We in Sertoma believe in the power of giving. Whether it be donating our time or funds to a worthy cause, giving what we can to help strengthen our community is the backbone for maintaining a wonderful, thriving Venice. Giving people from all different organizations a platform to come into our lunch meeting and educate our members and spread awareness of their cause is part of our efforts to do just this. Each week (except our business meetings) we hear from a representative from local organizations as to who they are, what they do for our area and how we can help. Our "Programs Chair" Pam Johnson does a phenomenal job of finding and booking our lunches with fun, interesting speakers each week. Here is a small taste of who we heard from in the month of August and the causes they are fighting for. If anyone is interested in getting involved in any of these organizations, please feel free to reach out to us and we can help facilitate the proper connections.
- Aug 1, Community Foundation of Sertoma County Vice President, Strategy and Communications Mischa Kirby
- Founded in 1979, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has connected individuals' personal passions and charitable goals to create lasting impact. By listening to donors, they establish permanent charitable funds that support meaningful causes. Their motto, "Be the One," emphasizes that anyone can give back to the community, regardless of means. We were pleased to host Mischa Kirby, vice president of strategic communications and marketing.
- Aug. 8, Economic Development Corporation CEO Erin Silk
- The EDC of Sarasota County, founded in 2004, is a public/private nonprofit dedicated to growing, diversifying, and sustaining the local economy. Its mission is to help businesses expand and establish in the area, creating well-paying jobs, strengthening the tax base, and reducing vulnerability to external economic challenges while preserving Sarasota's natural and cultural environment. We were delighted to have Erin Silk, CEO of the EDC of Sarasota County, as our speaker and enjoyed learning all about the important work of the EDC.
- Aug. 22, Children First CEO Phil Tavill and VP of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers
- Founded in 1961 as the Junior Welfare League of Sarasota, Children First began by establishing the Sarasota Day Nursery to prepare children from low-income families for Kindergarten. They took on Head Start services in 1994 and Early Head Start in 1998. Renamed Children First in 2000, the organization grew rapidly to meet the need for quality early childhood education and family empowerment programs. In 2004, they merged with the Helen R. Payne Day Nursery. Children First remains committed to supporting children and families, thanks to the generous support of the community. We were thrilled to learn all about Children First from our speakers, CEO Phil Tavill and VP of Philanthropy Jessica Rogers.
- Aug. 29, CEO Brian Hersh, Arts and Cultural Alliance
- The Alliance for the Arts, a nonprofit visual and performing arts center in southwest Florida, has been enriching the community since the 1970s. Their year-round events, from gallery exhibitions to art classes and theater productions, foster connection, creativity, and equity. With a mission to transform lives and improve the community through the arts, CEO Brian Hersh was our guest speaker.