Large and small donations push Season of Sharing to historic early start

Fundraising for Season of Sharing has reached a "historic" early start after two additional large donations to the campaign have brought the total to $3 million and counting.

This past week, Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse Jr. and the Bishop-Parker Foundation became the latest philanthropists to pour hefty contributions into the fund run by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County following three back-to-back storms that pummeled the region.

The Culverhouses donated $500,000 and the Bishop-Parker Foundation donated $100,000.

Those dollars come after previous gifts to Season of Sharing of $1 million from The Patterson Foundation; a matching grant of $500,000 from the Brian and Sheila Jellison Family Foundation; and $250,000 from the Baltimore Orioles, which also pledged a matching grant of the same amount.

The latest contributions triggered all the matching grants as well as the ongoing commitment by The Patterson Foundation to kick in another $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community – something it has done throughout Season of Sharing's 25-year history.

Help your neighbors in need: Donate to Season of Sharing

Combined with grass-roots support from everyday residents eager to help their neighbors, the fundraising campaign – which runs now until the end of January – already has topped more than $3 million.

The fundraising record is $4.4 million, set three years ago after the outbreak of the pandemic and the beginning of the housing crisis.

Area residents were still suffering the effects of that housing crisis this summer when Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton impacted the area.

With their donation, the Culverhouses – major supporters of local human service and art programs – said they wished to assist in the recovery of families and individuals by contributing to Season of Sharing, which helps households suffering an economic setback throughout the year in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto and Charlotte counties.

"We believe in the strength of our community, and we're committed to helping those who have been hit hardest by recent storms," said Hugh Culverhouse Jr., CEO and owner of Palmer Ranch Holdings. "Our hope is that others will feel inspired to give back to help neighbors recover."

Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, said the Culverhouse donation comes as many local residents are still suffering.

"Yet even in this time of widespread community angst, Hugh Jr. and Eliza Culverhouse's gift provides reassurance and hope that someone cares," Jerde said. "I am personally grateful for this generous donation, not only because of the tremendous good it will do for so many at a critical time, but because it is an inspiration for all of us to step up and help our neighbors in need."

The $100,000 given by the Bishop-Parker Foundation will be directed specifically to residents of Manatee County, which was particularly devastated by the storms.

Season of Sharing: 25 years of neighbors helping neighbors

"So many in Manatee County have had their lives turned upside down, and we believe that this investment in their short-term financial well-being will empower them to return to solid ground," said Wendy Deming, CEO of Bishop-Parker Foundation.

"This grant to Season of Sharing will help prevent rippling crises that are the potential outcomes of missed bill payments for many who live here," Deming added. "That stabilizes their lives and, in turn, can help safeguard our community."

Jerde said she believes Bishop-Parker's donation will go a long way to relieving some of the "heartbreaking" destruction in Manatee County and toward restoring the quality of life for many.

"I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this generous gift and humbled, too," Jerde said, "for the partnership among funders that is helping repair our communities."

How to help



You can donate to Season of Sharing by going to cfsarasota.org or calling 941-556-2399. You can also mail a check to Season of Sharing, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237.

This story comes from a partnership between the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. Saundra Amrhein covers the Season of Sharing campaign, along with issues surrounding housing, utilities, child care and transportation in the area. She can be reached at samrhein@gannett.com .