Manasota Bringing Up Down Syndrome (Manasota BUDS) is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Sarasota. Dedicated to providing a supportive, inclusive space for families, Manasota BUDS promotes awareness, understanding and acceptance of Down syndrome while offering opportunities for connection and community.

Founded in May 2002 by a small group of parents seeking support and friendship, the organization has grown steadily over the past two decades. It began as a casual social group and has evolved into a well-established nonprofit serving more than 250 families across the region. This growth is thanks to the dedication of passionate parents and the generous support of donors, volunteers and community partners.

In celebration of summer, Manasota BUDS families will gather this Sunday, July 20, from 10am to 2pm at the Sunset Pavilion at Siesta Beach. This marks the group’s first official summer beach meet-up. Traditionally, the organization hosts a well-attended picnic in March, but this year, members opted for a beach day to stay cool and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed setting.

The event will take place near the playground on the east side of Siesta Beach. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch and beverages to enjoy during the gathering.

Manasota BUDS Chairperson, Patricia Crauwels, and her 25-year-old daughter, Rachel, appreciate the informal and welcoming nature of these events. “Whether it’s a dance, a picnic or a bowling night, our members are always excited to come together,” Crauwels shares. “The parents get a chance to connect, and the kids can play and socialize—it’s casual, supportive and fun.”

Although Manasota BUDS is based in the Sarasota/Manatee County area, the organization welcomes any family with a member who has Down syndrome. “We’re always happy to meet new people,” Crauwels adds. “Please come out and connect—we’d love to have you.” 

Pictured: Manasota BUDS holds events, like the Buddy Walk shown here, that celebrate Down syndrome awareness. Provided photo.

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With the support of a $42,000 grant from the Leslie and Margaret Weller Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, The Florida Center for Early Childhood is launching a new school-based mental health program at Innovation Academy SRQ, a public charter school serving students in grades VPK–5th grade. The project will embed a part-time clinician on site three days a week, providing individualized therapy to identified students, while working closely with teachers, staff, and families to address students’ social and emotional needs. 

The Child Protection Center (CPC), a local nonprofit and nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center, has reached a milestone anniversary of 45 years. Since opening its doors in 1980, CPC has made a lasting impact for children and families in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties through its mission: to prevent child abuse, to intervene on behalf of abused children, and to treat survivors of child abuse. The organization has helped hundreds of thousands of children find safety and hope through its essential programming and services led by a multidisciplinary team of experts.  

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Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is proud to announce that Mary Ellen Mancini, CFRE, Vice President of Philanthropy, has been selected for the Leadership Sarasota Class of 2026, a program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce that engages, develops, and inspires community leaders. The Leadership Sarasota Program brings together established and emerging leaders from across the region to develop leadership skills, foster lasting relationships and gain a deeper understanding of how the community functions. The year-long program offers behind-the-scenes experiences with local leaders— helping participants grow personally and professionally while preparing them to lead with knowledge and purpose. 

In recognition of her deep expertise in child welfare law, commitment to ethical conduct, and collaborative approach to leadership, Sarah Hawk, Esq. - who was hired by child welfare agency Safe Children Coalition as its Vice President of Programs - has been promoted to Chief Legal Officer. In this role, she will be responsible for providing strategic legal guidance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and minimizing organizational risk. Safe Children Coalition works to protect children and youth, and strengthen families in Florida's Circuit 12 (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties). In 2024, the organization served over 9,300 children and families through its foster care, adoption, and prevention and diversion programs. 

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If you ever stopped at Rise Up Cafe in the morning, you probably remember Kelley. She’s the one who always greeted everyone with a hug and a cheery, “How ya doing, buddy!” When Rise Up closed, Kelley didn’t miss a beat. She’s now working her magic at Chick-fil-A (on S. Tamiami Trail), bringing that same warmth, welcome, and unstoppable energy to a whole new team and community. Kelley is a two-time cancer survivor and a competitive ballroom dancer. She's remarkable. She was even featured as a “Woman of Influence” in Sarasota’s Know Magazine, because that’s exactly what she is. Kelley proves that when you create opportunities, extraordinary people will rise to meet them. Your support makes all the difference. Please consider a donation to help us continue building inclusive workplaces and brighter futures. 

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 Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) is excited to announce the release of its Water Quality Playbook, featuring updated content that reflects the progress made since its original release in 2020. This latest edition incorporates new data, insights gained from experience, and the most current research—offering a dynamic, evolving resource designed to guide meaningful action. Created for a diverse audience the Playbook serves as a practical, solutions-driven roadmap. With clear, evidence-based strategies, it outlines actionable steps or “activities” to help restore and protect the region’s waterways—ensuring their health and vitality for generations to come. “In Florida, especially along the Gulf Coast, every environmental issue is ultimately a water issue,” said Jennifer Shafer, project lead, Co-Executive Director, Scienve & Environmental Council. “Clean water isn’t guaranteed, it’s a choice we make every day, in every policy, every vote, every backyard.” 

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Keep Manatee Beautiful (KMB) is inviting the community to help restore the dunes that protect Anna Maria Island’s shoreline. The nonprofit is seeking 100 more volunteers to meet its goal of 300 for the largest sea oat planting in its history, scheduled for Saturday, July 26 at 7 a.m. on Coquina Beach. Together, volunteers will plant 12,000 sea oats to restore and reinforce the sand dunes that protect Anna Maria Island’s shoreline from erosion, flooding, and storm surge. Already more than 200 people have signed up on KMB's event page. 

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MCR Health is honored to announce it has received a grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to support an essential program aimed at improving the health and well-being of underserved residents in Manatee County. The awarded funds will help increase access to gynecological procedures for low-income and uninsured women. 

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is proud to announce that Mary Ellen Mancini, CFRE, Vice President of Philanthropy, has been selected for the Leadership Sarasota Class of 2026, a program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce that engages, develops, and inspires community leaders. The Leadership Sarasota Program brings together established and emerging leaders from across the region to develop leadership skills, foster lasting relationships and gain a deeper understanding of how the community functions. The year-long program offers behind-the-scenes experiences with local leaders— helping participants grow personally and professionally while preparing them to lead with knowledge and purpose. 

In a continued commitment to early childhood education, the Service Club of Manatee County has awarded a $4,200 grant to the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County's (ELC) ReadingPals program. This initiative connects volunteers with local preschoolers for weekly reading sessions that help build early literacy skills and supportive, one-on-one relationships. 

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At a packed, invitation-only event on June 12, The Exchange (formerly the Woman’s Exchange) announced it had awarded $450,000 to 26 regionally based arts and cultural organizations and 11 high school and college students. Additionally, nine organizations received funding through the recent Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education grant.  

On Monday, Dogs Inc. broke ground on a new outreach facility near Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and State Road 70. The specific address of the property is 5815 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Bradenton. Set to open in Summer 2026, the building will amplify the nonprofit’s mission in one of the nation’s fastest-growing areas and create greater impact both locally and nationally. It’ll serve as a home base for their instructors, guide dog and service dog students and local puppy raisers. Locals can also dive into the world of Dogs Inc through a variety of experiences—exploring an interactive self-guided exhibit, watching live guide dog and service dog demonstrations, taking part in educational workshops, and experiencing Beyond the Dark, a multisensory journey that puts them in the shoes of Dogs Inc graduates.

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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.