The First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon returns Sunday, March 19, for the 12^th year, adding an additional $3.4 million to the Sarasota economy while also helping raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The St. Jude partnership includes allocating a portion of the registrations for runners who want to support the hospital even after the event sells out and offering special VIP perks as a thank you for their support. Register here.

The Wilson Wood Foundation recently provided a $10,000 grant to Forty Carrots Family Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families. The money will go toward providing parenting education to pregnant and postpartum women recovering from addictions.

SunTrust Bank recently provided a $10,000 grant to Goodwill Manasota to expand its financial literacy program. The money has helped 257 individuals by paying for a financial literacy coach for low- and moderate-income workers at external companies and organizations. Classes covered budgeting and debt reduction and provided tools and resources so participants can make sound financial decisions.