Nearly $2 million raised so far to help neighbors through Season of Sharing

SARASOTA, FL – One month into the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s annual Season of Sharing campaign, local donors have raised nearly $2 million to help their neighbors cover crucial expenses, overcome crisis, and regain stability throughout Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.

“We are heartened that our community continues to generously support this long-standing, trusted safety net,” said Roxie Jerde, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. “With so many in our area impacted by an affordable housing dilemma that has been exacerbated by Hurricane Ian, Season of Sharing is a valuable resource, allowing people to avoid rippling crises. The generosity of people stepping up to help their neighbors stay in their homes is one of the greatest resources in our community.”

Since its inception in 2000, Season of Sharing has raised and distributed more than $34 million benefiting more than 41,000 individuals and families, paying for essential expenses, like rent or mortgage, utilities, car repairs and childcare. More than 55,000 individual gifts have come in over the years, highlighting the campaign’s underlying philosophy that everyone can be a philanthropist.

“When personal crisis strikes, there is no greater relief than knowing that your community is ready to extend a helping hand and get you back on your feet,” Jerde said. “It is comforting to know we have a way to help people today to improve their tomorrows.”

Between now and January 31, 2023, The Patterson Foundation will continue its longstanding and inspiring support of Season of Sharing, contributing $100,000 for every $500,000 raised by the community with no cap on the number of contributions donors can activate throughout the campaign. With the current surge of community generosity, The Patterson Foundation has already provided an additional $300,000 so far in this year’s campaign.

“As many cope with their own recent brushes with disaster, it’s hard not to think of how difficult those same challenges have been for people already facing great hardship,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “Our generous region is ready to turn those thoughts into positive actions that strengthen local families, and Season of Sharing offers a proven, trusted way to do so. The Patterson Foundation’s matches provide these givers with opportunities to strengthen the impact of their donations.”

Donations to Season of Sharing can be made throughout the year at any level. Gifts can be made online at http://www.cfsarasota.org/community-impact/community-care/season-of-sharing or by sending a check (payable to Community Foundation of Sarasota County) to Attn: Season of Sharing, 2635 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237. All donations are tax-deductible, with every dollar going directly, and quickly, to those who need it most.

For 23 years, Season of Sharing has had the staying power to restore confidence and replenish hope for neighbors in crisis, with support from our community. Built on collaboration and trust, the community-wide campaign is a partnership between the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation. To read stories from families and individuals who have been helped throughout this year by Season of Sharing, visit www.heraldtribune.com.