Library Foundation's 12th annual 'Love Our Libraries' fundraiser raises over $400,000

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·4 min read
Volunteers Nikeitra Barbes, left, and Rae Dowling help beautify Resilient Retreat in Sarasota on Feb. 23 as part of FPL's 16th annual Power to Care week. More than 20 volunteers created a meditation garden for Resilient Retreat, a nonprofit that assists individuals impacted by trauma and abuse. This year, FPL’s Power to Care week consisted of more than 20 projects led by hundreds of employees in more than 10 counties.

12th annual 'Love Our Libraries' fundraiser raises over $400,000

The Library Foundation for Sarasota County welcomed 600 guests to its 12th annual “Love Our Libraries” Author Luncheon on Feb. 9 at the Municipal Auditorium, raising an event-record $414,000 to support Sarasota County public libraries.

Alisa Mitchell, executive director, and Sarah Karon, board president, of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County.
Alisa Mitchell, executive director, and Sarah Karon, board president, of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County.

The guest speaker was two-time Pulitzer Prize winning bestselling author Colson Whitehead. His talk was followed by a question-and-answer session led by Renee Di Pilato, director of Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources.

The fundraiser supports Summer Learning programs at all 10 Sarasota County public libraries and free books for Sarasota youth through the Library Foundation’s partnership with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The luncheon was supported by 45 community partners, including the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Bookstore1 Sarasota.

Since its founding in 2011, the nonprofit Library Foundation for Sarasota County has raised more than  $8 million in private funds for Sarasota County public libraries. To learn more, visit SarasotaLibraryFoundation.org or call 941-404-3139.

Wellen Park Half Marathon certified by USA Track & Field

Registration is still available for the second annual Wellen Park Half Marathon and 5K presented by Hotwire Communications on March 16.

The 13.1-mile course is certified by USA Track & Field. Both races start and finish at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen, with an awards ceremony to recognize male and female winners in several categories, including overall, masters, grand masters, senior grand masters, veterans grand masters and the top-three finishers in each age group.

The half marathon is open to runners 15 and older and starts at 7:30 a.m. The 5K run starts at 7:45 a.m. and is open to all ages (runners/walkers with strollers and leashed dogs permitted). The half marathon and the 5K have also been cleared for disabled runners. For details, entry fees, and registration, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/Venice/WellenParkHalfMarathonand5K.

Digital access enrollment event at Newtown Resource Center

Goodwill Manasota will host a Digital Access Enrollment event at its Selby/Newtown Community Resource Center (1781 Dr. Martin Luther King Way, Sarasota) on March 11 between 1-4 p.m.

The Patterson Foundation will provide digital navigators who will assist families and individuals with opportunities to obtain digital connectivity, devices, skills, and support. The Patterson Foundation's Digital Navigator Program is part of its Digital Access for All initiative.

Participants also will receive $50 gift cards and one-year memberships to the Sarasota Technology User Group for further digital training. For information and to enroll, visit bit.ly/digitalaccessenrollmentMarch11 or email Kiarra Louis at klouis@thepattersonfoundation.org.

HospitaBull fundraiser supports USF tourism/hospitality school

The 12th annual HospitaBull fundraiser supporting scholarships and other programs at USF Sarasota-Manatee's School of Hospitality and Tourism is March 26 from 6-9 p.m. at Michael’s on East.

Students will work with the Michael’s on East staff to organize, prepare and serve the dinner, connecting traditional classroom theory with real-life food and beverage operations. “Moreover, it plays a crucial role in empowering students by providing financial resources, ensuring they are equipped with the tools needed to excel in their careers,” said Cihan Cobanoglu, dean of the School of Hospitality and Tourism.

Tickets are available at the USF Foundation website (eventful.usf.edu/rsvp/hospitabull).

Around and about

Temple Beth El Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch recently marked its 50th anniversary with a celebration gala that included founding member Linda Hoffman, her brother Frank Samson, and sons Larry and Ryan Hoffman. The temple got its start in March 1974 when a small group of Jewish families met at the home of Dr. Craig and Linda Hoffman to introduce the idea of a Jewish congregation in Manatee County. With help from Richard Levin and others, the community found a temporary home in the club room at the Carmel Apartments. As membership grew, ground was broken in August 1977 and Temple Beth El (5150 Peridia Blvd. E., Bradenton) was dedicated on April 9, 1978. For information, visit bethel-fl.org.

A public interest forum on book bans will be presented by two Sarasota County librarians on March 12 at 1 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice, 1971 Pinebrook Road, in Venice. The discussion will address "What happens at the public library when books are challenged?" Presenting will be Jennifer Perry, branch service manager, and Cathay Keough, central services coordinator. (uucov.org/events/book-challenges-at-public-libraries)

· The Lakewood Ranch Festival of the Arts is Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 8100 Lakewood Main St. The event includes paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, glasswork, ceramics, and woodworking. (paragonfestivals.com) ... The Bay Indies Craft Fair at Indies Hall (950 Freeport St. E., Venice) is Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring more than 40 vendors, including resin art, jewelry, knitted items, shell art, and watercolors.

· The Manatee County Master Gardener Volunteers Spring Plant Sale is March 23 from 8 a.m.-noon at Barbara Davis Educational Gardens, 1303 17th St. W., in Palmetto. The sale features blooming plants, natives, vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs, and more, all grown by Manatee County MGVs. Proceeds support the Educational Gardens and MGV education and outreach programs. Registration: Eventbrite.

· The Manatee Rare Fruit Council’s annual fruit tree and plant sale is March 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m at Premier Sports Campus, 5895 Post Blvd., in Lakewood Ranch (off Route 70; I-75 Exit 217). Also available will be tropical vegetables, exotics, carnivorous plants, ornamentals, more than 20 vendors, and club members to provide expert advice. Proceeds benefit the Manatee Rare Fruit Council (mrfc.org)

· The 2024 Community Connections Basic Needs Resource Guide, listing more than 300 organizations in 17 categories of need, is available from the nonprofit Making An Impact. The updated guide features a wide range of services, including housing, health care, employment, veteran services, and more. (Making-An-Impact.org)

Submissions by Chris Duyos, Hillary Reynolds, Kate Schwartz, Emily Ford, Sharon Kunkel, Marc Masferrer, Judith Houston, Claudia Russo, Katie Granberg, Jennifer Perrella, and Victoria Kasdan.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota County Library Foundation fundraiser raises more than $400,000