Ringling College of Art and Design President Dr. Larry R. Thompson and Wendy G. Surkis, president of the Sarasota Museum, announced a $300,000 grant from The Selby Foundation as a vote of confidence toward completing the $22-million fundraising goal for the museum project by May 31. The Selby grant follows the successful completion of both a ‘Million Dollar Match’ created by SMOA board member and Ringling College Trustee Elaine Keating, and an additional $1 Million Challenge from an anonymous donor, which was announced March 22. Since the $1 Million Challenge was revealed, $940,565 has been raised of the necessary $1.45 million remaining. The $1 Million Challenge will be met only if SMOA secures the final balance of $510,125 by the end of this month.

 

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Sarasota County Foundation has awarded $5,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast for the Decisions to Win program. An adult mentor from the community works on-on-one with a student at risk of dropping out of high school. Together, they complete an intensive course consisting of an 18-lesson workbook on personal decision-making. Approximately 97 percent of seniors completing the Decisions to Win program graduated from high school.

 

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The 18th Annual Meadows Cup Pro-Am Golf Tournament announced a gift of $45,000 to Easter Seals Southwest Florida. The event’s presenting sponsor was The George and Isabel Bushong Foundation, and funds will be used to provide programs and services for children, teens and adults with disabilities. Since its inception, the tournament has netted more than $880,000 in funds for charity.