Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation raises record $1.5 million at Transformation Gala
Sarasota arts foundation sets fundraising record
The Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation raised $1.5 million at its annual Transformation Gala in March, the most successful fundraising event in the organization’s history.
The event included a surprise appearance by Tony and Emmy Award-winning artist Kristin Chenoweth, who capped the evening with a performance at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall for over 1,300 people. The fundraiser supports the foundation’s mission to sustain a vibrant performing arts center, advance education initiatives, and enrich communities through the power of the arts.
“The generosity and unwavering support for Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation illuminates the path toward a brighter future for arts and arts education in Sarasota and reaffirms our shared commitment to a new performing arts center on the Bay," foundation CEO Tania Castroverde Moskalenko said. "I am grateful to everyone who contributed to helping us achieve this incredible milestone."
Kathy Martella and Susan Travers served as co-chairs of the gala, which also honored three educators with the Appleton Arts Award: Emerging Educator Jahkori Dopwell, Outstanding Teaching Artist Freda Williams Kmak, and Experienced Educator Tim Ferguson.
Save Florida Home Rule hosting Holmes Beach rally
Save Florida Home Rule, a nonpartisan citizens advocacy group, is holding a rally on Saturday at 10 a.m. at City Field (59th Street and Marina Drive) in Holmes Beach to provide information regarding the state’s interest in consolidating or dissolving the Anna Maria Island cities.
According to Save Florida Home Rule, a potential takeover of Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach will adversely affect the beauty of Anna Maria Island and will ultimately lead to changes in zoning to permit high-rise buildings. The group says that consolidation of AMI cities is government overreach and will "pave the way for the identity of other Florida cities to be hijacked."
Speakers include City Commissioners from Holmes Beach and property owners, residents, and regular vacationers in Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. For information, visit facebook.com/savefloridahomerule or write to SaveFloridaHomeRule@gmail.com.
Buchanan honors Manatee teachers, school workers
The 10th annual Congressional Education Awards hosted by Rep. Vern Buchanan recently honored 26 educators and school employees in Florida’s 16th Congressional District for exceptional achievement.
“These outstanding men and women are the unsung heroes who ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive," Buchanan said. "This talented group represents the very best of our education system."
Award recipients from Manatee County included Michelle Ayling, SCF Collegiate School; Jensina Barnes, Palm View; Pauline Barnes, Manatee; W. Shane Baxley, Manatee Technical College; Amy Bradl, Willis; Patrice Cairo, Gene Witt; William Cirone, MTC; Joadie Durfee, Harvey; Rennie Finck, Lakewood Ranch; Katie Fradley, Willis; Jennifer Harper, Williams; Jen Johnson, Sea Breeze; Kami Lake, multiple schools; Debra McCarthy, LWR; Chelsea McCay, Daughtrey; Stefanie Minihan, Braden River; Patricia Pearson, Braden River; Katherine Price, Willis; Jodi Samson, McNeal; Laura Schuyler, Braden River; and Jessica Spence, McNeal.
Grant supports reconstruction efforts for Boys & Girls Clubs
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties recently received a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to support long-term reconstruction efforts at the Steven and Marjolaine Townsend Campus, home of the Gene Matthews Boys & Girls Club.
Hurricane Ian caused irreparable damage in 2022 to two of three main buildings. A 23,000-square-foot facility will be built in the same location that has served families for over 25 years. The facility will feature classrooms, a commercial teaching kitchen, a food pantry, a tech lab, a teen center, and a college and career center. Club members will also have a renovated sun-shaded playground, recreation pavilion, and health and fitness center.
“This funding represents a significant step forward in our mission to ensure youth in the North Port community continue to have access to award-winning and nationally recognized programs designed to help them reach their full potential,” said Bill Sadlo, president/CEO.
The grant provided through the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund will help sustain operations during construction of the new facility and to defray costs for two classroom portables that will serve as temporary educational and enrichment space.
Around and about
· The 22nd annual St. Armands Circle Art & Craft Festival (411 St. Armands Circle Ave., Sarasota) is Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring sculpture, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and mixed media. The festival also will feature a craft marketplace. (artfestival.com)
· FISH (Friends in Service Here) of North Port, a nonprofit providing transportation for North Port residents to area medical appointments, is seeking additional drivers to volunteer a couple of hours per week. Mileage reimbursement provided. FISH also needs answering service operators. Volunteers are protected against liability by the Florida Volunteer Protection Act. To learn more, contact Bruce Isbell at 941-429-8945.
Submissions by Allison Moore, Meredith Dropkin, Taylor Hulsey, Erin Guzzo, Bill Tokajer, Elizabeth Dashiell, and Bruce Isbell.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: BRIEFS: Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation raises record $1.5 million
