Community Manatee Movers and Shakers, 12/13/12

United Way of Manatee County’s Annual Day of Caring

The annual Day of Caring event was held this past Friday, December 7^th, 2012. Employees from area companies participated in this worthwhile cause. Donating their time and skills, volunteers completed half-day service projects at United Way Partner Agencies across Manatee County.

Companies committed to making a difference on this day were:  Publix Supermarkets, Gateway Bank, Beall’s, First Bank, Northern Trust, Fifth Third Bank, Mosaic, Early Learning Coalition, FCCI, Bradenton Herald, Manatee Young Professionals, Herald Tribune, FPL, and FedEx.

Some of the local agencies that benefited from the volunteer services were: Manatee Glens, The Food Bank of Manatee, JFCS (Jewish Family & Children's Services), Community Coalition on Homelessness, Salvation Army, Community Haven, Anna Maria Island Community Center, The Children's Academy, Foundation for Dreams & Dream Oaks Camp, SMART (Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy), and United Way of Manatee County.

The Day of Caring began with an 8:00 am kickoff breakfast for volunteers at the United Way of Manatee County office, located at 1701 14^th Street West. Companies received their assignments, along with some food for fuel to begin the day.

This event has become an excellent way for contributors to see firsthand how their donations impact the community, showcasing the major difference they are making in Manatee County. Along with creating awareness of continuing community needs, Day of Caring also serves to promote great team-building skills among volunteering employees.

Bradenton Rotary Club to give in excess of $37,000 to worthy causes

The Bradenton Rotary Club announced today that its charitable Foundation has authorized gifts in excess of over $37,000 to various local and international causes. Daniel Chappie, Board President of the Bradenton Rotary Foundation, said that gifts will include $6,000 for scholarships to local high school students, $8,000 to the Rotarians Against Hunger program, $3,500 to the Salvation Army as well as gifts to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Manatee County, F.E.L.T. (Feeding Empty Little Tummies) and other charitable causes. Funds will also be used to provide dictionaries for all local 3^rd grade students, a project that the Rotary organization has operated for several years. The Bradenton Rotary Club also will fund sending students each year to the state-wide Seminar for Tomorrow's Leaders.

Chappie noted "Each year the Bradenton Rotary Club, through the generosity of local giving, supports projects at home and abroad in the Rotary spirit of "Service Above Self". We thank our supporting members and the local community for their contributions to Rotary. Together we make a difference, world-wide and at home."

About the Rotary Club of Bradenton: The Rotary Club of Bradenton was founded in 1926 and its members join over 1.2 million other Rotarians world-wide in building peace and understanding through service.

"The 12 Strays Of Christmas"

Gulf Shore Animal League is celebrating the "12 Strays of Christmas". From 12/12/12 through the end of December twelve special cats will be promoted to help them get the best possible gift for Christmas, a home to call their own. To help them, the adoption fee for these cats is reduced to $12. All the cats were formally strays from our community.  They are friendly, to varying degrees, and suitable for inside, inside/outside and outside homes. The cats have been spayed or neutered, tested for Feline Leukemia, have a current rabies vaccine, microchip, ear-tip and recent FVRCP vaccine. Please pass along this information to your friends, family and co-workers. Together we can work to give these special cats a home for the holidays where they will never be discarded again. Check out www.facebook.com/GSALinc or www.gsalinc.org starting 12/12/12 to meet the "12 Strays of Christmas". 

Local Acupuncture Physician Ellen Teeter elected President of the Florida State Oriental Medical Association

The Florida State Oriental Medical Association was established in 1981 and its mission is to promote the profession of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine through clinical excellence, practitioner support and freedom of public access.  

Brian House And Justin Bloom Join SBEP’s Citizens Advisory Committee

Brian House and Justin Bloom, two residents of Sarasota, were recently approved for membership by the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP). The CAC provides the SBEP with citizen input and helps the organization promote its programs and projects throughout the region. Members include parents, grandparents, educators, former elected representatives, environmental advocates, engineers, business owners, scientists, and realtors.  

Brian House is a laboratory technician with the Manatee County Utilities Department. He has a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Environmental Science and he also served as an intern at Mote Marine Laboratory in 2011. Brian is a former Boy Scout who earned his Eagle Scout designation as well as a World Conservation Award. His personal interests include swimming, kayaking, hiking, and jogging.

Justin Bloom is the executive director of Suncoast Waterkeeper, a newly formed non-profit organization. He also serves as the staff attorney for Waterkeeper Alliance, an international environmental organization. Justin graduated from New College of Florida in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Studies. He completed his law degree at Tulane University in 1996. His personal interests include sailing, boating, swimming, paddle sports, snorkeling, and diving.