Good News Friday: Good Deeds - April 3, 2015
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s 15th annual Season of Sharing campaign has reached its $2 million goal. In an effort to promote community involvement, The Patterson Foundation offered a gift of $100,000 for every $500,000 raised, matching a total of $300,000 for the $1.5 million raised by the community. Additionally, philanthropists Chuck and Margie Baracik pledged a capping gift of $200,000 once the campaign reached the $1.8 million mark. Other noteworthy gifts were made by the Selby Foundation and from Carol and Morton Siegler. The funds will help more than 2,800 individuals in need to stay in their homes.
More than 300 business owners, corporate sponsors and community members attended All Faiths Food Bank’s kick-off event for the 2015 Campaign Against Summer Hunger. The 40-day campaign, through May 9, is a countywide food and fund drive to help feed thousands of kids during summer. The community is challenged to raise $600,000 in matching funds and 800,000 pounds of food. Last year, the campaign raised more than $1 million and almost 800,000 pounds of food. In partnership with the Sarasota School District and community partners, they surpassed the goal of providing food to 15,500 children. A full impact report on the 2014 Campaign and summer food assistance programs can be found on allfaithsfoodbank.org.
The Sarasota HOG Chapter held its 16th annual St. Patty’s Day Poker Run and raised $3,000 for the Humane Society of Sarasota County. This group is also known for its Great Teddy Bear Run, which supports KIDS by the Sea, helping children with cancer and their families.
Voalte raised nearly $1,200 for March of Dimes at its second annual Crawl for Babies pub crawl in Sarasota’s Gulf Gate neighborhood. It was one of several Voalte fund-raising events planned for the spring, with a total goal of raising $11,000 for March of Dimes. Voalte CNO, Candace Smith, is co-chair of the 2015 Manasota March for Babies, along with Debbie Harman, clinical manager of neonatal services at Sarasota Memorial Health Care. Donations can be made to the team page here.
Venice MainStreet donated $3,000 from the Venice Blues Festival to the Venice High School Music Department.