programming. 

LGBTQ+ youth need our support now more than ever. In a time when LGBTQ+ youth are hearing “no” from the highest court and seeing a national suicide lifeline defunded, we want to show them a louder “YES.” We’re almost to our $8k GiveOUT Day goal. Gifts help us cover counseling sessions and keep our access to crisis response open while national supports disappear. Let’s finish strong. Help ALSO Youth continue to be a lifeline, a home, and a place where youth can truly thrive. 

Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design (SAM) is proud to announce plans to give back to the community by donating 650 basketballs to Sarasota County Schools and select community groups following the close of its exhibition, Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press. The basketballs are currently featured in a towering pyramid sculpture by artist David Huffman titled Basketball Pyramid, as part of SAM’s presentation of the nationally traveling exhibition on view now through August 10, 2025.  

Senior Friendship Centers receives $27,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County (CFSC) to support The Caregiving Place. Funding for caregiver resources provided by the Verna L. Grauel Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, with $13,500 allocated to Adult Day Services and $13,500 to the Caregiver Resource Center.This investment comes at a critical time when more families seek reliable care for loved ones with memory challenges. Notably, June is recognized as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month—a time that underscores the importance of services for those affected by memory loss and their caregivers. The grant will help expand Senior Friendship Centers' Adult Day Services, which provides a safe and engaging environment for older adults, and strengthen the Caregiver Resource Center, which offers essential support, education, and respite for family caregivers. 

To learn more click here

MOVE IN THIS YEAR TO ST. PETERSBURG’S NEWEST ICON

Sales Executive Andrew Warren recently brought viewers along for a behind-the-scenes look at the exciting progress across 400 Central. Construction milestones this month are truly bringing the beauty to the building. From the porte-cochère leading to the beautifully curved lobby with elegant hanging planters, to the sweeping panoramic views from the 46th-floor Sky Lounge Observatory, where you’ll be catching Fourth of July fireworks from 515 feet next year — it’s obvious that 400 Central is more than just a home, it’s a lifestyle.

CHECK OUT 400 CENTRAL’S JUNE CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Amenities and community spaces are taking shape, and condominium interiors are being finished floor by floor, with cabinetry installations and final touches already underway in many residences. Discover 400 Central’s Sky Collection of expansive penthouses, like Penthouse 4302, the entertainer’s dream, with a 54 foot long great room at the heart of the home that opens to your 120 foot long terrace, accessible from every room. 

A Collection of Residences in the Heart of St. Petersburg | Priced From the low $1 Millions | Sales Gallery Open Daily | 465 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | Please Contact Us To Schedule An Appointment. 727-914-5422 | info@residences400central.

Visit 400 Central’s Website

The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) is honored to receive a $50,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to further its Spot On Program for the third consecutive year. This generous funding allows ELC to deepen its work with children experiencing developmental challenges and broaden in-classroom services across more local child care centers. Spot On places licensed occupational and speech-language therapists directly into early learning environments, where they help children strengthen core developmental skills. By integrating therapy into daily classroom routines, the program fosters steady progress and encourages close collaboration among teachers, families, and therapists. The program targets three key areas: communication, emotional regulation, and practical life skills such as dressing, feeding, and using classroom tools. These foundational abilities help children gain confidence and build independence, which they'll carry far beyond the school years. 

To learn more click here

No child should lose access to essential therapy due to insurance challenges—but for many with developmental delays, that’s the reality. A $30,000 grant from the Bank of America Client Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee, will help The Florida Center for Early Childhood close these gaps, ensuring local children continue to receive the speech-language and occupational therapy they need to thrive. The funding supports the Florida Center’s Early Developmental Therapy program, which provides developmental therapy services for children whose families are uninsured, underinsured, or experiencing a temporary lapse in coverage. Many rely on Medicaid or private insurance plans that limit how often—or how long—therapy can be provided, resulting in delays that may set a child’s development back by weeks or even months.  

Join us for the inspiring 10th Annual SRQ Women Who Roar Leadership and Awards Luncheon, celebrating local women leaders who significantly impact our community. Enjoy a dynamic program featuring the introduction of the esteemed 2025 Leadership Circle inductees, engaging PopUp Boutiques, and opportunities to network during our post-event reception. 

Get ready to be inspired at the Annual Giving Coast Luncheon: Philanthropic Agenda & Good Hero Awards, recognizing local changemakers. Join us in bringing the philanthropic community together on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Michael's On East and help celebrate the nonprofit spirit of our area. Featuring a panel of distinguished philanthropic leaders discussing giving trends, the honorable Good Hero Awards, and the interactive Giving Tree Program, this event will be nothing short of spectacular. Also highlighting the acclaimed SRQ Lifetime Good Hero Achievement Award, the program will uplift attendees and spark meaningful change.