COMMUNITY: EOD opens in North Port; Easterseals SW Florida raises $500,000 for Happiness House

Easterseals Southwest Florida raises more than $500,000

The Easterseals Southwest Florida’s recent Abilities Shining Luncheon raised more than $500,000 for Easterseals Happiness House – the largest amount raised at the annual fundraiser.

“This is a great start to our fundraising year and will help us reduce waiting lists and expand our critically needed autism services,” Easterseals Southwest Florida president Tom Waters said. Guests were treated to original artwork by Easterseals students and entertainment by children’s band Everyone Rocks.

Easterseals Happiness House has supported individuals with disabilities since 1946. The Abilities Shining Luncheon was devoted to celebrating the people and programs at Easterseals Happiness House, including Early Childhood Development, K-12 Education, the Autism Center of Excellence, Therapy Services and Family Support Services. To learn more, visit easterseals-swfl.org.

Community pantries seeking help as COVID funds expire

The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program is seeking financial donations to help offset the expiration of emergency SNAP funds that were approved during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many households had come to rely on the extra Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program allotments as food, housing, and other costs soared. To help, households able to share are encouraged to donate through the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program. All funds are distributed to food pantries in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

The donations help to buy gift cards. The goal is to raise $20,000 to help meet the immediate need. Donations can be made online at mayorsfeedthehungry.org; via texting the word GIVE to 941-275-2032; and by check to Mayors’ Feed the Hungry, P.O. Box 1992, Sarasota, FL 34230.

Gulf Coast Leadership Institute opens applications for 2023 class

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation is accepting applications for its 2023 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute that is designed for aspiring, emerging, and experienced leaders who reflect the diversity of the region.

“The Gulf Coast Leadership Institute is an exciting opportunity for our region’s current and future leaders to harness their leadership skills,” said Kelly Carlstein of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “This high quality leadership development training provides participants with a chance to positively impact the community and take their leadership to the next level.”

For the 2023 class, up to 25 people will be selected to participate in a program led by faculty in the Leadership Development Institute at Eckerd College. Sessions are held over a two-month period. Applications and information are available at GulfCoastCF.org/GCLI.

Resource guide in Spanishavailable at Manatee schools

Making An Impact Inc., a nonprofit curator of community resource information for Sarasota and Manatee counties, recently partnered with the School District of Manatee County to provide printed copies of MAI’s Community Connections Resource Guide.

The printed guide will now be available in Spanish and English and features over 300 listings of services and programs, including children’s programs, employment, food assistance, health care, housing, and more.

"The guide will help us better serve our Spanish-speaking families. It will make it easier for them to tap into the resources and services required to avoid distractions or disruptions to their children’s education,” said Debra Estes, director of ESOL, Migrant & Dual Language at Manatee Schools. The guide is also available at Making-An-Impact.org. For information, visit the website or email info@Making-An-Impact.org.

Around and about ...

The Safe Children Coalition is collecting gift baskets and gift cards to present to foster families in Florida’s Circuit 12 (Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties) during National Foster Care Month in May. Community members can participate at sccrl.org/foster-parent-appreciation. Gift baskets can be dropped off at an SCC office between April 3-14. For information and assistance, email community resource specialist Nicole Frey at nfrey@sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799, ext. 183. To make a monetary donation, visit sccfl.org/donate.

· The Florida Artist Blacksmith Association and the Florida State Farriers Association will host a learning experience on April 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at New Farm Farrier Supply, 2051 Global Court, in Sarasota. The event will showcase tools and equipment, including forges, and feature demonstrations by shoemakers and blacksmiths. Info: blacksmithing.org, fishnchipsfoundry.com.

· The Venice Book Fair is today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Blalock Park in the 300 block of Nassau Street South. Proceeds go to Venice Heritage Inc. in support of the Lord-Higel House and the Venice Museum & Archives. Info: venicebookfair.com.

· Gulf Cove United Methodist Church, 1100 S. McCall Road, Port Charlotte, is hosting an Easter Egg hunt on April 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for children up to age 12. Also family games, a bounce house, free food and crafts. Info: 941-697-1747, GulfCoveUMC@gmail.com.

Submissions by Meredith Dropkin, Scott Biehler, Rachel Denton, Victoria Kasdan, Red Robyn Davis, Antony Fenn, Patricia Gleichauf, Dana Hanson.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota-Manatee's food pantries need support to fill SNAP void