Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County
This nonprofit provides after-school and summer programs for more than 7,000 children at eight locations throughout Sarasota County.
Education Foundation Teacher Grants
We have supported the Education Foundation of Sarasota’s Teacher’s Grants since their inception in 1988. These grants of up to $1,000 apiece fund teacher/classroom projects; the Education Foundation has award more than $3 million to more than 4,000 teachers.
We donated $10,000 this year to the SRA reading program at Emma B. Booker Elementary. Named after its founders, Science Research Associates, this form of reading instruction has a record of helping students improve comprehension. We joined efforts with School Board Member Eric Robinson, a fellow donor to the program. Our member/leaders Nancy Dubin and Cyd Quinn volunteered to help test students and document their reading levels. Emma B. Booker scores increased so much that the school’s overall Egrade went from a low C-minus, to a B.
This group provides field trips and other active learning opportunities to explore seabirds, an essential part of our local ecosystem. The SC/TA donates annually to these efforts.
Food Bank Efforts
SC/TA collects donations year-round to give to food banks run in schools throughout Sarasota County.
The SC/TA funds six scholarships annually for members and their family members to pursue higher education.
Embracing Our Differences
This project asks students to create art in support of diversity. Our members help spread word about this project every year.
“The Closet” Prom Dress Project
Teenagers whose families otherwise could not afford prom dresses and accessories have a chance to “live the teen dream” through The Closet, an annual prom dress collection and give-away coordinated by the SC/TA and its vice president, Chris Mayer. For more information, 941-922-9022.
Sarasota Retired Educators Association
The SREA hosts speakers, supports youth literacy program with an essay contest, contributes to schoolbooks and local food pantries. Its members volunteer throughout the community, For more information, go to their website here.