SRQ DAILY Aug 12, 2026
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"A large component of our success is because our community has supported us and so it was very important for us to also honor that gift of support from our community and to give back."
The Argus Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award honors prominent business and community leaders in Sarasota who make lasting contributions through their professional and personal lives. Established in 2002, the annual distinction recognizes individuals who build enterprises, generate jobs and support local philanthropy. This year, Mike Quillen, founder of Gecko’s Hospitality Concepts in 1992, Watershed Hospitality Concepts in 2019 and Cashiers Restaurant Holdings in 2023, is honored alongside the late Roland George Caldwell, founder of Caldwell Trust Company, who was recognized posthumously.
We recently spent some time getting to know Quillen and we've learned that first and foremost, he credits his dad as a significant inspiration, having owned successful restaurants and taverns and introducing him to the business. “After spending time with him, I knew I wanted to own my own business,” says Quillen. “Once we built our first company, mentoring young people and developing teams became my greatest reward. Seeing them succeed, celebrating their growth and giving back to the community have been the most meaningful outcomes of that leap of faith.”
Servant leadership, he explains, is a pillar of his philosophy. “The relentless pursuit of exceptional hospitality is rewarding—not just for sales, but because we genuinely enjoy serving people. That sense of purpose is what drives hospitality professionals; it can't be taught, but it's essential. The greatest gratification has been watching teams—and generations of families—learn, grow, build businesses and achieve success together.”
Because Quillen and his children were raised and educated from junior high through college in this community, he feels deeply connected and invested in giving back. “A large component of our success is because our community has supported us and so it was very important for us to also honor that gift of support from our community and to give back,” he shares. “This is my family's home. Over the years, our companies have been blessed with generations of people—our work families—who have shared their talents, ideas and dedication.”
Creating a sense of community has always been a civic responsibility in Quillen’s view. “Growing up here, it seemed only natural to give back to the people and industry that helped shape us. For too long, independent restaurants and the modern hospitality industry lacked a voice and a seat at the table. Once we reached a certain scale, we decided to help change that. We stayed involved, showed up, built relationships, wrote checks and invested in our community.”
Quillen is still pursuing new ideas every day. “We're also forging new partnerships with organizations like the Florida Shellfish and Aquaculture Association, The Bay Park, and local farmers, ranchers, fishmongers and schools. We're still building our legacy.”
The 24th Annual Lifetime Achievement Awards Dinner will take place Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 6:00 pm at The Ora , 578 McIntosh Rd, Sarasota. 
Pictured: As Chairman of SCSOCF Board, Quillen welcomes guests to annual Clays Shoot. Photo courtesy Watershed Hospitality Concepts.
On Saturday, October 24, Nathan Benderson Park will become a sea of pink as our community rallies to end breast cancer. Whether you’re a survivor, thriver, supporter, or friend, this is your moment to be a part of something bigger – the 2026 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk! Making Strides isn’t just any walk - it’s the nation’s largest breast cancer movement! Every step fuels lifesaving research, patient support like rides and lodging, and the American Cancer Society’s 24/7 helpline. Together, Sarasota and Manatee have already raised hundreds of thousands locally to fight breast cancer, and this year, we’ll go even further. Lace up, bring your brightest pink, and join us! Hope starts here, and every stride brings us closer to a world without breast cancer.
Florida Studio Theatre (FST) has received two grants from The Exchange totaling $35,000, supporting both the theatre’s Cabaret Series and its nationally recognized WRITE A PLAY program. The funding includes a $30,000 grant for FST’s 2026 Summer Cabaret Serie s and 2027 Winter Cabaret Series, as well as a $5,000 grant through the Elizabeth Lindsay Arts in Education Fund to support WRITE A PLAY. For more information about Florida Studio Theatre and its programs, visitFloridaStudioTheatre.org.
The Child Protection Center (CPC) is pleased to welcome Sarah Tar, a banking executive with PNC Bank, to its Board of Directors. With more than 20 years of banking and commercial finance experience, Tar brings extensive expertise in strategic growth, financial management, and relationship development to support CPC’s mission of preventing, intervening in, and treating child abuse. 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.
The Manasota Branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has announced that Executive Director Jada Wright-Greene will step down from her position on September 4 to pursue a new professional opportunity after two years of leading the organization through a period of significant growth.
Celebrate a Night Where Wonder Comes to Life! The Florida Center for Early Childhood will host its annual Wonder Gala 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4, 2026, the Ora, 578 McIntosh Road, Sarasota. It will be an unforgettable evening celebrating the limitless potential that emerges when children are surrounded by hope, expertise, and unwavering support. In classrooms, therapy rooms, living rooms, and play spaces across their campuses, children are discovering their voices, building resilience, and learning to thrive. Each smile, gesture, and small success reflects the heart of their mission – to nurture potential, strengthen families, and create a community where every child has the chance to flourish. The Wonder Gala shines a light on these journeys of hope, turning generosity into possibility – and helping every child discover their own moment of wonder. For tickets and detailed information visit thefloridacenter.org/wonder or contact Kate Reed at kate.reed@thefloridacenter.org
Suncoast Charities for Children's Executive Director, Lucy Nicandri, received the "Lifetime of Leadership" Award at the Great Sarasota Chamber's annual Leadership Sarasota luncheon on August 5. Additional honorees include: Impact In Action Award – Fiona Farrell, Leadership Sarasota Dedication Award – Kari Queen, Community Catalyst Award – David Verinder, and Civic Champion Award – Heather Todd.
Provided photo.
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) was recognized as Florida’s top employer for women in a new study released by Forbes. Sarasota County’s largest employer and only community-owned health system, SMH also ranked #28 nationally across all industry employers and #8 among U.S. healthcare employers in Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers for Women 2026” released last week.
Reserve your space in the upcoming SRQ ARTS 2026 Guide to the Culture Coast publication celebrating local arts organizations, performances and events for the coming season! Produced in partnership with local arts nonprofit Sarasota Rising, the SRQ ARTS Guidebook serves as a resource for the Sarasota community to explore, discover and experience all the arts has to offer. Special opportunities are still available for organizations looking to connect with interested readers. Reserve your space now before closing!
Space Closing August 14, 2026
The exhibition at Selby Gardens’ Historic Spanish Point campus celebrates childhood and the imagination of youth through the words and images of A Child’s Garden of Verses, the beloved book of poetry for children by the celebrated Scottish writer, Robert Louis Stevenson. The exhibition features photographs of pages from a vintage edition of the book, combining Stevenson’s poetry with illustrations by the notable American artist, Alexander Dobkin. Accompanying the photographs are simple interactives that draw their inspiration from Stevenson’s poems and enhance the visitor experience. Audio recordings enable visitors to hear the poems read by Selby Gardens’ Artist-in-Residence, Patti Smith. Visit selby.org for tickets.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 401 N Tamiami Trail, Osprey
Maria A. Guzman Capron explores the complexities of identity through vibrant figurative textiles. Drawing inspiration from her own multicultural heritage, the artist creates layered portraits of exuberant, multi-faceted characters.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236
Featuring works by such acclaimed modern and contemporary artists as Louise Bourgeois, Chuck Close, Yoko Ono, David Hockney, Ai Weiwei, and more, this never-before-seen exhibition offers a rare glimpse into private collections held throughout Southwest Florida.
Sarasota Art Museum, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, 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.
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
From the smooth soul of Motown to the irresistible hooks of pop and R&B, this dynamic tribute spans the greatest classics from the 1960s through today. Relive beloved hits made famous by icons like The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Four Seasons and The Temptations. Featuring tight harmonies and charismatic showmanship, this energetic revue delivers constant hits and fresh takes on old favorites.
Goldstein Cabaret, 1239 N Palm Ave., Sarasota
Set at New York City's Legendary High School for the Performing Arts from 1980 to 1984, this show follows a group of young artists from their first audition to their graduation. The production explores the dedication and passion required to succeed despite artistic, academic and personal challenges. See electrifying pop and dance numbers in this celebration of youth, artistry and the relentless pursuit of dreams.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
Win prizes while you think, drink and enjoy food at Lefty's Oyster and Seafood Bar at trivia nights every Tuesday. Trivia Nation hosts a Game Show Loco Trivia experience inspired by classic game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Test your knowledge across a variety of categories, make strategic choices and try your luck with games of chance. Bring your friends, family and coworkers, or jump in and join a team when you arrive.
Lefty's Oyster and Seafood Bar, 428 N Lemon Ave., Sarasota
When widower Ralph takes a different path on his daily walk, he meets Carol, an elegant woman who just might change his life. What begins as a simple conversation blossoms into an unexpected journey of second chances. Directed by Kate Alexander, this warm, witty comedy is about discovering how love can arrive when you least expect it–at any age.
Gompertz Theatre, 1265 1st St., Sarasota
Intensive B will focus on a variety of Jazz classes. Participants will experience influences from Fosse, Broadway, Afro-Fusion, to Commercial Jazz!
Sarasota Contemporary Dance, 1400 Blvd of the Arts Ste 300, Sarasota
Celebrate two decades of community leadership and the lasting impact of investing in young people at the 20th Annual IPG Leadership Breakfast. This event will honor the legacy of those who have helped shape great futures while looking ahead to the next generation of leaders who will continue to strengthen Sarasota and DeSoto Counties for years to come.
Lee Wetherington Boys and Girls Club of Sarasota, 3100 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota
Joseph Kesselring's classic comedy is coming to Bradenton this fall with a blend of mystery, mayhem and outrageous humor. Drama critic Mortimer Brewster discovers that the sweet, elderly aunts who raised him have an unsettling hobby: poisoning lonely old men with arsenic-laced elderberry wine. Brewster tries to manage his aunts and his psychotic brother while frantically attempting to cover up the crimes.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
See the historic relationship between fiery abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass and a cautious statesman, President Abraham Lincoln, who is determined to preserve the Union. Written by award-winning playwright Beth Duda with original spoken word poetry by Cedric Hameed, this play explores how two men with different perspectives found common ground during one of the most divided times in American history. This is a 90-minute production that includes a staged reading, followed by a panel discussion with the actors and playwrights.
Glenridge Performing Arts Center, 7333 Scotland Way, Sarasota
Learn the basics of choosing the right plants to create a beautiful yard that beats the Florida heat. This workshop explores the nine principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping in a fun and informative environment. You'll learn how to save water and also create a haven for pollinators. At the end of the class, you can take home a copy of the new Florida-Friendly book.
UF/IFAS Manatee County Extension Office, 1303 17th St. W, Palmetto
To commemorate the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment that granted many women in the United States the right to vote, a luncheon at the Grove will showcase women-owned businesses and celebrate Women's Equality Day. A guest panel will be moderated by Mercedes Solar, co-owner and president of Solmart Media. Attendees can learn about local women-owned businesses, participate in networking and hear from a multi-generational panel about the strides women have made and can continue to build.
The Grove, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch
Curious about the Mediterranean Way of Eating? Join us for Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way, an engaging, educational series that will transform your approach to food! Discover seven simple steps to healthier meals, learn easy recipes, and pick up practical tips that fit right into your everyday life. Registration includes a recipe book. 6-Week Program, Mondays: 7/27, 8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, and 8/31 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. This class will be virtual and will have a cost of $10 per person. Zoom link for the class will be emailed to participants before the start of class.
Virtual, Virtual
Ever wonder what goes into creating a circus? The Ringling's Canvas City exhibit offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people who make the spectacular entertainment venues come to life, from tentmakers and photographers to costume designers. See over 1,500 pieces, including circus costumes, leotards, band uniforms, animal blankets and more. Costumes on view will be rotated throughout the year as museum registrars review the collection and add notes and new photography to their records.
The Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota
This summer, Selby Gardens is excited to present an indoor and outdoor exhibition featuring the work of legendary American photographer, Lynn Goldsmith, who is renowned for both her celebrity portraits and fine art images. Goldsmith’s exhibition at the Downtown Sarasota campus will combine stunning images of flowers with intimate portraits of Selby Gardens’ artist in residence – Patti Smith. Visit selby.org for tickets.
Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St, Sarasota
Delightfully Funky Since 1997, Blase Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village has been Sarasota’s cozy, funky go-to for inventive food, handcrafted martinis, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. It’s perfect for date nights or casual hangouts—offering bold flavors, expertly mixed drinks, and a setting that feels both relaxed and refreshingly unique. Join us for the launch of our Summer Pizza & Martini Menu, featuring hand-tossed specialty Pizzas, Pineapple Upside Down Vodka Martini for June, Siesta Suns Orange Vodka in July & Just Peachy Vodka Martini in August.
Blase Martini Bar in Siesta Key Village, 5263 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key
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