Events

Weekend sales for Christmas Trees, wreaths, poinsettias, etc.

Weekend sales for Christmas Trees, wreaths, poinsettias, etc.

Anna Gonce brings 20 years of experience in animal welfare to the Humane Society of Sarasota County at a time when HSSC is expanding to be the state’s premier no-kill shelter. Gonce spent many years with Best Friends Animal Society, which runs the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals. Gonce helped Best Friends launch several national initiatives designed to reduce the number of animals entering shelters. She then led their Salt Lake City–based program, delivering a strategy to make Utah a no-kill state. She operated a pet adoption center, high-volume spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter clinic, kitten nursery, and led a statewide coalition. Gonce was previously Executive Director of The Gabriel Foundation, one of the country’s largest parrot sanctuaries. She also worked for the American Humane Association, first as their public relations manager, then as the manager of their animal emergency services program. Gonce was the secretary of the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition and founding board president for Spay Neuter International Project, based in Costa Rica. She has presented at animal welfare conferences and workshops across the country.

Anna Gonce brings 20 years of experience in animal welfare to the Humane Society of Sarasota County at a time when HSSC is expanding to be the state’s premier no-kill shelter. Gonce spent many years with Best Friends Animal Society, which runs the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals. Gonce helped Best Friends launch several national initiatives designed to reduce the number of animals entering shelters. She then led their Salt Lake City–based program, delivering a strategy to make Utah a no-kill state. She operated a pet adoption center, high-volume spay/neuter clinic, mobile spay/neuter clinic, kitten nursery, and led a statewide coalition. Gonce was previously Executive Director of The Gabriel Foundation, one of the country’s largest parrot sanctuaries. She also worked for the American Humane Association, first as their public relations manager, then as the manager of their animal emergency services program. Gonce was the secretary of the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition and founding board president for Spay Neuter International Project, based in Costa Rica. She has presented at animal welfare conferences and workshops across the country.

If you are joining us in person at Gecko's, please come 10 - 15 minutes early to place your order.  

Sarasota City Commissioner Erik Arroyo is the city of Sarasota’s new ceremonial mayor. At 31, he’s the youngest person to serve as the city’s mayor.

“Me standing before you today as the youngest elected official in the history of Sarasota is a testament to how inclusive and forward-thinking our city is,” he told an audience that had crowded into the City Commission chambers.  

Arroyo is the first person born in a Hispanic country to serve in the post. He spoke in Spanish at the beginning of his address to the city and thanked God, his mother, his wife and others.

Sarasota City Commissioner Erik Arroyo is the city of Sarasota’s new ceremonial mayor. At 31, he’s the youngest person to serve as the city’s mayor.

“Me standing before you today as the youngest elected official in the history of Sarasota is a testament to how inclusive and forward-thinking our city is,” he told an audience that had crowded into the City Commission chambers.  

Arroyo is the first person born in a Hispanic country to serve in the post. He spoke in Spanish at the beginning of his address to the city and thanked God, his mother, his wife and others.

If you are joining us in person at Gecko's, please come 10 - 15 minutes early to place your order.  

Satchel’s Last Resort is a no-kill animal shelter/sanctuary whose mission is to Rescue, Rehab and Rehome dogs and cats with nowhere else to go because of breed, behavior or medical issues. We are housed on 12 acres – two large play yards in the front of the building and a large area behind our building where volunteers can walk the dogs. We believe all dogs and cats are created equal and deserve to live the life of a beloved pet. Each dog and cat that comes to us has its own unique and personal history.  We get to know each one individually – his favorite toy, his favorite game, his favorite foods. Our dogs live in an airy shelter with spacious kennels, get out four times a day – whether it be going for a neighborhood walk, a playtime in one of our large yards – 2 1/2 acres and 1/2 acre, or take the occasional car ride to let their fur flap in the wind. Our cats are housed in two separate open cat rooms. Most important to us, we keep our animals safe from other residents and from humans who may want to harm them. Our staff work with our animals to teach them how to learn to trust again. We actively seek forever homes tailored to the needs of our dogs and cats so that they can live the rest of their lives among a family of their own.  We believe that by harnessing the unconditional love that the animals in our sanctuary put forth everyday, the world becomes a brighter place for animals and people.

Each and everyday we try to give a little of their love back – back to the dogs and cats and back to our community.

Theme: Hawaiian Luau 

BBQ meats will be provided. Plates, utensils, cups, etc. also provided.

Club members plus one (spouse/significate others) invited.

Club members bring a side dish and their own drinks. Sign up sheet for dishes to be sent at a later date.

Since our founding by the Southwest Florida Estate Planning Council in 1979, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County has been making the important connection between individuals’ personal memories, passions and dreams, and the fulfillment of their charitable goals.

By actively listening to the desires of our donors, we help create permanent charitable funds that ensure people of vision have an enduring impact on our community and the causes they hold dear. Our motto — “Be the One” — reflects our deeply-held belief that anyone can be a philanthropist and give back to our community, regardless of means.

Morgan Gerhart joined The Players Centre for Performing Arts, as their first development professional with the organization.  She will be speaking to us about where The Players will be performing while their “forever” home is being built on the Sarasota side of Lakewood Ranch.  Such an interesting time The Players have had during COVID and now where to maintain their excellent programs.