MANATEE — It was a bracing day for an outdoor brunch, but more than 900 diners braved the chill Sunday at an elegant fundraiser overlooking Sarasota Bay that benefited the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee.

The 17th annual Brunch on the Bay attracted 147 donors, generating more than $267,000 in gifts, matching dollars and in-kind services, officials said.

The money will help 65 students who are receiving scholarships this year; the total amount the brunch has generated since 1994 is $3.6 million, officials said.

Among those who have been awarded scholarship money resulting from the brunch was Patricia Rosas, 30, of Sarasota, a senior studying accounting.

She is persevering through college despite a hereditary neurological disability called Tourette Syndrome.

She was thankful for the scholarship because, otherwise, she would be unable to get through school, she explained.

“It’s hard to find employment because of my Tourette’s — it’s a disadvantage to work,” she said. “The money, any money, really helps me to live life and helps me to go to school.“

Under a broad tent, attendees enjoyed delicacies provided by some of the area’s foremost restaurateurs, caterers and merchants.

Among the dishes served were lobster tails, chimichurri-rubbed flank steak and bananas foster.

USF President Judy Genshaft praised the progress that USF Sarasota-Manatee has made, while Regional Chancellor Arthur M. Guilford noted, “We’re all about moving forward” and making a difference for the students who want to fulfill their dreams.

Guilford cited some of the school’s recent achievements — its opening of a new instructional site at North Port and an upcoming site visit next week that he hopes will lead to a full, separate accreditation.

Sara Kennedy, Herald reporter, can be reached at (941) 745-7031.