Barancik grant bolsters Girls Inc.; veteran support; YMCA honors volunteer; 'Off the Wall'

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·4 min read

'Making Strides' at Paradise

The Paradise Center will host its second annual "satellite” walk for breast cancer awareness on Longboat Key on Oct. 22. Last year's event raised more than $5,000 as part of the American Cancer Society's nationwide Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign. “We are thrilled that the organizers of the main local event at Nathan Benderson Park are allowing us to host this walk again, simultaneously, on Longboat Key," said Suzy Brenner, executive director of The Paradise Center. "It provides an opportunity for breast cancer survivors, thrivers and their supporters in our community to come together closer to home.” The 3-mile route starts and ends at the Paradise Center, 546 Bay Isles Road, looping through the Harbourside community. For information, visit the paradisecenter.org or call 941-383-6493.

Girls Inc. receives $610,630
Barancik Foundation grant

Girls Inc. was recently awarded a $610,630 grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to continue to support girls and families through their Family Strengthening Program.

Angie Stringer is president and CEO of Girls Inc. of Sarasota County.
Angie Stringer is president and CEO of Girls Inc. of Sarasota County.

“The [foundation's] support of our mission helps us prepare girls to grow into healthy, educated, and independent young adults while strengthening a family’s communication with valuable tools and resources,” Girls Inc. CEO Angie Stringer said.

The Family Strengthening Program includes services designed to address the social-emotional health of girls while strengthening a family’s communication through awareness, parenting tools, behavioral interventions, and referrals to community resources.

“This grant will allow Girls Inc. to help their young clients by boosting the capability of their families to cope with the emotional and mental stresses of the times with awareness and new skills,” Barancik Foundation CEO Teri A Hansen said.

The combined approach of regularly scheduled researched-based programming and the Family Strengthening Program ensures that girls have a comprehensive support system, including academic assistance and emotional support services. Visit GirlsIncSRQ.org for information.

American Legion Post 113
to host 'Be The One' event

American Legion Post 113 Rotonda West, 3436 Indiana Road, will be hosting a suicide awareness and prevention program and fundraiser on Oct. 8 from 10-4 p.m.

The American Legion recently adapted a new program, "Be The One," to help reduce veteran suicide and changed the National Veteran Suicide phone number to three numbers, 988 option 1. There will be a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. with guest speaker Larry Roberts, chairman of the American Legion Department of Florida's Project Vet Relief.

Project Vet Relief offers services to lessen the burden carried by veterans and servicemen and women. Local organizations will be handing out information on where veterans and their families can get assistance. “Thunder” the American Eagle will be attending the event and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s K-9 division will provide a demonstration. For more information, contact Laura Wine at 941-662-5503 or laurajwine1103@gmail.com.

YMCA of Southwest Florida
honors longtime volunteer

The YMCA of Southwest Florida recently honored Dave Wampler for decades of service to the Y’s mission by naming him Director Emeritus.

Dave Wampler has been name Director Emeritus of the YMCA of Southwest Florida.
Dave Wampler has been name Director Emeritus of the YMCA of Southwest Florida.

Wampler has been a volunteer for 25 years, serving as an officer and board member. His guidance was instrumental in the growth of YMCA services throughout Southwest Florida, including programs offered in the Englewood community. Wampler served as Chief Volunteer Officer from 2015-17.

The YMCA of Southwest Florida also unanimously elected Kim Amontree to the board of directors. Amontree represents District 2 on the Charlotte County School Board and serves as vice chair.

'Off the Wall' collaboration
explores art's healing power

Art Center Sarasota and Sunshine from Darkness are collaborating on “Off the Wall,” a joint fundraiser on Oct. 7 from 6-8:30 p.m. to benefit work performed in support of art and mental health wellness. The event follows a panel discussion on Oct. 5 from 5:30-7 p.m. on “Art and Childhood Development.” Both events will be held at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Off the Wall will feature a range of art experiences, including the opportunity to select original artwork and two interactive exhibition spaces that encourage participants to express their emotional and creative life experiences. Tickets range from $25 (students) to $250, and sponsorships are available (sunshinefromdarkness.org).

Art Center Sarasota education director Jane Harris will be moderator for the Art and Childhood Development discussion. The panel includes art therapist Lisa Richardson, neuropsychologist Amie Austin, and child and adolescent psychotherapist Ethan Weiss. For information and to register ($5), visit artsarasota.org or call 941-365-2032.

NAMI Sarasota/Manatee
named top Florida affiliate

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Sarasota and Manatee Counties was recently named Affiliate of the Year by the NAMI Florida Board of Directors at its statewide conference.

NAMI Sarasota/Manatee was recognized for its diversified programming offered to individuals living with mental illness, their families, and caregivers. In addition to support groups and education classes, the affiliate's You Are Not Alone program provides support, wellness, and a variety of daily activities.

“Our team works incredibly hard to provide needed support, education, and outreach for anyone impacted by mental health conditions in Sarasota and Manatee,” said Colleen Thayer, NAMI executive director. Visit namisarasotamanatee.org.

Around and about ...

The Music Compound and NextHome Excellence will host the sixth annual Beer, Bands and BBQ fundraiser on Oct. 1 from 1-6 p.m. at the Sarasota Farm Bureau, 7289 Palmer Blvd. Scheduled performers include Blind Squirrel, MonkeyFinger, Trey Wanvig, and Blue Heron Sextet. All proceeds from beer sales benefit Heroes Welcome Home. For tickets ($5; ages 10-under free), visit BeerBandsandBBQ.com.

• The Downtown Sarasota Enrichment Association will host Sarasota Rocktoberfest on Oct. 14-16 at J.D. Hamel Park, 199 Bayfront Drive. The pet-friendly festival includes a variety of food and a marketplace of arts and crafts. Admission is free. Visit paragonfestivals.com.

Compiled from press releases and community submissions

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: LOCAL: Girls Inc.; support for vets; YMCA honors vol; 'Off the Wall'