Children First raises $600,000 at 23rd annual Fairytale Ball fundraiser at Michael's On East
Children First raises $600,000 at 23rd annual Fairytale Ball
Children First raised more than $600,000 during its 23rd annual Fairytale Ball at Michael’s on East that also honored two award recipients and featured a performance by Cirque Vertigo.
Children First parent Maria Somera was honored by the Florida Head Start Association as Parent of the Year, one of the highest honors for a parent in the Head Start Community. Also, Children First CEO Philip Tavill will be honored by the National Head Start Association with the Sargent Shriver Excellence in Community Service Award.
The event included a video celebrating the accomplishments of Kenny Hughes, his wife Lisa, and their son Matthew. “Thank you for changing our lives, and for all the lives you continue to change,” said Kenny Hughes, who serves on Children First's policy council.
Children First strengthens children and families through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. For information, call 941-953-3877 or visit childrenfirst.net.
CreArte Latino Cultural Center presents 'Nuestra Comunidad'
CreArte Latino will present a new informational series, “Nuestra Comunidad” (Our Community), starting on May 17 with Claudia Lozano, a prize-winning poet and psychotherapist.
The program features monthly presentations and community dialogues on topics of interest to the Latino community and was made possible by a $5,000 grant from the Gould Family Trust Foundation at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County is also a sponsor.
“Nuestra Comunidad” will be held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. from May through December. Speakers will include representatives from nonprofits and civic and governmental agencies. Each session will be followed by a Q&A in Spanish. Admission is $5. For information, visit creartelatino.org or call 941-732-7191.
Manatee postal workers hosting 'Stamp Out Hunger' food drive
The U.S. Postal Service will hold a "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive on May 13 to benefit the Food Bank of Manatee, a Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee program. Manatee County residents can leave unopened, nonperishable food items in/near their mailbox that will be collected by postal workers to help those in need.
“This annual event yields thousands of pounds of critically needed food items and we are so grateful for each and every item donated,” said Maribeth Phillips, president of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. “We appreciate the spirit in which these items are collected by our dedicated postal workers and will use the donations to feed those in need.”
Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee operates the Food Bank of Manatee, Home-Delivered Meals, Daybreak Adult Day Center, and Friendship Dining Center. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, call 941-747-4655 or visit MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org.
Sponsorships available to support 32nd Siesta Key Fireworks Show
Sponsorships are available from the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce for the 32nd annual Siesta Key Community Fireworks on July 4 at Siesta Public Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota.
The free fireworks show in partnership with Sarasota County is 100% funded by contributions from businesses and individuals. VIP sponsorship packages begin at $500 and include reserved parking, prime seating, food and beverages. The hospitality area opens at 6 p.m. and the fireworks begin at dusk.
For more information or to secure a sponsorship, visit siestakeychamber.com or call the Chamber office at 941-349-3800.
Around and about ...
The Sarasota Orchestra will celebrate the "Music of Motown” at its annual Outdoor Pops tonight at 8 p.m. at Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota. The concert will feature sounds from the height of the Motown era, including Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, The Temptations, and Stevie Wonder. Tickets/info: Orioles.com/spring; 941-893-6321.
· The Chabad of Venice is hosting the Lag B'Omer BBQ on May 9 at 6 p.m. at the North Manasota Beach Pavilion, 8570 Manasota Key Road, Englewood. The annual tradition celebrates the life of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a Jewish mystic. The event includes meat and vegetarian options and music by Boris from the Klezmer Freilach Band. Info: chabadofvenice.com/bbq; 941-493-2770.
· The Anna Maria Island Privateers are holding their first Food Trucks, Pirates & Tunes on May 13 from noon to 6 p.m. at Homes Beach City Field, 6001 Marina Drive. The fundraiser will feature more than 15 food trucks, vendors, a chance to tour the Scullywag pirate ship, and music by Southern Cross, Steve Paradis, The 301 Travelers, Cabana Dog, and the Bradentucky Death Rays. Info: amiprivateers.org.
· Second Chance Last Opportunity is hosting its 28th anniversary party, “Git It In Your Soul,” on May 27 from 6-9 p.m. at Sarasota Bayfront Community Center, 655 N. Tamiami Trail, with refreshments and dance music by DJ Al. Celebrate with SCLO staff and volunteers, meet board members and learn more about the nonprofit's mission. Tickets $50. Info/reservations: secondchancelastopportunity.org/events; 941-360-8660.
Submissions by Carol Lackey, Su Byron, Amy Towery, Ann Frescura, Orioles public relations, Yosef Buchman, Jennifer Mais, Lucy H. Hedrick.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Children First raises $600,000; 'Stamp Out Hunger' food drive in Manatee
