SRQ DAILY Oct 14, 2026
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"We asked Floridians to show our students that a whole state is cheering them on, and 3,000 people said yes."
A new license plate is set to hit the roads very soon.
Founded in 1995, Take Stock in Children, a Florida nonprofit that mentors low-income students and provides college readiness support and scholarships, has hit 3,000 pre-sale vouchers for its new "Mentoring Changes Lives" specialty license plate—clearing the threshold to put the plate into production and onto the region’s roads. The plates, which will be available in a few short months, will send $25 of every annual plate fee directly to Take Stock in Children, creating a sustainable funding source for the organization’s mentoring services. The proceeds will be used to help connect students with volunteer mentors across all 67 Florida counties. That means more low-income students will be paired with a mentor, more will graduate from high school ready for college and more will have the support they need to earn a degree. Graduates receive a Florida Prepaid Project STARS scholarship and continued support through Take Stock in College and Career. Today, the program serves approximately 15,000 students annually and has supported more than 46,000 students statewide.
“We asked Floridians to show our students that a whole state is cheering them on, and 3,000 people said yes,” said Bethany Lacey, chief executive officer of Take Stock in Children. “Every one of those vouchers is a promise to a young person who might be the first in their family to go to college. Soon those promises will be on the road across Florida, and they’ll help fund student mentoring for years to come."
Lacey explains that reaching this milestone is especially meaningful in local Take Stock programs, including Sarasota and Bradenton. “It boosts mentoring services across Sarasota and Manatee Counties led by local Take Stock leaders Lisa Bechtold and Anne LeBaron, providing another resource to support local students and help ensure they have the guidance and encouragement they need to reach their goals,” she said.
“My mentor was the person I called when I didn’t know how to apply for financial aid or whether I was good enough to apply to my dream school,” said Alexis Vu, a freshman at the University of Florida and Take Stock in Children alum. “Seeing this plate on the road means another student out there is going to get that same kind of support.”
To learn more about becoming a mentor or supporting the program, visit takestockinchildren.org. 
Pictured: Take Stock in Children secured all 3,000 pre-sale vouchers the state requires to manufacture its Mentoring Changes Lives plate by its September 30 deadline. Provided photo.
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.
More working parents will have opportunities for success at Pines of Sarasota, following a generous $750,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to support nursing education and childcare scholarships at Pines of Sarasota, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation and senior care community.
Who has the most competitive spirit in Sarasota? Who can charm a crowd? And, most importantly, who can raise the most money for the boys of Visible Men Academy? Those questions will be put to the test on Sunday, November 1, 2026, when Visible Men Academy (VMA) hosts “Battle of the Sexes,” a lively fundraising competition bringing some of the area’s most accomplished—and entertaining—community personalities together for an evening of friendly rivalry, food, music and fun. The event will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. at Art & Central, 611 Central Ave., Sarasota, with proceeds benefiting VMA students, affectionately known as its SUNs. The premise is simple: Pick your host. Join their team. Cheer them on. And help them raise the most money. For more information, visit vmacademy.org.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) welcomed board members and staff to its annual Board Reception on September 24, bringing together the individuals who believe in the organization’s mission to create great futures for the youth of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. The evening was an opportunity to celebrate the collective impact of the Club community and recognize those whose leadership and dedication help make that possible. Guests enjoyed food and drinks provided by longtime BGCSDC partners Gecko’s Hospitality Group and Boar’s Head, while Club members shared a glimpse into the exciting things they have been learning, accomplishing, and creating all year long at the Club. Learn more at bgcsdc.org.
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation has appointed Omar M. Butt, Executive Director and Private Banker at J.P. Morgan, to its board of directors. Butt brings extensive financial experience and a background in arts philanthropy, including his involvement with London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, as the Foundation advances plans for a new performing arts center and expands arts education opportunities throughout the region.
Pictured: Omar M. Butt has been appointed to the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation’s board of directors. Provided photo.
The Child Protection Center (CPC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott S. Moore to its Board of Directors. Along with a longstanding personal commitment to Sarasota’s children, Scott brings more than three decades of finance and private equity leadership to further support the organization’s mission of preventing, intervening in, and treating child abuse. Visit cpcsarasota.org to learn more.
For many years, child welfare organization Safe Children Coalition has worked to brighten the holidays for children in foster care and other vulnerable youths - many of whom, due to their personal circumstance, may be feeling grief, loss and anxiety rather than the joys of the holidays we may take for granted - through the SCC Angels Holiday Gift Drive. The program matches sponsors – compassionate, caring individuals as well as entire teams from numerous area businesses – to children's gift wish lists, which are collected in late fall. Since 2012, Tandem Construction has generously supported the effort, fulfilling gift lists for over 1,100 children. They fulfilled over 100 wish lists last year and expect to collect at least that many this year. For more about SCC, visit sccfl.org.
Pictured: Tandem Construction fulfilled more than 100 wish lists last year; the company expects to achieve at least that number again this year Provided photo/Tandem Construction.
Mothers Helping Mothers (MHM) has received a $25,000 grant from the Bradenton Kiwanis Club to support its “Welcome to the World” program, a prevention-focused initiative providing essential infant and early childhood safety items to families in Manatee County living below the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) threshold. The grant will help provide families with durable convertible car seats, diapers, wipes and other baby essentials—items that can be critical to a child's safety and a family's ability to maintain access to work, childcare, healthcare and education.
Provided photo.
The voices of the Parkinson’s community will once again fill rooms across Florida as the Off-Key Chorale returns this fall through a partnership between Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s and Key Chorale. The free program brings together people living with Parkinson’s, family members, care partners, and volunteer singers from Key Chorale for an opportunity to sing, connect, and build community. Led by Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale Artistic Director, with live musical accompaniment, the Off-Key Chorale helps participants strengthen their voices while creating meaningful opportunities for fellowship and connection. Visit NeuroChallenge.org or call 941-926-6413 to learn more. Visit NeuroChallenge.org or call 941-926-6413 to learn more.
The voices of the Parkinson’s community will once again fill rooms across Florida as the Off-Key Chorale returns this fall through a partnership between Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s and Key Chorale. The free program brings together people living with Parkinson’s, family members, care partners, and volunteer singers from Key Chorale for an opportunity to sing, connect, and build community. Led by Joseph Caulkins, Key Chorale Artistic Director, with live musical accompaniment, the Off-Key Chorale helps participants strengthen their voices while creating meaningful opportunities for fellowship and connection. Visit NeuroChallenge.org or call 941-926-6413 to learn more. Visit NeuroChallenge.org or call 941-926-6413 to learn more.
Sarasota’s biggest celebration of local businesses is back and nominations are now open! The Best of SRQ Local Readers Competition celebrates the locally owned restaurants, shops, arts organizations, people, experiences and can't-miss spots that make our community one of a kind. If your brand is ready to get on the ballot, tell your customers, clients and community to nominate!
Nominations close November 11, 2026
Enjoy fresh produce, local art, music and free family activities on Bradenton's Old Main Street every Saturday from October through May. Local farmers, artisans and chefs share their talents, and you'll always be greeted with a smile from the market vendors.
Old Main Street, 400 12th St. W, Bradenton
Based on the novel by Bram Stoker and adapted by Ren Pearson, The Players Studio Black Box invites audiences into the shadows with one of the most iconic Gothic tales ever written. Mysterious, thrilling, romantic and terrifying, Dracula will explore fear, obsession and the darkness that lives just beneath the surface.
The Players Studio Black Box, 1400 Blvd. of the Arts, Sarasota
The popular Halloween-inspired light show returns to Selby Gardens' Historic Spanish Point! The campus is transformed into Spooky Point where you can follow an eerily lit path and encounter fantastic creations and boo-tanically-themed decorations along the way. Equal parts campy, creepy and cute, this walk-through show is fun for all ages. Tickets go on sale August 24.
Historic Spanish Point Campus, 401 N Tamiami Trl, Osprey
This spirited musical ghost trolley tour with an historic bent returns for its 8th year with tour times at 7pm or 8:30pm. Talented cast members Kaylene McCaw and MariAnne Hernandez alternate as Lady Melody, the tour's ghost hostess, and tell stories of haunted buildings as they welcome aboard mystery spirits played by David Springer, Michael De Mocko, Olivia Turpening and Sarah Van Keuren. Prizes are awarded for best costume each night. Tickets include complimentary beer or wine before boarding and free parking.
Discover Sarasota Tours, 1826 4th St., Sarasota
Set sail with the smooth sounds of the '70s and '80s in this feel-good celebration of Yacht Rock and beyond. Featuring favorites like Sailing, Margaritaville, Brandy, Escape (The Piña Colada Song), Arthur's Theme and more, this breezy musical revue charts a course through the songs that became the soundtrack to romance, adventure, heartbreak and endless summer nights. Written by Richard Hopkins and Rebecca Hopkins; directed by Catherine Randazzo; music arrangements by Jim Prosser.
Court Cabaret, 1265 1st St., Sarasota
Across from Marina Jack's in downtown Sarasota, see a variety of original fine art pieces. Peruse and purchase drawings, fiber works, jewelry, photography, paintings, sculptures and other media. Hot Works focuses on visual arts that are juried by art professionals.
J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota
Experience a morning of fall fun at the Runaway Pumpkin 5K and free family festival. Food trucks, trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, a bounce house, costume contest and PAWS therapy dogs are featured. Kids ages 12 and under can participate in the mini monster dash. Consider donating non-perishable food items that will be distributed to local families facing food insecurity through partnering organizations.
The Child Protection Center's Monda Campus, 5600 Peace River Rd., North Port
Get ready for a fang-tastic afternoon of fun at Wellen Park's Spooktacular Halloween! Bring family and friends for trick-or-treating, music, costumes and spooky good vibes.
Downtown Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice
Featuring a special performance by Sarasota Ballet's Dance: The Next Generation program, this high-energy concert highlights a delightfully spooky set list that fills the theater with eerie melodies, playful chills and family-friendly fun. Dancing is inspired by iconic hits like Thriller and The Monster Mash. Costumes, choreography and suprises at every turn make this Halloween-eve celebration truly unforgettable.
Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota
Inspired by the Brothers Grimm fable, this fairy tale opera follows two siblings who encounter a beguiling Gingerbread Witch. This opera displays a timeless reflection on innocence, resourcefulness and the power of family. Hansel and Gretel is presented in three acts and includes music by Engelbert Humperdinck and words by Adelheid Wette. Tickets go on sale online on August 1 and at the box office on September 1.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Join climate leaders, researchers, community partners, business professionals and students for the 6th Annual CAC Florida Climate Conference: From Climate Risk to Climate Resilience. Experience a full day of inspiring presentations, engaging discussions and networking with the exciting vision of the Living Laboratory for Coastal Resilience. This collaborative initiative brings together science, technology, education and community partnerships to build a stronger Suncoast. For an early bird bonus, register by August 15 to enjoy a complimentary catered lunch.
Selby Auditorium at the USF Sarasota-Manatee Campus, 8350 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Sarasota brings one of the most influential trailblazers to the city for a powerful series of experiences designed to inspire courage, character and civic engagement among youth and throughout the community. Local students will walk together in honor of Ruby's historic steps. A community town hall conversation, moderated by Charlayne Hunter-Gault, will reflect on Ms. Bridges' defining place in our nation's story and the enduring power of civic engagement, community dialogue and collective action.
Booker Visual and Performing Arts Center, 3201 N Orange Ave., Sarasota
Olympic Medalist Nancy Kerrigan joins Our Mother's House for An Afternoon with a Champion, celebrating resilience, determination and the power of community. Nancy's journey from a hardworking family to the Olympic stage was shaped not only by determination but by the sacrifices and support of those around her. During the luncheon, she will share her personal story of perseverance and overcoming adversity, offering an inspiring perspective on resilience and finding the strength to keep moving forward.
Michael's On East, 1212 S East Ave., Sarasota
The annual Living Arts Festival showcases diverse art forms in Sarasota through performances, visual art, family events and live music. Throughout Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice, see the Sarasota Orchestra, Artists on Art: Photography, Rising Stars Talent Show, Creative Liberties Galleries, Perlman Music Program, Jazz Club of Sarasota and more. This is your opportunity to join the community in shared experiences, strengthening the connections that make the Cultural Coast a wonderful place to live, work and visit.
Celebrating 20 years, Bowls of Hope attendees select offerings from dozens of the community's finest restaurants and caterers as they serve delicious soups, bread, desserts and more. Guests choose from beautiful, handcrafted bowls–all donated by local potters, artists and students–to keep, while enjoying a modest meal as a reminder of the empty bowls they help to fill. This year's event is chaired by Ruth Hochman. Individual tickets go on sale October 1.
Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota
Learn about Sarasota history with guide John McCarthy on this relaxing cruise to learn illuminating facts about the region. This event is a major fundraiser that helps with the restoration and preservation of the Crocker Memorial Church and the Bidwell-Wood House. Enjoy snacks and a cash bar on board the LeBarge. Reserve tickets soon because seating is limited. Meet at Bayfront Park on the lawn in front of LeBarge at 10:30am to receive your name badge, which serves as your entry ticket.
Bayfront Park, 5 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota
A longtime Sarasota resident, Pirman has developed a distinctive visual language that blends the precision of graphic design with the sensibility of fine art. His work transforms familiar places, architecture and characters into sophisticated compositions of color, shape, pattern and line. The opening reception will be held on November 7 from 5-8pm.
502 Gallery, 502 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Celebrate 10 years of making a difference for homeless animals at the sixth annual Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare Friendsgiving. Enjoy an exciting live auction, silent auction and live music while helping raise critical funds to support this organization's life-saving programs. Every dollar raised helps provide specialized medical care, heartworm treatment, enrichment and second chances for animals in need.
The Pavilion at Mixon Fruit Farms, 2525 27th St. E, Bradenton
The Sarasota Youth Opera presents a whimsical journey of imagination, family and self-discovery this November. With music and text by Rachel J. Peters, Rootabaga Country follows Gimme the Ax and his children as they journey through the imaginative landscape of Rootabaga Country to learn more about the mother they never knew. Along this way, they discover that love and belonging come in many forms. Tickets go on sale online August 1.
Sarasota Opera, 61 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Delight in thrilling tournaments, delicious feasts and exciting games at the 22nd Annual Sarasota Medieval Fair. On Saturdays and Sundays, travel back in time to The Siege of Paris in 845 A.D. through plays and shows about the people who shaped this time period. Kids can participate in crafts, storytime and dress-up while adults embark on a pub crawl or attend the Masquerade of Mordred Pendragon. An artisan marketplace will showcase over 140 vendors. Act fast, because ticket sales end on June 24.
Mallaranny Farms, 29847 FL-70, Myakka City
Each Saturday in October at the Arts Advocates Gallery, guests can view Elisabeth Trostli's new exhibition. The artist's work explores artificial intelligence as a provocative tool for expanding the artist's imagination and invites viewers to look beyond the technology itself and consider what it means to create art in an era when the boundaries between imagination, digital tools and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing. Trostli will present a demonstration on October 3 at 3pm.
Art Advocates Gallery, 3501 S Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
The Sarasota Orchestra Harmony Gallery collaborates with the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, the presenters of Voices of Color. This exhibit features the work of Jamaican-born artist Alicia Brown who works from her studio at SPAACES. Greg Cruz is a multidisciplinary artist and educator whose work bridges urban nostalgia and themes of healing and human connection. Ronnique Hawkins's work spans and supports peace initiatives, vulnerable communities and awareness of prostate and breast cancer. A reception will be held on October 7, and a meet-and-greet is scheduled for October 15.
Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center, 709 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
Wish upon a star and follow Pinocchio on an unforgettable adventure! From curious encounters to daring escapades, this beloved tale springs to life with laughter and plenty of magic. As Pinocchio learns that honesty matters more than anything else, audiences of all ages will delight in this enchanting retelling of a timeless classic. The play runs 50 minutes with no intermission.
Keating Theatre, 1241 N Palm Ave., Sarasota
This rock musical adaptation of Stephen King's novel follows Carrie White, a shy, bullied teenage outcast with telekinetic powers. Dominatingly controlled by her religious fanatic mother at home and tormented by peers at school, Carrie unleashes her destructive powers on prom night after a cruel prank. Powerful vocals and raw storytelling will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
Hear Duke Ellington's music as you've never heard it before with this Tony Award-winning theatrical journey. Directed by Jim Weaver, Sophisticated Ladies shares elegant and timeless hits including It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing and Don't Get Around Much Anymore. Every song tells its own story of the romance, humor and refined style of the time. Performances are offered at 2:00pm and 7:30pm.
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, 1012 N Orange Ave., Sarasota
Opening the fall 2026–spring 2027 season at SPAACES, this exhibit showcases artists who work outside the public eye. Curator Yosnier Miranda brings together artists who maintain dedicated, disciplined studio practices while choosing not to exhibit their work publicly. Bedroom Communities offers a rare opportunity to encounter work that has largely remained unseen despite years of thoughtful and passionate creation.
SPAACES, 2051 Princeton St., Sarasota
From fiery chemistry and haunted experiments to escape rooms and flying pickles, STEAM Saturdays classes return this fall. Every Saturday, students in grades 2-3, 4-5 and 6-8 are invited to participate in hands-on, project-based activities with themes including Haunted Alchemy, Autumn Escape Room, Fireball Chemistry and a pickle-powered aerospace class. Younger students have the chance to build technical skills, confidence and creativity while learning alongside near-peer role models.
Faulhaber Fab Lab, 4452 S Beneva Rd., Sarasota
A work doesn't have to be monumental to demand our attention. The fifth installment of 502 Gallery's popular annual invitational exhibition, Shopliftable, is a celebration of small-scale works by 20 artists. Each artwork is modest in size but full of possibility, inviting viewers to look closely and discover how much an artist can say within a limited physical space. The opening reception will be held on October 3 from 5-8pm.
502 Gallery, 502 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
Drawing on the ephemeral and fragile properties of smoke and mirroring, along with the purity, fragility and apparent permanence of porcelain, the work exposes false narratives, conflicted virtues and fractured identities. Using transience and tension as both visual and material metaphors, figures formed with smoke hover between presence and evasion across pristine porcelain and mirrored, color-shifting grounds. The opening reception will be held on October 3 from 5-8pm.
502 Gallery, 502 S Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
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