Patterson Foundation welcomes Sarasota community leader to Governing Board

Special to the Herald-Tribune
·4 min read
The William G. and Marie Selby Foundation is awarding scholarships to 45 high school seniors to support their college journeys. This year’s “Selby Scholars” includes 24 students who are first in their families to go to college. In total, $887,000 has been approved by the foundation for Selby Scholars and institutional grants this year. “Selby Scholars exemplify our foundation’s values, compassion for others, and a determination to better our community,” Selby Foundation special projects manager Kiarra Womack said. Learn more about Selby Scholars at SelbyFdn.org.

Patterson Foundation welcomes Sarasota community leader

Cathy Layton, a retired commercial real estate broker and community leader, is joining the Governing Board of the Patterson Foundation philanthropic organization starting Aug. 1.

Layton has served the community in volunteer leadership roles with multiple public and private entities. She most recently served on the boards of the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation and Bay Park Conservancy, chairing both groups. The Patterson Foundation has long supported the BPC and its work to create The Bay, a public park that will span 53 acres along Sarasota’s bayfront.

“In all that she has accomplished, Cathy has demonstrated a forward focus that aligns with The Patterson Foundation’s approach to philanthropy,” said Ric Gregoria, the Patterson Foundation board chairman. “Her longstanding service in the community, values-driven approach to life and work, and extensive knowledge of our region will make her a true asset to the Patterson Foundation’s initiatives.”

Layton, who has lived in Sarasota since 1970, also has served on the Sarasota County Planning Commission, the Sarasota Housing Authority, and the Sarasota County Charter Review Board.

“Throughout my life, I have embraced opportunities to support missions that have a tangible impact on our community and its future,” Layton said. “The Patterson Foundation’s mission to strengthen people, organizations and communities resonates deeply with me.”

Friends of North Sarasota Library holding book sale and fundraiser

The Friends of the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library are holding a book sale on June 9-10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the library at 2801 Newtown Blvd. Proceeds from the semiannual event, which includes popcorn, will help fund free library and community outreach programs for youth, families and adults.

“Our book sale features children’s books, trade, paperbacks, and hardbacks along with CDs, VHS and old books,” organizer Ellia Manners said. “We have plenty of special subject books such as gardening, cooking, spirituality, health, art and more.”

The Friends Book Store is located inside the main lobby. On June 10, all items except specials will be half-priced or two-for-one from 2-4 p.m. “There’s room for about 2,000 book bargains, all in almost perfect shape,“ Manners said. For information about the book sale or to support the Friends Book Store, contact Manners at 207-595-1962 or elliamanners@gmail.com.

New veterans support group organizes North Port meeting

Vet2Vet, an assistance and support program run by military veterans to help other veterans, recently organized a twice-monthly support group in North Port.

"Our goal is to build knowledge and community, to share resources, and to support one another," said program facilitator Tim Long, a disabled combat veteran with more than six years of experience providing peer support services to veterans. "The Vet2Vet facilitators' role is to make veterans comfortable in talking about themselves and to help one another."

The group's next meeting is June 14 from 6-7 p.m. at the Goodwill Manasota Retail Store & Donation Center (14879 Tamiami Trail) on U.S. 41 and Sumter Boulevard in North Port. The group meets every other Wednesday.

Vet2Vet facilitators are veterans who are in recovery from a mental health issue and have experience to share. "We are here to teach and to learn from one another and support one another in the recovery process," said Long, a retired U.S. Army veteran living with PTSD and in recovery from substance use disorder. For more information, visit vet2vetusa.org or contact Long at TimNAMI240b@outlook.com.

Bourbon & Bentleys fundraiser to benefit JFCS of the Suncoast

The JFCS of the Suncoast is hosting a fundraiser, Bourbon & Bentleys, on June 8 from 6-8 p.m. at The Sarasota Studio, 1518 State St. in Sarasota.

The fundraiser will include bourbon tastings in souvenir shot glass amid Bentleys, Aston Martins, McLarens and Rolls-Royces at Dimmitt Automotive Group's luxury and exotic car dealership. The bourbon, provided by Dive Wine & Spirits, will be paired with appetizers from Brick’s Smoked Meats. Entertainment will include magician Pete Michael and music by the Future Urban Zoo band.

The event benefits JFCS and its mental health counseling and human services. For information and tickets, visit JFCS-Cares.org. Event sponsorships are available by contacting Carolan Trbovich at ctrbovich@jfcs-cares.org.

Around and about ...

The Englewood Country Liners enjoy and teach line dancing every Thursday from 9:30–11:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 701 N. Indiana Ave., in Englewood. Beginner dances are taught during the first hour and easy intermediate dances in the second hour. “The group is small, but we have a lot of fun,” ECL president Nancy Vargo says. Visit facebook.com/EnglewoodCountryLiners; email linerscountry@gmail.com; or call Vargo at 941-474-6027 for information.

Submissions by Patricia Courtois, Branan Jacobs, Ellia Manners, Tim Long, Melanie Hayes, Jayne Parker.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota community leader appointed to Patterson Foundation board