January 15, 2025
A Bradenton mom is helped after a life of helping others
Jennifer Bell was still attached to a catheter when she parked in front of the nonprofit Turning Points.
A 46-year-old business owner and former certified nursing assistant, she had…
January 6, 2025
Season of Sharing helps young mom after car repairs and unpaid medical leave set her back
In today's working climate, sometimes people can have a lot going for them and still find themselves overwhelmed by a setback. That's when Season of Sharing can help.
For 25 years,…
December 31, 2024
The sun, the sand, and the scars: home for the holidays
For the first time in a long while, this year I didn’t travel for the holidays. My husband Mike and I hosted family at our house, and it’s hard to express how grateful I am for thi…
December 30, 2024
After taking in her nephews, Bradenton aunt helped by Season of Sharing
Before this fall, Dawn Ritchie enjoyed the happy life of a single, professional woman.
The 56-year-old divorcee lived in downtown Bradenton, a short walk to parks, nightlife and the…
December 18, 2024
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Raises Nearly $9 Million for Disaster Response and Recovery After Historic Hurricane Season
Funds support both immediate needs and long-term assistance in the hard-hit region SARASOTA, FL – The Community Foundation of Sarasota County has so far raised nearly $9 million in eight…
December 13, 2024
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…
December 3, 2024
Season of Sharing helps beloved Sarasota school counselor and family after storm damage
As a counselor and cheerleading coach at Sarasota High School, Ciara Van Ness was accustomed to having a strong antenna attuned to students' needs.
A driven kid herself back in high…
November 27, 2024
Sarasota's Season of Sharing program pays some families' bills as they recover from hurricane season
Cecilia Grove didn’t work for 38 days after Hurricane Helene’s storm surge flooded the kitchen of the restaurant where she waits tables. The Cottage, a local and tourist favorite o…