Bank of America recently selected Easter Seals Southwest Florida as the recipient of a $25,000 grant that will help provide therapy for children in Sarasota County whose parents are unable to afford it. Types of therapy include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and early intervention services.

A new activities and counseling center for USF Sarasota-Manatee student veterans will open soon thanks to the generosity of an anonymous benefactor who contributed $50,000 toward the center. The contribution, finalized in mid-December, allows for the complete construction and furnishing of the 625-square-foot, first-floor campus space tentatively called the USFSM Military and Veterans Success Center.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast recently received $3,000 from The Venice Golf and Country Club Community Foundation for background screenings for volunteers, $1,000 from the MetLife Foundation’s Volunteer Ventures Program for one-on-one mentoring programs, $2,000 from the Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch for its early literacy programs and $2,000 from the Womens Sertoma Club of Venice for its adult mentorship programs.

Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, the nonprofit that operates and manages Nathan Benderson Park, will host a family-friendly community event showcasing everyday programming and amenities offered at the park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 20. The event is free and open to the public. The park is located at 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota.

Children First's 2016 Celebration Gala, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Michael's on East, 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota, will recognize President and CEO Philip Tavill’s 20 years of leadership. The theme is "Fairytale Ball: Sea of Dreams," and there will be cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, dinner and dancing to DJ Jonathan Cortez. Proceeds from the evening will help provide quality early education to children in need. Tickets are $200.