SRQ DAILY Nov 5, 2025
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"Our mission is to build community by connecting residents with local businesses and nonprofits. Sarasota has such a vibrant culture, and as new residents move here, we want to introduce them to that."
On November 1, the Skye Ranch Witches Ride brought community women together for a day of fun, celebrating local businesses and nonprofits.
The Skye Ranch Witches Ride is the signature fundraiser of Suncoast Enchanted Alliance (SEA)—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to connecting Sarasota residents with the local organizations that make the area so special. It began as a small neighborhood ride in 2022 and has quickly grown into one of Sarasota’s premier family-friendly festivals. Founded by Liz Boger—who moved to Sarasota from Birmingham, AL, in 2020—the event is organized alongside cofounders Lauren Gow and Megan Stephenson.
This year’s celebration featured a fall festival and vendor market at Turner Park from 2–5pm, followed by a parade at 6pm, where witches took to the streets on decorated bikes and golf carts, tossing candy to happy spectators. The daytime festival drew roughly 750 attendees, with 144 witches registered for the parade. The fun continued with the Boos & Brews tasting event from 7–10pm, highlighting local restaurants and breweries alongside wine tastings and spellbound signature cocktails. Participating restaurants included Florence and the Spice Boys, Pacific Counter and The Breakfast Company, with live music from Keith James and Adam Sahhar adding to the magic.
“Everything about this event is hyper-local, and that was important to me from the start,” says Boger. “Our mission is to build community by connecting residents with local businesses and nonprofits. Sarasota has such a vibrant culture, and as new residents move here, we want to introduce them to that.”
More than just a celebration, the Skye Ranch Witches Ride has become a powerful fundraiser, contributing over $52,000 to local charities in just three years. Past beneficiaries include the Child Protection Center, SPARCC and All Star Children’s Foundation. Each year, SEA selects one Sarasota-based nonprofit with a proven local impact. This year’s event raised at least $40,000, with 100% of proceeds benefiting All Faiths Food Bank.
Pictured: Witches rolled out in style for the 4th Annual Skye Ranch Witches Ride, all to support All Faiths Food Bank. Photo by Abbi Henigman, Photo Guru SRQ.
The 6th Annual Chase Away Epilepsy Walk was started by the Signor family in 2019. The annual walk is named for their son Chase, now 16. “The walk benefits JoshProvides, an epilepsy assistance organization, during National Epilepsy Awareness Month or NEAM. The purpose is to educate and diminish myths and misconceptions of this neurological disorder that will impact 1 in 26 people. Epilepsy is a disability that disrupts brain cells, causing seizures, many of which are invisible to the untrained eye. The walk raised over 21,000 through attendee and sponsor donations, exceeding last year's total. For more information, and for help and support, contact Monica Caldwell, CEO, JoshProvides.org
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s annual Season of Sharing campaign recently kicked off for its 26th year. Since its inception in 2000, Season of Sharing has raised nearly $50 million, and more than 57,000 households in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties have received assistance. The initiative allows neighbors to help neighbors in crisis cover basic expenses like housing, utilities, childcare and transportation, and 100 percent of the donations support families in need. This year, as it has in the past, The Patterson Foundation will strengthen Season of Sharing by donating $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community through the end of the campaign in January.
Caring Collective announces two important organizational developments. Effective November 1, 2025, Gulfcoast Legal Services joined our Glasser/Schoenbaum Campus of Caring in Building C-3. Changing lives through justice, GLS’s attorneys and advocates enhance access to the legal system, especially for those whose race, ethnicity, income, age, disability, gender, or sexual orientation pose obstacles. Nominations for the Fourth Annual Emerging Leader Awards have opened, with applications accepted through Friday, December 5, 2025. The Emerging Leader Program aims to develop the next generation of compassionate and competent leaders who through innovation and talent will shape Sarasota’s physical, behavioral, and environmental health; human services; and arts & culture communities in the coming years. The fourth class of Emerging Leader awardees will receive recognition at Caring Collective’s Caring in Action Collaboration Celebration on Thursday, March 5. Nominate an emerging leader or learn more about the program and application requirements at www.caring-collective.org.
November marks Manatee Awareness Month, a month-long dedication to celebrating and protecting Florida's iconic yet imperiled aquatic mammals as they begin their annual movements to warmer waters. With temperatures dropping, these gentle giants depend on safe passage and the vigilance of boaters. This time of year is critical for manatees; these gentle marine mammals have limited body fat and are unable to tolerate temperatures below 68 °F (20 °C) for long periods. While manatees are on the move to their warm-water refuges, they are more vulnerable to boat strikes, the leading cause of injuries and death to manatees. If you’re not a boater or want to take your impact further, you can visit savethemanatee.org/MAM to learn more about manatees and find ways to get involved.
As the holiday season approaches, the Gail Baird Foundation is once again giving back to those who have served. Continuing a proud tradition of generosity, the foundation will provide 300 turkeys, side dishes, and special gifts to area veterans and their families during its 2025 Turkeys at Payne Park Giveaway & Resource Fair on Tuesday, November 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Payne Park. Entry to the Turkey Drive will be on South School Avenue, and all area veterans with military ID are welcome to attend. In addition to the meal giveaway, the Resource Fair will feature representatives from local and state organizations that provide critical services to veterans and their families, including the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Lutz Live to Tell, SRQ Vets, and others.
The Perlman Music Program Suncoast’s (PMP Suncoast) ongoing mission to connect audiences of all ages with the transformative power of classical music—presented by the next generation of world-class musicians—has received meaningful new support. A $7,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County will be used to strengthen marketing efforts throughout the season. Funding for this initiative is provided by the Walter Francis Conniff and Phyllis Sloat Conniff Memorial Fund IV of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. The grant will help PMP Suncoast reach broader audiences and increase attendance at the highly anticipated PMP Winter Residency in December and January and PMP Alumni performances throughout the year.
For thousands of families across Sarasota and DeSoto counties, rising costs and cuts to federal food and health assistance have made it harder than ever to put food on the table this holiday season. Each year, nearly 220,000 people in our community rely on All Faiths Food Bank — hardworking parents, seniors on fixed incomes and children who deserve to experience the joy of a holiday meal. With community support, All Faiths Food Bank will provide 4.1 million holiday meals to neighbors in need through its annual ThankFULL campaign, filling tables — and hearts — across the region. “We believe food is a basic human right and that no one in our community should go hungry,” said All Faiths Food Bank President and CEO Nelle S. Miller. “We encourage everyone to join us in ensuring our neighbors can sit down to a warm, comforting holiday meal.”
Sarasota County residents can now apply for home purchase assistance and owner-occupied home rehabilitation assistance through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) Program. Applications are accepted on a first-qualified, first-served basis from Nov. 3, 2025, through June 30, 2028, or until all funds are spent. Applications must be submitted online at HEROSRQ.net/SHIP. Sarasota County received approximately $2.9 million in SHIP funds for Fiscal Year 2025–2026 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026). The program expands the availability of safe and affordable housing within Sarasota County by providing 0% interest deferred loans for eligible households. Available aid through the program includes assistance to purchase a single-family home, townhome or condominium and assistance for home repairs, accessibility requirements and maintenance or modifications to preserve and improve the home. Rehabilitation assistance will be completed by the program through approved contractors. For interested homeowners residing within the City of Sarasota, visit the City of Sarasota Office of Housing and Community Development website.
Known for his multidisciplinary approach and dynamic visual language, Rice's work explores the intersection of identity, culture, and materiality through a diverse range of media including painting, sculpture, and mixed media installation. Drawing upon personal narrative, historical references, and formal experimentation, Rice invites viewers into layered compositions that challenge perception while offering space for reflection and discovery. This exhibition highlights Rice’s commitment to both conceptual depth and technical rigor, showcasing new and recent works that reflect his evolving practice as both artist and educator.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
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
Celebrating 28 years as Sarasota’s LGBTQ+ and all-welcoming chorus, Diversity shares a one-hour concert of audience favorites, Pride anthems, and heartfelt choral selections from recent seasons. With a blend of theatrical flair, harmonic beauty, and unshakable joy, this free/pay-what-you-can event is a chance to experience the music that defines the group’s mission of inclusion and community.
Siesta Key Chapel, 4615 Gleason Ave, Siesta Key, FL 34242
The Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative’s (SBAC) “Beyond Regional Boundaries” initiative continues its exploration of diverse artistic voices with “Silent Witnesses: Silent Observers in a Changing World, Untouched Yet Not Unaffected,” an exhibition of charcoal drawings by Wonda J. Granville. A reception with the artist takes place Tuesday, November 18, 5:30–7 p.m., coinciding with the theater’s production of the play, “The Amish Project,” inspired by the 2006 Nickel Mines schoolhouse tragedy—an event that profoundly echoes the quiet resilience and forgiveness depicted in Granville’s art.
Venice Theatre, 140 Tampa Ave W, Venice, FL 34285
Join USA Today bestselling author Lisa Daily for a fast, funny crash course in crafting love stories that leave hearts racing and pages turning.
Ringling College of Art & Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
Celebrate Florida’s ranching legacy with Isaac Eger's vibrant storytelling and photography in "The Great Florida Cattle Drive."
Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota, FL 34236
This outdoor gallery will feature artwork from talented local, regional, and national artisans. Their creative visions transform the venue into a unique and extraordinary display of fine art and crafts. The festival will showcase a diverse palette of works, including painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and wearable art, mixed-media, woodworking, and more. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, speak with the artists about commissioning a custom piece created specifically for you or your business.
J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Astral Mixtape creates groundbreaking original music with classical instruments and electronics. By combining their wide-ranging listening interests with a lifetime of classical training, they have created a personal musical language all their own. Their live performances synthesize the spectacle of pop, the spontaneity of jazz, and the experimentation of contemporary music. This program includes original works that combine music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Vaughan-Williams, Astor Piazzolla, and Andrew Lloyd Webber with contemporary electronics.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound Street, Sarasota FL 34236
Enjoy music, theater, literature, and more as part of the “Hermitage Sunsets at Benderson Park” series. Each hour-long program features selections of work, as well as candid and engaging conversations. The first event in this series will be the “2025 Hermitage Cross Arts Collaborative,” featuring Shawn Allison (ensembleNew SRQ) and Tom Lubben (Key Chorale).
Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Cir, Sarasota, FL 34235
The Bradenton Area Convention Center proudly presents the European Holiday Market, a captivating seasonal marketplace that seamlessly blends the charm of traditional European holiday festivities with a contemporary Gulf Coast twist. From December 4 to December 7, this immersive experience will transport guests to the enchanting atmosphere of turn-of-the-century Europe during the holiday season.
Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd, Palmetto, FL 34221
Join us for a vibrant celebration of storytelling, print, and creativity at our first-ever Author and Illustrator Book Fair, happening Saturday, December 6th, from 12 PM to 4 PM. This special event celebrates the power of words and images, showcasing the talents of local and regional authors, illustrators, and bookmakers, including many of our own acclaimed members.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
YCA on Tour is an extraordinary chamber music touring ensemble that is made up of the incredible talent of current Young Concert Artists and esteemed alumni from the YCA family. Their program features Franz Schubert’s final chamber work, his poignant String Quintet in C major for two cellos.
First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1031 S. Euclid Ave, Sarasota, FL 34237
Now in its 10th year, this beloved event, presented jointly with First Presbyterian Church Choir & The Lubben Brothers Band, celebrates the season with the sounds of the Celtic nations. The concert features a 70-voice choir, piper Kevin Wiegand, and the acclaimed folk band, The Lubben Brothers.
First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota FL 34237
Divertimento No. 15, Choreography by George Balanchine, Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Designs by Peter Farmer Mozartiana. Company Premiere, Choreography by George Balanchine, Music by Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky. Jazz Calendar, Choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton, Music by Sir Richard Rodney Bennett, Designs by Derek Jarman.
Sarasota Opera House, 61 N Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
PMP Suncoast hosts the PMP Winter Residency for young musical prodigies ages 14-20+ who play the violin, viola, cello and bass. The program provides valuable mentoring and performance opportunities for young, promising musicians from all over the world. PMP’s world-class faculty, led by acclaimed violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman, oversee a curriculum of solo, chamber music, and orchestral repertoire at the highest level.
This festival is crafted like a gourmet meal, blending the finest ingredients to create an unforgettable experience. Indulge in a wide selection of dishes including fresh seafood, meats, and vegetarian options, all cooked onsite. Pair your meal with a variety of side dishes, beverages, and delectable desserts. Relax and enjoy the live musical performances featuring some of Florida’s and the region’s top talents.
Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34237
Relive the timeless music and electrifying energy of one of rock’s most iconic bands with Fleetwood Max: The Definitive Fleetwood Mac Tribute. This nationally acclaimed tribute act captures the look, feel, and legendary sound of Fleetwood Mac at their peak.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
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