Season of Sharing raises a record $4.4 million from local donors for neighbors in need

On the heels of a deadly pandemic, amid a historic housing crisis that has devastated thousands of local families – area residents stepped up like never before to help their neighbors by donating to the annual Season of Sharing campaign.

The campaign raised more than $4.4 million from more than 3,600 donations – almost $700,000 more than in 2021 and more than any campaign in Season of Sharing's 22-year history.

“This outpouring of generosity reflects the deep trust our community puts in Season of Sharing to be a dependable lifeline for people during their most challenging moments,” said Roxie Jerde, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.

Since it began in 2000 as a partnership between the Community Foundation and the Herald-Tribune, Season of Sharing has helped 50,000 individuals and families and raised a grand total of $34 million.

In the year to come, the $4.4 million raised will be distributed through a network of 50 social services agencies to families in Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties in need of assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities, child care or transportation.

“The complex, everyday challenges that our neighbors are facing call on us to meet them – however we are able – with hope and support so they have the staying power to keep them on their feet long after a crisis has passed,” Jerde said.

Read the full story in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune