Unity Awards

Doricha Sales Teaches the Art of Ballet to Break Down Barriers

"I think my profession can help more people see that dance is accessible to them.”

01/09/2023 By Dariela Delgado

Unity Awards

Dr. Manuel Gordillo Steers a Community Through a Deadly Pandemic

"I’m so proud of the health care system. These are humbling experiences.”

01/09/2023 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Best of the Year

Our Favorite Photos of 2022

From emotional portraits to striking natural beauty to one hilarious lemur, here are some of the best photos we ran in 2022.

12/29/2022 By Staff

Grants

FUNducation Receives $120,000 Grant from Barancik Foundation

The organization aims to expose, engage and empower youth to through education in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.).

03/09/2022 By Staff

Forever Fit

Great Gyms Where You Can Get in Tip-Top Shape in 2022

We asked some svelte, sexy and supple locals, who span the gym spectrum, which gyms they think are best. Here's what they said.

01/04/2022 By Isaac Eger

Panels

Community Foundation to Host Virtual 'Community Voices' Discussion

The panel will be hosted by Mercedes Soler and feature Donna Hanley, Jeannie Perales and Michéle Des Verney Redwine.

09/30/2021 By Staff

New In Town

Celebrated Editor and Author Tanya Steel Surveys the Local Food Scene

Steel is the award director for the Julia Child Award and launched the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids’ “State Dinner” with former First Lady Michelle Obama.

09/07/2021 By Susan Burns

Grants

SOAR Learning Center Receives $49,500 in Funding from United Way Suncoast

The funding will be used to advance SOAR's mission and engage students and their families in reading-related activities.

06/22/2021 By Staff

Up for the Challenge

New City Manager Marlon Brown on a New Commission, New Projects and the Challenges Ahead

Brown was named Sarasota’s city manager in January, after serving as deputy city manager since 2009.

03/04/2021 By Elizabeth Djinis

Unity Awards Alums

John Annis Says We Must Continue to Try to Find Common Ground

Annis was a 2020 Unity Award winner for his work as senior vice president of Collaboration and Impact for the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

03/02/2021

The Powerhouse

Carrie Cox Is a Leader in the Global Biopharmaceutical Industry

Cox has been named to Fortune magazine's "50 Most Powerful Women in Business" list six times.

09/17/2020 By Ilene Denton

The Journalist

Mercedes Soler-Martinez Tells the Stories Her Listeners Need

“Hispanics have always been here. They didn’t come across the border 20 years ago to break immigration laws.”

09/17/2020 By Alan Cresto

The Teacher

Neirda Lafontant Paves the Way for Future Innovators in S.T.E.A.M. Careers

A dynamic speaker and motivator, Lafontant created the nonprofit FUNducation in 2019 to give kids an opportunity to build robots, learn about forensics, explore coding and more.

09/17/2020 By Jessika Ward

The Advocate

Laura Gilkey Is a Passionate Advocate for Pediatric Cancer Research

After losing her son, Benjamin, to cancer at just 9 years old, Laura Gilkey created a fund to support innovative oncology care for children.

09/17/2020 By Megan McDonald

Grants

Community-Based After School Program Expands Services

A $50,000 grant from the Barancik Foundation will support SOAR's educational programs through summer 2021.

09/09/2020 By Staff

Philanthropy

A Life Story Foundation Announces New Business Model in Wake of Covid-19

The foundation will move from fundraising via large-scale events to using digital platforms to create content, awareness and sponsorship opportunities for donors.

08/19/2020 By Staff