COMMUNITY BRIEFS: Community Foundation; Valentine's Day group wedding; diversity funding

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·5 min read

Community Foundation
expands, rewards staff

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has promoted a longstanding staff member, appointed a seasoned development professional, and named a vice president for a prestigious national fellowship.

“We’re thrilled to recognize our longstanding colleagues who have contributed so much to the betterment of our community, and welcome new colleagues as they begin their career with us,” said Roxie Jerde, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “Our staff cares deeply and remains committed as ever to ensuring everyone who lives here can realize their full potential and thrive. I count myself grateful for being able to work each day alongside such extraordinary colleagues.”

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

Julie Avins, who joined the Community Foundation in 2015, was named director of accounting.
Julie Avins, who joined the Community Foundation in 2015, was named director of accounting.

Julie Avins, who joined the Community Foundation in 2015 as a senior accountant, was named director of accounting. During her tenure, the foundation’s assets have grown from $274 million to $520 million.

Laurie Scott was appointed as philanthropic adviser and will work with donors throughout the community to help them achieve their goals. Scott brings more than 30 years as a development professional with experiences in the U.S., Japan, and New Zealand.

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

Valentine's Day weddings
at Manatee County Clerk

Couples looking for a unique wedding day are invited to participate in the second annual Valentine’s Day Group Wedding hosted by the Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller on Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.

The event consists of a single group ceremony that Clerk Angel Colonneso will officiate at the Gazebo at the Manatee County Historic Courthouse, 1115 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Couples will receive a printed photo and a Certificate of Marriage. Refreshments and entertainment round out the festivities.

The Clerk's office also is waiving the $20 photo fee and the $30 ceremony fee for couples participating. Couples must have a marriage license dated between Dec. 16 and Feb. 11 and must RSVP by Feb. 4 at bit.ly/338juxb. For more information, contact the Marriage and Passport department at 941-741-4020.

Center for PAInT at USF
receives diversity funding

The University of South Florida Foundation has received $30,000 in separate donations to support educational programming that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion through arts-integration.

The donations – $10,000 from Carol Beeler and $10,000 each from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Community Foundation of Sarasota County – will support the Beeler Scholars’ IDEIL Program. IDEIL stands for Incorporate 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 committed themselves to this valuable program and I am thrilled to see this initiative continue to receive ongoing support.”

Visit sarasotamanatee.usf.edu to learn more.

Supervisor of elections
announces scholarships

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

Four scholarships are available for eligible college juniors or seniors who have been a Florida resident for at least the prior two years and who are registered to vote in the county where applying. An applicant must be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student at a senior college or university in Florida; have a “C” average or above; and be either a political science, public or business administration, or communication major.

Full guidelines are available at SarasotaVotes.gov. Applications may also be picked up at the Sarasota County Terrace Building, 101 S. Washington Blvd., 7th Floor, Sarasota; R.L. 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 about ...

The National Council of Jewish Women's Women In Power Luncheon, originally scheduled on Jan. 19 at Michael’s on East, has been rescheduled for May 4 because of the spread of omicron.

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

• The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be conducting prescribed burns in January through March at Myakka River Deer Prairie Creek Preserve 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 fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year. For more information, visit swfwmd.state.fl.us.

• The Mission Impossible Fashion Show Extravangza is scheduled on Feb. 4 at the Palm Aire Women's Club. The fundraising event will feature local celebrities, award recipients and PAWC members as models. Tickets are $65, including luncheon. Checks should be sent by Jan. 26 to PAWC, P.O. Box 21051, Bradenton 34204 or left at the PAWC mailbox at the Palm Aire Country Club office. Payments are also accepted via PayPal (type in palmairewomensclub). Contact Carolann Garafola at carolanngarafola1@gmail.com for more information.

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

Compiled from community submissions

'Birthday of the trees'

Temple Emanu-El Religious School students recently celebrated Tu B’Shevat – the Jewish holiday marking the "birthday of the trees." The festivities included hands-on learning activities and an interactive nature story. Sixth- and seventh-grade students also visited the Celery Fields to learn about ecology. For more information about holiday celebrations at Temple Emanu-El Religious School, call 941-378-5567 or visit templeemanuel.com.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: COMMUNITY: Valentine' group wedding; diversity funding; scholarships