The Charity Register, Part 1
Agape Flights
Resource center for more than 300 missionary families, providing logistical support, including weekly flights for mail and critical and emergency supplies, short-term volunteer teams, distribution of medical and other ministry supplies.
Executive director: Charles Gardner
Address: 7990 15th St. E.
Sarasota, FL 34243
Telephone: (941) 355-5099
Web site: www.agapeflights.com
Mission statement: Share the gospel and fight disease, poverty and illiteracy by serving missionaries in the Western Hemisphere, primarily in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
Volunteer opportunities: Sort and package medicine and supplies, aircraft maintenance, computer entry, office work, Web page design and maintenance.
Main fund-raising event: Missions Banquet
Banquet featuring displays by cooperating ministries and praise reports from missionaries and short-term volunteers.
Date: TBA
Contact telephone: (941) 355-5099
AIDS-Manasota, Inc.
Sarasota's oldest AIDS service organization, providing HIV prevention and support.
Executive director: Debbie L. Roginski
Address: 1844 17th St.
Sarasota, FL 34234
Telephone: (941) 954-6011
Web site: www.AIDSManasota.com
Mission statement: Provide services to those infected or affected by HIV disease; to teach prevention and intervention techniques and optimize the quality of life.
Volunteer opportunities: Peer counseling, massage therapy, office, fundraising, buddy and companion services, dinners.
Main fund-raising event: Red Ribbon Holiday Auction
An evening of good food, entertainment and great holiday auction items.
Date: Nov. 10, 2002
Location: Michael's On East
Ticket price: $50/person
Event chairperson: Marcella Gilliland and Linda Post-Noel
Contact telephone: (941) 954-6011 and (941) 371-7150
All Faiths Food Bank
Collects and delivers food to churches and non-profit agencies.
Executive director: Daniel E. Dunn
Address: 717 Cattlemen Road
Sarasota, FL 34232
Telephone: (941) 379-6333
Web site: www.allfaithsfoodbank.org
Mission statement: Solicit warehouses, process and distribute food to non-profit agencies and churches offering hunger relief in Sarasota and DeSoto counties.
Volunteer opportunities: Sorters and events.
Main fund-raising event: Taste of the Nation
Evening of sampling food and wine from numerous Sarasota restaurants.
Date: April 2003
Location: Phillippi Estate
Ticket price: $50/person
Event chairperson: Paul Mattison and Ann Andrews
Contact telephone: (941) 379-6333
ALSO for Gay Youth, Inc.
A drop-in center, outreach support groups, HIV education, a youth speak-out panel and diversity training.
Executive director: Shelley Craig
Address: P.O. Box 7382
Sarasota, FL 34278
Telephone: (941) 951-2576
Web site: www.alsoyouth.org
Mission statement: Provide peer support services, educational programs, advocacy and referrals for youth dealing with sexual orientation and gender identity issues.
Volunteer opportunities: Support group facilitators, office work, special events.
Main fund-raising event: Annual Brunch
Waterfront dining with interactive presentation from youth members.
Date: Nov 10, 2002
Location: Marina Jack
Ticket price: $40/person
Event chairperson: Carroll Hunter, board president
Contact telephone: (941) 951-2576
Alzheimer's Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
Provides awareness, service, support and education to enhance those affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Executive director: Clare Loer
Address: 1230 S. Tuttle Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34239
Telephone: (941) 365-8883
Web site: www.alzswfl.org
Mission statement: Enhance the quality of life of those affected by Alzheimer's and related disorders through awareness, service, support and education.
Volunteer opportunities: Gala committees, Memory Walk planning.
Main fund-raising event:
1) Memory Walk - A national walkathon.
2) A Night to Remember - Gala fund-raiser with dancing, silent and live auction.
Date:
1) Oct. 19, 2002
2) Feb. 15, 2003
Location:
1) Lido Beach Pavilion
2) Hyatt Sarasota
Ticket price:
1) Walkers collect pledges
2) $125-$250/person
Event chairperson:
Stanley and Daniel Kane
Contact telephone: (941) 365-8883
American Cancer Society
Executive director: Melinda Mudge
Address: 2100 S. Tamiami Trail
Venice, FL 34293
Telephone: (941) 497-4309
Web site: www.cancer.org
Mission statement: Eliminate cancer as a major health problem through prevention and diminish suffering through education, advocacy and service.
Volunteer opportunities: Office, fund-raising committees, fund-raising events.
Main fund-raising event: Relay for Life
Date: Held annually
Location: Varies
Ticket price: None
Event chairperson: Varies by location
Contact telephone: (941) 497-4309
American Dancesport Inc.
Provides an avenue of dance for children 6-18 to learn socialization, a variety of dance skills and self-esteem.
Executive director: Wilson Barrera
Address: 2272 Main St.
Sarasota, FL 34237
Telephone: (941) 955-1099
Mission statement: Promote the social, emotional and physical well-being of youth through education in the art and sport of Dancesport.
Volunteer opportunities: Call for specific opportunities.
Main fund-raising event: Sarasota Dancesport Spectacular
Ballroom dance competition, dancing, dinner show.
Date: September 2002
Location: Sarasota Hyatt
Ticket price: TBA
Event chairperson: Wilson Barrera
Contact telephone: (941) 955-1099
American Heart Association
Executive director: Judy Brown
Address: 2975 Bee Ridge Road, Suite B
Sarasota, FL 34239
Telephone: (941) 927-4997
Web site: www.americanheart.org
Mission statement: Reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Volunteer opportunities: Heart Walk, Heart Ball, community advocacy.
Main fund-raising event: 2002 American Heart Walk
Date: Oct. 26, 2002
Location: Siesta Key Beach
Ticket price: TBA
Event chairperson: Rod Dagenais
Contact telephone: (941) 927-4997
American Red Cross-Southwest Florida
Local chapter of the nationwide volunteer agency that helps individuals and families in need after disasters.
Executive director: Larry Rider
Address: 2001 Cantu Court
Sarasota, FL 34232
Telephone: (941) 379-9300
Web site: www.arcswfl.org
Mission statement: Promote mutual understanding, protect life and health and prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found.
Volunteer opportunities: Disaster mitigation, disaster relief, health and safety instruction, clerical, data entry and reception.
Main fund-raising event: Celebrating Sarasota's Heroes
Annual luncheon to honor Sarasota County heroes, including firefighter and police officer of the year.
Date: TBA
Event chairperson: Larry Rider and Rosemarie Fisher
Contact telephone: (941) 379-9300, ext. 224
Animal Rescue Coalition
Advocacy group for adoptable animals and spay and neuter programs.
Executive director: Jaye Williams
Address: 47 S. Palm Ave., Suite 213
Sarasota, FL 34236
Telephone: (941) 957-1955
Web site: www.animalrescuecoalition.org
Mission statement: End the killing of adoptable cats and dogs in Sarasota County, and promote and support programs involving beneficial relationships between people and companion animals.
Volunteer opportunities: Events, office and clerical, feral cat colony programs and mobile neuter/spay clinic.
Main fund-raising event: Gala 2003
An elegant evening of dinner and dancing.
Date: Feb. 22, 2003
Location: TBA
Contact telephone: (941) 957-1955
Art Center Sarasota
The oldest arts and cultural organization in Sarasota County. Features artwork created by Gulf Coast artisans in a variety of exhibitions throughout the year as well as in the gift gallery.
Executive director: Lisa-Marie Confessore
Address: 707 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236-4050
Telephone: (941) 365-2032
Web site: www.artsarasota.org
Mission statement: Provide and stimulate focus on the visual arts through education, workshops and exhibitions.
Volunteer opportunities: Greeters for receptions and exhibitions, youth and adult class monitors and reception desk greeters.
Main fund-raising event:
(1) Art Center Fancy Fair - Outdoor fine arts festival.
(2) Art Center Bohemian Gala - Bohemian-themed gala.
Date:
(1) Jan. 24-25, 2003
(2) March 9, 2003
Location:
(1) Phillippi Creek Estate Park
(2) Art Center Sarasota
Ticket price:
(1) $2 donation
(2) $100-$150/person
Event chairperson:
(1) Monty McMullan
(2) Charles Holman
Contact telephone: (941) 365-2032
Arthritis Foundation
Provides quality programs and services for those affected by arthritis and its related conditions.
Executive director: Anne Fair Forrest
Address: 6221 14th St., W., #305
Bradenton, FL 34207
Telephone: (941) 739-2729
Mission statement: Improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases.
Volunteer opportunities: Call for specific opportunities.
Main fund-raising event: "Joints in Motion"
Marathon training program with exotic destinations.
Date: October and November 2002
Locations: Dublin and Bermuda
Ticket price: TBA
Contact telephone: (941) 739-2729
Asolo Theatre Company
Professional acting company for quality rotating repertory theatre.
Producing artistic director: Howard J. Millman
Address: 5555 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34243
Telephone: (941) 351-8000
Web site: www.asolo.org
Mission statement: Produce and present high-quality professional theater in a fiscally responsible manner for the community and to act as a training ground for FSU graduate students.
Volunteer opportunities: Ushers, gift shop, administrative, special events including theater dinners and travel fund raisers.
Main fund-raising event: Season Gala
Dinner dance and show benefiting artistic and educational programs.
Date: Jan. 11, 2003
Location: Hyatt Sarasota
Ticket price: $250/person
Event chairperson: Susan Buck, Scott George and Candie Gunn
Contact telephone: (941) 351-9010, ext. 4704
Bethesda House
A non-denominational organization providing a food pantry, laundry, shower, assistance with housing and benefits to HIV positive people, their caregivers, friends and family at no charge.
Executive director: Francis Nevolo
Address: 1670 Fourth St.
Sarasota, FL 34236
Telephone: (941) 366-1886
Mission statement: Respond to the physical, social and spiritual needs of HIV infected and affected people.
Volunteer opportunities: Receptionist, transportation, food pantry.
Main fund-raising event: Spring concert
Musical concert.
Date: March 2003
Location: Incarnation Parish Hall
Ticket price: $30/person
Event chairperson: Jo-Ann Hillman
Contact telephone: (941) 366-1886
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Inc.
Provides one-to-one mentoring to area children to empower youth to develop self-worth and responsibility.
President and CEO: Joy Mahler
Address: 2831 Ringling Blvd., A-201
Sarasota, FL 34237
Telephone: (941) 331-4376
Web site: www.bbbs-suncoast.com
Mission statement: Provide one-to-one mentoring to children throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Volunteer opportunities: Adult volunteer mentors for children.
Main fund-raising event: Bowl For Kids' Sake 2003
Participants bowl and collect pledges.
Date: February and March, 2003
Location: Sarasota, Venice and Bradenton
Ticket price: TBA
Event chairperson: TBA
Contact telephone: (941) 331-4376
Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County
Works with boys and girls to develop responsible, caring and productive citizens.
President and CEO: J. Mack Reid
Address: P.O. Box 4068
Sarasota, FL 34230-4068
Telephone: (941) 366-3911
Web site: www.boysandgirlsclubs.com
Mission statement: Help youth of all backgrounds, with special concerns for those from disadvantaged circumstances, develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens.
Volunteer opportunities: Call for specific opportunities.
Main fund-raising event:
1) Steak & Steak Dinner - Dinner
2) Dick Vitale Sports Night - Dinner and auction hosted by sports celebrity Dick Vitale.
Dates, locations and tickets prices: TBA
Event chairperson:
1) Joan Verizzo
2) John Perseo
Contact telephone: (941) 366-3911, ext. 22
Boy Scouts of America
Youth development program designed to promote the ability of boys to do things for themselves and others, and to teach them patriotism, courage, self-reliance, leadership and kindred virtues.
Executive director: Gary Hampton
Address: 1801 Boy Scout Drive
Fort Myers, FL 33907
Telephone: (800) 269-8072
Mission statement: Serve others by helping to instill values in young people and in other ways to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime.
Volunteer opportunities: Call for specific opportunities.
Main fund-raising event: Friends of Scouting
Finance campaign that targets businesses, civic clubs and individuals.
Date: January through April 2003
Contact telephone: (800) 269-8072
Breast Health Sarasota, Inc.
Provides mammograms and promotes breast health education.
Executive director: Janet Hunter
Address: 2340 Shadow Oaks Road
Sarasota, FL 34240
Telephone: (941) 371-6798
Mission statement: Provide mammograms for women unable to afford them and promote breast health education in the community.
Volunteer opportunities: Lecture series or special fund-raising events.
Main fund-raising event: Ladies Luncheon
Date: Dec. 16, 2002
Location: Michael's On East
Ticket price: $50-$75/person
Event chairperson: Janet Hunter and Roberta MacDonald
Contact telephone: (941) 371-6798
Camp Florida Fish Tales
A week-long, barrier-free wheelchair-accessible camp for children with medical or physical disabilities.
Executive director: Muffet Einwag
Address: 3220 Williamsburg St.
Sarasota, FL 34231
Telephone: (941) 921-9182
Web site: www.campflafishtales.com
Mission statement: Provide a unique camping atmosphere for those with special challenges.
Volunteer opportunities: Camp counselors, EMTs, lifeguards, nurses, physical and occuapational therapists.
Main fund-raising event: Annual golf tournament.
Golf tournament.
Date: October 2002
Location: TBA
Ticket price: TBA
Event chairperson: Muffet Einwag
Contact telephone: (941) 921-9182
Cardinal Mooney High School
The area's only Catholic, independent college prep school, offering a broad range of advanced academics, sports and arts in a safe, family-friendly environment.
President: Sister Mary Lucia Haas
Address: 4171 Fruitville Road
Sarasota, FL 34232
Telephone: (941) 371-4917
Web site: www.cmhs-sarasota.org
Mission statement: Provide an excellent, values-based education in a small, family-oriented environment while emphasizing service to God and the community.
Volunteer opportunities: Event coordination, donation solicitation, ticket sales, mailings, computer entry, decorating, hospitality.
Main fund-raising event: Dinner Auction/Car Drawing
Dinner auction featuring more than 250 silent and live auction items, entertainment and dinner.
Date: March 15, 2003
Location: Chelsea Center
Ticket price: TBA
Event chairperson: TBA
Contact telephone: (941) 379-2647
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.
Part of the nation's largest network of agencies, institutions and individuals who aim to reduce poverty, support families and empower communities.
Executive director: Peter Routsis-Arroyo, LCSW
Address: 1000 Pinebrook Road
Venice, FL 34292
Telephone: (941) 488-5581
Web site: www.catholiccharitiesdov.org
Mission statement: Provide direct services for, advocate on behalf of, and convene the people of Southwest Florida to ensure human dignity, enhance the quality of life for all people, and emulate the teachings of Jesus.
Volunteer opportunities: Call for specific opportunities.
Main fund-raising event: Bishop's Annual Charity Ball
Dinner and dancing.
Date: Jan. 23, 2003
Location: St. Ann Hall at Bishop Nevins Academy
Ticket price: $150/person
Event chairperson: Beverly Ryan and Maria Desanto
Contact telephone: (941 488-5581
Charis Center, Inc.
Offers professional counseling and family-life education for all ages.
Executive director: Glen Denlinger, LCSW, BCD
Address: 4041 Bahia Vista St.
Sarasota, FL 34232
Telephone: (941) 378-1549
Web site: www.chariscenterfl.org
Mission statement: Provide professional counseling and family life education services to meet the emotional, relational and spiritual needs of individuals and families.
Volunteer opportunities: Call for specific opportunities.
Child Development Center
Prevention and early intervention services for children.
Executive director: Peter D. Howard, LCSW
Address: 4620 17th St.
Sarasota, FL 34235
Telephone: (941) 371-8820
Web site: www.childdevelopmentflorida.org
Mission statement: Provide prevention and early intervention services to children and their families to prevent, reduce or eliminate conditions that interfere with healthy development.
Volunteer opportunities: Call Suzanne Pontiere at 953-9100, ext 101, or visit Web site for specific opportunities.
Main fund-raising event: Festival of Trees, Lights and Holiday Gifts
Date: Dec. 6, 2002
Location: Michael's On East
Ticket price: TBA
Event chairperson: Donna Dooley and Dede Curran
Contact telephone: (941) 953-9100, ext. 115
Child Protection Center Inc.
Works to prevent child abuse.
Executive director: Ginna Downing, M.S., F.F.L.E.
Address: 1750 17th St., Building L
Sarasota, FL 34234
Telephone: (941) 365-1277
Mission statement: Prevent child abuse and protect and treat children and families affected by child abuse.
Volunteer opportunities: Supervise court-ordered visits between non-custodial parents and children, as well as numerous opportunities during the Sarasota Comedy Festival and other fund-raising events.
Main fund-raising event: Sarasota Comedy Festival
Cartoonists and their characters and a variety of comedians bring a week of laughter to raise funds to help abused children.
Date: TBA
Location: Venues throughout Sarasota
Contact telephone: (941) 365-1277
Children First, Inc.
Provides comprehensive services to more than 400 of Sarasota County's lowest income children from birth to 5 years.
Executive director: Philip D. Tavill
Address: 1723 N. Orange Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34234
Telephone: (941) 953-3877
Web site: www.childrenfirst.net
Mission statement: Strengthen children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health and well-being.
Volunteer opportunities: Call Hope Kinney, Program Director, at (941) 953-3877 for specific opportunities.
Main fund-raising event: Children First Celebration
Date: Feb. 15-22, 2003
Location: Six events throughout Sarasota County
Ticket price: TBA
Event chairperson: Committee chaired
Contact telephone: (941) 953-3877, ext. 119 Josephine Pompey
Children's Guardian Fund, The
Raises and administers funds to support the Guardian Ad Litem program of the 12th Judicial Circuit.
President: Gail Johnson
Address: P.O. Box 49722
Sarasota, FL 34230
Telephone: (941) 861-4875
Mission statement: Raise and administer funds to support the Guardian Ad Litem program of the 12th Judicial Circuit.
Volunteer opportunities: Guardians, ad litem, fund raising, tennis tournament, table tops.
Main fund-raising event:
1) Table Tops - Display of creative table settings and luncheon.
2) Tennis tournament - Three-day tennis tournament.
Dates and ticket prices TBA
Event chairperson:
1) Tish Benetovich
2) Linda Harradine, (941) 360-0550
Children's Haven and Adult Community Services, Inc. (CHAC)
Supports children, teens and adults with disabilities through education, occupational training, skill training, employment services and community living programs.
Executive director: Peggy J. Connell
Address: 4405 DeSoto Road
Sarasota, FL 34235
Telephone: (941) 355-8808
Web site: www.chachaven.com
Mission statement: Support children, teens and adults with disabilities through education, occupational training, skill training, employment services and community living programs.
Volunteer opportunities: Selby pre-school, plant nursery, Treasure House thrift shop, administration, occupational training program, Community Living Program Group homes.
Main fund-raising event: "Art Auction"
Art auction to benefit scholarship funds.
Date: October 2002
Location: Asolo Theatre
Ticket price: $75/person
Event chairperson: Jackie Adams
Contact telephone: (941) 355-8808, ext. 251
Circus Sarasota
Independent performance and teaching circus.
Executive director: Pedro Reis
Address: P.O. Box 18636
Sarasota, FL 34276
Telephone: (941) 355-9335
Web site: www.circussarasota.org
Mission statement: Represent the circus arts at the highest level through performace, education and integrated arts programming.
Volunteer opportunities: Ushers, administrative office, box office and gala committees.
Main fund-raising event: "The Art of Circus" Gala
Dining and dancing, along with exciting circus entertainment.
Date: Nov. 2, 2002
Location: Under the Big Top at Tuttle and Ringling Avenue
Ticket price: $150-$250/person
Event chairperson: Ron Carter and Janet Hunter
Contact telephone: (941) 371-6798
Coastal Behavioral Healthcare Inc
Provides more than 40 substance-abuse, mental health, criminal justice, prevention, intervention and treatment programs.
Executive director: Dr. Christine Cauffield
Address: 3830 Bee Ridge Road
Sarasota, FL 34233
Telephone: (941) 927-8900
Mission statement: Offer affordable behavioral healthcare.
Volunteer opportunities: Call for specific opportunities.
Main fund-raising event: "Around the World"
Dance revue.
Date: Oct. 5, 2002
Location: TBA
Ticket price: Corporate and individual sponsorships available.
Event chairperson: Dr. Chrissie Eisale
Contact telephone: (941) 927-8900
Community AIDS Network
Provides numerous services to those infected with and affected by HIV.
Executive director: Susan Terry
Address: 1231 N. Tuttle Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34237
Telephone: (941) 366-0461
Web site: www.cccsrq.org
Mission statement: Provide HIV education to the community and medical, dental, case management and therapeutic programs to people who are HIV-positive.
Volunteer opportunities: Anonymous testing, fund-raising and office work.
Main fund-raising event: C.A.N. Dance
Ballroom championship dancing event.
Date: Oct. 26, 2002
Location: The Chelsea Center
Ticket price: $125
Event chairperson: Stephen Sieg
Contact telephone: (941) 925-9060
Community Video Archives (CVA)
Collects and stores video footage pertinent to Sarasota history.
Executive director: Annette Scherman
Address: 1235 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34239
Telephone: (941) 365-7052
Mission statement: Record and preserve a living history of the community.
Volunteer opportunities: Everyone in this organization is a volunteer, except for professional video producers, who are paid per project.
Main fund-raising event: Annual Hall of Fame Luncheon
Luncheon where honorees are inducted into Hall of Fame.
Date: April 9, 2003
Location: Michael's On East Ballroom
Ticket price: $50/person; sponsorship tables also available
Event chairperson: Roberta Hamilton
Contact telephone: (941) 365-7052
Community Youth Development Project
Identify needs of teens and develop positive substance-free activities to meet those needs.
Executive director: Karen Bogues
Address: 4409 Sawyer Road
Sarasota, FL 34233
Telephone: (941) 922-5126
Mission statement: Improving the lives of teens by empowering youth and adults as community partners.
Volunteer opportunities: Office work, event planning.
Crowley Museum and Nature Center
Nature conservancy of 190 acres with nature trails, school programs and educational center.
Executive director: Debbie Dixon
Address: 16405 Myakka Road
Sarasota, FL 34240
Telephone: (941) 322-1000
Web site: www.crowleymuseumnaturectr.org
Mission statement: Preserve a natural site where today's and tomorrow's generations learn about, appreciate and enjoy the environment and cultural history of the rural Gulf coast of Florida.
Volunteer opportunities: Land and building maintenance, office, computer admissions, trail guides, school programs.
Main fund-raising event: Starry Nite
Dinner and silent auction under the stars.
Date: January 2003
Location: Crowley Museum and Nature Center
Ticket price: TBA
Event chairperson: Pat Schlesinger
Contact telephone: (941) 322-1000
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Raises awareness about cystic fibrosis and funds to fight the disease.
Executive director: Rebecca Marcey
Address: 677 Washington Blvd. N., Suite 35
Sarasota, FL 34236
Telephone: (941) 952-5836
Web site: www.cff.org
Mission statement: Assure development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.
Volunteer opportunities: Office work, volunteering at events.
Main fund-raising event:
1) Black & White Ball
2) Gettel Mitsubishi Charity Golf Classic
Date:
1) Oct. 26, 2002
2) Nov. 12, 2002
Location:
1) Michael's On East
2) Laurel Oak Country Club
Ticket price:
1) $200/person
2) $150/person
Event chairperson:
1) Leslie Ralph and Nick Drizos
2) Jim Gettel
Contact telephone:
1) (941) 330-2730
2) (941) 952-5836
D.A.S.H., Inc.
Provides interim housing for domestic abuse victims.
Executive director: Scott G. Gregoire
Address: P.O. Box 1484
Englewood, FL 34295-1484
Telephone: (941) 475-8722
Web site: www.dashinc.org
Mission statement: Provide interim housing for domestic abuse victims in the greater Englewood and North Port areas and help rebuild lives through a network of social services, including child care, self-esteem classes, social services and educational opportunities.
Volunteer opportunities: Resale shop, office help.
Deaf Service Center of Manatee/Sarasota
The only communication, referral and social service agency that serves as a focal point for more than 65,000 deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Executive director: Sharon Wiblitzhouser
Address: 7254 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34217
Telephone: (941) 921-5447 V/TDD
E-mail: [email protected]
Mission statement: Bridge the communication and cultural gap between three communities: deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing.
Volunteer opportunities: Assist with fund-raisers and events, tutor students and occasional office work.
Main fund-raising event: 13th Annual Walk-A-Thon
A 5-mile walk with participants collecting pledges.
Date: Feb. 8, 2003
Location: TBA
Ticket price: Minimum $20 (pledges)
Event chairperson: Donna Carlton
Contact telephone: (941) 921-5447
Easter Seals Southwest Florida, Inc.
Provides educational and therapeutic services to disabled children and adults.
President and CEO: Mary Hitchcock
Address: 350 Braden Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34243
Telephone: (941) 355-7637
Web site: www.easterseal.org
Mission statement: Create solutions that change lives of children and adults with disabilities or other special needs.
Volunteer opportunities: Assisting disabled or special needs children and adults.
Main fund-raising event: Meadows Pro-Am Golf Tournament
Golf tournament.
Date: TBA
Event chairperson: Mary Hitchcock
Contact telephone: (941) 355-7637, ext 104
Education Foundation of Sarasota County, Inc.
Foundation that brings together the community and school district to raise funds and provide educational opportunities for school children.
Executive director: Dorothy Stuart
Address: 1960 Landings Blvd., Suite 326
Sarasota, FL 34277
Telephone: (941) 927-0965
Web site: www.EdFoundation.net
Mission statement: Support, promote and provide opportunities for excellence in education for all public students in Sarasota County.
Volunteer opportunities: Grant readers, science fair judges, program and event fund-raiser committees.
Main fund-raising event: Evening of Excellence
Dinner and student art auction showcasing outstanding high school art.
Date: Feb 28, 2003
Location: Michael's On East
Ticket price: $150-$250/person. Sponsorships and table host positions available.
Event chairperson: TBA
Contact telephone: (941) 927-0965
Englewood Helping Hand, Inc.
A community-supported social service agency that provides short-term emergency assistance to Englewood residents and refers people to other agencies for long-term aid.
Executive director: Kathryn Roach
Address: 700 E. Dearborn St.
Englewood, FL 34223
Telephone: (941) 474-5864
Web site: www.ewol.com/helpinghand
Volunteer opportunities: Volunteers are scheduled through their churches.
Main fund-raising event: Englewood Crop Walk
Five-mile walk. Sponsors pledge funds.
Date: February 2003
Location: Community Presbyterian Church
Event chairperson: Mary Shevlin
Contact telephone: (941) 697-8831
Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida
Serves an eight-county region through three programs: Direct Client Services, which provides medical and case management services to people with epilepsy who do not have health insurance; a community education program; and a vocational services program.
Executive director: Thomas Gerrity
Address: 1900 Main St., Suite 212
Sarasota, FL 34236
Telephone: (941) 953-5988, ext. 304
Mission statement: Prevent and control epilepsy, and help clients and their families overcome problems associated with the disorder so they can achieve maximum potential, independence and self-sufficiency.
Volunteer opportunities: Call for specific opportunities.
Every Child, Inc.
Volunteers who work together to help needy kids stay in school.
Executive director: Judy Alexander
Address: 1700 North Drive
Sarasota, FL 34239-5017
Telephone: (941) 953-2277
Mission statement: Assist elementary and middle school children in Sarasota who have the greatest needs.
Volunteer opportunities: Back-to-school program, summer celebrations, holiday events, donating kids' books, raising funds.
FACE of Sarasota, Inc.
Advocacy organization for people with craniofacial disorders.
Executive director: Bernice Brooks Bergen
Address: P.O. Box 1424
Sarasota, FL 34230
Telephone: (941) 922-9250
Mission statement: Enhance the lives of people with craniofacial disorders, offer solace and guidance, create public awareness and fight prejudice.
Volunteer opportunities: Secretaries, case history workers, visitation, mentoring, grant writing.
Main fund-raising event: Star-studded Gala
Skits, songs, dances, all focusing on the face.
Date: TBA
Event chairperson: Bernice Bergen with co-chairs
Contact telephone: (941) 955-9250
Family Counseling Center
A community-based organization working to strengthen and support families.
Executive director: Thomas F. Crawford
Address: P.O. Box 15987
Sarasota, FL 34277-1987
Telephone: (941) 955-7017
Web site: www.familycounselingcenter.com
Mission statement: Alleviate human distress, promote personal growth, strengthen individual, family and community life.
Volunteer opportunities: Recreation and child care aides for support groups.
Main fund-raising event: The Great Key West Getaway a Latina
An evening of fun, great food, pina coladas, margaritas and dancing in dressy casual attire.
Date: Feb. 1, 2003
Location: Michael's On East
Ticket price: TBA
Event chairperson: Linda Larsen, Elaine Meshad and John Scalzi
Contact telephone: (941) 955-7017, ext. 225
Family Network on Disabilities of Manatee/Sarasota Inc.
A local alliance of families, community organizations and businesses committed to offering support and a variety of services to families and the community.
Executive director: Mary Smith
Address: P.O. Box 10707
Bradenton, FL 34282
Telephone: (941) 727-9905
Mission statement: Provide support, training, education, information and advocacy to parents and families of individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Volunteer opportunities: Projects, fund-raising activities.
Main fund-raising event: Christmas wreaths and fruit sale
Fresh live Wisconsin Christmas wreaths, mini-trees and decorated baskets, and fresh Florida citrus delivered locally and shipped for the holidays.
Date: Orders are taken September and October.
Event chairperson: Nancy Marsh
Contact telephone: (941) 378-2295
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