The Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Herald-Tribune Media Group are activating Season of Sharing’s 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 strengthen this important safety net, The Patterson Foundation has committed up to $1 million through an immediate $500,000 contribution, along with an additional dollar-for-dollar match up to $500,000. When the match is fulfilled by the community, there will be $1.5 million total in available funds for people and families in the region facing financial hardship due to the pandemic.