It was cold and windy on Saturday, January 31. Still, warmth was in the hearts of the residents of the Esplanade at Palmer Ranch who gathered for the community’s sixth annual Pickleball Street Brawl, raising awareness and donations for a worthy cause.

The event featured seven neighborhood pickleball teams, each representing a different street, competing for bragging rights and the coveted "winner" label to display on their street sign.

Beyond the competition, the Street Brawl served as a fundraiser for Second Chance Last Opportunity, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This organization is dedicated to empowering individuals in crisis by equipping them with the essential skills and tools to lead more productive lives, serving as a gateway to hope and positive change.

Tournament organizer Kathy Schwartz shared, "Our Pickleball Street Brawl is the most requested event in our community. Residents love to show their support for the work that goes into this event by donating to the wonderful charity, Second Chance Last Opportunity."

The tournament raised over $2,000 and much-needed supplies–including food and personal care items. The generous donations were later delivered to those in need by resident Eeunice Grippaldi, who volunteers with the organization.

For more information about Second Chance Last Opportunity, please visit their website: secondchancelastopportunity.org/ 

Pictured: Kathy Schwartz (left) and Eunice Grippaldi bundled up for a worthy cause.

The Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) is proud to announce the launch of its new Resource Library, a comprehensive and ever-growing online hub of tools, information, and crisis-hotline links designed to empower families, caregivers, community members, and professionals in protecting children. With this Resource Library, CPC aims to provide easily accessible and user-friendly support for families near and far. The resource guides are presented in a way to reduce the fear and anxiety that often surround topics of child safety, instead focusing on safety through empowerment, basic safety practices, and open, honest conversations. For more information on CPC or to inquire about ways to get involved, please visit them at www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277. 

Each year, SRQ Media invites the community to nominate individuals with hearts of giving who have made a significant impact with local nonprofit organizations—from volunteers and board members to individual staff members and donors. This year, attendees were thrilled to be together as we recognized these individuals at our annual Giving Coast and Good Hero Awards luncheon and panel discussion on December 10 at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. In the coming weeks, we are happy to feature each of the ten honorees in our Wednesday Philanthropic edition of SRQ Daily.

Today, we are recognizing Suriya Khong, who has created innovative programs in college and career preparation, leadership, entrepreneurship and advocacy to help students not only discover their passions but also prepare for their futures. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Suriya mentors teens, building their confidence and showing them they are capable of greatness. Her nominator said that from the moment Suriya joined the organization in 2017, she has been a driving force for change. “What began as a department with one dedicated staff member has grown under her direction into a robust team of diverse professionals now serving hundreds of local youth each year with innovative, life-changing programs, some of which aren’t found anywhere else. Suriya Khong is more than a leader. From the mountain of strategic work she regularly accomplishes to the profound impact on our teens through direct mentorship.” Congratulations Suriya! 

Pictured: Suriya Khong (left) with Wes Roberts, Executive Publisher of SRQ Magazine. Photo by Dan Wagner, Wagner Visuals.

The Beaux Arts Ball is more than a night of celebration—it is our most important fundraising event of the season, directly supporting what matters most at Art Center Sarasota: keeping exhibitions and arts education free and accessible to all. Every ticket purchased helps ensure our galleries remain open to the public and our programs continue to serve artists, families, and our community without barriers. Join us for an unforgettable evening—and make a lasting impact.  

For ticket information click here.

FoodRecovery.org has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to expand our "Food Recovery Sustainability in Manatee" initiative. This funding will help us rescue more surplus food from local events and enhance our technology platform, connecting food donors with nonprofits serving families in need. Key highlights from the release include: Event Food Recovery Expansion: We will now be able to cover the entire county, rescuing an estimated 500+ pounds of food from at least 10 local events, supporting approximately 415 families; Technology Improvements: Grant funds will go toward upgrading our free online platform, making it easier for businesses to donate surplus food and for nonprofits to receive it; Community Impact: This initiative directly addresses food insecurity in Manatee County, where over 55,000 individuals are affected, while reducing food waste from caterers, restaurants, and event planners. To learn more visit FoodRecovery.org 

The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation has named Jim and Susan Travers as the recipients of the 2026 Patron of the Arts Award, honoring their extraordinary leadership, generosity, and enduring commitment to expanding access to the arts across the Sarasota community. The award will be presented on Friday, March 6, during the Foundation’s annual gala at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Gala tickets, which include both the performance and gala festivities, are available exclusively through the Foundation at PerformingArtsFoundation.org/gala. For information about purchasing a table or sponsoring the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation Gala, email Gala@PerformingArtsFoundation.org or call 941-271-4177. Golden Circle seating is reserved with Gala attendance. The evening will include cocktails overlooking Sarasota Bay, an elegant dinner by Michael’s On East, a headline performance, and a post-show after-party with music and dancing. 

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Leadership Sarasota Class of 2026 has selected Save Our Seabirds as its annual class project partner. The initiative will enhance the organization’s Education Center, expanding its ability to inspire visitors through improved learning spaces, updated displays, and more engaging environmental education experiences. Save Our Seabirds is a Sarasota‑based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned birds—more than 1,200 wild birds each year—while promoting year‑round environmental education that strengthens Florida’s coastal ecosystems. For more information or to explore giving opportunities, community partners are encouraged to fill out an interest form—at https://forms.office.com/r/g2AdmWAmd2—or contact the Leadership Sarasota Class of 2026 project team at hcarpenter@visitsarasota.org.

In a powerful celebration of collective philanthropy, Impact100 SRQ’s 864 voting members gathered at their Annual Celebration & Awards Ceremony at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium at the Bay. The event featured ten nonprofit Grant Finalists presenting their initiatives, showcasing the sustainable impact they would have across Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Following the presentations, members voted to fund eight grants of $108,000 each, supporting initiatives across five focus areas: Arts, Culture & History; Education; Environment, Recreation & Animal Welfare; Family; and Health and Wellness. The Grant Recipients were announced live, celebrating the lasting change these initiatives will bring to the community. 

Pines of Sarasota Foundation has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the James Franklin Warnell & Dorothy J. Warnell Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support the Pines of Sarasota Nursing Education Program. The grant will help provide free education and training for Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), creating pathways to employment and career advancement while strengthening the skilled workforce that cares for Pines of Sarasota residents. The Pines Nursing Education Program was developed under the guidance of the Florida Health Care Association and the Agency for Health Care Administration and meets all State of Florida certification requirements. Students begin training as PCAs and advance through the medical coursework required to become CNAs, earning increased wages upon certification. 

To learn more, visit

The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program is pleased to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the George J. & Alice Pugh Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support the purchase and implementation of a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. The MFTHP is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been feeding families throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties since 1987, sponsored by mayors and both county commissions in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Visit www.MayorsFeedTheHungry.org 

First United Methodist Church of Sarasota continues to demonstrate its deep commitment to the community it serves through a meaningful partnership with First 1,000 Days Suncoast, resulting in a diaper drive that collected 7,832 diaper wipes and 6,312 diapers for families in need. The diaper drive reflects the church’s ongoing mission to care for and uplift families during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. Diapers and wipes are essential items that are often difficult for families to access, yet they are critical to the health, comfort, and dignity of infants and young children. 

To learn more, visit

The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $35,000 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation to enhance mental health and wellness services for women in Manatee County. This funding will provide 350 hours of professional counseling for low- to moderate-income women, ensuring access to essential mental health support. 

For years, United Way Suncoast and Goodwill Manasota have partnered to provide expert volunteers and convenient locations for low- and moderate-income residents with free tax preparation services. Starting yesterday, these services commenced again, for the 2025 tax season at two Goodwill locations, one each in Sarasota and Bradenton. VITA is vital to residents and the local economy. In 2025, United Way Suncoast and its partners –including Goodwill Manasota – brought back $11.7 million in refunds, tax credits, and savings on preparation fees to the region. In the five counties served through United Way Suncoast’s VITA program, 9,669 returns were prepared and filed. Appointments are required as sites have extremely limited walk-in capacity. To make an appointment, call 833-897-8482. For more about Goodwill Manasota’s programs and services, and store locations, visit experiencegoodwill.org. 

Habitat for Humanity Sarasota is honored to receive a transforming $175,000 gift from Publix Super Markets Charities, an investment that will directly expand access to affordable homeownership for Sarasota families facing rising housing costs and limited options. This generous support will help turn the dream of a safe, stable home into a reality for more hardworking families in our community. Publix Super Markets Charities has been a steadfast champion of Habitat Sarasota’s mission, consistently stepping forward to meet the urgent need for affordable housing. Their continued partnership creates life-changing opportunities for families to build stability, security, and a stronger future through homeownership. Last year, Habitat for Humanity Sarasota served 18 families through its affordable homeownership program. Building on that momentum, the organization anticipates serving an additional 20 families this year, helping more households achieve stability through affordable homeownership.  

The Suncoast Apprenticeship Academy (SAA), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit workforce development organization, recently announced it has secured a permanent facility at 5591 Fruitville Road in Sarasota and officially launched a major fundraising campaign to support renovations and the creation of a state-of-the art workforce development center. The project represents a public-private collaboration among local, state and industry partners committed to addressing the growing workforce shortages impacting Manatee and Sarasota counties. For more information, go to www.suncoastapprenticeshipacademy.org 

Scott Swan has joined the Community Foundation of Sarasota County as a philanthropic advisor after a distinguished 38-year career in banking. Swan most recently served as a senior vice president and senior fiduciary advisor at PNC Private Bank. While there, he administered complex trusts with more than $3 million in assets under management, collaborated with clients to review and execute estate planning strategies and more. As a philanthropic advisor at the foundation, he will work with donors to help them realize their charitable goals through social impact investments. 

To learn more, visit

A recent grant of $108,000 from The Henson Fund to Safe Children Coalition (SCC) has been designated for SCC's Schoolhouse Link program. These funds will support unaccompanied homeless youth room and apartment rental subsidies as well as transportation assistance and mental health services. SCC's Schoolhouse Link program serves as protector, support system, and advocate for homeless families or displaced teens who are on their own. Schoolhouse Link is contracted by the Sarasota County School Board, serving as the school district’s “Homeless Education Liaison.”  For more about Safe Children Coalition, visit sccfl.org.