SRQ DAILY Oct 8, 2025
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"Our goal is to help people understand how gender equity impacts women and the opportunities we have to bring different perspectives through productive conversations."
When two powerhouses in the fight for gender equality team up, something big is bound to happen. That something is A Woman’s Place—a bold new podcast diving deep into the issues that matter most to women today, from the gender wage gap and political power to reproductive rights and beyond. Behind the mic are Ashley Brown, CEO of the Women’s Resource Center, and E. Scott Osborne, president of Through Women’s Eyes—two leaders with résumés rooted in decades of advocacy. Their goal? To spark smarter conversations and amplify women’s voices in a world that’s changing fast.
A Women’s Place airs biweekly on podcast channels (Spotify, Apple, Amazon, etc.) as well as a video broadcast on YouTube, and on local radio station 96.5 WSLR. The podcast shines a light on the state of women today to help listeners stay informed, find support, feel empowered and get the facts about recent social trends and policy modifications.
Each episode explores how policies and cultural shifts uniquely impact women, offering insights, perspectives and practical information for listeners who want to stay informed and engaged. Whether you’re seeking knowledge, solidarity or inspiration, A Woman’s Place with Scott and Ashley is a space for elevating women’s voices and understanding the issues that affect 51% of America. Some of the topics discussed include female representation, gender equality, stay-at-home fathers, voting rights, women in skilled trades, childcare and the economy and reproductive rights.
“Our goal is to help people understand how gender equity impacts women and the opportunities we have to bring different perspectives through productive conversations,” shares Brown. “There is so much intentional noise out there to keep people at odds with each other. We see this as an opportunity to create a space to make some changes that benefit everyone.”
Research shows that greater gender equality drives significant economic growth and productivity, and is essential for building prosperous, sustainable societies. Equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities for all lead to higher household incomes, greater civic engagement and improved health outcomes.
“Today the notion of ‘gender’ has become politicized and partisan – yet it shouldn’t be! Gender equality is good for everyone – it says we can all be our best, fullest selves,” says Osborne. “Women make up 51% of the American population, but the U.S. ranks 43rd globally on gender equality, so when people read about proposed changes in policies, I suggest they get curious and think about who might bear a disproportionate share of the burdens or the benefits and ask if these inequities are really helping the country as a whole.”
To learn more, visit https://www.youtube.com/@AWomansPlace-USA. 
On November 9, All Faiths Food Bank will present its annual community-wide fundraiser, Bowls of Hope. The popular event features delicious soups, bread, desserts and more courtesy of dozens of the area's finest restaurants. Guests choose from beautiful, handcrafted bowls — all donated by local potters, artists and students — to keep, while enjoying a modest meal as a reminder of the empty bowls they help to fill. The event takes place at Ed Smith Stadium from 11am-1pm.
Project 180 is pleased to announce a new chapter in leadership with the appointment of Antonia “Toni” Rolle as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 4, 2025. Toni brings a wealth of experience in mission-driven leadership, community partnerships and reentry programming.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat’s popular series, “Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens,” continues into its sixth year as part of the Hermitage’s 2025-2026 season. The outdoor series — a celebrated collaboration between the Hermitage Artist Retreat and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens — features performances, talks and explorations of works-in-progress by Hermitage artists-in-residence and alumni. For more information about the Hermitage and upcoming programs, visit: HermitageArtistRetreat.org.
New College of Florida has been awarded a $1.8 million U.S. Department of Education American History and Civics Seminars grant to launch a transformative project in honor of the United States’ Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding in 1776. The project, titled “Invigorating Liberty and Self-Governance: First Principles for 21st Century America,” will equip teachers and students in grades 5–12 with the tools to explore the nation’s founding principles through history, civics, and open inquiry.
Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation proudly hosted the Sarasota premiere of Hello Beautiful, the film based on Christine Handy’s bestselling memoir Walk Beside Me, on Wednesday, October 1, at CinéBistro in Sarasota. The highly anticipated event drew community members, donors and breast cancer survivors for three showings, and raised funds to help support breast health services at the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at SMH. Proceeds from the premiere will help support comprehensive breast health programs at the Jellison Cancer Institute, ensuring patients and families in our region have access to advanced diagnostics, leading-edge treatments and compassionate care.
Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) has launched the 2025 Regional Scan, a brief 5-minute digital survey designed to identify, assess, and prioritize our region’s greatest needs through community input. The questionnaire will track what is working well in our region, what should be re-evaluated, and what resources are needed to strengthen our area. Gulf Coast partnered with a local data scientist to design and launch the survey to collect different perspectives across geographies, demographics, community sectors, and lived experiences. This year, there has been an intentional shift to highlight information and areas of growth for not just Gulf Coast, but also for its partners, local decision-makers, and the community-at-large. The Regional Scan closes at the end of October. To complete the survey and share with your personal and professional networks, please visit: http://bit.ly/4npWP38
Enjoy a casual evening of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres overlooking Little Sarasota Bay at Selby Gardens' Historic Spanish Point campus. Watch the sunset and be the first to see the refurbished Sunken Garden and preview our new exhibition Robert Louis Stevenson: A Child's Garden of Verses. This exhibition is a celebration of childhood and the imagination of youth through the words and images of A Child’s Garden of Verses, the beloved book of poetry for children by the celebrated Scottish writer, Robert Louis Stevenson. The exhibition will feature photographs of pages from a vintage edition of the book, combining Stevenson’s poetry with illustrations by the notable American artist, Alexander Dobkin. Accompanying the photographs will be simple interactives that draw their inspiration from Stevenson’s poems and enhance the visitor experience. An audio recording will enable visitors to hear the poems read by Selby Gardens’ Artist-in-Residence, Patti Smith. The event will be held at the Historic 19th Century White Cottage, Sunken Garden, and Pergola.
The Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC) is leading the charge to make Florida a no-kill state—where no healthy or treatable animal is euthanized. Under the leadership of CEO Anna Gonce, HSSC has become a model for progressive sheltering practices throughout the state of Florida, maintaining a no-kill status by saving over 96% of the animals it serves. In 2025, HSSC has set an ambitious goal: to save 5,000 animals. This milestone underscores the organization's commitment to lifesaving work and the belief that every pet deserves a second chance. Through expanded adoption programs, affordable veterinary care, and robust spay/neuter initiatives, HSSC is addressing the root causes of pet homelessness and overpopulation. The organization also partners with shelters across Florida to share best practices and build a united front for change. Education and advocacy are central to the mission. By raising public awareness and fostering compassion, HSSC is helping reshape how communities view and support animal shelters—ensuring more pets find loving homes. With bold goals and a heart for every animal, the Humane Society of Sarasota County is transforming lives and creating a future where hope has a heartbeat.
Take flight with Peter, Wendy, and Tinker Bell on a journey to Neverland – where pirates roam, fairies sparkle, and kids never grow up! With all the magic, mischief, and heart of the original story, this lively new adaptation brings Peter Pan’s world to life on stage like never before.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Stelliferous is your monthly guide to the night skies and the latest news from the world of astronomy. You can enjoy our upgraded Planetarium system and feel like an astronaut as you experience our 50-foot dome!
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton
Swing into an evening of style, swagger, and timeless charm with Feeling Good, a high-energy celebration of modern crooners. From the timeless elegance of Sinatra and the smooth sophistication of Michael Bublé to the sparkle of Bette Midler and Lady Gaga, this show delivers silky vocals, irresistible rhythms, and captivating personality. Savor swingin’ favorites like “Come Fly With Me” and “It Had to Be You,” fresh hits like “Home” and “Moondance,” and delightfully cheeky numbers such as “Stuff Like That There” and “Me and Mrs. Jones.” Equal parts class and sass, Feeling Good will leave you – well – feeling good.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Art brings people together—and at Family Art Day, Creative Liberties’ free program every fourth Saturday, it brings families together to make art side by side. The event features a local teaching artist leading projects designed for all ages and skill levels, with supplies provided. The September event is led by CeeCee Robinson.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Creative Academy, 927 N. Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
Don’t miss the chance to see our Historic Spanish Point campus transformed into “Spooky Point” where you can follow an eerily lit path and encounter fantastic creations and bootanically-themed decorations along the way. Equal parts creepy, campy, and cute, this walk-through show is fun for all ages.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens - Historic Spanish Point, 401 North Tamiami Trail Osprey, FL 34229
Opening the season is the Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning show, "Purlie." In this fun-loving musical, a dynamic traveling preacher, Purlie Victorious Judson, returns to his small Georgia town, still enmeshed in Jim Crow times, to shake things up and change lives. The self-taught preacher plans to open an abandoned church and ring the bell of freedom. However, he has a problem: Ol' Cap'n is holding Purlie's inheritance due to the discovery of a long-lost cousin. With the help of Ol' Cap'n's son, Charlie, Purlie manages to outsmart the white-haired old-timer to win a victory for freedom. Directed by Nate Jacobs.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave, Sarasota
Giuseppe Verdi, the most influential Italian Opera composer of the 19th century, willed his vast fortune to build a retirement home in Milan, Italy for ageing opera singers and musicians, and the young music students who are mentored by and live among them. Many of the residents are living legends, who, because of Verdi, are living the third act of their lives with passion, dignity and purpose. This documentary uncovers the incredible stories of these living treasures found at Casa Verdi today.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
A ‘not-so-scary’ Spooktacular returns to Venice featuring a harmonious collaboration of symphonic sounds and storytelling. Become entranced by Bernard Herrmann’s Psycho: A Short Suite for String Orchestra and travel to otherworldly dimensions with music from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and other mystical medleys.
Venice Performing Arts Center, 1 Indian Ave building 5, Venice, FL 34285
Experience the visions and creative talents of artisans from across Florida and the United States as they transform St. Armands Circle into an extraordinary outdoor gallery of original fine art and crafts. Discover stunning works in sculpture, jewelry, painting, photography, glass, ceramics, mixed-media, metalwork, fiber art, woodworking, and more.
St. Armands Circle, 434 St Armands Cir, Sarasota
enSRQ launches its historic 10th season with a kaleidoscopic evening of American voices, past and present. Sebastian Currier’s Whispers opens the program with fleeting fragments and shimmering textures that seem to vanish as quickly as they appear. Amy Williams’ newly commissioned “Tangled Madrigal”—written for string quartet—spins baroque inspired counterpoint into a vibrant contemporary tapestry. Jerod Tate’s “Inchokkillissa,” for guitar and percussion, draws on Chickasaw imagery to create a rhythmic, ceremonial sound world. Closing the night, Elliott Carter’s “Triple Duo” pits three instrumental pairs in a brilliant, high-energy dialogue—music of wit, virtuosity, and fearless invention.
First Congressional Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota
Duplicity, disguises, and delightful deception in 18th century Naples. Così fan tutte, or The School for Lovers, follows the story of two naive young soldiers who prank their brides-to-be to test their faithfulness. But the sisters to whom they are betrothed have plans of their own. Find out who ends up schooling whom in Mozart's delightful comedy with a masterful score.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota
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
A bi-monthly open jam session for professional and non-professional musicians in the Geldbart Auditorium at the downtown Selby Library. The jam begins at 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm. Event is free and open to all. A viewing audience is welcome and encouraged. Piano, bass and drum are on site. A fun, social and entertaining event. Come, sign up to play or sing, or just come out to watch and enjoy.
Selby Library, 1331 1st St, Sarasota
Award-winning Hermitage Fellows offer a unique glimpse into their creative process, sharing original works in process with our Gulf Coast audiences. These free hour-long programs take the shape of musical performances, playreadings, concerts, visual art demonstrations, panel discussions, master classes, exhibitions, open studios,and more. The presentations are often works in process, giving Hermitage audiences a look into the creative process before these works go on to leading theaters, concert halls, and museums around the world.
Hermitage Artist Retreat, 6660 Manasota Key Rd, Englewood, FL 34223
Join us for a weekly guided tour of the night sky in our state-of-the-art planetarium. As Earth moves around the sun, different objects come into view. We'll not only discuss what you can see this season, we'll fly you there!
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th St W, Bradenton
This exhibition highlights contemporary Native design, craftwork, and art that employ the formal and aesthetic elements of abstraction as meaningful motifs and coded tools of Indigenous expression to communicate tribal cultures and histories, ancestral knowledge, and the lived experiences of the artists and their communities.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
From the masterful mind of Stephen King comes a chilling stage adaptation that will have you on the edge of your seat. MISERY, based on King’s iconic novel and adapted by William Goldman, delivers a dark and gripping psychological thriller that explores obsession, captivity, and survival. When celebrated author Paul Sheldon wakes up in a secluded home after a near-fatal car crash, he's in the care of his "number one fan," Annie Wilkes. But admiration quickly spirals into terrifying control, and Paul soon realizes that Annie never intends to let him go. This spine-tingling production is performed by dedicated volunteer actors, giving their time, passion, and talent to bring this intense story to life with raw emotion and razor-sharp suspense.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Avenue West Bradenton
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