Save the Manatee Club is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1981 by the late renowned singer-songwriter, author and entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett, along with the late former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham. As the Voice for Manatees, their mission is to protect manatees and their aquatic habitat for today and future generations.

Through their Adopt-A-Manatee® program, people from around the world can support real, living manatees known to researchers and receive updates on their stories and sightings. “We have many members who first got involved as children because a manatee adoption was gifted to them,” says Patrick Rose, aquatic biologist and Executive Director of Save the Manatee Club. “They’ve since become lifelong advocates for the species.”

Save the Manatee Club hosts ManaTV.org, where viewers can observe manatees live in their natural habitat through above- and underwater webcams at key sites. “The webcams are an incredible way for the public to connect with manatees,” says Cora Berchem, Director of Multimedia and Manatee Research Associate. “They’re not just educational—they’re also a vital part of our monitoring and conservation work.”

The Club's vision is a world where manatees flourish in healthy, sustainable aquatic ecosystems that benefit all species—including humans. To achieve that, they engage in research, public education, legal advocacy, policy development, habitat restoration and rescue efforts in partnership with organizations across Florida, the Caribbean, Central and South America and West Africa.

Each year, the team participates in dozens of events–like last weekend’s Christmas in July at the Bazaar on Apricot & Lime–festivals and presentations to raise awareness about manatees and engage with the public. "When Save the Manatee Club is here people can adopt their own manatee. It’s really so cool," shares Kim Livengood of the Bazaar. "Plus, they have the best volunteers!"

To learn more or get involved, visit savethemanatee.org or call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646). 

Pictured: Save the Manatee Club's research team at Blue Spring State Park. Provided photo.

As a child, Beth Bredemeyer and her sister often didn’t know where their next meal would come from.  Thankfully, both girls were eventually adopted into a loving family, but Beth never forgot the lean times. Dr. Glenn L. and Elizabeth (Beth) M. Bredemeyer moved from Ohio to Sarasota in 1979.  They loved their community, the beautiful water and so much of what life has to offer in such a wonderful place. Glenn served the community as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.  Beth broke "glass ceilings" with her work as a project manager and systems analyst in banking. Today, the Mayor’s Feed the Hungry Program is pleased to announce a $100,000 gift from the Glen and Beth Bredemeyer estate. 

The Board of Directors of Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation last week approved $8,154,945 in grants to fund the vital work of nonprofits in Sarasota and the surrounding region. The grant awards include big investments in the construction of a new Boys & Girls Club in Newtown, improved access to prenatal care for women experiencing high-risk pregnancies, and affordable housing for teachers in DeSoto County.  The funding also brings Barancik Foundation’s grantmaking for the year to more than $23 million. 

To learn more click here

All Faiths Food Bank was recently pleased to receive contributions from seven funders in support of its work to end hunger. The grants and contributions will support numerous programs, including Mobile Pantries, the BackPack program, Veterans' Pantry, and hurricane relief. 

The Florida Center for Early Childhood has received a $7,500 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to fund scholarships for 27 area-based professionals, including educators, mental health counselors, social workers, and child welfare advocates, to attend the 2025 Prevention Convention (PCON), a statewide conference focused on child abuse and neglect prevention. This year’s event will be August 21 and 22 at The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort – Bonnet Creek in Orlando.  

Goodwill Manasota has recently learned that the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International has reaccredited Goodwill for an additional period of three years – the highest level of accreditation CARF provides.  CARF accreditation involves a rigorous process that includes self-assessment, on-site surveys, and an ongoing commitment to quality; accreditation signifies that a healthcare or human service provider has met rigorous, internationally recognized standards for quality, safety, and service. 

August 26 marks Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted many women in the United States the right to vote. It honors the trailblazers who fought tirelessly for that right, while also reminding us that the work toward full equality for all women is far from complete. To mark the occasion, the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is partnering with the Leagues of Women Voters of Sarasota and Manatee counties to host an Equality Day Breakfast on Tuesday, August 26, 8:30 to 10 a.m., at WRC’s Sarasota location, 340 S. Tuttle Ave., Sarasota. This free event features a community conversation with guest panelists and a continental breakfast. Topics will include persistent barriers to women’s equity such as the gender wage gap, voter disenfranchisement, access to affordable childcare, reproductive rights, and representation in leadership. Space is limited and registration is required at www.mywrc.org/equalityday. 

Children First proudly announces that Flora Oynick, Curriculum and Instruction Manager, has been selected to join the Florida Early Childhood Advocacy Fellowship (FECAF), a statewide initiative led by the Children’s Forum to equip and empower early childhood leaders as advocates for children, families, and the early learning workforce. The year-long fellowship offers participants the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the legislative process, participate in the Children’s Forum in Tallahassee, and build relationships that strengthen their ability to advocate for high-quality early education and support for families. 

In honor of National Book Lover’s Day on August 9th and just in time for Grandparents Day on September 7th, the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation is proud to announce the release of Virginia B. Goes to the Symphony, a new children’s book that celebrates character, legacy, and the enduring bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Written by Kevin Pease and published by VJ Publishing House, LLC, the book is the first in an eight-part historical fiction series inspired by the early life of global philanthropist Virginia B. Toulmin, a longtime Sarasota resident and one of the most significant supporters of the arts in the region. The series is designed for readers ages 7–12 and serves as a powerful tool for parents, grandparents, and educators to introduce children to core values like curiosity, kindness, and cultural appreciation.

The book is available now through major retailers and directly at www.readvirginiab.com. Readers are encouraged to support independent publishing by purchasing through the website. Perfect for homeschooling, classroom libraries, music teachers, and grandparent gifts, Virginia B. Goes to the Symphony is a timeless addition to any young reader’s collection. For bulk orders please call (941) 387-4458. 

The New College of Florida Foundation proudly announces significant achievements in fundraising and community engagement during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of its donors, alumni, and community partners, the Foundation has secured almost $6 million in transformative investments that directly support the growth and excellence of Florida’s public honors college. This is a 100 % increase over the past year. 

To learn more click here

Senior Friendship Centers is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon DeVries as its new Advancement Officer, focused on expanding fundraising and community outreach efforts in South County — including Venice, Osprey, Nokomis, and Englewood. 

Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee announces a charitable gift of $10,000 from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation.  The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, will provide free food to children and families this summer through the Food4Families program. Through this program, those in need will receive non-perishable food items to feed a family of five breakfast, lunch, and dinner for two or more days. 

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. 

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!