SRQ DAILY Feb 11, 2026
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"When people think about homelessness or recovery, they often see the crisis, but not the care that follows."
Harvest House Centers will host its annual Home Again Luncheon on February 25, featuring the theme "Making Magic." For the first time, this fundraiser will take place on the organization's own campus, offering attendees a unique look at the daily transformation that occurs there.
The event will showcase the inspiring story of Shonte, who, with her son, was able to turn her life around thanks to Harvest House. She credits the organization with believing in her and helping her upgrade her life, one brave step at a time.
“When people think about homelessness or recovery, they often see the crisis, but not the care that follows," said Harvest House President and CEO Dan Minor. "At Harvest House, the real magic happens behind the scenes, where housing, therapy, and compassion intersect. Our community’s support allows us to turn moments of crisis into lasting stability.”
For over 30 years, Harvest House has provided dignified, supportive housing and essential on-site mental health and addiction care to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and trauma in the Sarasota and Manatee communities. Serving more than 1,000 people annually, its comprehensive wraparound model includes housing, therapy, recovery services, workforce development and food security, including a pantry that supports over 200 families weekly. Its Wellness Within Reach program provides free, in-home mental health therapy and has resulted in exceptional housing stability and low recidivism rates. The organization relies on community donors, partners and volunteers to bring dignity and hope to those transforming their lives. In addition to cash donations, they welcome donations of clothing, personal care and cosmetic items, furniture, kitchen items, bedding and linens, ride share gift cards, computers, printers and office supplies, baby supplies, and more. There are also numerous volunteer opportunities, such as helping distribute groceries, organizing supplies and donations, upkeeping outdoor spaces and assisting at events. Community members can visit harvesthousecenters.org to learn more. 
Pictured: Harvest House leaders excited to welcome supporters to the Home Again Luncheon this year are (from l-r) Dawn Stahl, Director of Family Services, Dan Minor, President | CEO, and Jordan Mayer, VP of Programs. Photo courtesy of Harvest House
Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation’s Board of Directors recently elected Marlon Brown and Jeffrey McCurdy to three-year terms on the Board. The Board also elected members Rebecca Harris Barancik as Chair and Steve Barancik as Vice Chair for one-year terms as officers. For more information, visit www.barancikfoundation.org.
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 Penny Frederick from Selby Preschool at the Haven. “We were lucky enough to get Penny Frederick as my son’s teacher this year,” shared the grateful parent who nominated her for this award. “I watch in awe and admiration every day how she supports students of varying needs and disabilities with a special level of understanding. I’ve met few education professionals with the level of patience and empathy that she brings into class with her little ones each day. I can say with confidence that each child leaves Ms. Penny’s preK class a better version of how they entered. Ms. Penny should be an example to everyone who works with those who have differences. My son has grown as a child and a student, and I have grown as a mother, all because of the influence Ms. Penny has had on us.” Congratulations Penny!
Pictured: Penny Frederick (left) with Executive Publisher, Wes Roberts, Photo by Daniel Wagner, Wagner Visuals.
Pamela Ramhofer, chief information officer at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, was recognized with Florida’s prestigious ORBIE Award on Feb. 6. She was one of six leading CIOs to win the prestigious leadership award for industry innovation and impact. Ramhofer has served as chief information officer at SMH since May 2015 and has worked at the 100-year-old community health system for more than 40 years. Early in her career, she worked as a cardiac and intensive care nurse and played a leading role in the implementation of electronic medical records. After 12 years as a nurse, she transitioned to clinical and business systems, where she has directed major IT initiatives supporting critical systems.
On January 24th, Service Dogs Saving Lives broke records at their third annual “A Night of Hope” fundraising dinner, raising over $47,000 to connect service dogs with veterans and first responders experiencing mental health challenges and prior suicidal tendencies. Service Dogs Saving Lives (SDSL) was founded in 2022 by Paul and Linda Johnson, following the tragic loss of their son to suicide. The organization is dedicated to supporting veterans and first responders who face severe mental health struggles by providing scholarships and funding to match their clients with canine companions through partner organizations. Sponsored by The Fortis Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, the Pettit Family Charitable Foundation , and local supporters, the sold-out event included live musical entertainment by David Turner, a silent auction, and guest speaker Rachel, a local service dog recipient who spoke about the immense impact her companion Byner has had on her health and well-being.
Nonprofit organization Goodwill Manasota has achieved a new milestone: more than 100 million pounds of items that were given a second life through Goodwill's retail stores (rather than being dumped in area landfills). Goodwill, who has been at the forefront of the "reduce, reuse, recycle" movement since its founding more than 100 years ago, has the ultimate goal of zero waste; it works with salvage and recycling companies to move items that can't be sold in stores.
Every year, we are welcomed by our incredible community partners at Tsunami Sushi and Hibachi to celebrate our community and raise funds that make a tangible impact in the lives of Sarasota and Manatee county LGBTQ+ youth. This year, we have the pleasure of hosting at the newly-opened Sarasota location, Hanami Sushi and Hibachi! Attendees will enjoy live music, a sushi and hibachi buffet, drinks, and the opportunity to bid on unique auction prizes. In the spirit of hanami, translated to the practice of viewing the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Japanese, and our "blossoming" organization and youth, guests are encouraged to dress in pinks and spring colors. The true joy of this event and community is knowing that, while we celebrate, we are actively contributing to the life-changing work of ALSO Youth. We hope you will join us for a fantastic event!
After surpassing its centennial goal of impacting more than one million lives, Shumaker’s commitment to bolstering literacy in its communities remains steadfast. The firm recently sponsored the construction of three little library book-sharing boxes for Sarasota-area nonprofits through Brand New Chapters, cementing literacy as a lasting firmwide philanthropic focus. Brand New Chapters is a literacy-based nonprofit dedicated to spreading the power of reading to underserved Sarasota communities by donating books that would otherwise be destined for landfills. With Shumaker’s $900 donation, Brand New Chapters will establish three new little libraries throughout the community—one of which will be constructed between Star Lab Elementary School and Janie’s Garden in Sarasota’s historic Newtown neighborhood.
Turning Points is pleased to announce the appointment of Donn Githens to its Board of Directors. Githens brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience, including a long-standing tenure with Goodwill Manasota, where he has served since 2006 and became President and CEO in 2022. Under his leadership, Goodwill Manasota has continued to expand its mission to transform lives through education, training, and employment—values that align closely with Turning Points’ commitment to helping individuals achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Turning Points and Goodwill Manasota share a long-standing partnership. Through Goodwill Manasota’s generous support, Turning Points’ Clothes Closet is stocked with clothing and essential items, allowing the organization to serve individuals and families in need with dignity and care. In addition, Goodwill Manasota partners with Turning Points to connect clients to employment opportunities—helping neighbors move beyond immediate need toward long-term stability.
Gulf Coast Community Foundation will host its annual Better Together event on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 2 – 6 p.m. at West Blalock Park in Venice. The free community celebration honors the 100th anniversary of the Venice community and 30 years of Gulf Coast’s impact. Attendees can enjoy hands-on experiences, live music, and interactive activities across Human Services, Arts and Culture, Education, and the Environment, including access to the Old Betsy Museum and the Venice Museum. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local food trucks. Better Together highlights the generosity, creativity, and partnerships that strengthen our region, offering a space for neighbors to play, explore, and celebrate the shared purpose that makes the community thrive. To register, visit GulfCoastCF.org/BT26
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s 26th annual Season of Sharing campaign, which concluded Jan. 31, generated $4.2 million in donations. Fully 100 percent of the money raised through Season of Sharing goes to help individuals and families in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties pay for basic living expenses like housing, utilities, childcare and transportation. Overall, more than 57,000 households have found support through the initiative and the total amount raised through the campaign since its inception stands at $53.9 million. This year’s campaign benefited from donations from thousands of individuals, but a handful of key gifts provided a significant boost to the total. Local philanthropists Joe and Mary Kay Henson made a $100,000 gift to the campaign in its closing days. The Hensons’ capstone gift unlocked an additional $100,000 matching donation from The Patterson Foundation, which pledged to donate $100,000 for each $500,000 raised by the community. Overall, The Patterson Foundation strengthened Season of Sharing this year with a total of $700,000 in matching funds, bringing its cumulative support for the initiative to more than $11 million since 2010. The Bishop-Parker Foundation also awarded a generous $100,000 grant, money that will be earmarked to benefit residents in Manatee County.
Resilient Retreat proudly extends its sincere gratitude to the Church of the Redeemer Episcopal Thrift House for its generous donation of $6,000, which will directly support resiliency programs designed to improve the mental and physical wellness of individuals dealing with the aftermath of abuse and trauma. This contribution will help fund evidence-based programs for trauma survivors—provided at no cost to participants—and advance the organization’s mission to help survivors build resilience and thrive. For more information about Resilient Retreat or to learn how to support its work, visit resilientretreat.org.
Sarasota-area resident Simone Knego is celebrating the launch of her new book, REAL Confidence: A Simple Guide to Go from Unsure to Unshakeable, with a hometown launch event in Sarasota. The book officially releases February 17, and the community celebration follows on February 18, benefitting the Women’s Resource Center. The evening is designed as a night of inspiration, connection, and impact, celebrating the book’s release while spotlighting the important work being done locally to support women in need. Simone is an international speaker, award-winning author, and two-time TEDx speaker whose work focuses on confidence, authenticity, and helping women rewrite the stories they tell themselves. While the book is launching nationally, this event brings the moment home to Sarasota with a strong community benefit angle.
Wednesday, February 18, 5:00–7:00pm, The Ora, 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota.
S-One Holdings Corporation held its Grill Off event on February 6. As part of the company's core value of selfless service, this year a variety of nonprofits attended and set up tables to help S-One team members learn ways to help the underserved in our community. Outreach partners included Nates Honor Animal Rescue, Children First and Take Stock in Children. Additionally, there were volunteer opportunities for the following projects: Keep Sarasota County Beautiful road clean up, All Faith’s Food Bank backpack and mobile pantry and Sign Cards for cardiac care staff. Chef selected winners - First place: No Meat. All Heat.- tortillas stuffed with grilled Greek cheese, tofu, and Mediterranean spices. Second place: Chimi Chimi Bang Bang chimichurri, Third place: Honey Hog’s Sweet Hot Smoked Ribs. Fan Favorite: Brisket – Vince Bejar.
A Night at the Big Apple is an unforgettable evening benefiting the Venice YMCA! This special event will take place on February 21st at Plantation Golf and Country Club, bringing together community members for a night of entertainment, celebration and giving back. Guests will enjoy: a New York–inspired atmosphere with live music and entertainment, delicious cuisine and cocktails and opportunities to support impactful YMCA programs for youth, families, veterans and seniors. All proceeds from the evening will help the Venice YMCA continue its mission of strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For Tickets & Sponsorships visit www.ymcaswfl.org/upcoming-events.
Impact100 SRQ, a leading women’s philanthropic organization serving Sarasota and Manatee counties, has announced the creation of a Co-President leadership structure and the appointment of longtime member and board leader Sara Winer as Co-President, effective immediately. The new leadership model was developed following a year-long, intentional review by the Impact100 SRQ Board of Directors aimed at strengthening the long-term sustainability, vitality, and succession planning of the organization. With Impact100 SRQ past year membership surpassing 800 members, the scope and complexity of the President’s role has expanded significantly, prompting the Board to adopt a shared leadership approach.
Adolphus Hailstork’s An American Port of Call captures the relentless energy of the port of Norfolk, Virginia. Pianist Clayton Stephenson performs Gershwin’s jazz and blues-infused Concerto in F. Charles Ives composed his delightful and quirky Variations on "America" when he was only 17. Audiences at the 1934 premiere of Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony were so moved that they erupted in applause at the end of each movement.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Our Tapas Cooking Classes are designed as a cultural and gastronomic experience, not just a cooking class. Guests will learn how tapas are enjoyed in Spain, the history and traditions behind them, and take part in a hands-on cooking experience preparing several classic Spanish tapas. The evening also includes tasting, wine, and written recipes to take home.
Taste of Spain, 2767 Mall Dr, Sarasota, FL 34231
Step into the spotlight with One Hit Wonders, a toe-tapping celebration of those unforgettable songs that lit up the charts and became part of our lives. From the epic storytelling of “American Pie” to the carefree whistle of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” this show celebrates the artists who gave us a single great hit.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Crabapalooza is back at Anna Maria Oyster Bar, arriving just in time for Valentine’s Day and bringing a seasonal celebration of crab to the table. While oysters may be for lovers, crab is for romantics, and this limited-time menu is designed for sharing, cracking, and savoring together. The Crabapalooza lineup features three signature highlights, including a show-stopping Seafood Tower, a drool-worthy Seafood Boil, and a Maryland-style Crabcake Salad. Each dish is crafted to spotlight premium ingredients, generous portions, and the kind of hands-on dining that turns a meal into a memorable night out. To round out the experience, Crabapalooza also introduces a curated lineup of featured drinks, including the Mai Oh Mai Tai, Paloma, and Passionfruit Aperol Spritz, along with a featured wine, Maddalena Chardonnay, selected to pair beautifully with the bold, coastal flavors of the menu.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
The Motown Sound is now over 60 years old but it remains current and brings excitement and unforgettable memories for several generations of music lovers. The unique style of these groups composed of golden voices, extraordinary musicians and memorable choreography represent the very best of Hitsville and Detroit, MI.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
Calder’s work is a great source of interest to the team at Selby Gardens. His fascination with energy and motion, coupled with his exploration of suspension and equilibrium, provides creative inspiration for the dynamic display of epiphytes, or air plants. Selby Gardens is a leading center for the study of air plants and is home to the best scientifically documented collections of living epiphytic orchids and bromeliads in the world. The Calder exhibition at Selby Gardens will highlight the artist’s use of abstract forms rooted in nature and emphasize his interest in science and engineering. The exhibition will also explore Calder’s enchantment with the circus, stemming from his studies of performers and animals at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1925.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
This smart, dark revenge comedy by Lauren Gunderson takes a Shakespearean stage direction and runs with it. Hilarious, poignant, and wickedly empowering, the play follows a woman taking control of her story, with duct tape, a frozen steak, and a wild plan.
FSU/Asolo Conservatory, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Rooted in Latino folklore and mythology, Wolf at the Door is a haunting fairy tale about power, survival, and resistance. Isadora finds the courage to defy her abusive husband, Septimo, when he imprisons the very pregnant Yolot against her will. Through poetic storytelling and rich symbolism, the play dives into the darkness that can reside in domestic spaces, and the fierce strength needed to escape it.
FSU/Asolo Conservatory, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, 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
Showcasing 100 rare posters along with sculptures, cocktail shakers, and furniture pieces, this exciting exhibition celebrates the centennial anniversary of Art Deco and the artistic significance it brought to the early 20th-century.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Selina Román blends photography, abstraction, and self-portraiture to explore themes of beauty and the politics of size. Roman’s photographs transform the gallery into a space of quiet resistance, subverting traditional ideas of feminine beauty.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Celebrate the legendary artistry of Lino Tagliapietra—widely regarded as the world’s foremost living glass artist. With a career spanning over seven decades, Tagliapietra has transformed the centuries-old traditions of Venetian glassblowing into a dynamic and expressive contemporary art form. Renowned for his unparalleled technique, vibrant color palettes, and sculptural finesse, Tagliapietra’s work bridges history and innovation. This landmark exhibition features over 40 exquisite works by Tagliapietra, offering a rare opportunity to experience the full breadth of his mastery.
Galleries of Ringling College of Art and Design, 2700 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234
The Sarasota Art Museum partners with the Jazz Club of Sarasota to present live jazz on the second Thursday of every month on the Marcy and Michael Klein Plaza. Enjoy a beverage or food in the Bistro and extended hours in the galleries and shops! Concert begins 5:30 pm.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
As the New Year begins, Jack Dusty, the waterfront restaurant and bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, is bringing back its popular Sunday Brunch beginning January 11, inviting locals and hotel guests alike to ease into Sundays with live music, waterfront dining, and a menu designed for lingering. Designed as a leisurely afternoon experience, Jack Dusty’s Sunday Brunch runs from 11AM to 4PM with live entertainment throughout, creating an upbeat yet laid-back atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious food and drink. The brunch menu blends elevated classics with seafood-driven specialties and indulgent favorites, including a Maine lobster roll on toasted butter brioche, crab and avocado benedict with yuzu hollandaise, sticky toffee griddlecakes, and a decadent truffled croque madame. Heartier offerings range from wagyu steak frites topped with a sunny-side egg to confit pork belly char siu with scallion pancakes, alongside a robust raw bar and sushi selection featuring oysters, stone crab, crudo, nigiri, and maki rolls.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
Art immersion class for children ages 6-18. Small classes with fine arts materials. Visit linarinconart.com for more information and to register.
Creative Liberties Artist Studios, Gallery & Creative Academy, 927 N Lime Ave., Sarasota, FL 34237
It’s January 2020. Jane has been placed on leave from her Big Tech job after a viral workplace incident. She’s hell-bent on returning, but first, her assigned therapist, Loyd, needs to authorize it. A tightly wound psychological thriller, Job zooms in on two careerists of different generations, genders, and paradigms to examine what it means to be a citizen of the internet.
Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St, Sarasota, FL 34236
The summer 2026 exhibition at Selby Gardens will celebrate the creative collaboration between two legendary figures and longtime friends, photographer Lynn Goldsmith and singer-songwriter Patti Smith, who is Selby Gardens’ artist in residence. The exhibition will feature Goldsmith’s photographs of Smith, past and present, in the Museum of Botany & the Arts. The images will offer an intimate portrait of an iconic artist over the course of her remarkable career.
Selby Gardens, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236
One of the most awarded off-Broadway premieres of 2024, Eboni Booth's absorbing, funny, and ultimately profound new play is about a middle-aged man scraping by in small town America. Kenneth spends his days working in a quiet bookstore and his evenings sipping Mai Tais at the local tiki bar, but when he loses his job, he's forced to confront a world he's long avoided. A deceptively ordinary story about the extraordinary possibility inside each of us.
Asolo Repertory Theatre , 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Drawing inspiration from audience suggestions, the cast of FST Improv weaves sketches, musical numbers, and classic improv games that pay special tribute to this beautiful spot in paradise we hold dear. From the epic annual snowbird migration and abundant roundabout confusion to dogs in strollers and seemingly never-ending construction, nothing is safe from a good-spirited tease.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
In this heartwarming tale, a man visits a tailor to have his suit pants let out after realizing he’s gained some weight since he last wore them. What starts as a simple alteration turns into a transformative journey. Through their deepening conversations both their lives are altered. A Tailor Near Me is a story of self-discovery, friendship, and the magic of a perfectly tailored suit.
Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
Join us under the stars for a night of good eating and great observing! We have partnered with the Local Group of Deep Sky Observers (LGDSO) to bring Sidewalk Astronomy to The Bishop. At this free event, you’ll have a chance to see Jupiter, Saturn, and much more through powerful telescopes!
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th Street West Bradenton FL 34205
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