community foundation
grows, rewards staff

The Sarasota County Community Foundation promoted a longtime staff member, named a seasoned development professional, and nominated a vice president for a prestigious national scholarship.

“We are thrilled to recognize our long-time colleagues who have contributed so much to improving our community, and to welcome new colleagues as they begin their careers with us,” said Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the management of the Community Foundation.. “Our staff care deeply and remain more committed than ever to ensuring that everyone who lives here can reach their full potential and thrive. I am grateful to be able to work alongside such amazing colleagues every day.

Ranata Reeder, vice president of knowledge and equity, has joined the class of 2021-22 of the Hull Fellows Leadership Program, a philanthropic program. Over 300 people have graduated from the leadership program since its inception.

Julie Avins, who joined the Community Foundation in 2015 as Senior Accountant, has been named Director of Accounting. During his tenure, the foundation’s assets grew from $274 million to $520 million.

Laurie Scott has been appointed Philanthropic Advisor and will work with donors across the community to help them achieve their goals. Scott brings over 30 years as a development professional with experiences in the US, Japan and New Zealand.

The Community Foundation is Florida’s second largest community foundation, managing more than 1,570 funds. For more information, visit CFSarasota.org or call 941-955-3000.

Valentine’s Day weddings
to the Manatee County Clerk

Couples looking for a unique wedding day are invited to attend the second annual Valentine’s Day group wedding hosted by the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller on February 14 at 2 p.m.

The event consists of a unique group ceremony that Clerk Angel Colonneso will officiate at the gazebo of the historic Manatee County Courthouse, 1115 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Couples will receive a printed photo and marriage certificate. Refreshments and entertainment complete the festivities.

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The Clerk’s Office is also waiving the $20 photo fee and $30 ceremony fee for participating couples. Couples must have a marriage license dated between December 16 and February 11 and must confirm their attendance by February 4 at bit.ly/338juxb. For more information, contact the Marriage and Passport Department at 941-741-4020.

PAInT Center at USF
receives diversity funding

The University of South Florida Foundation received $30,000 in separate gifts to support educational programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through the integration of the arts.

The donations — $10,000 from Carol Beeler and $10,000 each from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Sarasota County Community Foundation — will support the Beeler Scholars’ IDEIL program. IDEIL stands for Incorporating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Life Skills. USF’s Florida Center for Partnerships in Arts-Integrated Teaching (Center for PAInT) administers the program.

“The goal of this program is to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community on the Suncoast through the arts,” said Denise Davis-Cotton, director of the Center for PAInT. “The Beelers have been committed to this valuable program and I am delighted to see that this initiative continues to receive continued support.”

Visit sarasotamanatee.usf.edu to learn more.

Election Supervisor
scholarship announcement

Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner is accepting applications for a $1,200 scholarship to be awarded by Florida Supervisors of Elections in 2022.

Four scholarships are available to eligible junior or senior students who have resided in Florida for at least two years and are registered to vote in the county to which they are applying. An applicant must be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student at a college or university in Florida; have a “C” average or higher; and be either in political science, public or business administration, or communications.

Full guidelines are available at SarasotaVotes.gov. Applications can also be picked up at the Sarasota County Terrace Building, 101 S. Washington Blvd., 7th Floor, Sarasota; RL Anderson Administration Building, 4000 Tamiami Trail, Venice; and Biscayne Plaza, 13640 Tamiami Trail, North Port. Applications must be submitted by March 11. For more information, call 941-861-8606.

Around and around…

the National Council of Jewish Women’s Power Luncheon, originally slated for January 19 at Michael’s on East, has been postponed to May 4 due to the spread of omicron.

The 40th anniversary event will honor the “unsung heroines” of the COVID-19 pandemic who have improved lives and helped build stronger communities. For more information, call 941-342-1855 or visit ncjwsarasota-manatee.org.

• The Southwest Florida Water Management District will conduct prescribed burns from January through March at the Myakka River Deer Prairie Creek Reservation and Schewe Tract in Sarasota County. Deer Prairie Creek Preserve and Schewe Tract are located west of North Port, east of the Myakka River, and north and south of Interstate 75. Approximately 450 acres will be burned in small, manageable units to reduce overgrown plants and promote habitat management. The district conducts prescribed burns on approximately 30,000 acres each year. For more information, visit swfwmd.state.fl.us.

• The Mission Impossible Extravangza Fashion Show is scheduled for February 4 at the Palm Aire Women’s Club. The fundraising event will feature local celebrities, award winners and PAWC members as role models. Tickets are $65 including lunch. Checks should be sent by January 26 to PAWC, PO Box 21051, Bradenton 34204 or left at the PAWC mailbox at the Palm Aire Country Club office. Payments are also accepted via PayPal (type palmairewomensclub). Contact Carolann Garafola at [email protected] for more information.

• Gulf Cove United Methodist Church, 1100 McCall Road in the Gulf Cove area of ​​Port Charlotte, is seeking craft vendors for its Arts & Crafts Show on February 11-12. For more information, call 941-276-7281.

Compiled from community submissions

“Tree Birthday”

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: COMMUNITY: Valentine’s Day Group Wedding; diversity funding; Scholarships