MANATEE — More than 900 diners enjoyed a perfect day overlooking Sarasota Bay Sunday during a fund-raiser benefitting the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee.
The 16th annual Brunch on the Bay attracted 197 donors, generating more than $224,000 when combined with matching state dollars, officials said. The money will finance 42 scholarships for needy and high-achieving local students.
“We’re really rocking and rolling!” USF President Judy Genshaft told the crowd seated in a large tent at the Powel Crosley Estate, a historic mansion with a spectacular view of the bay.
Dr. Arthur Guilford, regional chancellor for USF’s Sarasota-Manatee campus, told the audience that “every year, it just gets better and better and better.”
He envisioned continued growth, enhanced quality of faculty and continued small class sizes for the college’s future.
The school will “always continue to have a strong impact on the community,” he told the crowd. Even though the area is suffering through a severe recession, generous contributors continued to step up and help, said event Chair Chris Pfahler.
“It speaks volumes for the caliber of the school and the community,” she added.
Guests sampled dozens of different dishes, everything from lobster to simple cups of banana pudding, all brought by 17 local vendors.
The weather was sunny and mild with a sea breeze ruffling the big white tent and wading birds perched nearby in the blue bay.
Among first-time guests this year was George Mc-Gonagill of Sarasota, executive director of construction services for the School Board of Sarasota County. Accompanying him was Cynthia Knight, also of Sarasota.
“I’m here for social reasons and to support USF,” explained McGonagill. “And with this being right on the bay, how could you resist?”
Alyssa Anderson, president of the student government at USF’s local campus, noted that the brunch’s impact leaves a lasting legacy for those who are able to attend college from its proceeds.
“The annual Brunch on the Bay scholarship has made an enormous difference in the lives of all students who have received it,” she noted.
Sara Kennedy, Herald reporter, can be reached at (941) 745-7031 or at skennedy@bradenton.com.
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