Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Need

As our Community Foundation celebrates the 25th anniversary of Season of Sharing, historic hurricane activity in our region reminds us just how valuable this time-tested and trusted safety net is.

While Season of Sharing is being called upon now to help individuals and families get back on their feet after storm-related upheavals, it is an increasingly essential lifeline even in fair weather for our community, where myriad factors—including an affordable housing and childcare crisis—work in concert to create financial uncertainty.

Season of Sharing was initially created in the year 2000 by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune as a safety net to deter homelessness by helping people facing financial emergencies. It was recognized in those early days that an unanticipated crisis could escalate into rippling crises, resulting in people losing their homes. The fund was set up to make payments toward rent, utilities, childcare, or auto repairs, providing a bridge to stability.

This summer’s weather-related emergencies are just the most recent challenges our community has faced together. The past quarter century was punctuated by the global financial crisis and its impact on our real estate market, red tide, the global pandemic, and other weather disasters: Hurricanes Charley, Irma and Ian. Each of these moments created hardships that threatened the security of so many of our neighbors.

While there are difficult moments that are shared communitywide, many are dealing with personal circumstances that have placed them in a tenuous position, like an unanticipated medical emergency or the loss of wages. Much has changed in our community over 25 years, and many factors of that change have made an increasing proportion of our population economically vulnerable.

A Sarasota County Commission decision to pause funding to the Early Learning Coalition of Sarasota County (ELC) placed military veterans Victoria Lopez and Lee Lavallee in a pinch as they struggled to afford care for their three children, even with good jobs as a teacher and county worker. ELC turned to Season of Sharing to help this family and dozens like them facing the predicament after the decision.
Photo credit: Mike Lang, Herald-Tribune

Metropolitan metamorphosis

Over the past quarter-century, meteoric growth has transformed our region from a sleepy coastal corridor to a bustling metropolis. As new construction has sprung up, our region is very different from the version of itself that was in 2000, when the first Season of Sharing campaign raised $121,400.

Since its inception in 2000, Season of Sharing has raised and distributed $42.5 million to more than 50,000 households facing uncertainty —and these numbers don’t factor in the incredible groundswell of support that has ushered in this 25th anniversary year.

Population growth has pushed neighborhoods to the farthest corners of the counties and increased competition for available housing, leading to higher home values and rents. At the same time, while the median household income has risen significantly for homeowners since 2000, renter wages have remained mostly stagnant, with the average median household income for renters lingering at around $59,000. This has created a housing-cost burden for many that leaves little extra to have on hand for emergencies. It varies by county, but nearly 30 percent of all households in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties combined pay 30 percent—or more—of their income on housing.

Along with housing burdens, the high cost of services like childcare and other consumer goods have made it tough for families regardless of their rent-to-income ratio. In Charlotte, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, roughly 43 percent of all families live at or below the ALICE Threshold, meaning that they are Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, but Employed. For these households, a car breaking down or a trip to the hospital can threaten to undo everything.

Many hands make lighter work: the power of community

The Patterson Foundation, longtime philanthropic partner to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, has been a stalwart collaborator to Season of Sharing, and is once again contributing $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community. Over time since 2010, The Patterson Foundation’s matching gifts have led to a total of $2.6 million.

This year, in response to Helene and Milton, The Patterson Foundation has gifted $1 million to Season of Sharing to help our neighbors recover. Others have also been instrumental to Season of Sharing’s groundswell this year, including the Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation, which made a $500,000 matching gift, and Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse Jr., who made a gift of $500,000. The Bishop-Parker Foundation gave a donation of $100,000 to be directed to the hard-hit Manatee County, and the Baltimore Orioles also provided a $250,000 match in addition to an initial gift of $250,000. These gifts are unlocking an additional $100,000 from The Patterson Foundation, which contributes that amount to every $500,000 raised through Jan. 31, 2025. All gifts, no matter their size, are administered without any fees, meaning 100% of donations help neighbors in need.

“These incredible gifts have really shown how our community shines,” Jerde said. “There are so many people hurting right now, and to witness this outpouring of support, sparking even more generosity, is truly humbling and inspiring.”

Several grassroots fundraisers have also sprung up in the aftermath of Helene and Milton’s devastating one-two punch to the region, with local professional organizations and businesses devising community events that affirm our unity and raise money for people experiencing setbacks through the trusted vehicle of Season of Sharing.

Facing an eviction notice after unexpected rent hikes, Mary Jackson found stability in help from Season of Sharing.
Photo credit: Angie DiMichele, Herald-Tribune

The heartbeat of Season of Sharing

Season of Sharing stories provide a snapshot of our community through the lives of those often not highlighted in the media—parents overjoyed that this year, they can provide a holiday at home for their children, elderly people facing the world alone after the death of a spouse, workers who lose it all through a hospitalization, or a broken down car, or identity theft scams. Many roads lead to the need for a financial lifeline.

The many faces of Season of Sharing signify a variety of backgrounds and circumstances, but they are unified by one truth: this community cares for one another and gives generously to provide help to our neighbors in need.