TURNING COMPASSION INTO ACTION
PASSiONARIES
On-Site Laboratory with Master Technicians to Customize and Control Results
Implant Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry Orthodontics Holistic Dentistry
Burr Bakke, DDS
• Fellow of the American Dental Implant Association
• Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists
• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics
• Member of American Academy of Implant Dentistry
• Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction
Jill Morris, DMD
• Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (only 550 accredited dentists worldwide)
• Fellow of the American Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics
• Post Doctoral Instructor of Full Mouth Reconstruction
• Member International Academy of Oral Biological Dentistry and Medicine
• Practicing dentistry for 33 years
Cameron Johnson, DMD
• Member of North American Association of Facial Orthotropics
• Member of the American Orthodontic Society
• Member of the International Association of Orthodontics
• Member of American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
• International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
Sydney Johnson, DMD
• Member of International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
• Member of International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine
• Member of Academy of Holistic Dental Association
• RG Recognized Dental Laboratory Technician
THE CORNELL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PAVILION
The Cornell Pavilion is a safe, welcoming place for those struggling with mental health issues. With evidence-based programs and services, and the most experienced clinicians, lives are transformed, smiles return and our community grows stronger.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT IS CRITICAL TO ITS SUCCESS
Only 17% of SMH’s behavioral health costs are reimbursed.
Learn how you can make an impact, call 941.917.1286 or visit smhf.org.
Supporting the People Who Shape Our Communities
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62 67
A GIVInG teAM
Karin Grablin & Gulf Coast Community foundation
By Tom Reese
pAssionAries
your nominations of those Who turn Compassion into aCtion
By Julie Milton
82 87 94
Asolo rep stAGes DAncinG At luGhnAsA With famed irish direCtor By Scott Ferguson the sArAsotA BAllet presents works By ‘Genius choreoGrAphers’ By Scott Ferguson
selBy GArDens MAster plAn looKinG ahead to phase tWo By Reno Gomez
On the COver
CollaGe of passionaries submitted by diGital readers.
Center photo: GraCi mCGilliCuddy of all star Children’s foundation. photo by nanCy Guth.
Kaileia Suvannamaccha
The Club at Vistera
from the • pu B lisher
We would be living under a rock if we didn’t see that our community, just like many others, is not without its problems—they are a part of life. From homelessness to at-risk families and children to those with special needs and more, there are always people who need the help of others right here in our town. A strong community comes together as a family to solve its problems, and there is no better community than ours to do just that.
Why is that you ask? It is because of our many passionate and generous people who are always there to meet our needs and solve the problems. I witness this generosity every time I attend a fundraiser; I learn more about it when I speak with non-profit leaders; and I read about local generosity in this magazine every month when we proudly feature people who give.
So, who are some of these people who give so generously? If you are a Scene digital subscriber, we asked you over the past few months to nominate a “Passionary”— someone you think goes above and beyond to help others and who help strengthen the community.
You responded by telling us about people who you believe truly make a true difference, who show the passion to not only help, but to be involved and see things through. We are delighted to showcase as many of your nominated passionaries as we could in this issue (page restraint – sorry we could include everyone!). I encourage you to read about each one and perhaps be inspired to become more involved in the organizations they champion.
Speaking of passion, last month we featured Sarasota Orchestra principal cellist Natalie Helm on our cover. I can’t tell you how happy I was when I met Natalie’s mother, who, gushing with pride, brought her granddaughter into the office to pick up some copies of the magazine featuring her daughter and the child’s mother. She was just so proud of of Natalie and her accomplishments, and I was reveling in it all.
Also in this issue, meet Ben Jones, Board Chair of Forty Carrots Family Center, who shares his passion for the organization, calling it an important parenting partner. Ben believes that when families thrive, children grow up healthier and in more supportive environments. This philosophy is the driving force behind Forty Carrots’ mission.
Our second philanthropy article features Lydia Landa and her lifelong love of music. Her passion for music has connected her with Sarasota Orchestra, where she attends most of SO’s concerts and programs. Lydia has become a vital force in supporting and championing all that Sarasota Orchestra offers.
In keeping with the giving theme of this issue, we are delighted to feature Karin Grablin and her teamwork with Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The synergistic relationship between Karin’s wealth management company and Gulf Coasts donor advised funds is very interesting.
In the “Spotlight” this month is SPARCC Auxiliary, which raises awareness and support for Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) and its mission. SPARCC Auxiliary plays a crucial role in support of SPARCC’s life-changing work to provide a haven and promote empowerment, awareness, and social change to end domestic and sexual violence. It does so through the traditional methods of philanthropy and by creating
H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com
John with Official Scene Greeter & Security Detail Major Reacher
© Terry O’Neill/Iconic Images
exciting events to raise money for SPARCC. Its largest fundraiser is taking place March 28 at The Ritz Carlton. I encourage you to learn more and become a member.
Selby Gardens Master Plan is now entering Phase Two. With Phase One completed in January of last year, Selby has created the world’s first net-positive energy botanical complex. Phase Two will aide plant research and preservation with its additions. A glass greenhouse complex will house and protect the Garden’s living collection, building on the Garden’s commitment to ecosustainability. Phase Two will also see the repurposing of the old glass houses with several new garden features and so much more. Be sure to read all the details about this exciting Master Plan Phase Two in this issue.
The arts scene this month is chock-full of important performances and exhibits—too many to mention here. However, I will call to your attention some special productions at The Sarasota Ballet and Asolo Rep which Sarasota Scene is sponsoring.
The Sarasota Ballet will treat audiences to dances choreographed by three giants of ballet choreography — Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. The works include Program Six: Romeo and Juliet, the Company premiere of Ashton’s full-length ballet. The Company will then stage Program Seven: Movements of Genius at the Sarasota Opera House. The three ballets featured in this program are Serenade, with choreography by George Balanchine; In the Night, choreographed by Jerome Robbins; and A Wedding Banquet, another Ashton masterwork of choreography. Please be sure to get your tickets early!
Since I was born in Ireland, I am quite anxious to see Asolo Rep’s Dancing at Lughnasa, with famed Irish director Joe Dowling. Dancing at Lughnasa was first produced at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre in 1990 and opened on Broadway in 1991. It received the Tony Award for Best Play in 1992. Scene contributing writer Scott Ferguson provides an in-depth look at this production, which according to Asolo Rep’s Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein, “will inspire a truly insightful theatrical experience.”
In closing my thoughts on this special “passionary” issue, I am mindful of the message of John Lennon’s famous song “Imagine”—which is hope for the good in humanity, and the vision for peace and unity. With many people in our community doing so much good for humanity, I certainly can imagine such hope, peace and unity all around us!
See you on the scene!
H JOHN KNOWLES, PUBLISHER john@scenesarasota.com
Publisher/Executive Editor
H John Knowles
Managing Editor/Strategic Partnerships
Julie A. Milton
Executive Creative Director
Darcy Kelly–Laviolette
Communications Specialist Gina Liga
Distribution Mike Straffin
Accounting Sally A. Bailey
Advertising Enquiries
Paul McNamara
Call/Text 917.751.6506 | paul@scenesarasota.com
Sharon Castellano
Call/Text 203.984.7577 | sharon@scenesarasota.com
Contributing Graphic Designer
Laura Guzman
Contributing Writers
Scott Ferguson
Reno Gomez
Hunter Hageman
Tom Reese
Kaileia Suvannamaccha
Contributing & Social Photographer Nancy Guth
Contributing Photographers
Janet Combs
Jordan Kelly-Laviolette
Harry Sayer
Lori Sax
Greeter &
Major Reacher
Transcending modern medicine
LUXURY CONCIERGE PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR
When Gabe Fenton, Founder of Forefront Health Advisors, set out to build this company, he carried a vision that was bold, uncompromising, and deeply rooted in a fundamental truth: healthcare should not merely react to illness—it should be proactive to anticipate, prevent, and elevate. It should be built on a foundation of excellence, guided by the principles of hospitality, luxury, and exceptional service.
“I have a dream that one day, Forefront Health Advisors will stand as a beacon of hope, providing the healthcare our members, our friends, and our families deserve,” said Gabe. “That we will not merely address the health issues that confront our communities, but that we will elevate their lives, enhancing their overall wellness and well-being. That we will not merely address the health issues that confront our communities, but that we will elevate their lives, enhancing their overall wellness and well-being. That we will push the boundaries of what is possible, driving forward a revolution in how healthcare is delivered and received.”
We live in a time when insurance companies and pharmaceutical giants dictate the care we receive. They tell us what is covered, what is allowed, and what we must settle for. Too often, we are denied the ability to take control of our own well-being, forced into a system that reacts only when things go wrong rather than working to ensure they go right. Forefront was created to break free from these constraints— true medical excellence cannot be dictated by bureaucracies or balance sheets. Forefront operates independently, giving its members access to a new paradigm.
As a member, you invest in your health with an annual fee, unlocking a world-class medical team. This is not just concierge medicine—it is a complete reimagining of what healthcare can be. Members receive advanced diagnostics, annual executive physicals, access to specialists, seamless care coordination, house calls, flexible scheduling, and a medical experience around your life.
Most healthcare facilities feel cold, clinical, and impersonal. But when you walk through the doors of Forefront, you are welcomed into a setting designed for comfort, care, and confidence. There are no crowded waiting rooms, no rushed visits. Every interaction is purposeful, every detail thoughtfully designed to serve those who refuse to settle for the status quo.
Last month, Forefront opened up 50 additional memberships in Sarasota, with plans to expand to Tampa, Naples, St. Petersburg, and Texas in the next two years.
The future of healthcare is here. If you are ready to experience it, visit
the list
MAR 2025 EVENTS CALENDAR
march 1
Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation Mystery Under the Stars
The signature annual event is an intriguing evening set in the 1920s. Help solve the crime and get the reward of supporting cancer patients.
The Ora | fcsf.org/fcsf-events/ mystery-under-the-stars-2025
Ringling Museum Free Family Day
Visit The Ringling for free family fun! Create your own art projects inspired by an object in one of the museum’s current featured collections. Afterwards, visit the museum to see that object in person.
The Ringling | www.ringling.org
march 1-2
Sarasota Festival of the Arts
Browse over 70 artisan vendor booths as they showcase their art in an outdoor gallery of spectacular painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass, ceramics, and more. J.D. Hamel Park | www.paragonfestivals.com/ festival/sarasota-festival-of-the-arts/
usf Brunch on the Bay march 1 march 2
g
Break out your tracksuits and fanny packs—it’s time to honor Ringling College of Art and Design’s students at the annual Avant Garde gala while celebrating your favorite moments of pop culture. Ringling College Campus | ringling.edu/about/offices-anddepartments/office-for-advancement/avant-garde/
Brunch on the Bay is a celebration of community, philanthropy and the extraordinary achievements of USF Sarasota-Manatee campus students. USF Campus | sarasotamanatee.usf.edu/brunch-on-the-bay/
Embracing Our Differences Exhibition
View colorful, larger-than-life canvases integrating powerful imagery and thought-provoking messages celebrating diversity. Bayfront Park | www.embracingourdifferences.org/dates-venue
march 2
Sarasota Film Society’s Academy Awards Viewing Party
Watch the Oscars live on the big screen. Unlimited popcorn and choice of one adult or fountain beverage will be provided. Burns Court Cinema | filmsociety.org
march 4
Sarasota Orchestra
Masterworks Dinner 6
Join the Sarasota Orchestra for a delicious dinner and the opportunity to meet Music Director Designate, Giancarlo Guererro and Master Conductor Peter Oundjian. Sarasota Orchestra | www.sarasotaorchestra.org
march 5
Easterseals Abilities Shining Luncheon
This festive and fun annual luncheon celebrates Easterseals‘ 80-year history of providing access, inclusion and hope to individuals with disabilities, and their families.
The Ora | easterseals-swfl.org
march 5
Book Signing with Pulitzer PrizeWinning Author Jonathan Eig
Come by the loft to purchase your copy of KING: A LIFE and have it signed by the author, Jonathan Eig. The Loft at Bookstore1 | www.sarasotabooks.com/events
Teen Court of Sarasota Scholarship Dinner
A celebration of second chances, life-changing accomplishments and almost 40 years of inspiring local teens.
Michael’s On East | sarasotateencourt.org
march 5-9, 12-16
TerraNova Winter Series IV + V
Weeks IV and V of the series features USEF National, Level 5 Jumpers, and Week V is USEF National, Level 5 Jumpers, the Split Rock Jumping Tour and circuit championships.
TerraNova Equestrian Center | www.terranovaequestrian.com
march 6,13,20,27
Brown Bag Concert Series
Enjoy live music in a delightful park setting, every Thursday in March.
Phillippi Estate Park | www.sarasotacountyparks.com
march 6-8
Pinecraft Days
Arts + Crafts Festival
More than 30 Amish and Mennonite exhibitors showcase their handmade items from wood bowls to wind chimes, art, jewelry, candles, soaps and more. Between Der Dutchman and Alma Sue’s Quilt Shop on Bahia Vista | escape-to-sarasota.com
march 8
Le Marché Bohémien
A Parisian-inspired marketplace featuring a curated selection of unique gifts, artisanal goods, and festive treats.
Five Points Park | destinationdowntownsarasota. com/lemarche-parisian-outdoormarketplace/
march 7
s
Dine on the Great Lawn of Selby Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus for a casually elegant outdoor experience! Enjoy fine wines and a multi-course
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Campus | selby.org/dsc/ dsc-special-events/garden-toplate-wine-dinner/
march 10
Florida Studio Theatre Annual Shindig, Oh What A Night!
Inspired by FST’s upcoming musical Jersey Boys, this event celebrates both FST and the Sarasota community with a cocktail reception, elegant dinner and performances.
Florida Studio Theatre | www.floridastudiotheatre.org
Book Launch Celebration for Six Weeks in Reno with Lucy H. Hedrick Come celebrate the release of the novel Six Weeks in Reno alongside its author, Lucy H. Hedrick.
The Loft at Bookstore1 | www.sarasotabooks.com/events
&
DR. ALISSA SHULMAN
How Do I Find a Good Plastic Surgeon?
Verify advanced experience after residency. Even carefully planned surgeries can experience a problem. Look for a surgeon who can think on his/her feet—one whose’s skill developed by handling the unexpected.
A surgeon with cancer reconstruction or trauma/ ER experience is a good example, since it requires the surgeon to customize every repair under a time restraint.These situations build the timely and creative plastic surgery skills you deserve.
Know the Facts www.abplasticsurgery.org www.plasticsurgery.org
ALISSA SHULMAN
To schedule your consultation, call 941.366.5476.
M.D., F.A.C.S.
Sovereign Plastic Surgery
1950 Arlington St STE 112, Sarasota, FL 34239
1950 Arlington St., Suite 112, Sarasota, FL 34239 941.366.5476 • www.sovereignps.com
Irish Celtic Festival
When Dr. Alissa Shulman was about 13 years old, she witnessed
Art in the Park
Each year, the University Park Country Club hosts a fine art show featuring over 150 works of art created by local artists. Admission is free and open to the public. University Park Country Club | artintheparkupcc.com
This annual March event features plenty of traditional Celtic food, craft beers, hard ciders and live entertainment. Don’t forget to bring your dog and participate in the Lucky Dog Parade. Greenbrook Park | lakewoodranch.com/event/ irish-celtic-festival march 15 march 15-16 march 16
One of Dr. Shulman’s many specialties is fat grafting, a procedure she describes as similar to sculpting clay. It involves harvesting fat from one area of the body, and then injecting it into the desired area.
Florida Wine Fest Brunch and Charity Auction
Check out this annual culinary and wine event overlooking scenic Sarasota Bay on the grounds of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Van Wezel | www.facebook.com/floridawinefest
“If you carefully process the fat and put it in a place where it has a good blood supply, it really does well,” she said. “I like a nice, healthy patient that gives me tissue to work with.”
6:00 PM SATURDAY
APRIL 5, 2025
MICHAEL’S ON EAST
CO-CHAIRS
Stephanie & Allen Hochfelder
Michael & Lavender Suarez
TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: CHILDRENFIRST.NET/SPONSORSHIPS FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (941) 953-3877, ext. 1126 PRESENTING SPONSOR
Sarasota Jazz Festival
The jazz festival is underway with a special Monday Night Jazz performance at the John C. Court Cabaret featuring the Jeremy Carter Quintet.
John C. Court Cabaret | www.sarasotajazzfestival.com
march 17 march 23
Mote Marine Farm to Fillet
Guests will enjoy a delicious lunch and an exclusive, behindthe-scenes tour of Mote’s rapidly growing research park.
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium | mote.org/support/ signature-events/farm-to-fillet/
MAGLIONE”
SATURDAY APRIL 5, 2025 11AM-4PM
Connect with nature at this fun-filled day on the shore of Little Sarasota Bay! Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org/wild25 and be sure to RSVP on Facebook for exciting event updates.
April 5
CHILDREN FIRST FAIRYTALE BALL
Enjoy a timeless experience like never before. Step into a world of imagination and whimsical beauty where fairytales bring this important mission to life.
Michael’s On East | www.childrenfirst.net/ fundraising-events/
April 16
JOSHPROVIDES INTERACTIVE DINNER + AUCTION
Support the children and families who turn to JoshProvides at this fun, interactive cooking event led by the staff at Michael’s On East.
Michael’s On East | www.joshprovides.org
April 25
SARASOTA ART MUSEUM EN PLEIN AIR WINE DINNER
Dine under the stars at this artful culinary event.
Sarasota Art Museum | www.sarasotaartmuseum.org
savor
ANNA MARIA ISLAND
Beach House Waterfront Restaurant
Blue Marlin Seafood
The Château Anna Maria
The Feast Restaurant
Gulf Drive Café and Kokonut Hut
Sandbar Seafood & Spirits
The Waterfront Restaurant & Craft Bar
BRADENTON
The Breakfast Company
Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen
Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille
Mean Deans Local Kitchen
Michael John’s
Ortygia Restaurant
DOWNTOWN SARASOTA
1592 Wood Fired Kitchen & Cocktails
Amore Restaurant
Arts & Central
Bevardi’s Salute! Restaurant
Bijou Garden Café
Brick’s Smoked Meats
Cuba 1958
Drunken Poet Café
Duval’s Fresh. Local. Seafood. El Melvin Cocina Mexicana element: steak.seafood.pasta
Indigenous
Jack Dusty - The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota
KOJO
Marcel DW
Mattison’s City Grille
Offshore Tapas & Wine Bar Bistro
Rufa - The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota
Sage
Station 400
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi
Tzeva - Art Ovation Hotel
LAKEWOOD RANCH & UTC
The Breakfast Company - UTC
Cassariano Italian Eatery
JPAN Sushi & Grill - UTC
Korê Steakhouse
mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano & Cantina - University
Station 400
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi
LONGBOAT KEY
Euphemia Haye
Harry’s Continental Kitchens
Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant & Pub
PALMETTO
Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant
SARASOTA
The 1818 Grill
Adeline
Bistro - Sarasota Art Museum
The Breakfast Company
JPAN Sushi & Grill - Siesta Row
Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill
Lox & Egg Bagel Company
Lucky 8
Mattison’s Forty-One
mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano & Cantina - Bee Ridge
Michael’s On East
The Original Egg
Pacific Rim
The Ringling Grillroom
Roessler’s Restaurant
Reyna’s Taqueria
Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse
SIESTA KEY
Café Gabbiano
Lobster Pot
Miguel’s Restaurant
Ophelia’s On The Bay Village Café
ST. ARMANDS CIRCLE
Le Colonne Restaurant
VENICE / NOKOMIS
British Open Pub
Café Venice Restaurant & Bar
Cassariano Italian Eatery
Chaz 51 Steakhouse
Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Marina
Fins at Sharky’s
Gold Rush BBQ
mi Pueblo El Restaurante Mexicano & Cantina - Venice
Paradise Grill
Pop’s Sunset Grill
Pietro Mascagni AND PAGLIACCI
Ruggero Leoncavallo
Through March 29, 2025
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
March 8 – 28, 2025
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE
Gioachino Rossini
Through March 29, 2025
STIFFELIO
Giuseppe Verdi
March 15 – 30, 2025
VICTOR DeRENZI, Artistic Director
RICHARD RUSSELL, General Director
pA rty pics
NASHVILLE MEETS SARASOTA
On January 30th, more than 170 guests gathered under the stars for the third annual Nashville Meets Sarasota songwriters’ event, hosted by Paul Allen of Wealth Strategies Partners. This one-of-a-kind celebration brought the heart of Nashville to Florida, featuring performances by two of Nashville’s most celebrated songwriters— Grammy winner Brett James and CMA winner Jon Nite. Set against the stunning backdrop of the historic College Hall mansion, the evening was filled with live music, laughter, and the magic of storytelling through song.
CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY GALA
The Circus Arts Conservatory’s annual gala celebrated CAC supporters with a powerful Superhero theme. Over 300 guests filled the Big Top on Regatta Island at Nathan Benderson Park for an evening of food, drinks, fun and the best in Circus Arts.
Jennifer Mitchell & Julie Harris
Pedro Reis & Chris Allison
Clayton Gelman, Ashley Gruters & Kabira Aguilar
Mia Spiro
Featuring over 70 distinctive pieces, this forward-thinking exhibition explores innovative design and the wearable tech movement with footwear that steps into the future.
The exhibition is co-organized by the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum, and curated by Elizabeth Semmelhack, Director and Senior Curator, Bata Shoe Museum.
This exhibition at Sarasota Art Museum is made possible, in part, with generous support from:
Jeff Staple x RTFKT. Meta-Pigeon K-Minus, 2021. Collection of the Bata Shoe Museum, gift of RTFKT. Image courtesy of RTFKT.
16 TH ANNUAL
MARCH 2 – 6, 2025
Celebrate the richness and diversity of Jewish culture through these captivating storytelling and thoughtprovoking films. From poignant documentaries to powerful dramas and comedies, each film explores the depth of Jewish identity, history, and contemporary life. Join us for a cinematic journey that will inspire, educate, and entertain.
“I
SARASOTA OPERA GALA
Guests were treated to a special journey at Sarasota Opera’s season opening gala, A Night in Seville. Held at The Ritz-Carlton, the room was immersed in Spain’s beauty, culture, and vibe, while guests enjoyed the splendor of the region’s cuisine, wine, and flamenco music. It was a black-tie affair with spice and flair, great fun and stunning decor.
David Epstein & Tamara Jacobs
Filippo Fontana, Lisa Chavez & Rafael Dàvila
Hobart & Janis Swan
Harry Leopold & Audrey Robbins
Honorees Carol & Les Brualdi with Richard Russell
SCF AVENUES TO THE FUTURE
The annual Avenues to the Future Gala was held at the Bradenton SCF campus. Hosted by the SCF Foundation, the evening featured SCF champions, alumni and faculty. This year honored special guest Tommy Gregory, J.D., SCF’s newly installed seventh president. Proceeds from this event support scholarships and educational resources that help students succeed in their endeavors.
SELBY GARDENS ORCHID BALL
Guests gathered on the Great Lawn at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Downtown Campus for cocktails and an elegant dinner under the stars to celebrate the 2025 Jean & Alfred Goldstein exhibition at the 2025 Orchid Ball Here Comes the Moon. The evening also included a special toast to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of Selby Gardens’ President and CEO, Jennifer O. Rominiecki.
Terri & Jack Meredith with Teresa Mast
Cassandra Holmes William Buckingham, Teresa Price & John Knowles
Robyn Bell
Andrew Economos & Chris Voelker
Jill Morris & Burr Bakke
Dr. Joel Morganroth
Co-Chairs Liebe Gamble & Ashley Kozel
Nikki Sedacca, Rob Rominiecki, Jeff Sedacca, Jennifer Rominiecki
Tommy Gregory
The First Patriotic Financial Platform—Invest with Purpose
Monorail is redefining the investment landscape by empowering Americans to align their financial decisions with their core values. As the leading patriotic financial platform, Monorail has already attracted thousands of users nationwide and manages millions of dollars in assets, proving that value-driven investing is more than a trend—it’s a movement.
Launched in June 2024 in Sarasota, Florida, Monorail is part of a growing hub of patriotic, freedom-focused companies, standing alongside Rumble and Truth Social in building a parallel economy that reflects American values.
Led by Visionary CEO Phillip Dickson
At the helm of Monorail is Phillip Dickson, an industry leader with a passion for financial freedom and value-driven investing. As CEO of Monorail, Dickson has spearheaded the platform’s rapid growth, ensuring that patriotic Americans have a financial institution that aligns with their beliefs. Under his leadership, Monorail is pioneering a new era of principled investing, where individuals no longer have to compromise their values to build wealth.
Invest Where Your Values Are Valued
At the core of Monorail’s offerings is the Patriot Portfolio, a carefully curated investment strategy featuring companies that align with conservative American values. Investors can now put their money to work in businesses that resonate with their convictions, creating a financial future that reflects their principles.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, endorses this vision, stating:“With Monorail’s Patriot Portfolio, you can invest in companies that share your conservative values.”
Lara Trump of The Right View adds: “Monorail is exactly what freedom-loving Americans have been waiting for.”
Phillip Dickson, CEO & Founder of Monorail
Photo by Curtis Anderson, Jr.
Join a Growing Financial Powerhouse
Monorail isn’t just another investing platform—it’s a rapidly growing financial institution that’s changing the way patriotic Americans manage their money. With millions of dollars in assets under management (AUM) and a fast-expanding user base, Monorail is proving that Americans want investment choices that reflect their values.
Simple and Intuitive Stock Trading
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, Monorail makes it easy to trade both whole and fractional shares of stocks and ETFs that align with your values. Our powerful, intuitive platform ensures that no matter the share price, you can own a stake in the companies you believe in.
Secure Your Future with an IRA
Take charge of your retirement with tax-advantaged Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) through Monorail. Maximize your contributions, grow your wealth, and build a future that reflects your principles and financial goals.
Crypto Coming Soon!
Monorail continues to expand its investment offerings with cryptocurrency trading on the horizon. Soon, investors will be able to diversify their portfolios and stay ahead in the evolving digital financial landscape.
Low Fees, Maximum Value
Unlike traditional financial institutions, Monorail prioritizes low fees and transparent pricing, ensuring that more of your money stays invested. No hidden charges—just a straightforward
way to grow your wealth while supporting businesses that align with your beliefs.
Access Your Investments Anytime, Anywhere
With seamless multi-device access, you can monitor and manage your investments from your phone, desktop, or laptop—anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re tracking market trends or making real-time trades, Monorail’s intuitive platform puts you in control.
A Community of Like-Minded
Parallel Economy
Investors in a Thriving
Monorail is more than an investment platform—it’s a nationwide movement of thousands of like-minded investors building a parallel economy that reflects American values, financial freedom, and economic independence.
As part of Sarasota’s freedom-focused business community, Monorail stands alongside Rumble and Truth Social, leading the charge in creating alternative platforms that protect free speech, economic independence, and conservative values. By choosing Monorail, you are not just investing; you are actively participating in a financial ecosystem that prioritizes principles over politics.
Join the Movement
Monorail has already helped thousands of investors take control of their financial future while managing millions in assets. As the first and largest patriotic financial platform, Monorail provides an alternative to mainstream services that don’t align with your values.
Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Monorail is not a registered broker-dealer. Securities are offered through ViewTrade Securities Inc., a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. Clearing and custody services are provided by Apex Clearing Corporation. SIPC protection applies to securities accounts but does not protect against market losses.
Statements regarding “millions in assets under management” and “thousands of users” reflect internal company data as of the most recent reporting period and are subject to change. These figures should not be interpreted as an endorsement of future performance or growth potential.
The upcoming cryptocurrency trading platform is not yet live and is subject to regulatory approval. There is no guarantee that the service will be available as described or at the expected timeline. Cryptocurrency investments carry additional volatility and risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Digital assets are not insured by the FDIC or SIPC.
Charlie Kirk and Lara Trump are paid endorsers of Monorail. Their statements should not be considered financial advice or an official recommendation to invest. Endorsements are for promotional purposes only and do not guarantee any financial returns or investment performance.
The advice expressed in this advertorial are those of Monorail and are not the advice of Sarasota Scene or its editors.
a lifelong
Love
for music
LYDIA LANDA AND SARASOTA ORCHESTRA
By Kaileia Suvannamaccha • Photo by Harry Sayer
Lydia Landa’s passion for music has carried her across continents, from attending performances at The Royal Ballet in London to world-class concerts at Lincoln Center in New York.
Growing up in Lisbon, Portugal, she had a variety of musical influences but developed a deep love for classical compositions. This lifelong passion sought out a cultural venue: Sarasota. Upon her arrival, she attended a Sarasota Orchestra concert at Holley Hall conducted by Leif Bjaland, and instantly knew she made the right decision—moving to the city she has called home for the past 35 years.
At 60, she embarked on a new musical journey—learning to play piano and to read music. Together, with her esteemed piano teacher, she attended many concerts at the Van Wezel. “We always sat where we could see the pianist’s hands,” she recalls. “To this day, I attend most of Sarasota Orchestra’s wonderful concerts and programs.”
After all these years, her dedication to Sarasota Orchestra has only deepened. As a passionate patron and advocate, she has become a vital force in supporting and championing all that Sarasota Orchestra has to offer.
The Power of Music
Beyond her personal love for music, Lydia recognizes the profound role that the arts play in enriching the community. “It is so important for our youth. It is important for anybody, really, whether you are young or old,” she emphasizes.
She believes music’s influence begins even before birth. “We know that babies love music even in the womb, right? So, music is incredibly, incredibly important for everybody.” Lydia also acknowledges the challenges arts organizations face, particularly when funding is at risk. “If funds are taken away, Sarasota Orchestra would have a much more difficult time,” she warns.
Teri A Hansen • Marianne and Bill McComb • Keith Monda and Veronica Brady
Drs . Joel Morganroth and Gail Morrison Morganroth • Jeannie Russell • Mar tin and Zelia Trueb
“I don’t need people to know about me . . . I need them to know about Sarasota Orchestra—how talented the musicians are and how much they contribute to the community.”
–Lydia Landa
Having evolved significantly over the years with talented leadership and musicians propelling it forward, Sarasota Orchestra is touching more people with music than ever before, and Lydia is committed to ensuring its continued success.
She serves on the advisory board as the membership chair of the Sarasota Orchestra Friends, a group that fosters advocacy for Sarasota Orchestra’s concert and education programs and hosts several social events throughout the Orchestra’s season. “Most recently, we had tea for 130 people at The Ritz Carlton with a wonderful performance by the Orchestra’s resident wind quintet. Our soloists are very inspiring.”
Investing in the Next Generation
Lydia’s contributions go beyond fundraising and social events. She is deeply committed to Sarasota Orchestra’s educational outreach and youth programs. Supporting young musicians is a major focus of her philanthropy, as she believes in nurturing future talent by providing meaningful opportunities for growth.
One initiative especially dear to her heart is the Side-by-Side Concert, in which young musicians perform alongside seasoned professionals. “The faces of these young people just beam when they sit next to the professionals,” she shares.
Sarasota Orchestra is also preparing for an exciting milestone—the development of its new Music Center,
which is expected to open in the 2029-2030 season. Recently, Sarasota Orchestra announced a $60 million investment by an anonymous donor for the new Music Center, saying in its press release that “t his extraordinary contribution is one of the largest gifts to any orchestra nationwide and a recordsetting philanthropic investment for performing arts organizations in Florida.”
The new Music Center will elevate the region’s reputation among world-class arts destinations. In addition to an acoustically pristine concert hall, plans for the project include a flexible-use performance space, native landscaping to ensure a resilient and park-like community destination, and multiple rehearsal and practice rooms. The Music Center will also scale Sarasota Orchestra’s impact on education, providing expanded space and opportunities for the growth of youth orchestra programs that are operating at capacity with eight student ensembles engaging students from 100 schools in the Sarasota and Manatee area.
Beyond the Stage
Lydia also highlights Sarasota Orchestra’s broader impact, particularly its outreach efforts. Many musicians participate in community programs, bringing music to prisons, women’s shelters, and schools, among others. “Not only do they play repertoire, but they teach and do outreach,” she says. “It’s very impressive and impactful for the community.”
Despite challenges that arts organizations often face, particularly with funding, Lydia remains optimistic about the future. She acknowledges the importance of philanthropic support in sustaining and expanding artistic initiatives, ensuring that music remains accessible to all. “Sarasota Orchestra depends on its wonderful sponsors and donors,” she notes. “And they truly make a difference.”
At 80 years old, Landa continues to embrace each week as an opportunity to learn something new. Whether it is attending an exhilarating concert featuring a Mexican composer or bringing new friends to experience Sarasota Orchestra for the first time, she remains as engaged and passionate as ever.
Her lifelong love for music and the arts has not only enhanced her own life but has also played a pivotal role in shaping Sarasota’s vibrant cultural
“I don’t need people to know about me,” she says humbly. “I need them to know about Sarasota Orchestra—how talented the musicians are and how much they
generous philanthropic partners like Lydia Landa help ensure Sarasota Orchestra will continue to inspire, uplift, and transform lives for
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CHANGING THE WORLD One Family at a Time
By Kaileia Suvannamaccha
“Parenting is the hardest job that anyone could ever have with absolutely no training, and it is the most important,” says Ben Jones, Board Chair of Forty Carrots Family Center.
“When our 12-year-old was younger, we were really in search of the right preschool,” he recalls. “When we got connected with Forty Carrots, we said, ‘This is different. This is how it should be.’ We felt like we had a partner in our parenting.”
This sense of partnership led Ben to deepen his involvement, eventually joining the board. “Every parent wants to do right by their kids, but it’s not always easy, and not everyone has access to the guidance and support they need.”
More Than a Preschool
Dawn Doughty, now Secretary of the Board, began her journey with Forty Carrots in 2017 as wine chair of the very successful Wine, Women & Shoes fundraiser.
“As I began to get involved and learned more about Forty Carrots—not just as a preschool but with parenting education and mental health—it really resonated with me personally,” she shares.
Having been a single mom in the 80s and 90s, Dawn sees the immense value of Forty Carrots’ services. “Forty Carrots offers a non-judgmental space where parents can
get the help they need to build strong bonds with their children. It’s about providing families with the resources and guidance that will set them up for success.”
Dawn’s connection to the mission has only grown stronger since joining the board in 2020. “Forty Carrots meets families where they are,” she says, adding that she’s dedicated to raising awareness and funding for its essential services.
The Health of the Family Becomes the Wealth of the Community
Ben believes that supporting families is key to building a stronger community: “When families thrive, children grow up in healthier, more supportive environments.” This philosophy is central to Forty Carrots’ mission, and it’s driving its efforts to expand its reach in Sarasota.
A significant milestone came with the success of its $10 million campaign, which funded the construction of a new, state-of-the-art facility. According to Dawn, the space was designed with families in mind. “It includes private areas for mental health counseling, comfortable therapy rooms, and flexible spaces for parenting education groups.”
Ben highlights how the new facility enhances Forty Carrots’ capacity to serve. “With the ability to hire more therapists and expand services, this gives us the ability, looking out
over the next five years, to double from where we are right now.”
A Culture of Community and Collaboration Committed to serving all families, regardless of their ability to pay, Forty Carrots relies on local philanthropy to sustain and expand its programs.
Dawn praises the board’s commitment to Forty Carrots, noting the success of their board match program, which raised $150,000 this year—up from $85,000 in its first year. “Having board members who stand behind the agency, not just with their time and talents but also with their treasures, shows their passion for this organization,” she says.
Ben explains, “When you think of mental health services, you might think clinical, but that’s not the culture at Forty Carrots. It’s about community, partnership, and family. That’s why you get passionate leaders—people who want to give back and be involved.”
Dawn agrees. “They are experts at what they do—passionate, compassionate, and some of the most wonderful people I have ever had the opportunity to be associated with. We know that when we work together, we can achieve so much more.”
Ben reflects on his own family’s journey, saying, “Our experiences are very similar to others. It’s a similar story. Our kids have long since graduated from Forty Carrots, but it has a special place in their heart.”
As Ben puts it, “There’s this old adage, ‘Raising kids takes a village’, and it really does.” FOR MORE INFORMATION about Forty Carrots Family Center, please visit fortycarrots.com
Ben & Erin Jones
Dawn Doughty & Ben Jones
Dennis & Dawn Doughty
jaCOBs nate around toWn
B y tom reese
This month we go “Around Town” with the cool, dapper and talented Nate Jacobs, the leader of our beloved Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe. Nate has wowed audiences for a milestone 25 years, showcasing dynamic and engaging musical and dramatic productions that celebrate the history and experience of the African American community. We love his passion to help the development of aspiring artists and build their confidence through important WBTT programs, and we applaud along with him every success achieved by this very special non-profit organization.
How did Nate Jacobs begin his life as a performer, director, and writer?
My career as an actor began in my senior year at Florida A&M University in the school’s production of Eden. I had not decided to become a professional at that time, so that was a one-time experience which I enjoyed and put behind me. After moving to Sarasota, I was discovered by a mentor as I was an art and drama teacher at a local private K-12 school. The mentor introduced me to the artistic director of Asolo Rep at that time, John Almer, and I was hired immediately as “Cal” in a production of The Little Foxes . I performed in that show for over two months and quickly became known by the critics and patrons of Sarasota. My directing began as a teacher directing and writing children’s shows for the school I worked at. I directed my first public debut in 1994 at The Sarasota Players; it was a production of James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner and it was the first all-Black show that the theater had done in its 60-year history. I have been writing for the theater, music revues and shows for the last 30 years.
Tell us how WBTT came to be?
During my acting career as I worked at Asolo Rep, Florida Studio Theatre, and other theaters around our community, I noticed the extreme lack of diversity. Meaning people of color on the stages with me. That concerned me and it became a big part of my life—wondering why there were no other artists who looked like me. After a few years of
talking to theater artistic directors about doing more diverse and inclusive shows, it became very evident to me that they were not really interested in bringing such shows to their theater, and that there was an extreme need for a platform that would celebrate and tell brown and black stories the way I desired to see them. And that was the catalyst that inspired me to start Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
Tell us about WBTT’s community classes and workshops for both young and adults?
WBTT has been called the teaching theater because of the mentorship, development, and training we provide for new and aspiring artists. Although we work with professional artists from all over the state who have been trained in universities and college programs, we also give training to kids ages 11-18 in our Stage of Discovery summer camp. I call it a musical intensive, where the youth learn singing, acting, dancing and more in a fiveweek span and present a full show for the community at the end of the camp. We also recently began to offer adult acting classes along with seminars and workshops where we have invited the movie stars Ving Rhames, Melba Moore, and Jennifer Holliday to speak with our artists about their careers and give great insight and advice about the professional industry. We have also provided Improv classes and African dance and other fun and entertaining classes at WBTT.
“In the future, wBtt wIll provIde more traInIng, development, and mentorshIp for many more deservIng artIsts, contInue to tell more and more essentIal Black and Brown storIes on our stages, and provIde even more support to aspIrIng professIonal theater artIsts, sIngers, and musIcIans.”
In 2015, you were honored with the prestigious Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award at the National Black Theatre Festival for your contributions to Black theater. What does the recognition mean to you personally? I was fortunate enough to have Larry Leon Hamlin, the founder of the International Black Theatre Festival, as a mentor and a director of my one man show Aunt Rudele: Family Reunion . So, I got to know the founder and his wife, who was also the executive director of the festival and their vision and passion for creating an event where all Black theater would unite and learn how to support each other instead of trying to compete with each other when all of them were struggling and in desperate need of funding. To receive the Larry Leon Hamlin Producer Award was an achievement that I honor, as they told me I produced the more consistent main stage productions than most black theaters in the country. This was an achievement I was not fully aware of, so I will always hold this honor close to my heart, as I will with my relationships with the founders Larry Leon Hamlin and Sylvia “Sprinkle” Hamlin.
From 70s soul music to vintage tap, WBTT is celebrating a great achievement—its 25th season. Tell us about the season’s success and the two remaining performances. During our 25th season, my heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation for all the love and support we have
received from the Sarasota community. The shows that I chose this season celebrate our unique success on the cultural arts scene of our city and the unique, vibrant, and talented artists we celebrate on our stage. The two remaining shows after Fences celebrate the music of jazz artist Louis Jordan, in the musical Five Guys Named Moe. It is one of our biggest hits during our show history and I felt it was time to share it with all the new patrons we have grown over the years. The final show is the first original tap revue that WBTT has ever presented. Inspired by the very talented dancer singer Lamont Brown, I know our patrons are going to enjoy this new vibrant and extremely entertaining revue we’re calling Syncopated Avenue .
What can we look forward to in the future for WBTT?
In the future, WBTT will provide more training, development, and mentorship for many more deserving artists, continue to tell more and more essential black and brown stories on our stages, and provide even more support to aspiring professional theater artists, singers, and musicians. We plan to build a perpetual institution for years to come that will always bridge deserving artists into this professional industry. It is important to have institutions such as WBTT now more than ever. I hope to have a new theater with a fly system that facilitates the very popular musicals we present at WBTT.
As with all other performing arts organizations, donations are vital to success. How does one become involved with WBTT?
We are always happy to add new donors to our WBTT family. All they have to do is reach out to our offices at 941-366-1505 and express their interest as to how they would like to support the shows and programs of WBTT to either our executive director Julie Leach or our development director Debra Flynt-Garrett.
When you’re not busy working, what are some of your favorite things to do and places to go in town?
Most of my personal time at this stage of my journey begins after I leave the theater. I spend much of it on my couch in front of the television watching a good movie, a good drama, or a good comedy. I love cooking. I love spending time with friends and cooking for friends. I love art galleries. I love walking on the beach. I love quiet time. Spending a lot of time giving to our patrons and people who see me on the streets or in the stores. I truly cherish my personal time. Life for me is quite simple but very meaningful and I feel very blessed and highly favored to be able to do the thing that I love and the thing I have passion for and call it my job. Wow! Am I blessed!
For more information about Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, please visit www.westcoastblacktheatre.org.
TROLLEY TOURS Of SARASOTA & VENICE
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A Giving Team
Karin Grablin & Gulf Coast Community Foundation
By Tom Reese
Gulf Coast Community Foundation (Gulf Coast) has been a pillar of our community since 1995, distributing over $575 million to local nonprofits and areas of need with the help of its philanthropic donors. The Gulf Coast team works side-by-side with over 850 donors to make sure their generosity gets to the right place at the right time.
One of those donors, Karin Grablin, has been involved with the organization for over 15 years both personally, and through her company, SRQ Wealth, of which she is Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Karin was first introduced to Gulf Coast while serving on the board of a local nonprofit, where other board members were already working with Gulf Coast. After getting to know the organization and its team, she realized there was a great opportunity to help her clients meet their charitable goals through donor advised funds administered by Gulf Coast.
Karin is actively involved in the Sarasota community and strongly believes in giving back to the region that has been so kind to her over the years. She currently serves as Treasurer for the Suncoast International Women’s Forum and is an active member of Sarasota Women’s Alliance and has served on half a dozen other boards over the years, a few of them as board chair. She is also serving as a mentor to a Take Stock in Children student scholar.
Before getting SRQ Wealth off the ground in 2010, Karin began her career as a corporate Certified Public Accountant (CPA) before becoming certified as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Karin is one of a small percentage of all financial advisors in the country who are both a CPA and a CFP® practitioner.
“I spent time working in the corporate world, but gradually found myself wanting to apply my financial skills on a more personal level in a way that would help individuals and families achieve their own financial goals. Working in this field fits my dream profession very well! I learn something new every day and get to meet and work with outstanding people, always with the goal of truly making a difference in their lives,” said Karin.
As Managing Partner and Senior Wealth Advisor for SRQ Wealth, Karin meets with clients and advises them on their financial plans and provides direction to the operations team to help ensure clients receive an excellent service experience. Many clients that come to Karin often have charitable goals in mind, but not a complete plan. That’s where Gulf Coast comes in.
Gulf Coast’s donor advised funds allow people to be philanthropic in many different areas through a simple donation. Karin’s team at SRQ Wealth helps clients determine how much money they want to donate and processes that money through Gulf Coast, where they
As an endowed organization, Gulf Coast will be in our region forever to continue addressing community needs and ensuring that donations impact causes that their donors are passionate about supporting.
can pick areas of interest they would like to support. The team at Gulf Coast then grants that money directly to various local nonprofits and causes.
“Once we meet a new client and help them plan their wealth to the point they are assured that they and their family will be taken care of in the future, we focus on what kind of legacy they want to leave. These donor advised funds enable us to not only do tax planning for our clients, but essentially provide a ‘charitable checkbook’ for them to use in the future when they do find a cause or organization they want to support. It’s been very successful for our clients.”
In addition to introducing clients to Gulf Coast, Karin is a donor herself. Her story is heartbreaking. About 10 years ago, Karin lost her 12-year-old son (and only child) in a tragic accident. Despite the shocking loss, Karin and her husband wanted to honor their son’s memory by creating a fund to support things that he loved.
“Because we knew about Gulf Coast and had started to work with them already, in lieu of flowers or meals we asked people to donate. My goal was to create a fund in his memory to support children and animals in need. He was a very kind-hearted soul, and he would have wanted to do this.”
Karin and her husband Patrick continue to maintain this fund through Gulf Coast. They collapsed their son’s college fund into it and received many donations from generous members of our community. Today, the fund continues to support children in Sarasota and Manatee counties through summer hunger programs, foster care support, guide dogs for children, and more.
As Karin continues to connect clients to Gulf Coast, she continues to support the region in monumental ways. For her, wealth planning isn’t just a job, it’s a passion.
“My philosophy on financial planning in general is to help clients realize that, once they have taken care of their own needs and those of their family, if they are so inclined, they can not only leave a legacy but realize the good work they can do in our community during their lifetime. That’s very satisfying for me in terms of professional achievement. Any time a client has an inkling that they would like to be charitable, we make sure that conversation takes place, and they get the opportunity to give back now.”
As an endowed organization, Gulf Coast will be in our region forever to continue addressing community needs and ensuring that donations impact causes that their donors are passionate about supporting. Since 2009, Gulf Coast has undertaken regular regional scans to learn what is happening in our region and what challenges face our community members, donors, and public and private partners. They are committed to action across the range of issues facing our communities and are ready to lead, partner, and invest in innovative ideas and solutions.
If you feel inspired to help Karin and Gulf Coast Community Foundation fulfill their goals and objectives, please visit www.gulfcoastcf.org to learn more and explore all the different causes and organizations they support. Together as a community we can make a difference and brighten many lives.
By Julie Milton
Have you ever met someone who is so passionate about an important cause or mission that they go above and beyond to help? We asked our digital subscribers to share stories of people who they believe create change for the good of others, and we are pleased to share their submissions with our readers. We hope you will be moved and inspired by these stories and be encouraged to find your passion for the betterment of our community and our fellow man.
PASS ION ES PASSiONARIES
GRAC i Mc GILLICUDDY
We received so many nominations for this incredible lady and it is no wonder why. For decades, Graci has been a champion for children, from her passion for ending the cycle of child abuse to helping to launch a foster care program that could serve as a model for the nation.
With her financial and leadership support over many decades, the Child Protection Center of Sarasota and DeSoto counties serves as a refuge for abused children that address the prevention, intervention and treatment needed for the children and families it serves.
Graci is also co-founder of Sarasota’s All Star Children’s Foundation in Sarasota. She knew that foster care agencies struggle to find homes in an overcrowded system, and a child’s trauma may never heal as they are moved from home to home. Graci’s dream was to create a safe place for children to be loved, nurtured and healed, and she did just that with All Star Children’s Foundation. Through her efforts, along with a team of experts, All Star is creating the gold standard for trauma informed care through innovation, science
and compassion, which will have a legacy of hope and opportunity for children in foster care.
Graci was recently honored with the 2024 Mothers of Influence Award by Moms for America, a national movement dedicated to empowering mothers. Her longstanding child advocacy leadership has earned her an incredible legacy of honors including induction into the 2024 Florida Women’s Hall of Fame, the Governor and First Lady of Florida’s “Florida Hero Award”, the “Spirit of Service Award” by the Florida Senate (its highest civilian award), the Tampa Bay Lightning’s “Community Hero” Award, the Argus Foundation’s “Lifetime Achievement Award”, and many others.
Graci has impacted the lives of so many children and families by raising awareness, supporting teams to develop science-based action plans for positive outcomes, and by bringing these to fruition. She is a true passionary as cited by the many people who nominated her and her light shines brightly on the many children she fights for every day.
R.G. “Kelly” Caldwell, Jr. was nominated by several people for his decades-long dedication to enhancing our community and his selfless commitment to numerous charitable causes.
As President and CEO of Caldwell Trust Company, Kelly has leveraged his leadership, influence, and resources to bring about lasting, positive change in a variety of local and national organizations. His passion for service and community development, combined with his hands-on approach, has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a true champion of our community.
Kelly’s steadfast commitment to making a difference is most evident in his support for organizations such as Suncoast Charities for Children, Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast, Agape Flights in Venice, and the SKY YMCA Hurricanes Swim Team. Over the years, Kelly has generously given his time, resources, and leadership to these organizations, improving the lives of children and families across the Suncoast.
His significant support of Suncoast Charities for Children has been instrumental in providing vital resources to children with special needs, ensuring they have access to essential care and opportunities. Through his service on the board and his financial contributions, Kelly has made a profound impact on the lives of countless children in our community.
In addition, Kelly’s dedication to youth development is reflected in his advocacy for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, where he has helped create safe spaces for local youth to grow, learn, and succeed. His work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast has provided mentorship and guidance to at-risk youth, empowering them to build brighter futures.
Kelly has also been a strong supporter of Agape Flights, a Venicebased Christian nonprofit providing essential air transportation to missionaries and humanitarian workers globally. His involvement has extended the organization’s reach, delivering life-saving resources and assistance to those in need worldwide.
Beyond his local charitable efforts, Kelly has personally demonstrated his passion for service during times of crisis. After
KELLY CALDWELL
Home Care vs. Home HEALTH Care
“As a registered nurse practitioner, geriatric nurse care manager, aging brain health expert and educator, I founded Youthful Aging over 25 years ago to offer cutting-edge clinical proficiency backed by compassionate and highly trained caregivers.
We follow Guided Care, evidencebased guidelines developed by John Hopkins University, for managing chronic conditions and have adopted Guided Care’s effective principles that are designed to improve the quality of life and care of patients by working closely with the patient, their family, and the primary care physician.”
—Nicci
Lieberman, President
Know the Difference
the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Milton in North Carolina, Kelly, alongside his son, drove a large trailer loaded with essential goods—food, water, and paper supplies—into disaster-stricken communities. The Caldwell family made a second trip with Kelly’s nephew, ensuring additional aid reached those in desperate need. This hands-on response exemplifies Kelly’s extraordinary dedication to helping others, particularly in times of crisis.
Kelly’s support of the Venice Sharks swim team underscores his belief in the power of sports to build character and instill discipline in young people. His commitment has helped local youth participate in competitive swimming, fostering lasting friendships and invaluable life skills.
Since 1993, Kelly has been dedicated to supporting children with developmental disabilities and their families, particularly those struggling to find resources, education, equipment, and acceptance. Through contributions to Suncoast Charities, The Haven, Loveland, Easterseals, In Stride Therapy (now Easterseals Ranch), and the Florida Center for Early Education, Kelly and Caldwell Trust Company have provided critical support for these families. The founders of Caldwell Trust Company, including many staff members, have been involved with these initiatives from the very beginning, contributing their time and efforts through various boards and committees. These, along with countless other transformational contributions of time, talent, and treasure, are guided by Caldwell Trust Company’s core principle: to take care of families.
Kelly’s decades of dedication to these causes demonstrate his unwavering commitment to strengthening our community. Through his leadership, financial support, and personal actions, he has made a tangible and lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. Kelly Caldwell’s passion for service shines through in everything he does, driven by a genuine desire to make the world a better place.
j . BARTON LOWTHER
The Circus Arts Conservatory (CAC) nominated financial advisor Bart Lowther for his volunteerism and support of CAC for more than a decade, progressing through board leadership roles as member, board chair and now endowment investment chair.
Bart’s financial savvy, his understanding of a strong digital presence, and his ease when talking about CAC, its mission, and programs makes it easy to understand how he contributes so much to CAC.
Bart has helped guide the organization through a $5 million capital campaign that rehabilitated the iconic Sailor Circus Arena, home of Sailor Circus, the “Greatest Little Show on Earth,” which recently celebrated its 75th Jubilee Anniversary. He helped navigate the circus as it weathered the two-year pandemic, ending with solid financial results. As CAC’s immediate past chair, Bart assisted in the leadership transition when founder Pedro Reis handed over the President & CEO reins to Jennifer Mitchell in November 2024.
Bart is now guiding the CAC as it formally creates the organization’s first permanent endowment fund primarily from charitable estate gifts of members of the CAC Legacy Society. Throughout,
he has provided the circus strong financial support along with his volunteerism.
He is proud of the circus arts magnet program in partnership with Sarasota High and Booker Middle School, as well as CAC’s artsintegrated education for area school children, creatively using the circus arts to teach physics and math, resulting in better scores on standardized tests and increased engagement and interest in STEM.
In a recent interview with Sarasota Scene, Lowther said: “I love being able to make a difference and being a part of changing the world for the better. It makes me feel good to donate and volunteer—I think a lot of people would agree that there is something within our brains (or hearts) that rewards us for helping others.” Spoken like a true passionary.
Alix Morin started donating to State College of Florida Foundation (SCFF) with her beloved husband, Mark Morin, beginning in 2013. Mark, who was then serving on the SCFF Board of Directors, passed away in February 2018. Alix decided to volunteer on the SCFF board beginning in 2019 and she has not looked back. She has served as VP of the Board of Directors, on many fundraising event committees, and on other SCFF governance committees.
For SCFF, Alix Morin is a shining example of how passion and dedication can transform lives and communities. Her unwavering commitment to supporting student scholarships and removing barriers to higher education has profoundly impacted the State College of Florida Foundation (SCFF).
Alix has been a tireless advocate for SCFF’s mission, sharing its purpose and her personal passion with her extensive network. Her influence has inspired many
AL i X MORIN
of her friends to become generous donors, directly contributing to SCFF’s capital projects, academic program enhancements, and meaningful scholarship funds. Her ability to engage and inspire others has amplified SCFF’s reach and impact significantly.
Alix’s role as a board member is exceptional. She brings energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to entertain and collaborate on staff ideas, fostering an environment of creativity and innovation. Each year, she shows her appreciation for SCFF staff with thoughtful notes and gifts, creating a sense of belonging and motivation among the team.
Her influence extends beyond fundraising; Alix’s involvement on internal foundation committees motivates staff and members alike to strive for ambitious goals. Her “can-do” attitude and proactive approach make her a go-getter and a door-opener, constantly paving the way for new opportunities.
One of Alix’s most meaningful contributions is her genuine connection with students. At the SCF Foundation Annual Scholarship Luncheon, she dedicates her time to building relationships with scholarship recipients, imparting wisdom, and sharing heartfelt encouragement. Students consistently express how much they value her support and mentorship, creating lasting bonds that further enrich the foundation’s mission.
Alix Morin embodies the spirit of service, generosity, and impact. Her enthusiasm and dedication to SCFF’s mission are unparalleled, making her an invaluable asset to SCFF.
NORA & j OHN PATTERSON
when the Land Fund was created. Nora championed the Land Fund and was integral to bringing it to life.
For Big Waters Land Trust (formerly Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast), John Patterson and the late Nora Patterson embody what it means to be passionaries.
Nora passed away on February 8, 2024, at the age of 79, but her legacy lives on. Following her passing, John made a major gift to Big Waters’ Land Fund and included Big Waters in his estate plan to receive a percentage of the Patterson estate in memory of Nora’s monumental impact and lasting mark on our community. John’s generous cash and legacy gift is designated for Big Waters’ newly renamed Nora Patterson Land Fund, initially established in 2017 to quicken the pace of conservation when other public and private funding resources were unavailable. Nora served on Big Waters board of trustees from November 2016 through January 2021 and was also on the board
TERR i KLAUBER
The year was 2017 and Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida was just getting started. Despite its success in Southeast and Southwest Florida, the regional chapter of the international wish-granting organization was somewhat of an unknown entity in Sarasota. It had only recently added the community to its territory and hadn’t yet begun to fulfill its mission on the Suncoast.
Then its leaders met the very passionate Terri Klauber, and she would become a transformative figure in the history of the organization.
A Sarasota resident for over fifty years, Nora was an enthusiastic supporter of land conservation and a dedicated public servant. In 2015, she was recognized for her lifetime efforts when the Sarasota County Commission and City Commission took joint action to name the park located at the north bridge to Siesta Key the Nora Patterson Bay Island Park. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support helped conserve thousands of acres during her lifetime, including 8,600 acres during her tenure on the Big Waters board.
Big Waters Land Trust is deeply grateful to John for his commitment to conservation and for choosing to honor Nora with this transformative gift. Through the Nora Patterson Land Fund her passion for conservation lives on, forever protecting clean and abundant water, public access to open space, and habitat for wildlife across Southwest Florida.
According to Norman Wedderburn, president & CEO of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, “Terri not only embraced our goal to grant a life-changing wish for critically ill children, but she also raised awareness of our organization among philanthropists and put us in front of audiences that continue to support our efforts to this day.”
Prior to meeting Wedderburn, Terri, along with the team from Michael’s on East, was already hosting “Cooking for Wishes,” a unique fundraiser where guests cook their own four-course meal under the direction of a professional chef.
Now “Cooking for Wishes” is bigger and better than ever, capable of raising $1 million in a single evening. In the time since the Southern Florida chapter connected with Klauber and her committee members, which included a COVID-impacted virtual event, nearly $3 million has been generated from their efforts, enough to positively and permanently change the trajectory of 375 local children.
Terri has been the heartbeat of this event for all its 15 years, growing the event from a small gathering to one of the region’s most substantial. She has leveraged her personal and professional relationships to connect a giving community to the mission she adopted as her own years before. In addition to the more than 400 people that annually attend the fundraiser, Terri has
inspired a variety of contributions from Suncoast Advisory Board members, sponsors, volunteers, and the Sarasota business community.
“Terri is passionate, hardworking, and persistent,” said Taylor Marini, regional director for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. “She’s generous, compassionate, and always willing to go the extra mile to support our kids and families.”
That includes hosting toy drives, give-back nights, and private dinners that raise awareness and engage audiences of importance. Klauber and her husband, Michael, also attend and promote other events for the nonprofit, including the InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball.
But it’s her direct connection to the Make-A-Wish mission that continues to fuel the significant impact Klauber is determined to have. She was personally involved with the granting of a local child’s wish to meet Pope Francis, securing funds and partnerships to make it happen. Klauber helps illustrate why wishes are not just nice things the chapter does for children and families, they’re necessary to the health and well-being of those that receive them at some of the most difficult times in their lives.
It is for all these reasons that Make-A-Wish Southern Florida believes Terri Klauber is more than deserving to be recognized a true passionary.
SAND i CHAPNICK
Did you know that epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder that will impact 1 in 26 people during their lifetime? With more than 40 types of seizures, epilepsy is oftentimes misdiagnosed and there is no single treatment nor cure.
This neurological disorder can strike anyone, anytime and anywhere. It does not discriminate based on age, race, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Too many myths and misconceptions surround epilepsy which results in social isolation and stigma for
the individual and family. In Florida, there are over 600,000 individuals diagnosed with epilepsy.
JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation was founded in 2008 by Sandi and the late Bruce Chapnick as a legacy to their son, Joshua David Chapnick, who died of a head injury sustained from an epileptic seizure. Josh was only 28 years old and the Chapnick’s wanted to ensure that other families had resources available to them to help with transportation and anti-seizure medication.
We proudly feature Sandi for her tireless work to improve the quality of life for individuals who have epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
JoshProvides programs include direct client grants to assist with seizure alert devices, seizure alert training of service dogs, medical services and transportation, and an epilepsy support group.
Sandi is an active member of the JoshProvides Board of Directors, serving as Secretary, and participates in the Assistance Review Committee and fundraising committees. She frequently offers outreach as a speaker on the topic of epilepsy and the impact on the family.
Sandi’s support of the people who turn to JoshProvides is unwavering. She has turned her grief into a passion that directly helps children and families in our community, and she is the voice, a face, and heart at JoshProvides offering empathy, compassion, and support.
When it comes to commitment and compassion for strengthening children and families, Jim Martin is a shining example of selfless dedication.
Children First proudly nominated Jim for his passion for its mission and to celebrate his exceptional contributions to Children First and the broader community
For the past few school years, Jim has been a devoted volunteer in the Purple Crayon classroom at Children First’s main campus in Sarasota. From pushing children on the swing set to engaging in educational activities, Jim has become a trusted figure in the lives of the children he serves.
Whether helping to serve breakfast or lunch, playing on the playground, or spending quality time in the classroom, Jim’s presence brings joy and encouragement. The children adore him, and he treasures his time with them.
Jim’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. As a proud member of the Sarasota Yacht Club and an advocate for its charitable arm, SYC Cares, Jim played an instrumental role in helping Children First secure a $75,000 grant—the largest ever awarded in the organization’s annual cycle.
Thanks to Jim’s advocacy, the playground at Children First’s main campus is being revitalized. The funding allowed for the removal of aging equipment and the installation of new structures, providing a safe, engaging, and enriching environment where children can thrive through active, play-based learning.
Jim’s efforts exemplify the values at the heart of Children First’s mission, and his impact is deeply felt across the organization.
As CEO Philip Tavill shares, “Movement plays a major role in every aspect of early learning, which becomes even more critical for children living at
risk. Thanks to Jim’s steadfast dedication and his role in securing this vital funding, the children we serve now have a beautiful and engaging space to support their growth and development. We are profoundly grateful for Jim’s extraordinary efforts to enhance the lives of those in our care.”
Jim Martin is more than a volunteer; he is a true champion of the Children First mission. His unwavering dedication, generosity, and advocacy make him a very deserving of this recognition.
JIM MARTIN
JUDY & FRED F i ALA
Judy and Fred Fiala are more than leading philanthropists for Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College (SAM)—they’re also two of the Museum’s biggest cheerleaders. Their passion for art and learning is endless. SAM is where they come to find exciting new work by artists making an impact in today’s global art world.
Judy, a space designer, and Fred, an architect, know instinctively the importance of nurturing creativity in all its forms. This is why they have committed lead underwriting for SAM’s next five seasons of constantly rotating solo and group shows, commissions, and artistic projects.
“This kind of giving is transformational for a museum of our size that is breaking new ground in the contemporary art world,” says SAM Executive Director, Virginia Shearer. “I am incredibly grateful to the Fialas for their generous vote of confidence in our now and next.”
BOB KASPERSK i
Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks, one of the exhibitions in SAM’s current season, has a particular resonance. Fred is a beloved member of the Sarasota running community. It’s no surprise he’s still winning marathons since he gets plenty of practice keeping up with Judy.
SAM thanks Judy and Fred for all they do to make it possible for SAM to share the work of today’s artists with new audiences in meaningful ways.
Bob Kasperski gives back to Dogs Inc in almost every way possible. He is a volunteer puppy raiser, an on-campus volunteer, and has raises funds for Dogs Inc.
As further proof of his Dogs Inc passion, Bob and his wife moved to Lakewood Ranch from Fort Myers in 2023 to be closer to Dogs Inc’s campus, where they immediately became active on-campus volunteers.
As a puppy raiser, Bob opens his home and heart to puppies who will grow up to transform lives and provide much-needed hope. Raisers spend up to a year teaching puppies house manners, socialization, basic cues, and
Concert Series
The Astro Yachts
Mar 9, 2025
This LA-based party band re-creates your favorite Yacht Rock hits from The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Toto and more! (VPAC)
An Evening with Norm Lewis
Mar 16, 2025
Hear one of the greatest voices of our generation! Broadway star Norm Lewis sings Broadway favorites and timeless classics in a special production. (VPAC)
Tribute to Elvis
Mar 17, 2025
STARRING DWIGHT ICENHOWER
Considered one of the best Elvis tribute artists in the country today, Dwight has won a myriad of national Elvis awards. (VPAC)
Ray! The Soulful Legend
Mar 24, 2025
A TRIBUTE TO RAY CHARLES
From gospel music and the timeless artistry of jazz legends, Michael Washington’s soulful voice is perfect for Ray Charles’ repertoire. (VCC)
smart decision making. Bob and his wife are currently raising their fourth pup, Kylo, for Dogs Inc. Their third pup, Morgan, recently completed his guide dog training and is ready to be matched with his guardian. When there is an outreach event or opportunity to let others in the community learn about puppy raising, Bob is the first person to step up.
On campus, Bob provides crucial support to Dogs Inc Canine Fitness team and certified instructors. In 2024 alone, Bob volunteered on campus for 519 hours—and that doesn’t include his 24/7 role as a puppy raiser. At Canine Fitness, he helps dogs in training stay healthy and mentally stimulated with agility exercises, cardio workouts, swimming in the pool, and enrichment activities. One of his favorite volunteer roles is “Canine Concierge,” where he goes out into the community with instructors on training excursions. While each instructor works one-on-one with a specific dog, Bob feeds, walks, plays with, and takes the other dogs out to do their business. It’s not the most glamorous role, but it makes a huge difference.
These outings are a full circle moment for Bob because he gets to see “why what we do with the puppies as raisers is so important for when they start their formal career training.”
Finally, Bob has been raising money for Dogs Inc for five years, enabling the organization to transform lives through its extraordinary dogs at no cost to recipients.
JAYNE JONES
The Haven is nestled on 32-acres in the heart of Sarasota and offers programs and services for children, teens, and adults with disabilities. The organization excitedly nominated Jayne Jones, affectionately known as the No Sugar Baker (nosugarbaker.com), for her passion toward its mission.
Jayne embodies the essence of community engagement and advocacy. Her contributions to The Haven extend well beyond financial support; she first joined The Haven two years ago through its Culinary Academy program, where she generously shares her culinary expertise with adults and high school students, fostering creativity and collaboration in the kitchen.
Jayne’s enthusiasm is infectious, and she consistently brings a sense of joy and fun to every event she attends. She is a frequent participant in fundraisers for The Haven, not only attending herself but also rallying her family and friends to join in.
A standout moment cited by The Haven that truly captures Jayne’s spirit was when she and her husband,
Chris, dressed up in inflatables as reindeers at The Haven’s Jingle and Jog event, goofing off with spectators and encouraging runners with their playful energy. Her ability to spread the word about The Haven’s mission is so important to the organization’s standing in the community.
Beyond her involvement with The Haven, Jayne actively supports numerous nonprofits throughout the community, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to making a difference. She is also a passionate advocate for individuals with disabilities, tirelessly working to promote inclusive policies and leading memorable vacations designed for those with disabilities.
Jayne’s dedication, enthusiasm, and dynamic presence make her a true passionary. Her impact on The Haven is profound, and we are delighted to highlight Jayne for her volunteer-driven efforts that inspire and uplift those around her.
KATH i E ROBERTS
Kathie Roberts has served on the Board of Directors of Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) of the Suncoast for six years, including as board chair for the past three years. She brings both business acumen and deep, heartfelt support for the mission of JFCS.
Kathie’s board service has been described as “unwavering, visionary leadership framed with caring, kindness and gratitude.” She was recently described by a fellow JFCS Board member as “the most consequential Board Chair in JFCS history. Her outstanding leadership guided us through a very dangerous downward financial and reputational spiral and provided the necessary leadership to get us on a path for success. She refused to compromise in managing our search for a new CEO [resulting in the hire of Dr. Helene Lotman in January 2023] and she has been instrumental in building a very talented board.”
Incoming Board Chair Stacie Herrera says of Kathie that she “… has held herself and this organization to a very high standard, setting the bar for excellence as we turned the organization around…. Her warmhearted, compassionate spirit has radiated through this board and out into the community.”
Kathie’s time at JFCS is part of a long history of community service. Kathie and her husband moved to Sarasota in 2003 after her retirement as a Human Resources executive for Federated
Department Stores. She immediately looked for ways to make an impact in her new hometown and became a Volunteer Consultant with the Executive Service Corps of Manasota, helping local nonprofits with various HR issues. She then volunteered with the Nonprofit Resource Center at the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to help nonprofits build capacity. Agencies she worked with include the Girl Scouts, Forty Carrots, and Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC).
Kathie loved this work because it allowed her to give back while learning a great deal about the community. One of those learnings was that local nonprofits needed more local data for compensation and benefit decisions. Kathie partnered with CFSC to create their very first nonprofit salary and benefit survey and was involved in several more versions. She was then served on the CFSC Board of Directors for nine years – two as Board Chair – and was involved with the national search for their new CEO, Roxie Jerde, in 2010-2011.
Kathie also helped develop and facilitate a “CEO Assimilation Day” for Roxie where she could meet staff, develop relationships and learn programs quickly. It was such a success that she helped do the same process
for Jennifer Rominiecki at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and several other CEOs.
Kathie was asked to join the JFCS Board by former CEO, Heidi Brown, in 2018. Kathie visited several JFCS programs, including Camp Mariposa, a year-long camp for youth who are impacted by a household member’s substance abuse. Campers engage in various activities to learn about addiction prevention, healthy relationships and building self-esteem. Kathie was so moved by the joy and resiliency of the youth at Camp Mariposa and states that “any one of them could have been one of my grandkids, and I thought how grateful I would be for them to have this system of support if they needed it.” Kathie has also been involved in JFCS’ annual Veteran Stand Down, an all-day event for veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability, to connect them with needed services such as housing, health and dental care, clothing, food, and employment.
Kathie’s spirit and passion for the important work being done by JFCS in the community is very special and we are proud to recognize her impact at JFCS.
ASOLO REP STAGES WITH FAMED IRISH DIRECTOR
BY SCOTT FERGUSON
When the stage lights come up on Dancing at Lughnasa at Asolo Repertory Theatre, audiences will be transported to a 1930s village in the northwest of the Republic of Ireland called Ballybeg, home to a family of five sisters. It’s a fictional town, created in the imagination of playwright Brian Friel, but it’s based on the town of Glenties in County Donegal where his mother grew up. The name Ballybeg, which is the setting for many of Friel’s plays, is an Anglicized version of Baile Beag, which literally means “small town.”
All five of the sisters in Dancing at Lughnasa (pronounced “LOO-nă-săh”) are unmarried, but one of them has a son, Michael, who was born “out of wedlock,” as the saying goes. Not surprisingly, this was quite scandalous in Roman Catholic Ireland of that era. The adult Michael, looking back on his time growing up with the Mundy sisters — Chris (Michael’s mother), Maggie, Agnes, Rose and Kate — is the play’s on-stage narrator. The audience never sees Michael as a boy, but the grown-up Michael speaks his occasional lines.
“THERE’S A LOT OF HUMOR IN IT, BUT AS THE PLAY MOVES ALONG AND BEFORE THE INTERMISSION, BRIAN TELLS US THAT THIS IS NOT GOING TO WORK OUT AS YOU THINK; THERE ARE DARKER ELEMENTS INVOLVED HERE. THAT SENSE OF IMPENDING DOOM LOOMS OVER THE PLAY; IT HAS A DEPTH THAT’S WONDERFUL FOR ACTORS TO EXPLORE.”
Dancing at Lughnasa was first produced at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre in 1990, and opened on Broadway in 1991. It received the Tony Award for Best Play in 1992.
Peter Rothstein, Asolo Rep’s Producing Artistic Director calls the play “a true masterpiece. The Irish have a rich history of great dramatists, and Brian Friel is certainly one of them. He writes with remarkable specificity about the Irish people, but also illuminates profound truths about the human experience.”
Irish stage director Joe Dowling, who was the youngest Artistic Director of Dublin’s Abbey Theatre at age 28 and served as Artistic Director of the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis from 1995 to 2015, will direct the Asolo Rep production.
Rothstein has known and often collaborated with Dowling since they both worked in Minneapolis, where Rothstein co-founded Theater Latté Da in 1998 and served as its Artistic Director until 2023, when he became Producing Artistic Director of Asolo Rep.
“Joe’s love of language and his rigorous investigation into character make him a truly great director,” says Rothstein. “We both worked in the Twin Cities vibrant theater community for over 25 years. He has been an extraordinary mentor and friend.”
Dowling, who has directed many of Friel’s plays at various theaters, knew the playwright well and worked with him often, until Friel’s death in 2015.
“Brian Friel and I were good friends,” says Dowling. “I love his work, and I think Lughnasa is an extraordinary play. There’s a lot of humor in it, but as the play moves along and before the intermission, Brian tells us that this is not going to work out as you think; there are darker elements involved here. That sense of impending doom looms over the play; it has a depth that’s wonderful for actors to explore.”
As Michael the narrator explains at the start of the play, Lugh is the ancient Celtic god of the harvest. August first was La Lughnasa, the feast day of Lugh, marking the start of the harvest festival, which was celebrated by dancing and drinking. One of the sisters, Maggie, proposes naming the family’s newly acquired wireless radio set after Lugh, because it can produce music (when it works) to inspire dancing and revelry. But the oldest sister, Kate, is a proper schoolteacher and does not approve of naming the radio after a “pagan god.” So they call it “Marconi,” after the name on the wireless.
“What I love about the play is that all of the sisters adore little Michael,” says Dowling. “We know from the first scene that Kate is a school mistress. She has that kind of propriety, and she’s also a deeply religious Catholic woman. At night, she talks to the child and reads him a story before he goes to sleep. I find that enormously reassuring on a human level — that no matter how dogmatic people may be about their religion or their social views, when you’re actually faced with a child, a lot of those things break down and it just becomes a beautiful thing to see.
“And Maggie has a great relationship with this little fellow. She’s the joker of the family and she just loves teasing him and he loves Aunt Maggie. I mean, those family relationships are irrespective of how he was born or what his parental status is, the status of his parents. It’s a very human play.”
To complicate matters, Michael’s Uncle Jack, an older brother of the sisters, has just returned from 25 years of missionary work as a priest in Uganda to live in the house, bringing the rituals of an African village, fatigue and a confused mind. The quiet life of the sisters is further interrupted when Michael’s father, Gerry Evans, returns to Ballybeg after more than a year of being away. Michael and his mother, Chris, are forced to confront Gerry’s sudden reappearance and his uncertain plans for the future.
Despite a growing economic uncertainty in the family, or perhaps in part because of it, at one point the sisters can’t resist joining hands in a group dance that’s alluded to in the play’s title.
“The big dance the sisters do together is one of the most memorable scenes in the play,” says Dowling. “There’s a kind of magic about it. And the dance has that sense of almost anarchy that in terms of the play could be described as a pagan ritual.
“When you see it on stage, you see that it starts simply and turns into a frenzy. You get palpitations; it’s an incredible moment. This play transformed Irish theater, in part because of that sense of movement that Brian evokes in that scene and others. He’s had a big influence
“THERE’S A KIND OF MAGIC ABOUT IT...”
on writers that followed him. To see the dance live on the stage in front of you, with these women who are literally sweating and screaming in front of you, is just amazing.”
After Friel died in 2015, critic Michael Billington of The Guardian called him “the finest Irish dramatist of his generation” and said his plays are “of enormous and lasting significance.”
Rothstein says the Asolo Rep production of Dancing at Lughnasa will feature a gorgeous set by Tony Award-winning scenic designer John Lee Beatty, “one of the most prolific and celebrated designers of the American theater.”
The look of the production contributes to the overall feeling and sense of place that the play conveys. Rothstein says audiences will be enthralled by the way playwright Brian Friel, director Joe Dowling and the actors invite them in to Dancing at Lughnasa’s compelling story.
“Joe’s history with Friel and his deep knowledge of these characters and the world they inhabit,” says Rothstein, “will inspire a truly insightful theatrical experience.”
For more information and tickets to Dancing at Lughnasa (March 19-April 19, 2025) and other productions in Asolo Rep’s current season, visit AsoloRep.org or call the box office at 941-351-8000.
‘Genius Choreographers’ THE SARASOTA BALLET PRESENTS WORKS BY
BY SCOTT FERGUSON • PHOTOS BY FRANK ATURA
To close out its 2024-25 season, The Sarasota Ballet will treat audiences to dances choreographed by three giants of ballet choreography — Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins.
The works include Program Six: Romeo and Juliet , the Company premiere of Ashton’s full-length ballet, based on Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers, with music by Sergei Prokofiev. Three performances will be presented March 28 and 29 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
On April 25 and 26, the Company will stage Program Seven: Movements of Genius at the Sarasota Opera House. The three ballets featured in the program are Serenade , with choreography by George Balanchine, set to music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky; In the Night , choreographed by Jerome Robbins, with music by Frédéric Chopin; and A Wedding Banquet , another Ashton masterwork of choreography, with music by Lord Berners.
Romeo & Juliet was originally scheduled to be staged by The Sarasota Ballet in its 2019-20 season, so audiences have waited five years to see the production. Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri says Director Iain Webb broke the news that the production would be delayed indefinitely.
“In March of 2020, we were doing a studio dress rehearsal of Romeo & Juliet when Iain came in to announce that we had to shut down because of Covid,” remembers Barbieri. “All the dancers wanted to do it because they didn’t know when there would be another chance. And the very next day we closed down.”
In fact, Romeo & Juliet ’s journey to The Sarasota Ballet was much longer than five years. There was, of course, Shakespeare’s version, written and first performed in London in the 1590s. But it wasn’t until 1935 that Prokofiev composed the music for a ballet based on the play, which was staged by Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet in 1940.
Luke Schaufuss, a Principal Dancer with The Sarasota Ballet, portrays Romeo in one of the Company’s two casts that will be seen onstage. Macarena Gimenez is paired with Luke as Juliet; Ricardo Rhodes is Romeo to Jessica Assef’s Juliet in the second cast.
Schaufuss tells the origin story of the ballet: “In the 1950s, Sir Frederick Ashton wanted to do Romeo and Juliet as a ballet. It had never been done in the West; it had only been done in Russia. So he went to The Royal Ballet in London and said, ‘I want to do this piece.’ He was told he couldn’t do it then, because they were bringing the Bolshoi to London and they wanted to avoid being compared to that world-famous ballet company. But being quite a character, Sir Frederick had this idea and he wanted to pursue it. So he ended up doing it for The Royal Danish Ballet.
“That’s an interesting twist, because it makes it very different from other productions that he’s mainly done for The Royal Ballet in London. It’s almost as if you’re a painter, and suddenly you’re painting with different brushes. So it has different nuances than his other ballets that were originally performed in England.”
You might say Luke Schaufuss was born to dance the role of Romeo. His grandmother, Mona Vangsaae, was the original Juliet in The Royal Danish Ballet production, and his grandfather, Frank Schaufuss, danced as Mercutio. Luke’s father, Peter Schaufuss, was also in the original Danish staging as a child, and is today the owner of the production of Ashton’s Romeo & Juliet .
How can a wordless ballet convey what Shakespeare famously expressed in some of the most beautiful words in the English language?
Romeo and Juliet Image of Sierra
Abelardo and Maximiliano Iglesias
Romeo and Juliet Image of Sierra Abelardo and Maximiliano Iglesias
Romeo and Juliet Image of Sierra Abelardo and Maximiliano Iglesias
“In many ways, dance does it really well,” says Barbieri, “because you’re not reliant on the words. That lets the audience read more into the story. Prokofiev’s music is amazing, and the choreography tells the story really well. And I should add that this ballet has rarely been performed in the U.S. It was last staged in America by the Los Angeles Ballet in 2016.”
Luke Schaufuss adds, “There’s a lot to see in the production. It’s a very human story. Whether you know anything about ballet or not, you’ll understand what’s going on completely.”
Ricardo Graziano, another Principal Dancer with the Company, plays Lord Capulet in one cast and Tybalt in the other. He says the production is beautiful.
“The whole Company is on stage at various times,” Graziano notes, “including scenes in the marketplace.” Barbieri adds that the large Van Wezel stage adds to the grandeur of the production.
The Company moves to the Sarasota Opera House for Program Seven: Movements of Genius. Both Schaufuss and Barbieri emphasize that the program showcases the work of three of the most celebrated choreographers in the history of ballet.
“It doesn’t get any better than Balanchine, Robbins and Ashton,” says Schaufuss. “They’re the biggest thing in ballet and these are incredible works. Seeing them in one program doesn’t usually happen. So it’s really special.”
Barbieri says, “Iain is very good at programming, and he put these three ballets together on the same program to highlight these renowned choreographers and our dancers.”
Serenade is the first ballet in Program Seven. “It’s a dream ballet for every dancer, especially the women,” says Barbieri. “There are seventeen corps de ballet dancers and they all are in this ballet. The principal dancers are amazing as well.
“It’s something our audiences have seen before and loved. Everybody talked about it during Covid. They said, ‘We want to see Serenade because it’s so uplifting.’ There’s something about Tchaikovsky’s music and Balanchine’s choreography; it’s wonderful.”
Next up in Program Seven is In the Night, set to the music of Chopin’s nocturnes, with solo piano played by Cameron Grant. The ballet is choreographed by Jerome Robbins, whose range of talents included choreographing ballets (including Fancy Free, The Cage and Afternoon of a Faun ), choreographing Broadway musicals ( West Side Story, Gypsy, Fiddler on the Roof ) and movies, including the Academy Award-winning film version of West Side Story
Barbieri describes In the Night as “a very atmospheric ballet. It’s danced by three couples. During the night, these couples meet. One couple represents euphoric love, one is more restrained, and one is more tempestuous. It’s woven together beautifully.”
Marijana Dominis, Macarena Gimenez, and Daniel Pratt in George Balanchine’s Serenade
Marijana Dominis, Victoria Hulland, and Daniel Pratt in George Balanchine’s Serenade
Ricardo Graziano and Marijana Dominis in Jerome Robbins’ In the Night
The Company returns to the work of Sir Frederick Ashton to close out Program Seven. A Wedding Bouquet is unusual among ballets because it features an on-stage narrator, in this case Barry Wordsworth, Principal Guest Conductor of The Royal Ballet. The ballet is based on a play by American writer Gertrude Stein about a groom’s embarrassment that many of the guests at his wedding are his former lovers.
“It’s a charming, fun ballet that takes place in a French village,” says Barbieri. “The bridegroom is about to get married to this charming, ditzy little bride. All the characters are very real and very funny.”
Lord Berners, the composer and designer, used Stein’s plot and words as a starting point for the story. The words were originally sung by a chorus, which was replaced by a narrator in 1941 when a chorus was unavailable. The role of a narrator continued in future productions.
Ashton’s choreography complements the spoken words and music, with all the elements underscoring the quirky characters and comedic elements of the ballet.
Barbieri emphasizes that the four ballets in the two programs — the fulllength Romeo & Juliet in Program Six and the three ballets in Program Seven — represent the breadth of artistry and diverse styles of choreography in the legacies of Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, and how their styles were influenced by the music of different composers. Audiences will get to see excellent examples of that artistry in these two outstanding programs.
For tickets and information, visit SarasotaBallet.org or call the box office at 941-359-0099.
Ellen Overstreet, Victoria Hulland & Juan Gil in Sir Frederick Ashton’s A Wedding Bouquet
SELBY GARDENS Master Plan
LOOKING AHEAD TO PHASE TWO
By Reno Gomez
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a staple destination along Florida’s Cultural Coast. With Phase One of its ambitious Master Plan complete and open to the public, the 15-acre Downtown Sarasota Campus has grown with 188,030 square feet of new facilities and amenities. Phase Two of the Plan is expected to break ground late 2025, with its opening anticipated for 2027.
Eco sustainability is built into every step of the Master Plan. With the accomplishment of opening Phase One in January of last year, Selby Gardens has created the world’s first net-positive energy botanical complex. The Morganroth Family Living Energy Access Facility (LEAF) is crowned by a 50,000 square foot network of solar power, generating more energy than consumed. The LEAF hosts a new gift shop, parking, and a garden-to-plate restaurant. The Green Orchid by Michael’s on the East is the first ever net-positive energy restaurant.
An additional 7,000 square feet of solar capacity sits atop the Steinwachs Family Plant Research Center, alongside the Elizabeth Moore Rooftop Garden. Inside, the Herbarium and Laboratory is home to Selby Gardens’ research collection of over 115,000 tropical plant specimens. This diverse collection of dried and pressed Orchidaceae, Bromeliaceae, Gesneriaceae, and other Florida native specimens are available to visiting scientists and students to study in one place. The center also houses Selby Gardens’ Spirit Collection, which contains approximately 35,000 vials of flowers and plant parts preserved in fluid. This collection is the largest in the western hemisphere, and second largest globally, following the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, in London.
Staff botanists, horticulturists, and amateur plant enthusiasts alike utilize the invaluable Selby Gardens Research Library. The extensive collection of books has over 7,700 volumes, including the 500-volume Rare Book Collection dating to the late 1600s, and media on botany, ecology, and horticulture. A searchable online catalogue allows registered users to view availability, submit reviews, and more.
Phase One also unveiled the Jean Goldstein Welcome Center, featuring a ticketing pavilion, welcome gallery and welcome theater. Guests can also enjoy the multiuse recreational trail surrounding the perimeter of the project, and new garden and water features. Restorations efforts of historic Palm Avenue, which runs through the heart of the Gardens as a pedestrian-only promenade, allow for safer and easier access to the facilities.
Below the surface, the storm water management system runs along the footprint of the entire project. The system collects the rainwater to be cleaned and filtered before returning it to Sarasota Bay.
From the start of Phase One, Selby Gardens sought to emphasize the economic impact of the project to benefit the region. A partnership with CareerEdge Funders Collaborative at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce provided training for residents in the community.
Upon completing the trade courses, students were considered for employment by subcontractors working with the Plan’s construction management company Willis A. Smith Construction. Hiring priority was given to subcontractors who employed graduates of the program.
With zoning permits already approved, Phase Two promises to further aide plant research and preservation with its additions. A stunning glass greenhouse complex will house and protect the living collection, building on the Garden’s commitment to eco-sustainability with 100% renewable energy, sustainable water harvesting, and resilient design. Over 20,000 scientifically documented plants, including the world-renowned collections of orchids and bromeliads, will be visible through an immersive botanical experience. As of today, less than 5% of this astounding collection is visible to the public, but the addition of the Conservatory Complex will bring nearly 100% into view and allow for growth with new additions. Phase Two will also see the repurposing of the old glass houses with several new garden features.
“The Living Collections are core to Selby Gardens,” says President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki. “As it stands, it’s housed primarily in aging infrastructure, in the flood zone. The new complex will allow us to move it out of the highrisk zone, raising it up, and putting it in resilient structures designed to withstand the threat of hurricanes.”
Adjacent to the new complex will be the new Learning Pavilion, expanding and enhancing all plant science education programs for children and adults. The flexible learning space will be able to accommodate both indoor and outdoor programs. Current facilities educate over 10,000 children and families annually, and that number is expected to grow.
As of November 2024, Phase Two has raised $40.3 million for the planned additions, over 66% of the fundraising goal of $60.9 million. Over $103 million has been raised for the Master Plan as a whole, with 99% of all funds coming from private philanthropy.
Plans for Phase Three include continued restoration of historic landmarks, such as the Payne Mansion, which serves as the Museum of Botany & the Arts, bolstering of protective sea walls, renovations of the docks, and unification of walking paths along the grounds.
Each completed step of the Master Plan further enables Selby Gardens to continue its work as The Living Museum®. The patented model reflects that of traditional art museums, rotating through different programs, exhibits, and events, which connects to the thriving arts community of Sarasota. Selby Gardens is thrilled to have the community’s continued support, not only for the completion of Phase Two, but of the upcoming exhibitions. The ninth installment of the Jean & Alfred Goldstein Exhibition Series highlights the gardening life of George Harrison, former guitarist of the Beatles, whose passion for plants brought him to purchase and restore a Victorian estate to fill with greenery and music. The George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life exhibit runs through June 29, 2025.
Supporting the future of Selby Gardens, and the future development of the Master Plan, is encouraged through all levels of contribution, including donations, program sponsorship and support, volunteer efforts and more. Additional information on opportunities can be found online at www.selby.org
spA rcc Auxili A ry
By Tom Reese • Photo by Nancy Guth
Beginning in 1983, a group of dedicated community members recognized the need to increase awareness and support for Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) and its mission and came together to form the SPARCC Auxiliary.
What began as a small gathering quickly grew into a dynamic network of volunteers committed to advocacy and fundraising. Today, the SPARCC Auxiliary continues to play a crucial role in spreading awareness and organizing various fundraisers to support SPARCC’s life-changing work.
The nonprofit organization itself was established in 1979, as the state-certified center for domestic and sexual violence, serving both Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. It now has its main outreach center in downtown Sarasota,
satellite offices in Venice, North Port, and Arcadia, and an Emergency Shelter (with pet kennel) operating 365 days a year in an undisclosed location. The mission is to provide a safe haven and promote empowerment, awareness, and social change to end domestic and sexual violence.
Services from SPARCC include: 24-hour helpline, advocacy, safety planning, children’s assessments, 24-hour hospital response, therapy, legal services, economic empowerment, support groups (with childcare offered), housing stability, access to clothing and household items from SPARCC Treasure Chest, and community education. All programs and services are free and confidential.
Apart from the traditional methods of philanthropy such as direct financial donations, the SPARCC Auxiliary works
a s par K of h ope, h ealin G, and e mpoW erment
together throughout the year to create exciting events that raise money and social awareness for SPARCC such as annual fashion shows, golf tournaments, luncheons and more. The largest annual fundraiser produced by the Auxiliary is the SPARCC Runway Fashion Show. This year’s theme, Sarasota Seascape – Tides and Trends, will take place on March 28, 2025, at 10 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, where over 600 attendees will enjoy shopping in the pop-up Treasure Chest fashion boutique, a delicious luncheon and an amazing runway fashion show. Tickets are available for only $225, and a portion of the cost is tax deductible. (www.sparcc.net/sparcc-runway-fashion-show).
“The fashion show fundraiser started in the 80’s, but not quite on the same scale as going to the Ritz-Carlton,” said longtime SPARCC Auxiliary Board Member, Nancy
Raymond. “The first one I can remember was at someone’s home around the pool and we had $10 boxed lunches. It’s certainly turned into a major event, being hosted at The Ritz Carlton for over 15 years now.”
All fashions used in the show come from the SPARCC Treasure Chest resale store.
There you can find designer clothing, jewelry, furniture, home accessories, antiques and collectibles, all at bargain prices thanks to local donors who help support the mission through donations. All proceeds from the store go directly to help fund SPARCC’s free and confidential programs and services. In addition, SPARCC survivors receive vouchers to shop at the store free of charge for the items they need.
“
Participation helps us increase social awareness around domestic and sexual violence and about all the great work SPARCC does in our community. And it also helps the organization to raise critical funding too. — SPARCC Auxiliary President, Bonnie Van Overbeke
The Treasure Chest is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 1426 Fruitville Rd. They are always accepting new donations to keep the inventory fresh, and they are always looking for volunteers like Nancy to help run the store.
The growth of the Auxiliary and its collective accomplishments is outstanding. The sky’s the limit for what it will achieve in the future.
“These women have been growing their group and these events to become really successful fundraisers for our organization for over 40 years,” said Mary Ellen Mancini, Vice President of Philanthropy for SPARCC. “Every member is a volunteer, none of them are paid, and all funds go directly to SPARCC. It’s really such a lovely group of people.”
As it stands, there are around 200 members of SPARCC Auxiliary, but there is always room for more. Becoming a member is simple, you pay an annual $35 membership fee ($50 for a family) and participate as much or as little as you’d like. Whether it’s checking in attendees at a golf tournament, building safe kits for survivors needing advocacy at local hospitals, or fully diving into event planning, there is something for everyone regardless of the amount of time they can give.
“It’s a great way for people that want to give back to our community to be involved in a supportive group that is always doing great things,” said Mary Ellen. “Membership cost is so reasonable and there’s no pressure on members. Nobody counts how many times you attend an event or participate. It’s just a really nurturing environment designed to get more people involved in our cause.”
Aspiring members are encouraged to attend monthly coffee meetings to connect with current members. This is also a great opportunity to learn more about SPARCC and how one person can make a huge difference in our community.
“It’s a perfect time to come and find out how they can get involved,” said Nancy. “Our coffee meetings are somewhat of a social event, but there is always an educational element as well. Last month, the SPARCC Shelter Director spoke to the group and answered questions. Whether you’re a new or an old member, it’s always interesting and we’re always learning more.”
Sadly, almost everyone has a connection to someone that is a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault. Members of SPARCC Auxiliary do not need to be experts in the field of crisis care, nor do they need to know how to talk to survivors or deal with specific cases to be involved and give back.
“As a member of SPARCC Auxiliary, you are an ambassador for the organization,” said SPARCC Auxiliary President, Bonnie Van Overbeke “Participation helps us increase social awareness around domestic and sexual violence and about all the great work SPARCC does in our community. And it also helps the organization to raise critical funding too.”
The growth of the Auxiliary and its collective accomplishments are truly outstanding. There really is no limit for all that they plan to achieve for the betterment of SPARCC both now and in the future. If you would like to learn more about the organization or have interest in becoming a member of SPARCC Auxiliary, please visit www.sparcc.net/sparcc-auxiliary/ for more information.
e D uc Ation matters
EMPOWERING YOUTH: BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES LAUNCHES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM
By Hunter Hageman
In a groundbreaking effort to enhance mental wellness among youth, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) have implemented a Behavioral Health Program designed to provide critical mental health support to youth aged 6 to 18. This initiative not only addresses immediate mental health needs but also aims to equip young individuals with lifelong emotional resilience and social skills. By focusing on holistic development, the program is reshaping how communities perceive and address mental health challenges among children and teens.
A Collaborative Vision Realized
The Behavioral Health Program, which officially launched in March 2024, stems from years of planning and vision by the BGCSDC team led by Danae Koeper, MSW, LCSW, Director of Behavioral Health Services. With the hiring of its first mental health professional within a couple of months, BGCSDC took significant strides toward in-house mental health services. This program reflects the organization’s commitment to providing accessible, stigma-free mental health resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by youth today.
“It’s been incredible to see this idea become a reality,” shared Danae, the program’s architect. “We now have mental health professionals available in each of our six Clubs, working directly with our members during after-school hours, from 3 to 6 PM as well as during the summer. This direct access to mental health services is a unique offering that many Boys & Girls Clubs nationwide are not yet able to provide in-house.”
The term “mental health professionals” is intentionally used to encompass a broad spectrum of expertise, including social workers, psychologists, and clinicians. These professionals are crucial to tailoring interventions and strategies suitable for the diverse age groups served by the program. Their presence ensures that children have trusted adults to turn to during moments of need.
Comprehensive Services for Young Minds
The Behavioral Health Program offers a dual approach: individualized sessions and group education. Individual sessions are arranged when a need is identified by the youth, their family, or Club professionals. For instance, a child struggling with bullying or familial challenges can receive one-onone counseling after obtaining informed consent.
In addition to individualized care, group sessions play a pivotal role in fostering resiliency and life skills education. These sessions are divided into age-appropriate cohorts:
• Ages 6-8 : Focus on foundational topics like bullying prevention and understanding the role of an “upstander.” These young participants are taught through interactive stories and role-playing
exercises that help them recognize and respond to bullying behaviors in positive ways.
• Ages 9-12 : Emphasize issues like cyberbullying and healthy social interactions in increasing digital environments. Discussions around online safety, respectful communication, and empathy are central to this group’s curriculum.
• Teens: Address complex topics such as emotional regulation, self-esteem building, and managing family or school-related stressors. Teen sessions often include discussions about peer pressure, anxiety management, and strategies for setting healthy boundaries in relationships.
The groups also employ interactive methods like roleplaying, discussions, and techniques such as breathing exercises to teach coping mechanisms. By equipping youth with these tools, the program empowers them to navigate emotional challenges with confidence and resilience.
Community Impact and Milestones
Since its inception, the program has made a measurable difference. Over 200 children have participated in the program across the six Clubs. Using pre- and post-observation metrics, mental health professionals document behavioral changes and progress. This datadriven approach ensures the program’s efficacy and highlights its importance in addressing unmet needs.
“We see kids coming in with anxiety, anger, or emotional challenges, and we’re able to provide them with tools to navigate their world,” shares Danae. “The results are visible not just in their behavior but also in their overall confidence and engagement. Helping our youth be respectful and kind to one another in a world that can be difficult for them is paramount. We teach our kids through therapeutic interventions how to better resolve conflict and regulate their emotions. Kids who were once shy and timid may be the first to raise their hand in STEM lessons. Kids who never spoke are sharing highlights about their school day with us. That’s progress.”
Moreover, parents and members have expressed gratitude for the program, citing its accessibility and impact. Unlike private therapy sessions, which can cost upwards of $150 per visit, this program is accessible to all registered Club members at no cost, removing a significant barrier for many families in the community.
Addressing Challenges
Despite its success, the program faces significant challenges, primarily funding. In June 2024, the Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs’ Opioid Awareness and Prevention Program was unexpectedly vetoed from the state budget, resulting in a $5 million loss. For BGCSDC, this translated into a $217,000 shortfall for the Behavioral Health Program.
Replacing this shortfall has been a top priority for BGCSDC leadership. A targeted fundraising initiative is underway, with several community foundations, including lead support from Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and individual donors already stepping up. This effort highlights the community’s recognition of the program’s value and the urgency of sustaining it. The funding shortfall also underscores the importance of public awareness. By rallying community support, BGCSDC aims to secure sustainable funding and expand its reach.
“Community-wide support for this program is not just about addressing immediate challenges – it’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where our area’s next leaders can thrive emotionally and mentally,” said Bill Sadlo, President/CEO of BGCSDC. “An investment in this program equips youth with the skills and resilience they need to face life’s complexities, ultimately helping them prepare for success.”
Building Resilience for the Future
The program’s long-term goals include expanding the number of mental health professionals to serve more
youth and extending the program’s reach to other Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. The in-house model, a rarity among Boys & Girls Clubs, serves as an inspiring example for similar organizations nationwide.
The program also seeks to normalize conversations about mental health. By reducing stigma and promoting emotional well-being, BGCSDC aims to foster a supportive environment where children feel safe to express their emotions and seek help when needed. These efforts contribute to a culture of acceptance and understanding, which benefits the entire community.
A Call to Action
As the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties continue its mission to empower youth, its leadership invites the community to join its efforts. Through awareness, advocacy, and financial support, everyone can contribute to the sustainability and growth of the Behavioral Health Program. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential.
FOR MORE INFORMATION on how to support this vital initiative, community members can donate or learn more about the program by visiting bgcsdc.org or by calling 941-366-3911.
BARTIST SERIES CONCERTS
941.306.1200 / artistseriesconcerts.org
Harp Royalty
March 2
Horns of Plenty
March 13
Catalyst Quartet
March 30
ASOLO REPERTORY THEATRE
941.351.8000 / asolorep.org
Anna in the Tropics Through March 13
Dancing at Lughnasa
March 21 - April 19
CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY
941.556.5349 / circusarts.org
Circus Sarasota Through March 9
Cirque des Voix
March 21-22
ENSEMBLENEWSRQ ensrq.org
Critical Moments
March 17
FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE
941.366.9000 / floridastudiotheatre.org
The Cancellation of Lauren Fein Through March 15
Life’s a Beach Through March 23 59th Street Bridge Through March 30 Divas
Through June 22
GUITAR SARASOTA
941.260.3306 / guitarsarasota.org
Los Angeles Guitar Quartet
March 15
ISLAND PLAYERS
941.778.5755 / theislandplayers.org
Death by Design
March 13-30
KEY CHORALE
941.552.8768 / keychorale.org
Tomorrow’s Voices Tonight
March 10
Cirque des Voix March 21-22
LEMON BAY PLAYHOUSE
941.921.4845/lemonbayplayhouse.com
The Odd Couple
March 5-30
McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre
Artist Series Concerts
Guitar Sarasota
MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
941.749.1111/ manateeperformingartscenter.com
Death of a Salesman
Through March 9
The Sound of Music
March 6-23
Beatle-Beat:
A Tribute to the Beatles
March 11
MCCURDY’S COMEDY THEATRE
941.925.3869/mccurdyscomedy.com
Jon Dicrosta
March 5-8
An Evening with Larry the Cable Guy
March 9
Humor Institute Class Performance
March 12
Bermuda Mavericks
March 13, 19, 23
Bob Marley
March 14-16
Orny Adams
March 20-22
Open Bar Comedy
March 25
Jim Mccue
March 26-30
Drag Queen Bingo Extravaganza
March 30
THE SARASOTA PLAYERS
941.365.2494 / the players.org
Fun Home
March 6-16
THE POPS ORCHESTRA
941.926.7677 / thepopsorchestra.org
Love it like a Local
March 23-24
THE SARASOTA BALLET
941.359.0099 / sarasotaballet.org
P5: Mark Morris Dance Group
Through March 3
P6: Romeo & Juliet
March 28-29
(941) 955-5133
The Sarasota Ballet
SARASOTA CONCERT ASSOCIATION
941.365.2494 / scasarasota.org
National Symphony Orchestra
March 24
SARASOTA CONTEMPORARY DANCE
941.260.8485 / sarasotacontemporarydance.org
In Studio, Ariel Blue March 8
Virtual In Studio, Ariel Blue March 10
Dance Makers 2025 March 13-16
Virtual Dance Makers 2025 March 18
In Studio, SaraSolo March 29 - April 12
SARASOTA JEWISH THEATRE
941.225.6500 / sarasotajewishtheatre.com
Lost in Yonkers
March 19-30
SARASOTA OPERA
941.928.1300 / sarasotaopera.org
Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci Through March 29
The Barber of Seville Through March 29
The Marriage of Figaro
March 8-28
Stiffelio March 15-30
SARASOTA ORCHESTRA
941.953.4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org
The Planets
March 6-9
A Musical Comedy
March 12-16
20th Century Masters
March 20
Sarasota Opera
URBANITE THEATRE
941.321.1397 / urbanitetheatre.com
The Black Party
March 8
No One is Forgotten
March 21 - April 29
VAN WEZEL PERFORMING ARTS HALL
941.953.3368 / vanwezel.org
Neil Berg’s 115 Years of Broadway
March 2
The Temptations and The Four Tops 40th Anniversary
March 3
Twyla Tharp Dance: Diamond Jubilee
March 4
Golden GrooversDances from the 90’s
March 5
Gladys Knight
March 5
RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles
March 6
Sarasota Orchestra presents The Planets
March 7
Town Hall Presents Dr. Moiya McTier
March 10
Lewis Black: Goodbye Yeller Brick RoadThe Final Tour
March 11
Matteo Bocelli
March 12
ZZ Top: The Elevation Tour
March 13
Jay Leno with Special Guest Arsenio Hall
March 14
Get the Led Out -
A Celebration of “The Mighty Zep”
March 15
Itzhak Perlman in Recital
March 16
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
March 18-23
Sarasota Concert Association presents National Symphony Orchestra
March 24
Town Hall Presents H.R. McMaster
March 24
VENICE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
941.218.3779 / veniceperformingartscenter.com
Brass Transit
March 7
Beatles vs. Stones
March 8
Crazy For Gershwin
March 14-15
An Evening with Norm Lewis
March 16
ABBA Revisited
March 21
The Rat Pack Returns
March 22
Venice Concert Band
March 24
VENICE SYMPHONY
941.207.8822 / thevenicesymphony.org
Crazy For Gershwin
March 14-15
Capstan Chamber Series:
Venice Symphony Woodwind Quintet
March 16
The Rat Pack Returns
March 22
VENICE THEATRE
941.218.3779 / venicetheatre.org
The Lightning Thief Through March 23
The Astro Yachts
March 9
The Silver Foxes
March 11-16
An Evening with Norm Lewis
March 16
A Tribute to Elvis
March 17
Ray! The Soulful Legend
March 24
WESTCOAST BLACK THEATRE TROUPE
941.366.1505 / westcoastblacktheatre.org
Five Guys Names Moe
March 5 - April 6
Renaissance String Quartet
March 24
Dr. Reichbach and his staff have committed to the mission of providing hope to those suffering from pain and mental health illnesses since first opening the Gulf Coast Ketamine Center in 2016. In 2020, the practice began a partnership with Veterans in Pain, a national nonprofit dedicated to solutions for U.S. veterans suffering from physical and emotional chronic pain. Serving as the director of the ketamine division for Veterans in Pain, Dr. Reichbach proudly offers discounted services through Reichbach Center for veterans and their immediate family members. VISIT SCENESARASOTA.COM
for a calendar of performances and events. To submit a performance for listing consideration, please email publisher@scenesarasota.com
art scene
ART CENTER SARASOTA
941.365.2032 / artsarasota.org
Epoch of Change: Footprints of Humanity
Dr. Lydia Wassink
Christina Jensen Vicente
Bobby Aiosa
Gale Fulton Ross
On view through April 19
ARTCENTER MANATEE
941.746.2862 / artcentermanatee.org
Florida Suncoast
Watercolor Society
Annual Aqueous Exhibition March 4 – 28
CHASEN GALLERY
941.260.5787 / chasengalleries.com
Sparkling Seasons: Glass Reflections
Featuring the works of Randi Solin
Chasen Galleries at the Mark
March 14
Sarasota Symphony of Colors III
Chasen Galleries
Southside Village
March 2
CREATURO GALLERY
941.953.6163/ creaturogallery.com
Art Walks Every First Friday March 7
CREATIVE LIBERTIES
941.799.6634 / creativeliberties.net
Beck Lane, Artist-in-Residence Creative Liberties at Gaze Gallery 340 Central Avenue
March 13
Family Art Day at 927 N Lime Avenue
March 22
DEFINE ART | GALLERY | STUDIO
941.500.2393 / definegallery.com
Portals: Soul Portraits Through March 29
EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES
941.404.5710 / embracingourdifferences.org
2025 Exhibition, Bayfront Park Through April 13
HARMONY GALLERY
941.953.4252 / sarasotaorchestra.org/about/ community/harmony-gallery
Sarasota African American
Cultural Coalition Artist Spotlight March 7 - April 9
ISLAND GALLERY & STUDIOS
941.778.6648 / islandgallerywest.artspan.com
Darryl Goldman: Florida Living March featured artist
LIGON FINE ART GALLERY ANNEX @CLIVE | DANIEL HOME DESIGN
832.361.0308 / angelaligonart.com
Jozef Batko
Oil on Canvas
Pascal Benichou
Oil on Canvas
Duncan Chamberlain
Mixed Media Sculpture
MARA ART STUDIO + GALLERY
941.914.8110 / marastudiogallery.com
Echos of Identity March 28 - April 22
MARIE SELBY BOTANICAL GARDENS
941.366.5731 / selby.org
George Harrison: A Gardener’s Life Through June 29
Sue Elliot — Island Gallery & Studios
Chasen Galleries
Jahkori Dopwell Hall
Island Galleries & Studios
ArtCenter Manatee
&
NORTH PORT ART CENTER
941.423.6460 / northportartcenter.,org
“Legends & Stories” March 15
PALM AVENUE FINE ART
941.388.7526 / palmavenuefineart.com American Society of Marine Artists
March 7-21
Joseph McGurl
March 27 - April 5
RINGLING MUSEUM
941.359.5700 / ringling.org
Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan Through May 11
Conjuring the Spirit World
March 5 - July 13
Catch of the Day:
SARASOTA ART MUSEUM
941.309.4300 / sarasotaartmuseum.org
Molly Hatch: Amalgam Through April 26
Jon Fig:
Contemplating Vermeer Through April 13
Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks Through May 4
SPAACES
941.374.3492 / spaaces.artA Collaborative Exhibition featuring Anthony Mancuso and Bobby Aiosa March 14 - April 12
Flying Fish from Modern Japan Through April 6
Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists from Japan Through May 11
Embodied Through September 21
Robert Rauschenberg: A Centennial Celebration Through August 3
TO SUBMIT YOUR EVENT/EXHIBITION FOR CONSIDERATION , please send information to publisher@scenesarasota.com
Island Gallery
Studios
Creaturo Gallery
MARA Art Studio + Gallery
SPAACES
Art Center Sarasota
meet the performer
miChelle johnson
Michelle Johnson, a soprano of extraordinary talent and acclaim, has captivated audiences worldwide with her mesmerizing performances. As a Grand Prize Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, she has been hailed by critics as “a clear audience favorite,” lauded for her impeccable breath control and velvety voice that effortlessly transports listeners into a realm of musical splendor.
During her 2023-2024 season, she enraptured audiences as Tosca with Madison Opera, returned to Chicago Opera Theater in Shostakovich’s The Nose, debuted with Florentine Opera as Mimì in La bohème, and performed a Love Songs for Valentine’s Day concert with Lyric Fest. Closing out the season, she returned to the role of Turandot with Opera Delaware.
Ms. Johnson has also made a name for herself as one of the most in demand Aida’s in the opera world today, performing Verdi’s tragic heroine with Glimmerglass Music Festival, Opera Santa Barbara, Opera Columbus, Knoxville Opera, Opera Idaho, and Sarasota Opera, among others. A favorite of many houses, past opera credits include Madame Lidoine in Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites , Santuzza in Cavalleria Rusticana , Leonora in Il trovatore, Minnie in La Fanciulla del West, Élisabeth de Valois in Don Carlos, the title role in Manon Lescaut, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, the title role in Suor Angelica , Zemfira in Aleko , Leonora in Oberto , the Countess in Capriccio , and Alice Ford in Falstaff Adept in verismo repertoire as well, Ms. Johnson performed the title roles in the rarely performed Sakuntala and Fedora with Teatro Grattacielo.
Beyond the opera stage, Michelle shines as a concert artist, captivating audiences with her luminous voice and emotive performances. Highlights include her renditions of Verdi’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 , Vaughan Williams’ Dona nobis pacem , and Strauss’ Vier letzte Lieder with esteemed orchestras worldwide. She has also collaborated with renowned conductors for special concerts, including an allFrench Opera concert with Maestro Michel Plasson in Montpellier, France, and an all-Verdi concert with The Princeton Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Rossen Milanov.
Johnson’s talent has been recognized with prestigious awards from organizations such as the William Matheus Sullivan Foundation, Gerda Lissner Foundation, and the Giulio Gari Foundation. To see Johnson’s performance as Countess Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro at Sarasota Opera, call 941.328.1300 to purchase tickets or visit sarasotaopera.org to learn more.
Photo
| A4635126 | $9,750,000
| 941-376-1826
|
Key | A4634879 | $3,759,000
| 941-900-8088
| 941-356-6673
| A4637770 | $3,990,000
| 941-704-0697
| $3,600,000
| 941-993-6842
Longboat Key | A4636769 | $4,975,000 Mel & Jan Goldsmith
Bradenton
Sandi Dietrich
Longboat Key | A4638110
Elizabeth Van Riper
Sarasota
Michael Hays
Sarasota | A4638299
$4,395,000 Lenore Treiman | 941-356-9642
Longboat
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Beacham
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Luxury Retirement Living On Sarasota Bay
Burt Herman