The Tampa Bay Lightning honored Barney and Carol Barnett as the first Lightning Community Heroes of the 2017-2018 regular season during an October game. As recipients of this award, the Barnetts were able to direct $50,000 to the charity of their choice, Mote Marine Laboratory. The donation will be used to conserve and enhance Southwest Florida fisheries.

Two hundred and thirty Manatee County teachers recently received classroom grants to fund educational projects for their students. In total, $108,000 was awarded to 45 schools during an October reception.

The Frank E. Duckwall Foundation recently issued a challenge grant to raise money to build a Visualization Theatre classroom in the new Library & Learning Center at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. For every $1 donated to the project through March 31, 2018, the Duckwall Foundation will donate $1, up to $100,000.

Forty Carrots Family Center, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families, recently received a $90,866 grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to provide counseling to students and their families at Tuttle Elementary School over the next three years. A Forty Carrots licensed mental health counselor will travel to the school weekly to work with students identified as needing extra support.

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently awarded Embracing Our Differences a $40,000 grant to help fund its next outdoor exhibition, which runs April 4-May 31, 2018, in Sarasota’s Island Park. The grant will also be directed to empower Embracing Our Differences' annual educational outreach programs.

The Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County recently received a $20,000 grant from the Woman’s Exchange to support InspireSarasota!, a 12-day long celebration of our community’s arts and culture held Oct. 23-Nov. 4.

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota recently received a $10,000 grant from the Scheidel Foundation to kick off a $3.5 million capital campaign to build a new Studio for the Performing Arts.

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently awarded the State College of Florida Foundation $10,000 for Gator Engineering and its Gator Den. The Gator Den is a dedicated space for engineering students to study, collaborate and seek the guidance of State College advisers.

Goodwill Manasota and the Bradenton Marauders partnered on “Star Wars Night” during a game at LECOM Park in July. The event raised nearly $1,300 through a Star Wars-themed jersey auction. The funds will support Goodwill Manasota’s Veterans Services Program.

Sarasota's Hershorin Schiff Community Day School recently received an artwork by renowned Israeli artist Amos Amit. The piece, an intricate batik, was donated by school supporters Ed and Betty Rosenthal, who recently downsized their home and knew the students would enjoy and benefit from the piece.