SRQ DAILY Apr 15, 2026
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"When these girls are older and have their own children, they can reflect on being here and think of Virginia Toulmin, someone they never met but they understand that she was a really beautiful woman, and her story will be carried on."
On Tuesday, April 7, the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Culinary Scholars, in partnership with Girls Inc. of Sarasota County and Young Chefs Academy of Sarasota, celebrated the completion of a yearlong program at Young Chefs Academy. The program brought together a group of girls, ages 9–14, who met weekly to build skills, discipline and confidence while preparing two recipes each session.
The celebration, held on National Coffee Cake Day, honored the girls’ growth and independence in the kitchen. Fittingly, they joined together to bake coffee cake—a tribute to Virginia B. Toulmin. More than a nod to tradition, the moment reflected her legacy: using something simple and familiar to inspire connection, community and opportunity for the next generation. Toulmin, who learned to cook from her grandmother, held a lifelong love for coffee cake, her favorite dessert.
Bill Villafranco, Trustee of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and a father of five girls himself, spoke of the program’s inception and his hopes for its legacy. He first envisioned a space where girls could gain lifelong skills while building confidence and focus. “The kitchen is an amazing tool. You learn skills you carry forever. It’s a place to use your imagination and concentrate without distractions—no social media, no comparisons, just the work in front of you,” he said. “When these girls are older and have their own children, they can reflect on being here and think of Virginia Toulmin, someone they never met, but they understand that she was a really beautiful woman, and her story will be carried on.”
The program’s participants graduated with chef’s jackets and commemorative pins. Ten-year-old Ryker, who earned her black jacket by scoring 80 or higher on bi-monthly tests, now says she may pursue a future as a chef.
The celebration concluded with a tasting, during which guests sampled the scholars’ creations, followed by a recognition ceremony honoring each participant’s commitment and achievements. 
Pictured: A one-year journey of growth, discipline and achievement culminated in a meaningful celebration at Young Chefs Academy of Sarasota. Photo by Barbie Heit.
HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital is proud to announce that the hospital and medical staff has donated $20,000 to The United Way of Charlotte County, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening the health and well-being of the local community. The contribution will support United Way’s critical programs and initiatives, which focus on education, financial stability, and health services for individuals and families throughout Charlotte County. For more information on hospital services, visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
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 Corporate Good Hero, Beth Bradburn of Homes by Westbay. Beth and her company have been huge supporters of Resilient Retreat for several years. They sponsor and attend the organizations special events and also come to Resilient Retreat for volunteer days. Beth has spoken to large groups about Resilient Retreat's mission and the critically important work they are doing in the community for survivors of trauma, helping professionals and first responders. Beth's passion for the mission is truly heartwarming. Congratulations Beth!
Pictured: Wes Roberts, Executive Publisher of SRQ Magazine (left) with Beth Bradburn. Photo by Dan Wagner, Wagner Visuals.
Dragonfly Mental Health has received a $5,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation and a $5,000 grant from the Zella I. and Junius F. Allen Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. These grants support the launch of an innovative mental health education initiative at Ringling College of Art and Design which will create lasting cultural change around mental health in higher education and creative communities.
A $24,755 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County will help the Manatee Literacy Council continue providing in-person English classes for adults in Manatee County who are working to improve their literacy and job opportunities. The funding will support small-group Adult English as a Second Language (ESL) classes held at Step Up Suncoast and in the community room at Goodwill Manasota in Bradenton, where adults attend classes twice a week to build practical language skills for work, family life, and everyday communication.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) has received a $4,000 grant from theatre works! to support this year’s anthology of student-written plays, The Pirate Ship and the Sea Monster & Other Winning Plays. Thanks to this generous gift, the imaginative collection of original short plays – written by elementary school students locally and around the world – is now being brought to life onstage at FST.
Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt A. Hoffman is thrilled to announce the successful results of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) 2026 Block Party Food Drive. From March 13 to April 11, community members, local businesses, and sheriff’s office staff contributed non-perishable food items at various drop-off locations throughout Sarasota County. In collaboration with All Faiths Food Bank, these donations will be distributed to combat food insecurity in the community this summer. The food drive amassed an impressive amount of food donations, completely filling an agency van, in addition to $2,770.20 in cash donations. Over 1,125 citizens attended the 2nd annual Block Party on April 11, where attendees could exchange donations for event T-shirts. The agency’s onsite Walk-On Clinic and SCSO played pivotal roles by each providing a $1000 cash donation which boosted the drive’s overall success.
Dragonfly Mental Health has received a $5,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation and a $5,000 grant from the Zella I. and Junius F. Allen Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. These grants support the launch of an innovative mental health education initiative at Ringling College of Art and Design which will create lasting cultural change around mental health in higher education and creative communities.
All Star Children’s Foundation is proud to announce that Stephen Fancher has been officially appointed Chief Executive Officer by its Board of Directors. Fancher has served as Chief Advancement Officer since the organization's inception, before it opened its Campus of Hope & Healing, and has played an instrumental role in shaping its growth and direction. With professional experience spanning education, finance, music, and nonprofit leadership, Fancher brings a distinctive blend of creativity, discipline, and strategic thinking to his role as CEO.
Art Center Sarasota continues its Centennial Season with one of the region’s longest-running and most anticipated exhibitions: the 71st Annual North Sarasota County Schools Spring Art Show. Featuring more than 1,500 student artists from grades K–12, the exhibition transforms the gallery into a dynamic showcase of emerging creativity from across Sarasota’s northern public and charter schools. For many students, it marks their first time exhibiting in a professional gallery, an experience that signals not just participation, but arrival.
Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, 941.365.2032, artsarasota.org
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. To learn more, visit www.MayorsFeedTheHungry.org
“Reflections” is a unique art exhibition and auction centered on mirrors as both functional objects and expressive art pieces. Through painted, redesigned, and reimagined mirrors, participating artists explore the concept of reflection—examining themes of identity, perception, space, and self-awareness. This collaboration between AIA Florida Gulf Coast and SARTQ Artist Collective highlights the dialogue between architectural form and artistic expression. The event aims to showcase innovative designs that blend utility with creativity, encouraging audiences to reconsider everyday objects through an artistic lens. Proceeds from the auction will support community arts initiatives and architectural education programs.
Architecture Sarasota, 265 S Orange Ave, Sarasota
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
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
Juana Romani (1867–1924) was one of the most fascinating and successful painters in late-nineteenth-century Paris. Born in Italy, Juana—whose given name was Giovanna Carlesimo—moved to Paris with her mother and stepfather at the age of ten. She took up painting, studying under the well-known painters Jean-Jacques Henner (1829–1905) and Ferdinand Roybet (1840–1920). Romani quickly earned both critical praise and significant fame for her deftly painted, richly colorful depictions of strong, sensual women adorned in lavish textiles.
Ringling Museum, 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Mayer explores the impact of technology on the human body through this interactive sculpture series. Slumpies invites viewers to sit and slump on these sculptures, much like furniture, and find a place of comfort while using their technological devices.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Mondays, 1pm. Join Jerome Chesley as you explore more than 60 pieces of public art located in downtown and St. Armands.
Saturdays, 1pm. This tour led by circus historian Bob Collins explores the fascinating legacy of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.
Make your Saturday mornings even more fun! Check out the Backyard Science program for elementary-aged learners at The Bishop’s incredible indoor Mosaic Backyard Universe. This wildly popular learning program offers a wide range of activities, observations, and crafts that are sure to spark curiosity and ignite learning.
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature, 201 10th Street West Bradenton FL 34205
Thursdays, 10am. Discover with our expert guide, Kendra Cross, why Sarasota is the only place in the world that the Amish and Mennonite communities come to vacation en masse. In Pinecraft, enjoy the tour stops at Alma Sue’s Quilt Shop, The Carlisle Inn and Der Dutchman Amish Kitchen Cooking Restaurant for shopping and a pie shooter sample of their delicious pie!
Thursdays and Saturdays, 7:30pm. Step right up to solve the murder of Dahlia the Queen of the High Wire on this interactive murder mystery who-dunnit.
Wednesdays, 10am. Go back in time to the 1920’s in Sarasota to hear from three leading ladies (Bertha Palmer, Marie Selby and Mable Ringling) as portrayed by Kathryn Chesley, who shaped Sarasota into a cultural icon.
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
Think while you drink! Gather your friends, co-workers or family and join us for a fun-filled evening. Prizes and specials each night. Monday – Wednesday at 7:30pm. Gecko’s on Clark – Monday ; Gecko’s on SR64 & Stickney Point – Tuesday ; Gecko’s on Hillview – Wednesday.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits delicious Sunday Brunch is from 11am-3pm. Guests are invited to indulge in a delightful brunch experience on the beautiful covered patio or casual dining room with nautical touches. The brunch menu features a variety of mouth-watering dishes created by Chef Cesareo Cardenas, including his decadent Crème Brûlée French Toast, savory Steak & Eggs, succulent Lobster Benedict, the flavorful Tripletail Brunch Burger and Crab & Shrimp Omelet. Guests will receive a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa with the purchase of any entrée. Prices range from $13 to $26. Reservations can be made through Open Table or by calling 941-529-0555.
Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, 4870 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
Experience an intimate look at award-winning and internationally recognized artist Janet Echelman’s artistic evolution, from early explorations in drawing, painting, and textiles to the monumental netted sculptures that have redefined public spaces around the world.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
2nd Fridays Creative Happy Hour brings the party to the gallery and transforms ArtCenter Sarasota into a vibrant hub of creativity, conversation, and connection. These lively monthly gatherings feature rotating themes, interactive art activities, live music, dance, film, and collaborations with local artists and arts organizations. It's a fresh take on the classic art salon, welcoming all ages to mix, mingle, make, and experience art in motion.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This new speaker series, Art, Actually, explores how art intersects with identity, community, and change through conversations with artists, curators, and cultural leaders.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
The monthly Saturday Night Sketch Club offers chill, creative vibes with costumed models or themed still lifes, and refreshments. Come solo or bring a friend. No experience needed.
ArtCenter Sarasota, 707 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Enjoy music, theater, literature, dance, and more as part of the Hermitage Sunsets at Selby Gardens series. Each hour-long program features selections of work as well as candid and engaging conversations with the world-class artists who come to the Hermitage to create art in an inspirational environment.
Selby Gardens
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
SRQ DAILY is a daily e-newsletter produced by SRQ MEDIA. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. The views expressed by individuals are their own, and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. SRQ DAILY includes content excerpted from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Robinson Valverde at 941-365-7702 x703 or via email |
Powered by Sarasota Web Design | Unsubscribe
