Anonymous donor highlights spirit of Manatee County residents
The generosity of Manatee County residents is shining a light on the care and concern we have for our fellow citizens.
This week a Manatee Community Foundation donor who believes in the human and economic impact of preventing homelessness made a significant gift to the Season of Sharing campaign, opening the door to gifts from other foundations and taking the campaign total to $2 million.
The anonymous $100,000 donation triggered an additional $100,000 contribution from The Patterson Foundation and a capping grant of $200,000 from the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation.
Season of Sharing is our community's safety net. It covers one-time, last-resort assistance for utility bills, rent, transportation and other expenses to prevent struggling families and individuals from losing their homes. This initiative stops heartbreaking situations from spiraling further out of control, and it also saves our community money. Thousands of people in a four-county region donated, and many designated their gifts to benefit Manatee County.
Our nonprofit partners provide an incredible service in this campaign. Turning Points and Manatee Community Action Agency oversee the distribution of Season of Sharing funds in Manatee County, ensuring that deserving seniors, single parents, young adults, and other vulnerable individuals can efficiently access funds through caseworkers.
For years, the Bradenton Herald has been an important media partner in Season of Sharing. This endorsement means that more people hear the stories of those who were helped, and more people are inspired to give.
Connecting donors with the needs in our county is what we do at Manatee Community Foundation. Through grants, scholarships, and our new building, which is a home for philanthropy and community conversations, we provide a vehicle for people who want to make a difference -- both today and through their charitable legacies. Season of Sharing also brings need and generosity together, and the result is a gain for everyone.
A 16-year partnership of The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Herald-Tribune Media Group, Season of Sharing's success also combines the efforts of many foundations, media partners, and nonprofits.
On behalf of Manatee Community Foundation, I want to thank everyone who joined me in making a gift to Season of Sharing benefitting our community. It sends a powerful message when so many people care about their neighbors, friends, and co-workers in need. Together, our caring is truly what we call the spirit of Manatee.
To learn more about Manatee Community Foundation, call 941-747-7765.
Karen Miller, is board chair of Manatee Community Foundation.
This story was originally published March 26, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Anonymous donor highlights spirit of Manatee County residents ."