Elizabeth Moore
Women in Philanthropy Inaugural Honoree

With a boots on the ground approach to philanthropy, Elizabeth Moore is an enthusiastic patron deeply involved in conservation efforts. Her contributions highlight her commitment to environmental causes, marine science, education, and the arts. Elizabeth selflessly conserved her ranch for watershed and wildlife benefits. Through her hands-on approach and financial support, her involvement with various foundations and projects underscores her passion for making a positive impact on our state.

Marie E. Johnson-Colbert
Women in Philanthropy Inaugural Honoree

A committed philanthropist since the 1980s, Marie E. Johnson-Colbert is renowned for her 50-year career in retail and academia where she shaped the industry with innovative trends such as “camo fashion” for women worldwide. Her interest in philanthropy began with the “Friends of Jackie Robinson Foundation.” She is a prominent collector of Fine African American Art, prioritizing education and art through impactful fundraising and fashion events. Marie has left a lasting legacy in these fields.

Flora Major
Women in Philanthropy Inaugural Honoree 

Flora Major, a dedicated humanitarian hailing from Hungary, leaves a profound impact by championing healthcare, children’s welfare and the arts. She is actively involved in numerous university and hospital not- for-profit boards. Her theatrical productions uplift communities and led her to establish the largest prize in the world annually for the creation of a new play at a historic Artists Retreat. An advocate for cultural enrichment, she shares her love for horticulture, education, and music showcasing her dedication by generously lending her art collection to organizations.

Graci McGillicuddy
Women in Philanthropy Inaugural Honoree 

A passionate advocate and philanthropist, Graci McGillicuddy dedicates her life to children’s rights in Florida. Born in Columbia, she began as an educator and later spearheaded initiatives for child protection, reforming foster care, ending abuse cycles, and advocating for all children. Her influential journey also includes leading efforts in the arts, fundraising, founding organizations, and fighting human trafficking. Her extensive recognition throughout her career bears witness to her commitment and transformative accomplishments.

Sherry Koski
Women in Philanthropy Inaugural Honoree 

Honed in New York’s competitive landscape across communications and financial sectors as a highly successful executive, Sherry Koski’s entrepreneurial spirit, propels her selfless dedication to philanthropy, focusing on health, children, and education. She excels in building deep relationships and is a passionate visionary for impactful contributions both locally and globally through non-profit organizations. Sherry enjoys fundraising and introducing new individuals to Sarasota’s charitable endeavors and is eager to continue this noble work for years to come.

Mary Kay Hanson
Women in Philanthropy Inaugural Honoree 

The steadfast dedication to philanthropy and community shine through Mary Kay Henson’s extensive support for education, public schools, and innumerable charities. Her hands-on involvement in people’s lives reflects a commitment to helping children and families in poverty. The Henson Fund’s targeted mission for education and enrichment programs for underprivileged children underscores her passionate drive for making a significant difference in the community. She possesses a strong interest in fine arts and volunteers at several cultural institutions.

Ariane Dart
Women in Philanthropy Inaugural Honoree

A compassionate philanthropist, Ariane Dart’s giving spirit merges her love for car racing with aiding the safe return of numerous missing children. She plays a pivotal role in her family’s business, leveraging her marketing expertise to support charitable initiatives for educational programs. As an engineer, her innovative thinking has enhanced the community through charitable events with renowned entertainers, leading to millions raised for charities. She prioritizes support for healthcare and education, empowering children and parents in life skills, leaving a lasting impact.

Judith Economos (1940-2024)
Women in Philanthropy Inaugural Honoree 

A creative force with a Ph.D. in Philosophy (teaching at Princeton and pioneering of AI in the ‘60s) and possessing a superior Fine Arts background, Judith Economos’ legacy emphasizes philanthropy, supporting STEM and marine science scholarships as well as countless research topics. She gifted every life she touched with the beauty of her masterpieces, whether a profound poem, her remarkable teaching, or her multifarious modalities of artistic expression. Judith’s legacy is a testament to her unwavering generosity, pursuit of creativity, and intellectual excellence.

Margery Barancik (1936-2019)
Women in Philanthropy Inaugural Honoree 

Despite preferring anonymity, Margery Barancik stood out as the most generous of benefactors with a Foundation surpassing all in Sarasota. Margery background in educating children with disabilities, and her subsequent community involvement reflect her enduring commitment. With a keen focus on family and giving back, she humbly worked behind the scenes to realize her vision of profound impact and generosity for children and families, poverty, mental health, the arts, and environmental stewardship to cultivate a lasting generational legacy of giving.

Lee Peterson (1926-2017)
Women in Philanthropy Inaugural Honoree 

An esteemed philanthropist in Sarasota County, Lee Peterson’s background as a Broadway professional, recording artist and opera singer inspired her to invest in her passion, the arts. She significantly impacted mental health services, youth development, floriculture and social services through her support and active involvement in numerous leadership and community roles. Her vibrant joy and enthusiasm as well as her generous contributions are legendary and have left an indelible generational legacy in Sarasota.

Nikki Sedacca
Women in Philanthropy Inaugural Honoree 

A philanthropic role model in art and business, Nikki Sedacca is known globally for her one-of-a-kind jewelry designs and locally for her community outreach. She champions emerging artists and creative ventures with her business enterprise. She has been actively involved in various not-for-profit organizations, holding key roles and leading fundraising efforts. Her dedication to supporting multiple causes through event coordination and committee memberships highlights her strong commitment to philanthropy and to making a difference.

Virginia Toulmin (1925-2010)
Women in Philanthropy Inaugural Honoree 

Known for her compassionate leadership and philanthropic spirit, Virginia Toulmin viewed philanthropy as an opportunity to uplift her community and others. Her guideline for contributing was to always look to the leadership of charities to determine their integrity. Her impactful legacy lives on through her Foundation’s generous contributions, distributing millions annually to children’s issues, mental health and cultural initiatives that positively impact a multitude of lives in Sarasota as well as organizations around the world.

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Co-Chairs: Katherine Harris and Margaret WiseCreative Director: Tatyana Stewart, Communications Director: Dayle Hoffmann