Community Foundation of Sarasota County

?? As the saying goes, “When you fill someone else’s bucket, you also fill your own.” ?? That’s what our Community Impact team learned today when they visited area elementary schools for Embracing Our Differences’ seventh annual “Bucket Fillers Reading Day.” ?? The program brings volunteer readers into K-3 classrooms to share local author Carol McCloud’s books—with age-appropriate messages about the importance of kindness and preserving your own happiness. Last year’s Bucket Filler Reading Day reached 9,200 students in 510 classrooms from 83 schools in Manatee and Sarasota counties.? ?? Students in participating classrooms are also gifted the book used in the read-along, as a token of the day and reminder of the lessons learned.? Embracing Our Differences, Inc., Sarasota County Schools #BucketFiller #EmbracingOurDifferences #KindnessMatters?#BeTheOne

Did you know? Motivations for philanthropic giving differ greatly between women and men, and that is significant, especially now that women are achieving greater economic power than ever before. Community Foundation of Sarasota County President and CEO Roxie Jerde sat with board member Laura Mattia, Ph.D., MBA, CFP? to discuss harnessing the power of money for good. Dr. Mattia, CEO and fee-only planner at Atlas Fiduciary, and Roxie dive into what drives women and men to give. Don’t miss the chance to hear from our very own Money Matriarch! Listen now: https://ihr.fm/3XBLcdJ

“I’ve never been one to ask for help,” said Craig Kenny. Like so many other healthcare workers providing essential services in our region, Craig’s life has been spent helping vulnerable people. However, disruptions in his income combined with depleting physical health that limit options for new jobs have placed him in the precarious position of missing rent payments. More and more aging adults approaching retirement age in our region are finding themselves financially unable to retire, with the combination of rising rents and stagnant wages creating a reality in which many are aging into poverty. After years of helping the elderly, Craig now needs help. Fortunately, he can turn to Season of Sharing. Read more about Craig's story and how he found relief through Season of Sharing here: https://lnkd.in/eYJXdBxk The Patterson Foundation, Herald-Tribune Media Group #BeTheOne #SeasonofSharing #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors

Did you catch our Vice President of Community Impact Kirsten Russell on Suncoast View ABC 7 WWSB-TV yesterday? Kirsten spoke with host Linda Carson about the two-pronged approach our Community Foundation is taking to restore our community after an unprecedented hurricane season. ?? Season of Sharing, now in its 25th year, is a time-tested social safety net that has helped more than 50,000 families rebound from financial setbacks over its history. Now, with home displacement, job disruption, and destroyed belongings, there’s an uptick of families facing financial emergencies. Season of Sharing, which from the beginning has offered a way for neighbors to help neighbors, is there to offer immediate relief. ???? For longer-term recovery, the Community Foundation’s Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund invests in many areas we don’t typically connect with a disaster—youth programs, legal aid, mental health services. These programs and services are important pieces to making communities whole again, the aim of the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund. Learn more about the innovative, holistic approach to rebuilding our communities and restoring resilience: https://lnkd.in/esiNyZtF

We’re proud to be one of hundreds of community foundations across the country creating social change hand-in-hand with nonprofits. Join us in celebrating Community Foundation Week (November 12-18) and National Philanthropy Day on November 15 to recognize the powerful ways local philanthropy enhances quality of life in communities across the nation. #CommunityFNDWeek #BeTheOne

We're proud to share that Mischa Kirby, APR will present on the national stage during the Philanthropy Southeast Annual Meeting, “Leading Lights: Connection, Community & Courage,” in Nashville, Tennessee. Mischa will speak on a panel, “Emergent Strategies for Adapting Strategic Plans,” sharing insights on staying true to our mission while embracing change. Additionally, our President & CEO, Roxie Jerde, will present at a private CEO Forum on managing leadership transitions as she prepares to retire after 14 years. We're honored to be part of such essential conversations. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ebDRXdPC #BeTheOne #PhilanthropySoutheast

We are lucky to live in a community of heroes. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton battered our region in a historic one-two punch, ordinary people were supercharged with extraordinary energy and compassion to help in vital ways. To preserve this goodwill and intention to help, thoughtful and evidence-based approaches will be vital. Often overlooked, critical long-term needs can take anywhere from six to 18 months to identify after a disaster. Luckily, the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund, which focuses on long-term resilience, is helping restore services that are vital to communities, like accessible childcare, human services, and mental health counseling. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eG3wQuYj

Our community cares. We’ve stepped up with an outpouring of support at a moment of widespread community loss from three back-to-back storms, reaching historic gift amounts at the start of this year’s Season of Sharing campaign. Caseworkers at the human services agencies that distribute funds covering housing, utilities, childcare and transportation say that every penny will be needed. Carry on this tradition of caring. Give to Season of Sharing today. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eS9tqmXQ #BeTheOne #SeasonofSharing Herald-Tribune Media Group The Patterson Foundation

Since it started 25 years ago, every donation to Season of Sharing has brightened the futures of families and individuals in our community, providing hope and the assurance that comes when people know their neighbors care. From now until the end of January 2025, you’ll get to know more about Season of Sharing and the people it helps through our social media posts and articles in the Herald-Tribune Media Group . Stay tuned! ? Read more: https://lnkd.in/ent7BQ6B #BeTheOne #SeasonofSharing The Patterson Foundation

Our community has lost much, but one thing we haven’t lost is our compassion for one another, and our willingness to step up for our neighbors in need. ? Read Roxie’s full message: https://lnkd.in/eCPibUYp #RoxieJerde #BeTheOne