SRQ Magazine | Guide to Giving - May/June 2023

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SARASOTA+MANATEE

GUIDETO GIVING

YOUR GUIDE TO GIVING OPPORTUNITIES BOOSTS THE IMPACT FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS WORKING IN OUR REGION. BECOME A PART OF THE LOCAL PHILANTHROPIC STORY BY FULFILLING THEIR GIVING BACK WISH LISTS.

ART CENTER SARASOTA

BLAZE OF HOPE

CAT DEPOT

CHILDREN FIRST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA COUNTY

FLORIDA CENTER FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD

IMPACT100 SRQ

RESILIENT RETREAT THE SARASOTA BALLET

SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

SARASOTA PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION

SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CENTERS

UNITED WAY SUNCOAST

YMCA OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Art Center Sarasota

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Provide Scholarships for youth and adult art education.

Advocate for young people by underwriting Youth Art Saturday programs.

Sponsor Artist Talks and Panel Discussions for deeper understandings of art and social issues.

Become a Member and be part of the ACS community.

Contribute to our Endowment and make a lasting impact on the future of art and art education.

WE NEED ART NOW MORE THAN EVER. Through visual arts we learn more about ourselves and the people around us. The arts act as a creative outlet for self expression, mental health wellness, and social engagement. ACS Youth Programs provide unique opportunities for kids to express themselves while building confidence and self esteem. Whether it is Summer Art Camp, Free Youth Saturdays, Slice of Art field trips or special activities like The Mural Project, teen mentoring or volunteering, we are commi ed to providing a safe place for children to explore their creativity, interact with others and experience acceptance from teachers and peers alike. ACS Adult Programs provide continued learning and enrichment. Our classes and exhibitions awaken the imagination, relieve stress, and provide meaningful connection with art enthusiasts. Become a patron of the visual arts and support our community. To learn more, visit artsarasota.org or call 941.365.2032 for more information.

Blaze of Hope

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We are always seeking donations to continue providing nancial assistance to families. We are thrilled to have partnered with the Flanzer matching program to match donations made via our website, making it possible to help even more families.

BLAZE OF HOPE IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE to families with children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Blaze of Hope was founded by Lisa Moore, whose son Blaze was diagnosed with liver cancer at seven months old. Blaze passed away at thirteen months old, but her experience inspired her to create Blaze of Hope to help other families going through similar struggles. In 2022, Blaze of Hope introduced several new fundraising initiatives that helped raise money and increase awareness of the cause. Our fundraising events are one of our most significant initiatives throughout the year, providing crucial support for our programs. Our monthly partnership with Blaze Pizza at UTC has been an enjoyable way to engage with our community and raise funds, with 20% of proceeds donated to our organization. This year we hosted our first annual golf tournament at Legacy Golf Club and also partnered with the City of Sarasota for an annual Walk for Childhood Cancer, where the Ringling Bridge was lit yellow, and hundreds of people walked across the bridge to honor those affected by cancer. Blaze of Hope hosts our annual Stuff a Bus Toy Drive during the holiday season. This event truly represents our mission to bring hope and joy to families in need, and we are proud to continue this tradition every year. Blaze of Hope’s priority is our financial assistance program. We understand that medical bills and expenses can pile up quickly when you have a child in the hospital, so we help families with everyday bills such as car payments, rent & utilities. Our goal is to help families focus on their child's health and well-being without worrying about the financial burden of their child's illness. At Blaze of Hope, we believe that even the smallest bit of joy and hope can make a difference in the lives of families. Our mission is to provide support and resources to help families cope during this difficult time. We want families to know that they are not alone and that we are here to help them through this challenging journey.

It's time for an official Blaze of Hope headquarters. We desperately need a building or o ce space for Blaze of Hope as we have outgrown our living rooms because, with your help, we continue to grow. We also need an army of volunteers. Our volunteers donate their time by raising awareness and building community through our numerous events, partnerships, and fundraisers. Be blessed!

Cat Depot

CAT DEPOT'S MISSION IS TO SAVE LIVES, find loving homes, and provide resources and education needed to improve the destiny of homeless cats. Cat Depot, a limited-admission, free-roaming adoption, rescue, and education center, is recognized for its progressive design and commitment to helping homeless, abandoned, and injured felines locally, regionally, and nationally. This year marks Cat Depot’s 20th year in supporting the cats and the people who love them in the Manasota area. Since opening in 2003, Cat Depot has found homes for nearly 20,000 cats and ki ens. RESCUE: Cat Depot works daily to rescue abandoned, abused, injured, relinquished, and free-roaming community/ feral cats and ki ens. In 2022, Cat Depot assisted with local and national rescues due to both natural and manmade disasters. ADOPTION: Our goal is to find a good match and loving home for every cat who enters Cat Depot. Over 1,180 cats and ki ens found forever homes in 2022 through Cat Depot’s adoption program. HUMANE EDUCATION PROGRAM: Cat Depot provides the community with educational activities that promote awareness and knowledge of cat behavior and care through public workshops, lectures, printed materials, and an online resource library. Last year, 185+ community-based programs were offered to community members of all ages. CAT CARE CLINIC: In an effort to care for sick and injured cats and their distressed owners, Cat Depot’s Cat Care Clinic operates an affordable onsite care clinic. Reduced prices have helped people and their pets in not only Sarasota County but the surrounding areas. Over 4,200 cats and ki ens receive treatment each year in the Cat Care Clinic. COMMUNITY FOOD BANK: The Community Food Bank provides much need food and supplies to colony caretakers and income-qualified pet parents. In 2022, Cat Depot's Food Bank fed over 9,120 cats and ki ens in the Manasota area.

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Wet & Dry Cat Food (all types) to be distributed to 9,000+ cats and kittens through the Community Food Bank.

KMR Ki en Formula and Royal Canin Mother & Baby Cat Wet Food are needed to care for the 600+ kittens we will assist this year.

Shelter Medical Funding to bene t the health and well-being of the cats entrusted to our care.

Veterinary Assistance Funding to assist pet parents with medical care for feline family members.

Volunteers are needed to provide assistance as well as Fosters to provide safe havens for cats and kittens not able to reside in the shelter.

Children First

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RANKED IN THE TOP ONE PERCENT OF OVER 1,800 HEAD START PROGRAMS NATIONWIDE, Children First’s mission is to strengthen children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being.

AS SARASOTA COUNTY’S EXCLUSIVE PROVIDER OF HEAD START AND EARLY HEAD START SERVICES, our agency offers high-quality, comprehensive services to hundreds of at-risk children and families each year at multiple locations across North Port, Sarasota, and Venice.

FOR 62 YEARS, CHILDREN FIRST HAS BEEN PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION and family strengthening services to pregnant women, children ages birth to fi ve, and their families. As a Head Start Program of Excellence, Children First is one of nine agencies in the United States to receive this coveted designation, and one of just two to be named four consecutive times. THE EDUCATION, CARE, AND COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES WE OFFER ensure a healthy and strong foundation for success. Through Children First, children receive nutritious meals, an array of services to support their overall health, and the social, emotional, and cognitive skills needed to enter Kindergarten on track. EVERY FAMILY WORKS WITH A FAMILY ADVOCATE to set and meet financial, educational, and occupational goals. Advocates provide the encouragement and resources families need to move out of poverty. We support parents as the primary educator for their child and aim to assist parents in learning new skills as they work to accomplish goals and achieve self-sufficiency. AN INVESTMENT IN CHILDREN AT THEIR EARLIEST AGE will pay social, educational, and economic dividends over the course of a child’s lifetime, now, and for generations to come. We are grateful for your philanthropy that provides what every child and family deserve - access to the services they need to thrive and opportunities for success.

Support the social, emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive development of our children through our comprehensive services. Create building blocks and help infants and toddlers gain a Head Start. Sustain school readiness and help prepare children for Kindergarten. Enhance family strengthening services for parents and caregivers through support of our award-winning Families First Institute and Parent Training Program. Endowment support creating a lasting impact, today, and for many generations to come. Invest in the tools children and families need to achieve their full potential by joining ourChangemakerCollective.

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Donate

Make a donation to The Sarasota Ballet. Your generous gift provides direct and immediate support to our mission, bringing world-class performances and accessible arts education to our community.

Volunteer

The Sarasota Ballet is always looking for volunteers!

Volunteer opportunities include assisting in the Box O ce, ushering during performances, and serving as a mentor for students in our community programs. Please contact us for more information and di erent ways to get involved.

Consider a Planned Gi Legacy or planned gifts make a signi cant di erence in The Sarasota Ballet’s future. Planned gifts create a lasting impact on our organization for generations to come, supporting performance, education, and community programs.

The Sarasota Ballet

With a mission to enrich lives, captivate emotions, and strengthen the community through the art of dance, The Sarasota Ballet has become one of the nation’s most exciting dance companies. Under the leadership of Director Iain Webb, the company’s expanded repertoire includes works by world-renowned choreographers of the past and present day, including Sir Frederick Ashton, George Balanchine, Dame Nine e de Valois, Twyla Tharp, Jessica Lang, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, and Ma hew Bourne. The Sarasota Ballet serves an annual audience of over 18,000 individuals. In addition to a robust performance season, The Sarasota Ballet operates a pre-professional Conservatory; a Ballet School; and maintains a community engagement platform, Dance For All, with six core programs, which offer over 80 community activities and engage thousands of individuals annually. Here at The Sarasota Ballet, we believe that the art of dance is for everyone to enjoy.

THE SARASOTA BALLET | 5555 N TAMIAMI TRAIL SARASOTA, FL 34243 | 941.359.0099 | LSTROMAN@SARASOTABALLET.ORG | SARASOTABALLET.ORG | @SARASOTABALLET

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation

FOR OVER 45 YEARS, SARASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION and our supporters have worked together with Sarasota Memorial Health Care System to ensure a healthy future for our community. Gi s to the Healthcare Foundation provide critical resources in the following areas: Patient Care –maintaining the highest standards in patient care is the cornerstone of our health system; Education – continuing education guarantees healthcare providers stay current on the latest medical advances and certifications; Technology – access to leading-edge technology benefits patients and produces be er outcomes; Research – ongoing clinical research is integral in offering lifesaving and life-improving advances; and Facilities – state-of-the-art facilities are fundamental to the delivery of quality care and medical services. Two major healthcare initiatives the Healthcare Foundation is raising support for are: BRINGING HOPE TO PATIENTS AND FAMILIES FACING CANCER. We are generating support for the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute so that cancer patients can receive comprehensive care close to home. Phases 1 and 2 are complete; outpatient radiation oncology and inpatient and surgical oncology facilities are open. Phase 3 planning is well under way for the Outpatient Pavilion on the SMH-Sarasota campus. The new pavilion will offer the full spectrum of outpatient cancer services and is planned to open in 2025. SUPPORTING THOSE STRUGGLING WITH ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND OTHER MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. The Healthcare Foundation is raising community support for the Cornell Family Behavioral Health Pavilion at SMH. When complete in late 2023, the new facility will enhance, expand and centralize care for people of all ages affected by mental and behavioral health challenges.

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As our community grows, our health system is growing with it. The generosity of our donors plays a vital role in ensuring SMH has the critical resources needed to continue delivering world-class care.

Other projects include raising support for a new 102-bed patient tower under construction at SMH-Venice, and plans for a new hospital in North Port and medical campus in Wellen Park.

Plans also are under way for a new Research and Education Institute at SMH-Sarasota. In addition to enhancing SMH’s nationally recognized patient care, the facility will help recruit and retain physicians, medical residents and clinical sta . Together we strengthen healthcare.

Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at SMH Outpatient Cancer Pavilion

Cornell Family Behavioral Health Pavilion at SMH

SMH-Venice Patient Tower Expansion

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Underwrite Schooltime Performances

Sponsor a Teaching Artist

Support a Bilingual Family Engagement Night

Support the planning and design for the new Sarasota Performing Arts Center

Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation formerlyVanWezelFoundation

THE SARASOTA PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION IS DEDICATED TO CREATING AND SUSTAINING A VIBRANT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, advancing education, and enriching our community by inspiring minds through the power of the arts. An exciting next chapter is unfolding as we lead, in partnership with the City of Sarasota, the creation and operation of a new performing arts center at the heart of The Bay Park. Envisioned as an accessible home for all, the center will nurture excellence in artists, inspire wonder in audiences, and spark curiosity in learners. Through a public process, a task force of city- and Foundation-appointed members are leading deliberations to select the design firm to realize our aspirations of an iconic center, which will be a symbol of the future of arts and culture for generations to come. IT WILL INCLUDE: A 2,200-SEAT MAIN STAGE with center aisle(s), a 300-seat flexible performance space, education and lifelong learning spaces, multiple outdoor public performance spaces, and technology that will allow performances to be simulcast into the park. The center will also be an economic driver for the community, creating 5,000+ jobs over five to seven years, and driving year-round tourism and commerce to local businesses.

SARASOTA PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION (FORMERLY VAN WEZEL FOUNDATION) | SARASOTAPERFORMINGARTSFOUNDATION.ORG JULIE SCHWARTZ | DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT | JSCHWARTZ@SARASOTAPERFORMINGARTSFOUNDATION.ORG

United Way Suncoast

UNITED WAY SUNCOAST SEVERS THE CONSTRAINTS THAT PREVENT FAMILIES FROM THRIVING. We dismantle the barriers to human prosperity, uniting our community along the way. When we provide pathways to early learning, financial stability and youth success, we li up families as they cultivate a future beyond their economic and educational barriers. We provide choices. We provide opportunities. We create space to grow for Asset-Limit, Income-Constrained, Employed (ALICE) families. These hard-working parents and children stand just one unexpected expense from dire circumstances. ALICE families compose more than 43 percent of all households in our region, and we’re working to create equity for them and all the community members in our five-county footprint, including DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. We’re operating and funding services and programs to help people create the life they envision for themselves and fuel their Freedom To Rise.

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Be A Donor

Support our e orts to enhance early learning, elevate educators and empower parents so more children arrive on the rst day of Kindergarten ready to learn.

Be A Giver

Donate books and supplies to our selected Title 1 Schools in the area so more students will read on level by the end of third grade.

Be A Leader

Help initiate a workplace campaign at your place of employment so the collective power of your colleagues can boost our e orts to help those facing eviction because of the housing crisis.

Be A Volunteer

Share your time and talent and help us strengthen our community. You can sign up for a variety of activities at volunteersuncoast.org.

YMCA of Southwest Florida

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Help Our Neighbors Rebuild and Recover

By supporting YMCA’s Hurricane Ian Relief E orts, you are providing the resources needed for families to rebuild their lives following the aftermath of the storm.

Join the Fight Against Hunger

By supporting the Y's Fight Against Hunger, you are helping make accessible and available healthy food and meals to people through our outreach and mobile services into the most vulnerable communities.

Create Healthy Families and Communities

By supporting YMCA Health Innovations programs, you are providing individuals access to life-changing programming that supports health and well-being, ghts chronic disease and empowers people to lead healthier lives.

Nurture the Potential of Every Child

By supporting YMCA Youth Development programs, you are providing children the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment that allows them to thrive.

Help Prevent Childhood Drowning

By supporting swim lesson programs, you are providing children access to water safety programming that helps develop life-saving skills that reduce the potential for drowning.

FOR 55 YEARS, YMCA OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA has been a leading nonprofit commi ed to strengthening community by connecting all people to their potential, purpose and each other. YMCA of Southwest Florida operates eight YMCA facilities, two charter middle schools, four early learning academies and various camps and a er 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. YMCA programs and services are focused on our primary areas of impact that help people achieve their goals and strengthen communities. As an inclusive, causedriven organization, YMCA of Southwest Florida is commi ed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. 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 o en needed the most. The Y’s mission is to ensure 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 confident your gi is making a positive impact.

IMPACT100 SRQ’S MISSION HAS SUCCESSFULLY ENDURED THROUGHOUT THE LAST 5 YEARS: “Empowering women to collectively fund transformational grants to nonprofits in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.” They have proven year over year that Every Member Ma ers, and by the end of 2023, the women of Impact100 SRQ will have collectively funded 22 grants, donating $2.4 million to local nonprofits toward initiatives focused on making positive change in our community.  The unique giving model for Impact100 SRQ is that 100% of each member’s $1000 annual donation goes toward grant funding, and they rely upon the generosity of individuals and businesses in the community to help support their mission. A contribution of any amount to Impact100 SRQ is greatly appreciated and goes toward chapter operating expenses, allowing Impact100 SRQ to remain a self-supported organization continuing to help those who need it most.

Resilient Retreat

WITH 70% OF AMERICANS HAVING EXPERIENCED SOME FORM OF TRAUMA IN THEIR LIVES, new Sarasota non-profit Resilient Retreat was born out of a strong need to provide a sense of community and resources for healing. Set on 84 acres of conservation land on Fruitville Road, the center provides free and fully confidential holistic day-long programs, virtual programs and multi-day, overnight, intensive retreats to survivors of abuse, first responders and helping professionals such as doctors, nurses and teachers. The research-based, interdisciplinary programming includes support groups, neurofeedback, animal and equine therapy, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, time in nature, art and music therapies and much more. Additionally, the organization provides trainings on a wide variety of trauma-related topics for corporations, businesses, non-profits and non-governmental agencies on a sliding fee scale and operates a phone support “Kind Line” at 941-343-0039.

941.343.0039 | INFO@RESILIENTRETREAT.ORG RESILIENTRETREAT.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/RESILIENTRETREATSRQ

A donation of any size will help Resilient Retreat continue its mission to empower survivors of trauma to thrive.

Consider hosting a meeting, wedding or special event with the non-pro t’s recently created event rental counterpart, The Retreat Sarasota. All rental proceeds directly go back to supporting Resilient Retreat’s mission, making The Retreat Sarasota ‘the venue that saves lives.’

Funds for curriculum supplies for participant workshops and support groups.

Impact100 SRQ’s Big Reveal Announces $763,000 to be Awarded to Local Nonpro ts in 2023.

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Senior Friendship Centers

THE POWER OF CONNECTION. In Sarasota County, more than 40,000 seniors, or about 23% of the population, live alone. The mission of Senior Friendship Centers is to build vibrant communities by advancing wellness, connection, and enrichment throughout the journey of aging. We provide services such as home delivered meals, dining centers, caregiving resources, adult day services, exercise classes, lifelong learning, economic assistance, and socialization. Our vision for Southwest Florida is for people to feel supported and included at any age. Each of our communities will have a well-known hub and network of resources to help older adults not just survive but thrive! Seniors will be seen as vital contributors to community life and have connections that ensure they never need to “go it alone.”

The Florida Center for Early Childhood

Children Learn by Exploration, Activity and Play. Unfortunately, delays, disabilities and mental health challenges can prevent children from reaching their full potential. That’s why The Florida Center for Early Childhood provides young children and their families with critical tools to L.E.A.P. ahead, like developmental therapies, mental health counseling, parental support, and early education. The demand for these services is great, as 1 in 6 children have a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Over 4,000 children and families benefit from the agency’s programs annually, but there is still more need. The Florida Center’s prevention, intervention and early education programs are nationally recognized with an overall success rate of 98%, helping children to overcome challenges. This year’s L.E.A.P initiative is necessary to ensure children develop new competencies that lead to enhanced confidence and the resiliency to face future hardship related to trauma, academics, and mental health that could that create added costs to society. You can help children and families L.E.A.P. ahead by donating today!

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Donations toward outdoor classrooms at our Sarasota and North Port campuses

Scholarships to provide a child with wraparound therapy services & early education

Financial support of indoor classroom supplies, therapy gear and L.E.A.P. equipment

SARASOTA | 1888 BROTHER GEENEN WAY, SARASOTA, FL VENICE | 2350 SCENIC DRIVE, VENICE, FL 941.955.2122 | FRIENDSHIPCENTERS.ORG

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County

BE THE ONE. For more than 40 years, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has been key to unlocking possibilities for all who call our area home. Creating lasting impact across generations starts with each of us and grows donor by donor, cause by cause. The Community Foundation supports the vital work of almost 700 nonprofits in our region, addressing challenges and creating opportunities for all. Each of us, together, can make a lasting difference. How will you Be The One?

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Support a Cause: Support a Cause: Donate to trusted organizations to support causes you care about. Begin your search at TheGivingPartner.org.

Volunteer for a Nonprofit: Reach out to help address critical needs. Search for volunteer opportunities on TheGivingPartner.org.

Build a Community Embracing All Voices and People: Foster a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion so everyone can achieve their full potential.