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SRQ DAILY Sep 25, 2019

Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2019

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Wednesday Philanthropy Edition

"As a business owner, the hardest thing I struggle with is access to talent, and to find someone talented who already lives in this area and wants to stay and invest in this community. USFSM is a tight-knit community and because of the culture, grads tend to become even more invested in the community. For me, or for any business owner, it's critically important to support that."

- Pete Petersen of Dealers United
 

[Philanthropy]  PGT Innovations’ Assembles and Donates Backpacks for Local At-Risk Children

North Venice’s PGT Innovations gathered more than 25 team members and leaders together to assemble and deliver SchoolTools backpacks. For the 10th consecutive year, PGT Innovations has donated backpacks and school supplies through World Vision, a global Christian relief organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.

With $6,000 of contributions this year, employees of PGTI filled 250 backpacks with notes of encouragement and supplies, including notebooks, binders, pens, pencils, packs of filler paper, pencil pouches, folders, pencil sharpeners, erasers, rulers, crayons, glue sticks, scissors and markers. PGTI then delivered the backpacks to students at Garden Elementary in Sarasota County for the school year. 

While a simple effort, new school supplies inspire and encourage children to engage in learning and invokes creativity. Thank you so much to PGT Innovations and World Vision for their generosity,” says Amy Archer, Principal at Garden Elementary, during the donation event. “We are so incredibly blessed to live in a community that supports the work we do.” 

Pictured: PGT Innovations' Mike Suprata, Amie Brooks, Kristin Lewis, Julie Suprata, Chris Triana, Yessie Munoz, Susan Roy, David Greenwald and Trish McConnell and Mary Garcia with World Vision.

PGT Innovations

[Awareness]  Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center Spotlight Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Fyzical Bradenton and Ellenton, a physical therapy balance, dizziness and healthy lifestyle practice launched a fall prevention awareness initiative this past week on National Falls Prevention Awareness Day called "Fight the Fall" around the importance of reducing fall risks for the community's older population. The National Council on Aging and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites that one in four adults over the age of 65 falls, and the risk of falling increases with age and that falls account for 40 percent of all nursing home admissions. During the first 30 days of Fall (September 23 to October 22), the Bradenton and Ellenton FYZICAL team will offer free fall risk assessments. At FYZICAL, fall prevention is the cornerstone of their mission.  

Fyzical Bradenton

[Staff]  Community Foundation of Sarasota County Appoints Nicole Light as Education Officer

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has appointed Nicole Light as the Education Officer of Community Impact, a new role designed to further develop and enhance the foundation’s support for educational opportunities across the community. Light, a former Sarasota County Schools teacher, will oversee the education-based projects and initiatives that the Community Foundation supports, particularly our two-generation approach to Sarasota County efforts for the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, an initiative to improve school readiness and literacy and to prevent summer learning loss. Light will work closely with Kirsten Russell, Vice President of Community Impact. Light has spent the last 18 years of her professional career as a high school English teacher in both Manatee and Sarasota County Schools, with her most recent teaching experience at Pine View School, where she spent 15 years teaching 10th grade Honors English and Advanced Placement Literature. 

More info

[Anniversary]  Gulf Coast Community Foundation Marks 25 Years

Gulf Coast Community Foundation has released a “teaser” video to softly launch the foundation’s celebration of its 25th year in operation. The video features original artwork created by Sarasota artist Tim Jaeger to highlight key community-issue areas in which Gulf Coast’s donors and nonprofit partners have been making a difference for nearly a quarter century. It culminates with the reveal of a special Gulf Coast 25th anniversary logo. The foundation was created in September 1995 through the sale of The Venice Hospital. Over the next 12 months, Gulf Coast plans to highlight the impact of its donors, partners, and collaborative regional initiatives, leading up to the foundation’s “25th birthday” next September. “This anniversary is all about honoring our past and inspiring our future,” said Gulf Coast Community Foundation President/CEO Mark Pritchett. “In many senses, it’s business as usual this year for Gulf Coast, as we continue to advance our brand of bold and proactive philanthropy. But we also want to mark this milestone year by recognizing everyone who helps make that philanthropy possible and celebrating why we our better together as a community.”

To view Gulf Coast’s 25th anniversary teaser video, go here

See the Video

[Recognition]  Sarasota Teen Leonela Tase Sueiro Competes for National Boys and Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year

Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County alumna Leonela Tase Sueiro, 18, will compete for the National Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year title at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, September 25. Leonela is one of six finalists from Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation competing for this prestigious honor. Becoming National Youth of the Year is an exciting and inspiring journey. Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been the premier recognition program of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America that fosters a new generation of leaders, fully prepared to live and lead in a diverse, global and integrated world economy. The program celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Club members throughout the United States. Over the decades, these outstanding teens have exemplified the Boys & Girls Clubs mission and are proof to the impact the Clubs make in transforming lives.  If Leonela is named National Youth of the Year, she will serve as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s official teen spokesperson for the next year, receive academic scholarships and have opportunities for life-changing experiences such as networking with celebrity alumni, securing internships with national partners, speaking at national conferences and meeting the country’s top leaders and elected officials. Leonela gradatued from Riverview High School this past May and is currently a freshman at The George Washington University pursuing a degree in psychology. She moved from Cuba to the United States with her family when she was 11 years old, which is when she found the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County. 

[StoryProject]  Bank of America Brunch on the Bay helps USFSM graduates foster a cycle of growth in the region

Bank of America Brunch on the Bay helps USFSM graduates foster a cycle of growth in the region

Whether helping University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee graduates find jobs or serving as an instructor in the classroom, alumnus Pete Petersen is quick to support his alma mater.

The 2015 USFSM graduate is the CEO of auto dealership services provider Dealers United. He says that giving back leads to long-term dividends. His support helps position students to meet workforce demand for well-trained employees, ensuring a bright future for graduates and their families. It also fosters a cycle of growth in which current and future students support businesses, schools and the local community.

Petersen understands the importance of keeping home-grown talent here, which is one of the reasons he’s co-chairing this year’s Bank of America Brunch on the Bay, USF Sarasota-Manatee’s signature scholarship fundraiser.

Held each November – this year’s event is Nov. 3 on USFSM’s scenic campus – Bank of America Brunch on the Bay kicks off the social season in the region with a celebration that includes fine cuisine from some of the top restaurants and caterers in the region. 

Petersen is asking businesses to stand with him this November to support college scholarships.

“As a business owner, the hardest thing I struggle with is access to talent, and to find someone talented who already lives in this area and wants to stay and invest in this community, that is so important to my business,” he said. “USFSM is a tight-knit community and because of the culture grads tend to become even more invested in the community. For me, or for any business owner, it’s critically important to support that.”

For more about Bank of America Brunch on the Bay, visit usfsm.edu/brunch

Brunch on the Bay

[Dispatches]  Bradenton Sailor Serves on the USS Bonhomme Richard

Bradenton's Brianna Gonzalez, a Yeoman Seaman Recruit, is photographed by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist, 3rd Class, Zachary DiPadova, as she participates in the E-4 Navy-wide Advancement Exam. Here, she is seen on board the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), anchored in its homeport of San Diego.  

Photo courtesy of the Navy Office of Community Outreach.

[Appointment]  Colonneso Appointed to Florida Supreme Court Commission

Angel Colonneso, the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, was recently appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to serve on the Florida Courts Technology Commission, a standing Supreme Court commission. The Florida Courts Technology Commission oversees, manages and directs the development and use of technology within the judicial branch under the direction of the Florida Supreme Court. The 25-member Florida Courts Technology Commission also coordinates and reviews recommendations with regard to all court policy matters relating to the use of technology in support of the effective administration of justice.  This year, Colonneso was elected and sworn in as the vice president for the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers, the statewide, nonprofit member association comprised of the Florida Clerks of the Circuit Court and Comptrollers. Florida Senate President Bill Galvano also recently appointed Colonneso to serve on the Executive Council of the Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation with nine other council members, who will discuss and make decisions regarding Clerks of Court Operation Corporation business and budgetary matters. 

  

[Philanthropy]  Van Wezel Foundation Announces Expanded Board, Travers as Chair

The Van Wezel Foundation has announced expansion of its board of directors and the election of chair Jim Travers. This new leadership sets the stage for the Foundation as it enters a new chapter and extends its mission: to create a world-class performing arts center that enriches the community, supports arts education and inspires young minds. Travers is a senior technology executive, having built high-growth technology companies in the public and private sectors over the course of his 35-year career. Most recently, Travers served as Chairman and CEO of Fleetmatics, Inc., a global software service company that was purchased by Verizon in 2016.

Newly elected board members include Ali Bahaj, former Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar, who will serve as Governance Committee Chair; Vern Chalfant, former Executive Chairman and CEO of McLarens Global Limited, who will serve on the Strategic Planning Committee; Jenne Brittel, Ph.D., former Chairman of United Rentals; and Chad Campbell, Regional President of BMO Harris Bank. The remaining board members will continue their service, including Vice-Chair Mike Martella, Gerald Biller, Brian Ellerson, Mark Famiglio, David Koffman, Elaine McClure, Karl Newkirk, Sharyn Weiner and Michael Wilson. Ex officio board members will be Mary Bensel, Executive Director of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Cheryl Mendelson, CEO of the Van Wezel Foundation.   

Van Wezel Foundation



[SOON]  THEATER: Romeo & Juliet , September 28, 6pm

Shakespeare’s most celebrated masterpiece of love, fate, and family feuds, is given fresh life in this elegantly streamlined and stylistically modern adaptation. Capturing all the gripping emotional power of the original, audiences of this production will confront the extremity of love, interrogate the cost of loyalty, and ask if it’s possible to rewrite the story written in the stars. By William Shakespeare. Adapted and directed by Tyler Dobrowsky.

FSU Performing Arts Center, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  SPORTS: Real Men Wear Pink Crawl for a Cure , September 28, 11am-7pm

Join the American Cancer Society on September 28 for the inaugural Real Men Wear Pink Sarasota Manatee Crawl for a Cure. ACS’s football themed pub crawl will transport guests from one sports bar to another, so as not to miss any part of College Game Day! Ticket includes trolley ride to 5 stops, food and drink specials along the way, Real Men Wear Pink swag and goody bag and dinner at the final stop. The day will include raffle prizes, contest for the “Best in Pink” and more. All funds raised through this event support lifesaving research and essential patient programs and services for those affected by breast cancer. Ticket are $75. Contact Bethany Lynch at bethanyk.lynch@cancer.org to purchase tickets.

Evie's Tavern on Main Street, 1560 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]  DANCE: Sarasota Contemporary Dance: Voices - Rising Choreographers , October 10 – October 13

The 14th Main Stage Season will kick off with four performances, October 10-13, 2019, titled "Voices – Rising Choreographers," at which the local audience gets to see future choreographers of contemporary dance as they are just blossoming. This show presents rising choreographers who were selected by adjudication from SCD's Summer Intensive Program. The group is a combination of company members and guests invited to expand and set their work for the main stage. This idea of fostering choreographic voices is beginning to draw more and more attention to SCD's performances. 

Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34243

[SOON]  SEMINAR: 24th Annual "Share The Light" Luncheon , October 17, 1130am-130pm

Join Second Chance Last Opportunity, the crisis intervention and life-skills training organization, as they honor Arlene Sweeting, the co-founder of WSLR 96.5 Community Radio and the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, and Duhane Lindo, a reporter for the WWSB ABC7 News Team in Sarasota. The 24th Annual “Share The Light” Luncheon event will recognize the many contributions of these individuals. “We want all our clients to cultivate and reach their full potential,” says CEO and founder of Second Chance, April Glasco. “Sweeting and Lindo are outstanding examples of commitment and achievement.” Tickets for the luncheon are $65 and can be purchased online or by calling 941-360-8660. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

Michael's on East, 1212 S East Avenue, Sarasota, FL

[SOON]  HEALTH: Veterans' Caregivers Free Lunch and Learn Support Group , October 21, 12:15pm-1:45pm

Welcoming all Veterans' Caregivers and Veterans caring for a loved one to a free lunch and monthly Caregivers Support Group every third Monday of the month. This group focuses on the Caregiver, and not the patient. Julie Cook Downing, Facilitator and President of Caregivers' Comfort Creations, LLC, has over two decades of experience with both support groups and Family Caregiving.

Mindspa Integrative Wellness Center, 5632 Bee Ridge Rd #101, Sarasota, FL 34233

[SOON]  GRAB BAG: 22nd Annual Cortez Nautical Flea Market , October 26, 8am to 1pm

The Florida Maritime Museum (FMM) is hosting its 22nd Annual Cortez Nautical Flea Market on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 8am to 1pm. If you love boats, swoon at the sight of an anchor, taste the salt of the sea in your dreams then this event is for you. Searching for deals amongst the piles of new, used and eclectic maritime treasures has never been so much fun. Examples of vendors are used and new fishing supplies, power boat equipment, diving gear and sailing gear. Items will be available for sale and trade so bring your whole family and enjoy some live music by Treble Hook while mingling with other “salty dogs”. Live music will take place from 10am to 1pm. If you’re interested in being a vendor, there is a $25 fee (until October 12)* and space is very limited. Dig out or dust off all that old boat stuff and bring it on down, but make sure to reserve early.

The Florida Maritime Museum (FMM), 4415 119th Street West, Cortez, FL 34215

[SOON]  FOOD: 20th Annual Morton's Firehouse Chili Cook-Off , October 27, 2-5pm

Join us in front of Morton’s Gourmet Market on Sunday, October 27 from 2-5 pm for the chili event of the year. Aspiring chefs from more than 15 local firehouses as well as Sarasota Police and County Sheriff Deputies will compete for the title of “Best Firehouse Chili.” Attendees may sample all entries and vote for their favorite for only $10. Celebrity judges and live entertainment will help make this event one of Sarasota’s best. All proceeds go to The Sarasota Firefighters’ Benevolent Fund. Find more information at mortonsmarket.com or sffbf.org. Tickets may be purchased the day of the event or in advance at Morton’s Gourmet Market.

Morton's Gourmet Market, 1924 South Osprey Avenue, between Arlington and Hyde Park Streets

[SOON]  THEATER: The Sound of Music , November 13 – December 28, 7:30pm and 8pm evening performances and 1:30 and 2pm matinees

Like a breath of fresh Alpine air, this beloved musical masterpiece sweeps onto the Asolo Rep stage just in time for the holidays. Maria, a young nun causing trouble at the abbey, is sent off to be governess to Captain Von Trapp’s seven troublesome children. She brings much-needed love and joy to the family – and the widowed captain – and transforms their world and hers through the power of music. But the looming threat of Nazi Germany’s invasion of their native Austria darkens their future. Overflowing with some of the most iconic songs of all time, this heart warming family musical will be helmed by Josh Rhodes, returning on the heels of his spectacular production of Evita in 2017.

FSU Performing Arts Center, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Siesta Key Crystal Classic International Sand Sculpting Festival , November 15 – November 18, 10am-5pm

The Siesta Key Crystal Classic is a visual and cultural arts festival held on Siesta Beach every November. In just 24 sculpting hours, the master sculptors create sand masterpieces, some over ten feet tall, and transform the always beautiful Siesta Beach into an outdoor art gallery. And it’s more than just sand, the festival also features live music daily along with a large village of shopping and food and drink vendors. Other activities include the popular three day “Quick Sand” competition, sand sculpting lessons and an amateur competition. Hours are extended on Saturday & Sunday until 9 pm with colored lights on all the sculptures and live music!

Siesta Key Beach, 948 Beach Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242

[SOON]  FESTIVAL: Veterans Day Block Party , November 9, 4pm-9pm

Everyone is welcome to come celebrate the military nonprofits of Sarasota over Veterans Day weekend, November 9th at CitySide Apartments in the historic Rosemary District. The celebration will kick off at 4pm with Sarasota's most popular yoga teachers for an hour of Street Yoga, the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner and color guard to kick off the bands at 5pm with performances by Dan Johnson of Operation Hemingway, Ari and the Alibis, Enrique Casados and Kaliedogroove. Great food and beverages provided by Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Tsunami Sushi, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing. There will be fun activities for kids and admission is free.

CitySide Apartments , 700 Cocoanut Ave. and May Ln.

[SOON]  FOOD: Wine, Women & Shoes , November 14 – November 16, 530pm

Forty Carrots Family Center presents the 15th anniversary of Wine, Women & Shoes. The award-winning series kicks off with a private reception featuring a dozen partner wineries on Thursday, Nov. 14 at Michael’s Wine Cellar. The Signature Luncheon on Friday, November 15 is an all day affair with sipping and shopping, a professionally produced fashion show and an afternoon of dancing in the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Lounge. The public is invited to sample and purchase the wines at an open house on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Michael’s Wine Cellar. The weekend wraps up that evening at winemaker dinners hosted by Forty Carrots supporters in their homes. An exciting online auction and chance drawings are also open to the public participation starting Nov. 10 at winewomenandshoes.com/fortycarrots.

[SOON]  FILM: Gazebo Starlight Cinema Series , October 4

Join the Gazebo Starlight Cinema series with this month’s movie: Book of Life. With a screen stretched around the Gazebo pillars and family flicks back-projected from within, what better place than the facing grassy knoll to relax in a beach chair or curl up on a blanket? Bring the whole family to kick off your weekend while enjoying the park! Support local Venice Avenue businesses by bringing snacks, dinner, ice cream (or gelato!) to enjoy during the movie.

Downtown Venice Centennial Park, 200 West Venice Ave.

SRQ Media Group

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine. Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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