Gulf Coast Community Foundation announces college scholarship program for 2024-25

Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·4 min read
The Venice Symphony hosted a Venetian Nights Gala on Jan. 5 to commemorate its 50th anniversary year in the community. The event raised $130,000 and included "American Idol" vocalist Jay Camaro with members of The Venice Symphony’s Jazz Orchestra; speeches by Venice Symphony CEO Christine Kasten and board chair Barbara Jackson; and an auction led by Tim Ferguson, the symphony's director of education. For information about concerts, events, and programs, visit thevenicesymphony.org.

Gulf Coast Foundation accepting college scholarship applications

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation is accepting online applications for its 2024-25 scholarship program at GulfCoastCF.org/scholarships. The deadline is April 3.

“Together with our donors, we have invested more than $10.8 million to promising students through scholarships, ensuring that our region prepares the skilled workforce we need for the future,” Gulf Coast president and CEO Phillip Lanham said.

Applicants must reside in Sarasota County, Charlotte County, or Boca Grande, and must plan to attend a qualifying post-secondary institution during the 2024-25 academic year. Gulf Coast awards scholarships from more than 60 funds, including many established by donors to support particular fields of study or assist students from specific schools or communities. Last year, Gulf Coast awarded 563 scholarships totaling over $720,000.

Bilingual journalist joins news anchor team at WFLA Ch. 8

Paola Suro, an Emmy-nominated journalist, is joining the WFLA News Channel 8 anchor team. Suro will co-anchor News Channel 8 at 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on weeknights on the CW Tampa Baywith Josh Benson.

Paola Suro is joining the WFLA News Channel 8 anchor team.
Paola Suro is joining the WFLA News Channel 8 anchor team.

Suro, a native of Puerto Rico and graduate of the School of Public Communications at Syracuse, most recently was a bilingual reporter for 11 Alive News in Atlanta. She also will anchor the Spanish language "Noticias Tampa Hoy" newscast weeknights at 10:30 p.m. Her first day on-air will be Jan. 15.

“Paola brings extensive experience as a journalist as well as cultural knowledge having lived in multiple locations throughout South America," WFLA News general manager Mark Higgins said. "I am excited for her to have her serve as a strong voice for our Latino community.”

Bishop-Parker Foundation board appoints first CEO

The Bishop-Parker Foundation recently named Wendy Deming as the organization’s first chief executive officer, succeeding executive director Adell Erozer, who is retiring in February.

Wendy Deming has been named CEO of the Bishop-Parker Foundation.
Wendy Deming has been named CEO of the Bishop-Parker Foundation.

“We are excited to work with Wendy to increase the impact of our giving in Manatee County, and we look forward to growing our partnerships for the benefit of residents in our community,” said Bob Blalock, administrative officer for the board of trustees.

Deming currently operates Deming Consulting, a firm providing capacity-building services for nonprofit organizations in southwest Florida and beyond. Deming previously served as chief operating officer of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and in various roles at the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

“The founders and Trustees of Bishop-Parker Foundation have a strong history of making meaningful differences in Manatee County, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build upon their legacy,” said Deming, who holds a B.A. in accounting from Furman University and a master's degree in business from George Mason.

Around and about

Sarasota Military Academy Cadet Tim Swanson was chosen to participate in a ceremonial wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Jan. 4 at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Swanson, 15, a sophomore, also received the opportunity to spend time with the Sentinels of the Tomb – members of the 3rd U.S. Army Infantry Regiment (“The Old Guard”) who stand watch 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is dedicated to U.S. service members whose remains have not been identified.

Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Ron Turner is accepting applications for three $1,200 scholarships to be awarded by the Florida Supervisors of Elections Association in 2024. For applications and eligibility, visit SarasotaVotes.gov. Applications may also be picked up at Sarasota County Terrace Building, 101 S. Washington Blvd., Sarasota; R.L. Anderson Administration Building, 4000 Tamiami Trail South, Venice; and Biscayne Plaza, 13640 Tamiami Trail, North Port.

· Selby Botanical Gardens will open its 2024 “Performances at the Point” outdoor evening concert series with Sweet Fleet of Sarasota on Jan. 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Historic Spanish Point, 401 N. Tamiami Trail, in Osprey. Sweet Fleet will present “Say a Little Prayer” featuring music originally composed by Fleetwood Mac. For ticket information, visit selby.org.

· ensembleNEWSRQ continues its eighth season with “Night and Day,” a program featuring the world premiere of Scott Lee’s “Karst,” on Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., in Sarasota. The concert will also feature Molly Heron’s “Ebb Tide” (2018); Sebastian Currier’s “Night Time” (1998); Einojuhani Rautavaara’s “Unknown Heavens” (1997); and Samuel Adams’ “Sun Dial” (2021). For information and tickets, including student ticket pricing, visit EnSRQ.org.

· The fifth annual Parrish Under the Stars event sponsored by the Manatee River Rotary Club is Jan. 27 from 5-9:30 p.m. at the Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E., in Parrish. The event features a train ride, live music, wine and craft beer tastings, hors d'oeuvres, desserts and a raffle in support of local charities. For tickets and information, visit parrishtrain.eventbrite.com; manateeriverrotary@gmail.com; 941-962-4686.

· The 16th annual Downtown Venice Craft Festival is Jan. 27-28 on Venice Avenue featuring 150 craft artisans from around the country with custom work, including pet accessories, photo albums, handmade clothing and purses, jewelry, and paintings. Also a green market. (artfestival.com)

Submissions by Mia Kurecki, Rachel Denton, Kimberly Sherman, Adell Erozer, Tyson Pruitt, Su Byron, Nancy Seijas-Kipnis, Eddie Robinette, Elizabeth Dashiell.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Gulf Coast Foundation opens college scholarship program for 2024-25