After the devastating impact of Hurricanes Milton and Helene, the Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation has continued its longstanding disaster recovery support with two matching gifts totaling $1 million to address immediate and long-term community needs and inspire additional giving from caring individuals both near and far. The Jellisons are longtime local philanthropists—their gifts helped Sarasota Memorial Hospital complete its oncology tower, which is named for Brian Jellison, and they have supported disaster relief initiatives in the past.

A $500,000 matching gift to Season of Sharing to provide immediate relief for residents in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and DeSoto counties. This gift, once matched, has the potential to raise a total of $1.2 million for Season of Sharing, which also has a match in place from The Patterson Foundation, which contributes $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community.

Another $500,000 matching gift to the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund will help support long-term recovery throughout the region once emergency relief efforts have concluded.

"These storms have brought unimaginable challenges to our community, and we feel a deep responsibility to support both immediate recovery efforts and long-term rebuilding. By coming together, we can help those affected regain stability and rebuild their lives,” says Christie Jellison Mucha. “We hope these matching gifts inspire others to join in and make a meaningful difference for those in need.”

The Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund was activated in the days leading up to Hurricane Ian’s landfall in September 2022. It prioritizes supporting human services, like childcare and youth programming, and targets underserved and vulnerable populations—people living in poverty, those with disabilities, and people living with mental illness—who often are disproportionately affected by community-wide crises. The Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation was pivotal in fundraising in the initial days of the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund, when it also provided a $500,000 contribution with a match challenge that was quickly met.

The 25^th annual Season of Sharing fundraising campaign this year was activated in the wake of Hurricane Helene, more than a month earlier than usual, to help those disrupted by the damage of the unprecedented storm surge on our coastal communities. Hurricane Milton, which caused more widespread impacts, compounded the need for the communities. Season of Sharing, while not explicitly a disaster fund, provides a safety net for many residents whose jobs have been placed on pause or find themselves without the resources to handle monthly bills, as well as those facing unexpected damage repair payments.

“These significant gifts will go such a long way in helping our community heal after the heartbreaking impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” says Roxie Jerde, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Donations to the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund and Season of Sharing can be made online here. For more information, click here.