BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES
CAT DEPOT
EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF SARASOTA COUNTY
EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY
HARVEST HOUSE
HOLIDAY HOUSE SRQ
IMPACT100 SRQ
MANATEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
MOTE MARINE LABORATORY & AQUARIUM
NAMI SARASOTA
RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
SAFE CHILDREN COALITION
SARASOTA CUBAN BALLET SCHOOL
SAVE OUR SEABIRDS
SPARCC
SUGAR'S GIFT, INC.
TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN OF MANATEE COUNTY
THE BISHOP MUSEUM
THE SARASOTA BALLET
URBANITE THEATRE
YMCA OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
24 SPIRIT OF GIVING CHAMPIONS SHARE THEIR STORIES
Philanthropically-minded companies and individuals engage with an incredibly vibrant and diverse ecosystem of nonprofit organizations powering good in Sarasota and Manatee.
CCAT DEPOT
at Depot is Sarasota’s leading feline-only free-roaming rescue, adoption, and education center recognized for excellence in serving the community and leadership in rescuing and finding homes for more than 20,900 homeless and abandoned cats and kittens since 2003. Cat Depot believes in treating every cat with humane kindness, love, and care.
TOGETHER – WE ARE CAT DEPOT!
Cat Depot saves lives, nds loving homes, and provides resources and education needed to improve the destiny of homeless cats. Simply put – we help cats and the people who love them. With your help, our priority focus is to keep cats safe and healthy, in their homes, and our lifesaving programs running at full capacity:
• RESCUE Cat Depot works daily to rescue abandoned, abused, injured, and free-roaming community/ feral cats and kittens. In 2024, Cat Depot assisted with local and national rescues due to both natural and man-made disasters.
• ADOPTION Our goal is to nd a good match and loving home for every cat who enters Cat Depot. Nearly 1,200 cats and kittens found forever homes this year through Cat Depot’s adoption program.
• COMMUNITY FOOD BANK Cat Depot provides food for over 1,000 community cats and underserved personal pets each month.
• CAT CARE CLINIC In an effort to care for sick and injured cats and their distressed owners, Cat Depot opened an affordable care clinic in November 2014. Over 6,000 cats and kittens receive treatment each year in the Cat Care Clinic.
• HUMANE EDUCATION Cat Depot is continually working to offer and develop pertinent educational programs and activities that will meet the needs of both homeless cats and members of the community.
EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF SARASOTA COUNTY
THE EARLY LEARNING COALITION (ELC) OF SARASOTA COUNTY prepares young children for lifelong success through quality early learning programs. Our tiny but mighty team serves more than 4,000 children and supports 150 childcare providers every year as we administer and oversee the local integrated system of early education. Professional development trainings and individual coaching for directors and teachers are just a slice of the services provided by our early childhood specialists. Distributing a variety of resources to parents, we also connect them with partner agencies based on their needs. Since a strong start to kindergarten is deeply rooted in early literacy, the ELC manages large-scale, comprehensive literacy programs both in the classroom and community. While we are a state-funded agency, most of our funds are pass-through dollars to pay children’s tuition. Therefore, volunteers and donors propel our mission forward, enabling us to expand the scale and scope of our work!
A CHILD’S FIRST FIVE YEARS MATTER THE MOST— a precious window of opportunity, a time when 90 percent of a child’s brain development occurs, and at a lightning-fast pace. Every sight, sound, smell, and sensation packs a powerful punch as foundations are being laid for a lifetime of learning. The Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Sarasota County works to ensure those critical years are lled with positive interactions and engaging experiences, no matter a child’s zip code. EDUCATE CHILDREN For 20 years, we’ve connected tens of thousands of income-eligible families with childcare nancial assistance through our School Readiness Program. Managing the state’s local Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program, we also offer free preschool to all Florida 4-year-olds, regardless of family income. EMPOWERING FAMILIES To simplify a stressful search, the ELC provides parents with customized lists of childcare sites, touring tips for evaluating sites, and tools to identify “high-quality” care like our exclusive Look For The Stars rating system. ELEVATE TEACHERS High-quality care comes from well-trained teachers. The ELC is the premier hub for professional development of local early educators. In fact, we recently clinched the prestigious designation of a Florida Registered Apprenticeship Program. Of all the ELC’s in the state, we are the rst to run our own program in-house, no collegiate umbrella needed. We offer a Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship program for new and rising teachers at no cost to them. CHAMPION EARLY LITERACY What good is pushing parents to read with their children if there are no books at home? Building home libraries is at the heart of our literacy programming. And we do it in an intentional, meaningful and magical way thanks to our enthusiastic volunteers and compassionate donors. From our Pen-Pal-esque program, Literacy Buddy Project, to our arts-infused Storybook Street event, we distribute 18,000 free books every year.
HARVEST HOUSE
A JOURNEY FROM PAIN TO PURPOSE: AMANDA'S STORY AT HARVEST HOUSE Amanda's life was once de ned by relentless turmoil. She found herself homeless, stripped of self-worth, job skills, and any semblance of stability. Addiction had taken everything. "I want to say it took everything from me, but the truth is I gave everything for it," she recalls. In a desperate attempt for change, she moved to New Jersey, hoping distance could sever the chains of addiction. Instead, isolation only magni ed her struggle. But then, in a moment that felt like fate, she discovered Harvest House. ARRIVING IN FLORIDA, AMANDA STOOD ON THE DOORSTEP OF HARVEST HOUSE, unaware that she was beginning a journey that would forever change her life. The program wasn't just about recovery; it was about rediscovering herself. "They taught me how to respect myself and operate in the world with integrity," she shares. Yet, her path wasn't linear. Amanda completed the program once, only to fall back into old patterns. But when she returned, humbled and determined, she embraced the lessons and community support that she had resisted before. IT WAS THIS CONNECTION THAT LIT A SPARK IN HER TO HELP OTHERS. "The care I received made me want to be that person for someone else," she says. Amanda's lifelong dream of being in the medical eld was reignited—not as a doctor but as a case manager at Harvest House. She realized that while her journey had been marked by pain, it equipped her uniquely to serve those who walked similar paths. WORKING AT HARVEST HOUSE, AMANDA'S MISSION IS TO INSTILL HOPE AND SHOW OTHERS THAT TRANSFORMATION IS POSSIBLE. "Every client I meet, I see a piece of myself in them. For me, it's personal," she states. Amanda's story is a testament to resilience, proving that time, no matter how unkind it may seem, can indeed heal and be used for good.
HARVEST HOUSE , established in 1992, is a nonpro t organization that champions hope and transforms lives through supportive and affordable housing, addiction recovery programs, and food security services in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. With 380 beds across multiple campuses, they serve homeless families, veterans, and individuals overcoming substance abuse and incarceration. Their holistic approach emphasizes personal responsibility and community support, ensuring that dignity remains a non-negotiable aspect of their mission. By democratizing affordable housing, addiction recovery, workforce development, and food security, Harvest House fosters lasting change and stability for generations to come.
HAVE YOU SEEN WHAT WE DO? COME VISIT WITH US! We'll go around on an air-conditioned van to 8 of our Sarasota campuses. You'll learn more about homelessness and addiction, and how Harvest House is working around the clock to address these issues in our community.
HARVEST HOUSE | 941.953.3154 3650 17TH STREET | SARASOTA, FL 34235 INFO@HARVESTHOUSECENTERS.COM
HOLIDAY HOUSE SRQ
HOLIDAY HOUSE SRQ IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION BRINGING THE MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON TO STUDENTS AT TITLE 1 SCHOOLS IN SARASOTA. Founded in 2021 by Sepi Ackerman and Jenny Infanti, the organization transforms ordinary space in a school into an enchanting gift shop, allowing children to select ve presents for family members, friends, or even pets, plus something wonderful for themselves—completely free of charge. By creating this magical experience, Holiday House SRQ ensures every child can enjoy the holidays and learn the gift of giving, without the pressure of nancial limitations. In the majority of cases, this is the student’s only holiday experience of the year, and even more importantly-it’s one of the rare instances when a student learns the joy of giving. Allowing a child to select gifts for people that mean the most to them is an empowering, lasting and unique experience. THE INITIATIVE HAS GROWN FROM ITS INAUGURAL EVENT at Emma E. Booker Elementary to serve multiple schools, including Wilkinson, Alta Vista, and now in it’s fourth year, expanding to Brentwood Elementary. AT THE HEART OF THE EVENT, the magical gift shop is adorned with festive decor, Students browse a wide array of presents and the joyful atmosphere is lled with holiday music playing in the background. While waiting their turn to shop, the students enjoy snacks and draw holiday cards. Once it’s their turn, a personal shopper assists them with the utmost care in their selection, making the entire experience truly memorable. When the children nish selecting their gifts, they are provided with wrapping paper, gift bags and gift tags to complete the experience—tied up perfectly with a bow (pun intended)!
MISSION MOMENT: In addition to providing holiday gifts, Holiday House SRQ is committed to addressing critical needs within the schools. Previous efforts include distributing brand new sneakers to every student at Alta Vista Elementary, ensuring all students had comfortable and supportive footwear. Other needs ful lled included eliminating lunch debts, and providing families most in need with essential supplies to get them through winter break. The commitment continues this year as the organization now builds uniform closets where students in need can select items at no charge.
Community Engagement and Programming: The organization’s success is fueled by the generosity of donors and volunteers. From local individuals, to family trusts, to generous grants from The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and The Junior League of Sarasota, the donations are paving the way for the organization to sustain and grow it’s programming. Volunteers are equally essential. They not only help transform spaces, but assist students shop during the event. Many volunteers have often expressed what a lasting impact it has left on them to witness students experiencing such joy.
The 2024 event will be held this year from December 9-12 simultaneously at all 4 schools. The mission of Holiday House SRQ is simple: to create exceptional holiday experiences and provide needed resources to Title 1 elementary schools. To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit www.holidayhousesrq.org. Every contribution helps bring joy to students who need it most, embodying the true spirit of the holiday season.
SAFE CHILDREN COALITION
SAFE CHILDREN COALITION (SCC) IS THE LEAD COMMUNITY BASED CARE ORGANIZATION PROVIDING CHILD WELFARE SERVICES including Foster Care, Adoption, and Prevention & Diversion programs in Circuit 12 (Sarasota, Manatee, and Desoto counties) on the Suncoast of Florida. It is the only 501c3 nonpro t organization contracted with the state of Florida to provide these services in the region. Our mission is to protect children and youth, strengthen families, and build community. SCC is a unique public/private partnership supported by a combination of generous donors, private foundations, and state and local contracts. Our Preventio and Diversion programs include Youth Prevention Services, Schoolhouse Link, Emergency Response and Assessment Team (E.R.A.T.), Achievers, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) and more, including the only Youth Shelter serving Sarasota and Manatee counties for teens ages 10 – 17 experiencing homelessness, truancy, and behavioral and mental health crises. Last year SCC programs served more than 9,000 children of all ages. Of those served, more than 80% participated in prevention and diversion programs designed to keep children and families and out of the child welfare system. SCC’S BIGGEST INITIATIVE IS COMPLETING A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TO BUILD A NEW YOUTH SHELTER. After many years residing in a building built in 1959, the youth shelter moved into a temporary facility in March 2023 while the program awaits construction of a new building slated to be built at 4409 Sawyer Road in Sarasota. Since its founding in 1991, the Youth Shelter has provided more than 90,000 bed nights for more than 6,000 homeless teens. In addition to being a safe place to stay, the shelter provides wrap-around services like transportation to and from school; individual, group and family counseling; comprehensive safety assessments; clothing; life skills development; educational support; tutoring; case management; and linkages to aftercare services.
OSING A TEEN IS DEVASTATING FOR A FAMILY, and it’s a sad day for our community. The potential for a youth to realize a bright future is dimmed. That was *Carly’s story. That’s where the Youth Shelter comes in. Carly’s parents say in their words, “By the time we realized we had lost our daughter, we needed help. Our communication was broken. Family time always ended in loud screaming matches. Carly was uncooperative and de ant. We didn’t know what to do. The youth shelter was our last resort. The caring shelter staff helped Carly manage her emotions. They helped us create structure for our family. Through family counseling and therapy, we learned how to communicate with each other. Now Carly is back home. And family time is enjoyable. If it wasn’t for the shelter, we are sure we would have lost Carly. We are forever grateful.”
SPARCC
FOR 45 YEARS, SPARCC HAS BEEN A BEACON OF HOPE AND HEALING, WORKING TIRELESSLY TO EMPOWER SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND THEIR CHILDREN. This milestone re ects the strength of our mission, the commitment of our team, and the enduring support of a generous community that has helped us continue this vitally important work. SPARCC SERVES SURVIVORS AND CHILDREN through an outreach center in downtown Sarasota, satellite of ces in Venice, North Port and Arcadia and a shelter operating 24-hours per day, 365 days a year. Wraparound services include a 24-hour crisis helpline and hospital response, court advocacy, legal services, economic empowerment, support groups, therapy, housing stability and community education. All programs and services are free and con dential. Every program, every service, and every life touched through SPARCC reaf rms our dedication to transforming lives and making our community stronger.
OUR MISSION:
• To provide a safe-haven and promote empowerment, awareness, and social change to end domestic and sexual violence.
OUR VISION:
• To break the cycle of domestic and sexual violence in our community.
• Founded in 1979, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) is the state-certi ed center for domestic and sexual violence in Sarasota and DeSoto Counties.
Make a gift to SPARCC. With your help, SPARCC can continue to provide lifesaving programs and services for survivors and their children and create a brighter future for all. Donate today at www.SPARCC.net
THE SARASOTA BALLET
THE SARASOTA BALLET, ONE OF THE NATION’S MOST EXCITING BALLET COMPANIES, IS DEVOTED TO INSPIRE, PRESERVE, AND IMPACT THROUGH THE ART OF BALLET. Since 1990, the mission of The Sarasota Ballet has been enriching lives, captivating emotions, and strengthening the community through the art of dance. Under the leadership of Director Iain Webb, Executive Director Joseph Volpe, and Assistant Director Margaret Barbieri, The Sarasota Ballet has received national and international recognition for its diverse repertoire of rarely performed ballets and for the integrity and artistry of its performances.
OUR WISHLIST:
You can play a Principal Role in taking The Sarasota Ballet to new heights. We invite you to be part of The Sarasota Ballet experience and celebrate the upcoming Season on stage, behind the scenes, and in the community with your support.
THE SARASOTA BALLET COMPANY
- Repertoire Spans from Beloved Ballet Classics to Cutting Edge World Premieres
- Live Music Accompaniment and Guest Conductors
- National and International Tours
- Guest Choreographers and Répétiteurs
- Presenting Dance Companies
DANCE EDUCATION
- The Margaret Barbieri Conservatory
- The Sarasota Ballet School
- Summer Intensive
- Summer Camps
- Adult Workshops
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
- Dance - The Next Generation
- Public School Performances and Programs
- Community Experiences
- Joyful Movement Through Parkinson’s
- Silver Swans®
SARASOTA CUBAN BALLET SCHOOL
THREE YEARS AGO, THE GULFCOAST STUDIO COMPANY
WAS CREATED to provide a bridge between the school and the performance side of the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School. The Gulfcoast Studio Company has many facets— preparing strong and con dent young dancers for professional careers and providing community education and outreach throughout the area—but performance opportunities are a major focus. The Gulfcoast Studio Company’s talented dancers share a new standard in professional performances with our community. Their 37week season includes shows at major theater venues, the Black Box performance series in the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School’s auditorium, and invitations to perform at local and international festivals and community events. Programs feature a diversity of classical and contemporary works pulled from both the canons of ballet repertoire and new and emerging choreographers. It takes a lot to create and sustain the amazing performances of the Gulfcoast Studio Company—the hard work of the dancers, the dedication of faculty and staff, plus the maintenance of a safe and professional environment for the dancers’ training. Your attendance at performances is a great way to show your appreciation of what we love to share with our community, but please also consider a donation to the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School to grow the unique legacy of the Gulfcoast Studio Company.
HE SARASOTA CUBAN BALLET SCHOOL IS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR CUBAN TRAINING IN THE UNITED STATES. Our mission is to celebrate and sustain the cultural legacy of the Cuban Ballet tradition, sharing its uniqueness through performance, education, and community outreach. Now in its 13th year, the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School is the only US training center where Dr. Ramona de Saa, Director and Professor at the National Ballet School of Cuba, adapted the Cuban method ballet curriculum created by Fernando Alonso speci cally for our school. The heart of the school is our Pre-Professional Program, a rigorous training course that prepares talented, serious young dancers for professional careers. Students from the Sarasota Cuban Ballet School have joined The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Houston Ballet, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Washington Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, and many other national and international professional companies.
URBANITE THEATRE
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN SARASOTA, URBANITE THEATRE IS AN AWARD-WINNING BLACK-BOX THEATRE known for delivering transformative, intimate performances. Urbanite stands out as one of the region’s most unique spaces, bringing bold new works to life in a truly immersive setting. EACH SEASON IS AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR GROUNDBREAKING NEW WORKS to debut and emerging artists to break through. Driven by a commitment to diversity, Urbanite Theatre believes that an effective workforce includes employees and artists from varied backgrounds whose experiences fuel a more innovative, dynamic, and inspiring environment. In addition to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, Urbanite remains dedicated to creating an artist- rst approach to storytelling. YOUR SUPPORT MAKES IT POSSIBLE for Urbanite to keep ticket prices affordable, providing professional artists with livable wages and a balanced work environment. TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUPPORTING URBANITE OR ATTENDING A PRODUCTION, VISIT URBANITETHEATRE.COM
MISSION: Urbanite Theatre is committed to creating visceral, shared experiences by fearlessly uplifting the boldest new voices in theatre. We believe in inclusive, artist- rst storytelling, daring honesty, and the powerful connectivity of an intimate space.
1. Urbanite produces plays that portray the human experience, entertain, invite new perspectives and conversations, and inspire empathy and understanding.
2. Our annual Modern Works Festival is a robust playreading festival that celebrates women playwrights and theatremakers through staged readings of emerging new works.
3. Urbanite ercely believes in maintaining affordable ticket prices so that live theatre can be accessible to as many members of our community as possible.
4. We nurture the next generation of theatremakers through paid internships and fellowships, creating an environment that supports early career development.
URBANITE THEATRE 1487 2ND STREET | SARASOTA, FL 34236 941.321.1397 | URBANITETHEATRE.COM INSTAGRAM AND FACEBOOK: @URBANITETHEATRE
YMCA OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
FOR OVER 57 YEARS, YMCA OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA HAS BEEN A LEADING NONPROFIT committed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose and each other. YMCA of Southwest Florida operates ten YMCA facilities, two charter middle schools, four early learning academies and various camps and after school programs across Southwest Florida from Manatee County to Bonita Springs. BY BRINGING TOGETHER PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, perspectives and generations, we ensure that everyone has access to the opportunities, relationships and resources necessary to learn, grow and thrive. GIVING BACK AND PROVIDING SUPPORT TO OUR NEIGHBORS IS THE HEARTBEAT OF THE Y. And meeting the emerging needs of our communities is where the Y is often needed the most. The Y ensures life-changing programs, services and resources are available to all. IN OUR COMMUNITIES, THE Y HAS THE PRESENCE AND PARTNERSHIPS to not just promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. In partnering with the Y, you can feel con dent your gift is making a positive impact.
HE MISSION OF THE YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. As an inclusive, causedriven organization, YMCA of Southwest Florida is committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. YMCA programs and services are focused on our primary areas of impact that help people achieve their goals and strengthen communities. We create opportunities for people to improve their lives and communities. Through empowering young people, improving individual and community well-being and inspiring action, we aim to create meaningful change across our communities.
HUNGER DOESN’T JUST EXIST IN FAR-OFF PLACES; SOMETIMES IT’S AS CLOSE AS THE NEXT HOUSE OVER. Right now, many of our neighbors – including families with children, older adults and veterans – can’t afford basic necessities each month. Soaring costs for housing, insurance, childcare and groceries have contributed to the hunger crisis, and the recent hurricanes have only exacerbated the problem. Each year, 70,000 of our neighbors look to All Faiths Food Bank for help while nearly 200,000 are at risk. As the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, we work together with our partners, donors and volunteers to provide millions of meals each year. All Faiths Food Bank is committed to addressing – and ending – hunger in our community but we can’t do it without you. Please consider supporting All Faiths Food Bank and helping our neighbors who are experiencing hunger. The need is right next door.
OUR MISSION: The mission of All Faiths Food Bank is, together with its partners, to provide healthy solutions to end hunger in our community.
ALL FAITHS FOOD BANK
8171 BLAIKIE COURT | SARASOTA, FL 34240
941.379.6333
ALLFAITHSFOODBANK.ORG
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES
FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS, BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SARASOTA AND DESOTO COUNTIES has been a national leader in youth development, providing enriching out-of-school and summer programs to thousands of youth, ages 6 to 18. The organization is dedicated to enabling all youth, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential through a slate of award-winning programs that inspire them to excel in school, become leaders, practice healthy habits, and explore career paths. WE INVITE YOU TO INVEST IN GREAT FUTURES TODAY. Join us for a private tour of one of our six Clubs to experience the mission rsthand and discover how you can inspire change and empower tomorrow’s leaders today.
OUR MISSION: The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
EDUCATION FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY
AS THE HOLIDAY SEASON BRINGS REFLECTION AND GRATITUDE, WE ARE REMINDED OF THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. For over 35 years, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County has supported nearly 44,000 students and over 5,000 educators across 56 schools in the Sarasota County School District. When teachers are empowered, students succeed—and successful students uplift our workforce, our economy, and our way of life. We believe that by equipping students with essential skills to prepare them for the future, we can help them thrive in school and beyond. That is why we work united with you, our community, to prepare each and every student for life.
MISSION MOMENT: SMA student, Yaritzel Ortega aspired to go to college but didn’t know how to pay for it. She harbored the feeling that, for her family, she “needed to become something.” Student Success Coach, Diana Berris, helped her explore solutions, and today, as part of the Army Reserves, PFC Orgeta is ful lling her goals to attend college and study law.
MANATEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
MANATEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INSPIRES PHILANTHROPY
TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN MANATEE COUNTY. Through collaborative partnerships, strategic grantmaking, and donor services, we not only address urgent community needs but also strengthen the long-term sustainability of local nonpro ts. Our work creates lasting impact across areas such as the arts, education, human services, animal welfare, environmental protection, civic engagement, and healthcare. We unite resources to tackle challenges like food insecurity, disaster response, childcare, foster care, education challenges, and beyond. At the same time, we empower nonpro ts to thrive by providing grants, training, development and consulting support. As we meet today’s pressing needs, we create a brighter, more resilient future for all.
OUR IMPACT—THROUGH THE KINDNESS OF OUR DONORS AND PARTNERS— CHANGES LIVES. From helping students achieve their academic dreams to supporting families after devastating hurricanes, we offer immediate relief and sustainable support. By addressing urgent needs and fostering long-term growth, we ensure that our community remains strong and adaptable for generations to come.
RINGLING COLLEGE GALLERIES
AT RINGLING COLLEGE GALLERIES we strive to inspire creativity, education, and engagement through innovative exhibitions and programs that connect students, artists, and the community. We achieve this by hosting exhibitions that showcase diverse artistic voices and styles, through our upcoming and ongoing exhibitions, Art Walks, and providing students with real-world curation and gallery management experience. Major initiatives include the Terri and Alan Spoon Visiting Artist Program, collaborations with local arts programs and organizations which foster artist-student interactions and enrich Sarasota's cultural fabric. Additionally, our outreach programs engage residents and visitors with the arts, aligning with our commitment to community-driven education and accessibility. Through these initiatives, Ringling College Galleries provides vital platforms for artistic growth and cultural engagement, meeting the creative and educational needs of our community.
RINGLING COLLEGE GALLERIES' MISSION is to ignite creativity, support education, and engage the community through impactful exhibitions and programming. By bridging students, artists, and the public, the galleries encourage diverse artistic perspectives, practical learning experiences, and cultural enrichment, creating accessible spaces for creative development and active community participation.
SAVE OUR SEABIRDS
WE’RE THE PEOPLE YOU CALL WHEN YOU FIND A SICK OR INJURED BIRD. We’re the only facility in Sarasota County dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick and injured birds. We receive nearly 5,000 calls a year about birds in distress, and we admit 1200 birds a year into our specialized Avian Hospital. There our staff Veterinarian, Dr. Maria Passarelli, treats these birds with the goal of rehabilitating them and eventually releasing them back into their natural habitat. MOST BIRDS INJURIES ARE DUE TO HUMAN CONTACT. Some of the most common issues are: entanglements in discarded shing line, swallowing a foreign object, car/boat impacts, and accidental poisoning – particularly with Raptors and birds of prey. WE ALSO HAVE 100+ BIRDS WHO LIVE ON OUR CAMPUS AS PERMANENT RESIDENTS. These birds are non-releasable due to their injuries and circumstances. These “residents” are part of our Wild Bird Learning Center. The Learning Center is open to the public 365 days a year from 10 AM to 4 PM. It is always FREE to enter and donations are appreciated.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Rescue Volunteers. The opportunities range from simple transport of a bird in a box, to full rescues involving boats, kayaks, and ladders. Education & Tours We love to have volunteer “docents” in our Learning Center to educate the public about birds and their needs. Learning Center Greeters It’s FREE to enter, but having a smiling face present to greet guests can really enhance the guest learning experience.
Capital Funds for a new State of the Art Avian Hospital and replacement of 50 avian enclosures. There are many naming opportunities.
SUGAR'S GIFT, INC.
COMFORT, DIGNITY AND PEACE…. RIGHT TIME, RIGHT PLACE….AT HOME.
Sugar’s Gift™ helps people whose terminally ill pets are unable to be moved, pet owners who are home bound and any pet owner who simply wants what is best for their Little Angel: To pass at home where they have lived, have loved and have been loved. We do not charge for our services; instead, we feel that all pets are equal and deserve to be at peace, at home when they cross the Bridge. We provide in home euthanasia, a private cremation and a beautiful handmade urn which is returned to the pet owner by our volunteers when the pet is ready to go home. We serve most of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
“After all the love they have given you during your lives together, the best and last Gift you can give your Little Angel is the honor of crossing the Rainbow Bridge from home - where they are in a familiar place, with familiar people, feeling nothing but love. That is Sugar's Gift to both of you.”
SUGAR’S GIFT™ IS THE ONLY NON-PROFIT, 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION IN THE COUNTRY whose mission is to help terminally ill pets cross over the Rainbow Bridge from home with comfort, dignity and peace. Want to make a difference and help us help more Little Angels cross the Rainbow Bridge from home? Donate Now!
TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN MANATEE COUNTY
EMPOWERING FUTURES, ONE SCHOLARSHIP AT A TIME Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, our mission is to provide life-changing opportunities for economically disadvantaged students through scholarships, mentorship, and supplemental support. Our scholarship initiative guarantees a pathway to college for deserving students, helping to break the cycle of poverty and unlock their potential. In addition to scholarships, we pair students with dedicated mentors who guide them from midd le school through graduation. We also connect them to vital resources, including access to mental health services, ensuring they thrive academically and personally. Our Beyond Tuition program offers continued support for alumni in post-secondary education, addressing challenges like housing and school supplies. Together, these initiatives enable students to succeed in education, career, and life, creating a brighter future for our community. Donate at manateetakestock.org/donate
OUR MISSION When Torian Zaagman lost his mother during his senior year, Take Stock Manatee provided critical mentorship, emotional support, and scholarship resources. With our guidance, he graduated and now thrives in college. His story exempli es how weempower students to overcome challenges and build brighter futures for themselves and our community.
PLEASE CONTACT DR. MICHAEL HIGLEY, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: MICHAEL@TAKESTOCKMANATEE.ORG PO BOX 325 | PALMETTO, FL 34220 MANATEETAKESTOCK.ORG
THE BISHOP MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND NATURE
THE BISHOP MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND NATURE in Bradenton, Florida, invites you to discover the wonders of science and nature! Immerse yourself in the cosmos in The Planetarium, featuring a state-of-the-art projection system that takes you on a virtual journey through space. Explore the interactiv Mosaic Backyard Universe, where children can engage in science and nature through hands-on learning. Witness the incredible work being done in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, a temporary home for manatees recovering from illness or injury. At The Bishop, visitors of all ages can enjoy engaging exhibits and educational programs while inspiring experiences that foster a love of learning and exploration. Your support is critical to helping The Bishop maintain its role as an educational resource for engaging programs and exhibitions for curious visitors and students and sustaining a successful rehabilitation program for Florida manatees. We hope to inspire future scientists, nature lovers, archeologists, and space explorers.
OUR MISSION: The Bishop ignites passion for science and nature to transform our community and our world. As stewards of science and nature, The Bishop inspires curiosity, builds connections, and creates impactful experiences. The Bishop pursues excellence in integrity, curiosity, and stewardship.
THE BISHOP MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND NATURE
201 10TH STREET WEST, BRADENTON, FL 34205 | 941.746.4131 |
