The August edition of Wellen Park Living highlighted the May groundbreaking ceremony for Retired Air Force Sergeant Daniel Beesting, his wife Alicia, and their three children. The family was presented with a mortgage-free home in the Lakespur neighborhood of Wellen Park, a gift made possible by Building Homes for Heroes and PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program, both committed to assisting injured veterans, first responders and their families.

Sergeant Beesting served ten years in the Air Force before being honorably discharged as a disabled, combat-wounded veteran. After returning home, the family faced another crisis when Hurricane Ian destroyed their Rotonda West home in 2022. For months, they lived in an RV parked in their driveway, trying to rebuild their lives from scratch.

As native Floridians, the Beestings had weathered hurricanes before, but this one left lasting emotional and financial damage. “From the moment the hurricane hit until the groundbreaking ceremony, we were in limbo,” Sergeant Beesting shared. “We were doing our best, but with no real idea of what came next. It was unsettling.”

On September 26, three years after their long period of uncertainty began, the Beesting family was finally welcomed to their new home with a heartfelt celebration. Dozens gathered for a patriotic ceremony filled with flags, applause and a parade. The day culminated in an emotional moment as the family stepped inside their forever home for the first time.

“When we opened the door, it was completely overwhelming,” said Alicia. “We knew the floor plan, but hadn’t seen the house. It was so beautiful—it was hard to believe it was really ours.”

Just a few months after moving in, the Beestings say their new house already feels like home. It came fully furnished, with a stocked pantry and warm welcomes from neighbors.

The Beetsting's story has sparked interest from veterans across the country. “Many of us come home from service feeling lost,” Sergeant Beesting said. “I’ve been there and I still feel that way on occasion. You have to ask for help—and keep asking. Alicia didn’t give up. After other resources told us we didn’t qualify for one reason or another, she reached out to Building Homes for Heroes, thanks to a recommendation from our VA coordinator. We’ve been part of their program since 2013.”

“It really feels like they’re trying to build an idyllic community here in Wellen Park,” he adds. “And we’re incredibly lucky to be a part of it.”

Pictured: Earlier this year, the Beesting Family received a custom-built home in Wellen Park. Photo courtesy of Homes for Heroes.

At Second Heart Homes, stability is shaped not only by housing and support services, but by the everyday spaces that allow people to care for themselves with safety and dignity. With support from an $84,895 capital grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, the organization will begin renovating four bathrooms across two properties this winter—work that improves daily life for residents who have experienced homelessness and live with mental illness, while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the homes.  

This year brought challenges none of us expected. When Hurricane Milton destroyed our center, our youth still needed a place where they felt safe, supported, and seen. Because of you, ALSO Youth was able to be there when it mattered most. Looking ahead, this next year feels especially important. More young people are coming to us needing safety, care, and mental health support than ever before. Research from The Trevor Project shows that LGBTQ+ youth who have access to safe, affirming spaces experience better mental health outcomes, and we see that reflected in our center every day. If you are able, you are invited to continue standing with our youth. Right now, gifts made through the Flanzer Trust are matched dollar for dollar, helping your support go even further for the young people who count on us.

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Impact100SRQ is a women-led, all-volunteer organization committed to collective giving and thoughtful philanthropy in our local community. At least 100 women each give a $1,000 tax deductible donation, and together they collectively award grants in increments of at least $100,000 to nonprofits serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties in five focus areas: Arts, Culture & History; Education; Environment, Recreation & Animal Welfare; Family; and Health & Wellness. Every member has a voice and a vote in the grantmaking process, helping determine which nonprofit initiatives receive funding and support. Our Mission: To Empower Women to Collectively Fund Transformational Grants to Nonprofits in Sarasota & Manatee Counties. When women come together with purpose, generosity is amplified and impact is multiplied. Please join us for the 2026 Giving Year—membership is open through March 26, 2026. 

Impact100 SRQ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

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Women in Philanthropy of Sarasota (WIP) has made a $100,000 capping grant to Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast), completing a campaign that raised more than $600,000 to combat food insecurity across the region this holiday season. The funds were raised through WIP’s annual soirée in response to heightened need during the holiday season, when many families face increased financial strain and food insecurity. Of the total grant, $75,000 was allocated to Gulf Coast’s Area of Greatest Need Fund, while $25,000 was directed to support All Faiths Food Bank. The $100,000 grant served as the capping gift in a broader November campaign to address food insecurity across the region. The effort included two separate matching challenges that together galvanized more than $600,000 in support of local hunger-relief efforts.   

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As 2025 and SMH’s centennial year comes to a close, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System CEO David Verinder shared one more message of gratitude with physicians and staff as Becker’s Hospital Review spotlighted the community-owned hospital among America’s standout hospitals in 2025. Founded in 1925, SMH celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2025 and has commemorated its storied history on smh.com/100. 

After building a decade-long career serving Suncoast buyers and sellers, veteran real estate professional Jaya Brossard returns to her professional roots at Michael Saunders & Company and the St. Armands Circle office where her career began. With deep expertise spanning Sarasota and Manatee counties—from Bradenton to North Port and the barrier islands—Brossard brings both market insight and a renewed commitment to the brokerage that launched her success.In a market where experience and local knowledge have never been more valuable, Brossard's return strengthens Michael Saunders & Company's position as the Suncoast's preeminent luxury and lifestyle real estate authority. Brossard cites the firm’s deep local roots, collaborative culture, and reputation for setting the standard in Suncoast real estate as the reasons for her return.