On Thursday, Oct. 15, Sarasota Magazine celebrated our 2026 Unity Award winners—and it was a reminder of the power of community, creativity and perseverance. 

As Unity Award winners and attendees filed into the ballroom and began taking their seats, there was a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The awards—now in their 16th year—bring together a diverse group of people, from grassroots organizers to major philanthropists. 

But there's one thing they all have in common: the drive to make our community a better place, even—often—when that can be an uphill battle. 

Dr. Denise Davis-Cotton, director of the Florida Center for Partnerships in Arts-Integrated Teaching (PAInT) at the University of South Florida, shared her experience growing up alongside Civil Rights-era luminaries like Rosa Parks and Doris Crenshaw—and how they shaped her beliefs that the arts are an essential part of our overall education. 

Karen Chester-Amengor, director of the Gulf Coast Community Choir, reminded us that lifting our voices in song is a simple and meaningful way to contribute to a much bigger conversation. 

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Deb Kabinoff spoke about the power of technology to provide access and bring people together—a refreshing take on a topic that has recently been dominated by fear around AI.

Dr. Essence Deming-Rivers examined the meaning of the word "unity" and how, for her, it sits at the intersection of diversity and connection—a powerful application.

David Crawford illustrated what happens when founders bake philanthropy into their business plans, as he has at Catalist Realty, which has donated more than $350,000 in commissions to local nonprofits.

Geri Chaffee, founder of Dreamers Academy, showed how passion, dedication and inclusion can empower our youngest learners.

Bill Woodson, creator of Conversations Across the Aisle, reiterated how we often just want to be heard—and the positive things that can happen when we take a deep breath and really listen to each other.

And Missy Parmenter shined a light on some of some of the most vulnerable people in our community—kids aging out of foster care—and gave us a glimpse at what can happen when someone says to them, "I see you. I'm here for you."

Here's a look at the event in photos. 

Special thanks to our presenting partner, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, and our community partners: Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee and The Ora.