Resource center for more than 300 missionary families, providing logistical support, including weekly flights for mail and critical and emergency supplies, short-term volunteer teams, distribution of medical and other ministry supplies.

Executive director: Charles Gardner

Address: 7990 15th St. E.

Sarasota, FL 34243

Telephone: (941) 355-5099

Web site: www.agapeflights.com

Mission statement: Share the gospel and fight disease, poverty and illiteracy by serving missionaries in the Western Hemisphere, primarily in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Volunteer opportunities: Sort and package medicine and supplies, aircraft maintenance, computer entry, office work, Web page design and maintenance.

Main fund-raising event: Missions Banquet

Banquet featuring displays by cooperating ministries and praise reports from missionaries and short-term volunteers.

Date: TBA

Contact telephone: (941) 355-5099

AIDS-Manasota, Inc.

Sarasota's oldest AIDS service organization, providing HIV prevention and support.

Executive director: Debbie L. Roginski

Address: 1844 17th St.

Sarasota, FL 34234

Telephone: (941) 954-6011

Web site: www.AIDSManasota.com

Mission statement: Provide services to those infected or affected by HIV disease; to teach prevention and intervention techniques and optimize the quality of life.

Volunteer opportunities: Peer counseling, massage therapy, office, fundraising, buddy and companion services, dinners.

Main fund-raising event: Red Ribbon Holiday Auction

An evening of good food, entertainment and great holiday auction items.

Date: Nov. 10, 2002

Location: Michael's On East

Ticket price: $50/person

Event chairperson: Marcella Gilliland and Linda Post-Noel

Contact telephone: (941) 954-6011 and (941) 371-7150

All Faiths Food Bank

Collects and delivers food to churches and non-profit agencies.

Executive director: Daniel E. Dunn

Address: 717 Cattlemen Road

Sarasota, FL 34232

Telephone: (941) 379-6333

Web site: www.allfaithsfoodbank.org

Mission statement: Solicit warehouses, process and distribute food to non-profit agencies and churches offering hunger relief in Sarasota and DeSoto counties.

Volunteer opportunities: Sorters and events.

Main fund-raising event: Taste of the Nation

Evening of sampling food and wine from numerous Sarasota restaurants.

Date: April 2003

Location: Phillippi Estate

Ticket price: $50/person

Event chairperson: Paul Mattison and Ann Andrews

Contact telephone: (941) 379-6333

ALSO for Gay Youth, Inc.

A drop-in center, outreach support groups, HIV education, a youth speak-out panel and diversity training.

Executive director: Shelley Craig

Address: P.O. Box 7382

Sarasota, FL 34278

Telephone: (941) 951-2576

Web site: www.alsoyouth.org

Mission statement: Provide peer support services, educational programs, advocacy and referrals for youth dealing with sexual orientation and gender identity issues.

Volunteer opportunities: Support group facilitators, office work, special events.

Main fund-raising event: Annual Brunch

Waterfront dining with interactive presentation from youth members.

Date: Nov 10, 2002

Location: Marina Jack

Ticket price: $40/person

Event chairperson: Carroll Hunter, board president

Contact telephone: (941) 951-2576

Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter

Provides awareness, service, support and education to enhance those affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Executive director: Clare Loer

Address: 1230 S. Tuttle Ave.

Sarasota, FL 34239

Telephone: (941) 365-8883

Web site: www.alzswfl.org

Mission statement: Enhance the quality of life of those affected by Alzheimer's and related disorders through awareness, service, support and education.

Volunteer opportunities: Gala committees, Memory Walk planning.

Main fund-raising event:

1) Memory Walk - A national walkathon.

2) A Night to Remember - Gala fund-raiser with dancing, silent and live auction.

Date:

1) Oct. 19, 2002

2) Feb. 15, 2003

Location:

1) Lido Beach Pavilion

2) Hyatt Sarasota

Ticket price:

1) Walkers collect pledges

2) $125-$250/person

Event chairperson:

Stanley and Daniel Kane

Contact telephone: (941) 365-8883

American Cancer Society

Executive director: Melinda Mudge

Address: 2100 S. Tamiami Trail

Venice, FL 34293

Telephone: (941) 497-4309

Web site: www.cancer.org

Mission statement: Eliminate cancer as a major health problem through prevention and diminish suffering through education, advocacy and service.

Volunteer opportunities: Office, fund-raising committees, fund-raising events.

Main fund-raising event: Relay for Life

Date: Held annually

Location: Varies

Ticket price: None

Event chairperson: Varies by location

Contact telephone: (941) 497-4309

American Dancesport Inc.

Provides an avenue of dance for children 6-18 to learn socialization, a variety of dance skills and self-esteem.

Executive director: Wilson Barrera

Address: 2272 Main St.

Sarasota, FL 34237

Telephone: (941) 955-1099

Mission statement: Promote the social, emotional and physical well-being of youth through education in the art and sport of Dancesport.

Volunteer opportunities: Call for specific opportunities.

Main fund-raising event: Sarasota Dancesport Spectacular

Ballroom dance competition, dancing, dinner show.

Date: September 2002

Location: Sarasota Hyatt

Ticket price: TBA

Event chairperson: Wilson Barrera

Contact telephone: (941) 955-1099

American Heart Association

Executive director: Judy Brown

Address: 2975 Bee Ridge Road, Suite B

Sarasota, FL 34239

Telephone: (941) 927-4997

Web site: www.americanheart.org

Mission statement: Reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Volunteer opportunities: Heart Walk, Heart Ball, community advocacy.

Main fund-raising event: 2002 American Heart Walk

Date: Oct. 26, 2002

Location: Siesta Key Beach

Ticket price: TBA

Event chairperson: Rod Dagenais

Contact telephone: (941) 927-4997

American Red Cross-Southwest Florida

Local chapter of the nationwide volunteer agency that helps individuals and families in need after disasters.

Executive director: Larry Rider

Address: 2001 Cantu Court

Sarasota, FL 34232

Telephone: (941) 379-9300

Web site: www.arcswfl.org

Mission statement: Promote mutual understanding, protect life and health and prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found.

Volunteer opportunities: Disaster mitigation, disaster relief, health and safety instruction, clerical, data entry and reception.

Main fund-raising event: Celebrating Sarasota's Heroes

Annual luncheon to honor Sarasota County heroes, including firefighter and police officer of the year.

Date: TBA

Event chairperson: Larry Rider and Rosemarie Fisher