Good News Friday: Good Deeds - Feb. 6, 2015
Employees of Kerkering, Barberio & Co., CPAs, raised $14,680 through its annual campaign and donated the funds to the United Way Suncoast. The firm has also been named one of the “50 Most Generous Workplaces in Sarasota” by United Way.
The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation granted $75,000 to Suncoast Community Blood Bank for the replacement cost of a blood irradiator. SCBB provides more than 70 percent of the area’s blood supply to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and other local health centers.
“An Evening with Stephen King,” which took place last Thursday, Jan. 29 at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, raised $135,000 for the Manatee County Public Library System. More than 370 attendees listened to King speak for more than an hour at the sold-out event. The proceeds will fund an overhaul of the library system’s online operating system.
Manatee County Habitat for Humanity received a $30,000 grant from Publix Super Market Charities to assist in the construction of an additional home in the Ellenton Hope Landing community. Publix and Manatee Habitat have been partners in home construction in Hope Landing since 2011. The community is scheduled to be completed by June 2015.
The Bank of America Client Foundation, Virginia White Clark Fund, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee granted $20,000 to All Faiths Food Bank to support its Sprout Mobile Farm Market program. The funds will be used to help provide fresh fruits and vegetables to area families who otherwise would not have access to the nutrition. The Sprout Route schedule is available online here or call (941) 379-6333 for more information.
Ringling College of Art and Design announced two matching challenge donations designed to complete the $16 million funding for the Ringling College “Beyond the Boundaries” Library Campaign. A $1 million matching challenge was provided by an anonymous donor, and a second challenge for gifts up to $30,000 was provided by the Frank E. Duckwall Foundation. To qualify for the matching contributions, donations should be directed to the Ringling College Library Campaign at (941) 309-0117 or [email protected].
Lighthouse of Manasota received a $60,000 grant from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation to purchase four vehicles for Lighthouse instructors. An instructor travels an average of 1,500 miles per month, and the grant provides significant savings for the rehabilitation center so it can provide more direct support to clients.
A $7,500 award from the Harold C. and Jacqueline F. Bladel Foundation will help the Animal Rescue Coalition extend its spay and neutering services to outlying areas of need in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto and Charlotte counties.