BRADENTON – As individuals, families, companies and institutions work through the challenges of COVID-19, a number of groups have stepped up to make major contributions, most notably the Patterson Foundation, which has set aside a million dollars toward helping those impacted. State College of Florida, an anonymous donor, and the Bower Foundation also made important contributions this week.
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Herald-Tribune Media Group have activated the Season of Sharing network of agencies to help individuals and families in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with emergency assistance for immediate basic needs such as payments for utilities, childcare, and rent.
To that end, the Patterson Foundation, a longtime supporter of Season of Sharing, has committed up to $1 million to strengthen this safety net through an initial $500,000 contribution for immediate needs, as well as an additional dollar-for-dollar match up to $500,000.
When this match is fulfilled by the community, there will be $1.5 million total in available funds for people in the four-county region facing financial hardship due to the pandemic. You can make a contribution to the match effort here.
An anonymous donor has given $500,000 to the Manatee Community Foundation. The MCF says it will go toward a new COVID-19 Community Response Fund to support the needs of health and human service organizations in Manatee County.
Executive Director Susie Bowie said in a press release that the fund will also allow the foundation to support trusted local charities that do work in health and human services.
"We know people want to help nonprofits do what they do best, improve the lives of those who come to them for services, especially during this critical time," said Bowie. "These dollars will support charitable organizations on the front lines, as well as those that are finding innovative ways to deliver programs to people who need help."
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota’s program directors, faculty and lab managers worked together this past weekend, gathering supplies from SCF’s Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice campuses to respond to assist Manatee Memorial Hospital and Venice Regional Bayfront Health, who are both accepting donations of supplies while challenged with responding to the pandemic.
Having representation on Manatee Memorial’s and Venice Regional’s Board of Directors, SCF reached out to offer its supplies understanding there may be a need. "In times like these, we need to work together and help each other where we can,“ said Dean of Nursing and Health Professions Matt Connell. "Our faculty were eager to help local healthcare providers serve our community. And we know our students would be proud.“
Personal Protective Equipment that included masks, isolation gowns, and sterile gloves in the thousands from the College’s health sciences program were delivered Monday and Tuesday.
"On behalf of our patients, staff, and physicians, I want to personally thank President Probstfeld and Mr. Connell for stepping up and supporting our community. Their donation during this healthcare crisis is much appreciated. We are all in this together.“ Kevin DiLallo, CEO, Manatee Memorial Hospital.
To learn how you can donate supplies to Manatee Memorial Hospital, contact Betty Chambliss, Director of Marketing and Communications at 941-745-7545.
Additionally, the Bower Foundation is providing 300 meals to those in need in partnership with local hot dog shop, Willy-Yums. The vouchers will be given out through Our Daily Bread, as well as through referrals from other local non-profits, and will provide each person with a hot dog, chips and a drink.
The foundation is looking to receive donations from the community to continue the program and support other area restaurants while helping to give back to the community at the same time. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 20411, Bradenton FL 34204 or via Venmo: @Vince-Bower
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