SRQ DAILY Oct 21, 2026
Wednesday Philanthropy Edition
"I know Nick is going to continue to thrive in his job and continue to inspire people at Sarasota Ford and beyond."
Check out the staff roster at Sarasota Ford, and you’ll find Nick Lapinski, a Remote Experience Assistant who preps vehicles for sale. Nick is also a valued member of the dealership who has intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A year ago, Sarasota Ford partnered with t Inclusion Revolution–a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that combats workforce exclusion through strategic business partnerships, job placements and success stories- to give Nick the opportunity to show what he could do.
With the recent release of its documentary Nick’s Story — The Drive to Include, Inclusion Revolution shares the impact of looking past a traditional résumé to recognize true potential. The short film chronicles Nick’s personal and professional journey.
Over the past year, Nick has become part of the workplace, working full-time with benefits. He lives independently and is a valued member of the Sarasota Ford team, trusted with responsibility and accepted by his coworkers as a friend and colleague.
“I can’t wait to have another person like [Nick] on the team,” says Sarasota Ford Service Porter, Jordan Cardena.
“I used to do detailing a lot, but Nick is by far the best, in my opinion,” adds Kevin Gabor, another of Nick’s coworkers. “I think every dealership needs somebody like Nick.”
“Too often, assumptions about people with IDD are made before their abilities are ever considered,” explains Beaver Shriver, founder of Inclusion Revolution. “Nick’s story shows what becomes possible when an employer is willing to see the individual first, recognize what they can contribute and give them an opportunity. I know Nick is going to continue to thrive in his job and continue to inspire people at Sarasota Ford and beyond."
Nick and his family are so grateful that Nick has the opportunity to do something that he loves.
“Doing my job is fun,” says Nick. “A big thank you to Beaver for getting my job at Sarasota Ford.”
Visit theinclusionrevolution.org to learn more. 
Pictured: Nick at work at Sarasota Ford, where he recently celebrated one year of full-time employment. Nick's story is featured in Inclusion Revolution's new short film, Nick's Story, The Drive to Include. Photo credit: Inclusion Revolution.
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.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County recently awarded a $400,000 grant to help transform a stretch of land at The Bay into a living shoreline designed to mitigate the impact of future storms and provide lasting environmental benefits to the area. The project will raise shoreline elevations, replace seawalls and other hardened features with natural alternatives and install green infrastructure to filter stormwater. The improvements are expected to reduce the City of Sarasota’s vulnerability to storm surge and coastal flooding, help protect adjacent infrastructure, improve water quality in Sarasota Bay and restore nearby coastal habitat. In addition to the physical changes to the shoreline, the grant dollars will also be used to create public education opportunities so that residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations can learn about the techniques used to create natural shorelines and implement those best practices in their own work.
The Food Bank of Manatee is grateful to the community for coming together during this year’s Stuff the Buscommunity-wide food drive on Sunday, October 11, 2026. Volunteers at the community-wide event collected more than 61,000 pounds of food donations to help nourish local families facing hunger. The generosity of those who participated made a meaningful difference for our neighbors in need. Every item donated strengthens our fight against hunger and supports life-saving programs. For more information or to donate, visit http://www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org
All Faiths Food Bank, the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, has launched its ThankFULL campaign. This annual fundraising effort supports the purchase and distribution of thousands of complete Thanksgiving meals and millions of holiday meals. This year’s goal is to distribute 14,500 turkey dinners through funds raised in October and November; continued contributions through December will help provide 4.1 million holiday meals to neighbors at risk of or experiencing hunger. In November, there are numerous large-scale turkey distributions at venues such as Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, the Englewood Sports Complex, and South Florida State College in Arcadia.
Pictured: All Faiths Food Bank’s ThankFULL campaign has launched and continues through December, with a goal of providing 14,500 complete Thanksgiving dinners and 4.1 million holiday meals to neighbors experiencing hunger. Photo by Seth Berman.
Forty Carrots Family Center’s mental health services help children and caregivers affected by domestic violence rebuild a sense of safety and security within their families. With support from The Lake Club Women’s Charitable Foundation, Forty Carrots’ mental health therapists help survivors regulate their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and restore stable connections as families heal together from traumatic experiences. Visit www.tlcwcf.org for more information.
Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota is throwing a gala fundraiser, and you are cordially invited NOT to attend! That's right – no tuxedo, no gown, no Spanx squishing your insides, no tasteless canapés or overdone tenderloin – and absolutely no awkward small talk! Here’s how it works: From Oct. 29-31, donate any amount, and we'll send a "No-Go Gala" ticket to your inbox faster than you can say “I’d rather stay home in my Scooby-Do pajamas.” Then kick back in your favorite athleisure wear or maybe a fun Halloween costume ('tis the season, after all!), grab some nachos or a pint of Häagen-Dazs, watch a movie or read a book... and embrace the sweet freedom of not fretting over which fork to use, or worrying who wore it better. Your donation will help keep our chorus singing and spreading joy throughout Sarasota. So, watch for our email on Oct. 29 to donate during the No-Go Gala. We can't wait to get this party started!
Caldwell Trust Company, a leading independent financial institution dedicated to community involvement and philanthropic giving, announces a $5,000 donation to Resurrection House. This year’s recipient was selected through Caldwell’s Trustee Annual Giving Program, an initiative developed by the company’s board members to support high-impact, mission-driven nonprofits throughout the region. Resurrection House serves as a vital resource center, providing essential services, guidance and support to self-directed individuals experiencing homelessness in the community.
Provided photo.
A Sarasota-based documentary celebrating the strength and resilience of breast cancer survivors has received a key sponsorship this month from Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute, helping bring inspiring stories of survivorship to audiences around the world. Supported by the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Sarasota Memorial’s sponsorship will boost the production of “Chasing Dragons – Survival Was Just the Beginning,” which follows the Team USA Breast Cancer Paddler (BCP) dragon boat team as its members try out, train and prepare to compete in the 2027 International Dragon Boat World Championships in Hong Kong. The executive producer for this film is Sarasota resident Paula Murray, a 20-year breast cancer survivor, champion dragon boat paddler, and assistant coach for the Team USA BCP dragon boat team. Through the personal stories of survivors turned elite athletes, Murray hopes to inspire audiences while raising awareness of the importance of early cancer detection and treatment and the triumphs of survivorship.
Pictured: Filmmaker Paula Murray (center) with representatives of Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation and Sarasota Memorial’s Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute: (from l-r) Kelli Dancer, vice president, Jellison Cancer Institute; Olivia D’Angelo,
Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Spirit of Manatee Awards, an annual celebration honoring the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose generosity, leadership, and commitment to service strengthen the Manatee community. Local nonprofit organizations are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a meaningful impact. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, December 4, 2026.
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.
More than 30 Creative Liberties artists come together for a group exhibition showcasing the range of talent, styles and perspectives within the Creative Liberties community. An opening reception will be held on September 16 from 5pm-7pm.
Creative Liberties at ARCOS, 340 Central Ave., Sarasota
Every Saturday and Sunday, Cask and Ale on Main Street lifts a toast and taps a toe to a delicious brunch with a diverse chef-prepared menu. Try the rotating chef's special menu, bottomless mimosas and a wide selection of craft cocktails. On Sundays, hear live jazz music from 12pm-4pm.
Cask and Ale, 1548 Main St., 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
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
To open Sarasota Ballet's upcoming season, hear a special selection of Sir Frederick Ashton's celebrated Divertissements, offering a suite of excerpts from some of his most renowned works. Meditation from Thais, Friday's Child from Jazz Calendar, Pas de Trois from Les Rendezvous and intricate ensemble patterns of Pas de Cinq from Illuminations will take the stage. Gemma Bond tests the limits of composure with Manner, a Company premiere that explores inherited and performed behaviors through intimate choreography.
FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This Tony-winning stage musical is about a shy high school student with social anxiety who becomes entangled in a lie after a classmate’s suicide. By fabricating a friendship with the deceased, Evan finds the popularity and connection he always craved. He faces a crisis when his deception threatens to unravel his life and ruin his relationships. Dear Evan Hansen reminds us all that–even in our loneliest moments–you will be found.
Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 3rd Ave. W, Bradenton
Join Project Pride SRQ for a joyful day of Pride, community and celebration in Sarasota to bring together LGBTQ+ residents, families, allies, artists, local businesses, nonprofits, sponsors, volunteers and community partners. Explore a lively vendor marketplace, connect with local organizations and resources, enjoy delicious food, experience live performances and celebrate in an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere built around visibility, joy and belonging.
Project Pride SRQ, 1370 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota
Bring the whole family to this community event filled with water and wastewater education. Held at the Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility, the expo offers an opportunity to visit the new facility, learn about water and wastewater processes and see how Sarasota County provides these essential services to the community. Educational activities, lawn games, informational booths and a touch-a-truck experience are featured. Food trucks will be on site, and free Kona Ice is available for all guests.
Bee Ridge Water Reclamation Facility, 5550 Lorraine Rd., Sarasota
Join Blase Martini Bar for its first dart tourney, prizes and to make a difference in the health of the community. Show off your skills on the new dart boards to benefit Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation's program to provide low-income women with diagnostic screenings. Enjoy Miller Lite's all day and the special martini of the month, the Boo-Hoo.
Blase Martini Bar, 5263 Ocean Blvd, Siesta Key
Experience an afternoon of local flavor, live music, waterfront views and some of Sarasota's favorite locally owned restaurants. You're invited to come hungry, bring your friends and celebrate the flavors of the local community and the delicious Gulf-coastal lifestyle. Admission is free, and food can be purchased with food tickets—each sold in $5 increments.
The Bay Park, 1055 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota
Celebrate The Orchid Show 2026 with an exclusive after-hours viewing of the exhibition along with a cocktail reception and live entertainment by the Sarasota Opera in Selby Gardens' Event Center. The evening is sponsored by Mike and Dee Bennett.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Downtown Sarasota Campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota
Dress for the sock hop, dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for a 50s sock hop gone sour. This interactive murder mystery dinner is filled with clues, suspects, twists and plenty of laughs along the way. For attire, think poodle skirts, swing dresses, saddle shoes, cat-eye glasses or cuffed jeans, white tees, bowling shirts and slicked-back hair. Tickets include a three-course chef-curated dinner and a welcome cocktail.
GROVE, 10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch
Daring, mysterious and unforgettable—The Vampire Circus invites you into a world where the unexpected awaits. Featuring international performers, the show combines acrobatics, dance, comedy and illusion in a thrilling 90-minute immersive experience. Set in 19th-century Bohemia, Count Dracula uses a traveling circus as the perfect disguise for his sinister plan. This performance delivers a dark, high-energy spectacle inspired by Tim Burton and Cirque du Soleil.
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota
This special Chilean Wine Dinner featuring Vina Concha y Toro offers guests an elevated evening of curated Chilean wine pairings paired with a four-course dinner, beginning with a welcome reception followed by a dinner service. Meet fellow wine lovers and enjoy a relaxed, fun atmosphere that promises great sips and good vibes. Regional manager for Vina Concha y Toro, Joe Consolo, will educate guests and help them enjoy these robust wines.
Tripletail Seafood and Spirits, 4870 S Tamiami Trl, 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
Come one and all to a fun-filled day of comics, candy and creativity. This Halloween celebration includes free comics for all ages, Halloween-themed crafts, a chance to meet comic creators and more. A kids costume parade will be held at 2pm. Visit the other shops and restaurants around Old Manatee Historic District for more trick-or-treat fun from 11am-2pm.
Bat City Comic Professionals, 912 Manatee Ave. E, Bradenton
Ringling College of Art and Design alum Chie Fueki synthesizes Japanese ukiyo-e atmospheric techniques with Western abstraction, perspectival space and practices of overlay and juxtaposition. Drawing from her own Japanese and Brazilian heritage, Fueki's vibrant and densely layered works dance with an elaborate interplay of painting, drawing and constructed mulberry paper compositions. Spanning 25 years of Fueki's career, these works carve out familiar scenes that fuse figuration and abstraction to create an intricate floating world.
Sarasota Art Museum Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S Tamiami Trl, 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
Rhythmic intensity and lyric experimentation are at work in pieces by Timo Andres, Curtis Stewart, Vivian Pung and Charles Wuorinen, and the world premiere of Shawn Allison's Vigil for the Disappeared. Examining the expressive power of music in the absence and aftermath of text, this program of works for smaller forces powerfully reshapes our perception of time and sound.
First Congregational Church, 1031 S Euclid Ave., Sarasota
Each year, SRQ MEIDA recognizes local leading women who have deeply contributed to our community through their business, philanthropic, health and wellness, entrepreneurial, cultural, science, technology and educational endeavors through the Women Who Roar Initiative. We invite our readers to nominate an individual who best exemplifies the attributes of professional acumen, philanthropic passion, personal integrity and community leadership. Gather with us on November 6, 2026 at Michael's on East. Reserve a spot today!
Michael's on East, 1212 S. East Avenue, Sarasota, FL
A celebration of American passion for freedom, opportunity and expression, this concert features choral and instrumental music by Benjamin Britten, Anton Dvorak and a host of American composers part and present, performed by choir and string orchestra.
First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak 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
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
The seventh year of the popular Hermitage Sunsets at Selby Gardens will feature six programs between the Selby Gardens Downtown and Historic Spanish Point campuses. See performances and explorations of works-in-progress by Hermitage artists-in-residence and alumni. Dates include October 16, November 20, February 11, Feburary 25, March 18 and May 6. The first event, New Music Under the Old Oak, is at the Downtown Sarasota Campus at 5:30pm.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota campus and Historic Spanish Point campus, 1534 Mound St., Sarasota
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