Honoring the philanthropic heartbeat of a community

At The Patterson Foundation, we believe in engaging in collaborative partnerships to inspire philanthropy in others. One of our initiatives that best exemplifies this is our support of Season of Sharing.

Since 2000, Season of Sharing, a partnership between The Herald-Tribune Media Group and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, has provided emergency assistance to individuals and families on the brink of homelessness through the generosity of our entire region. Since 2009, we’ve supported this campaign through matching challenges to the community.

The community has certainly responded, especially during tough economic times.

-       In the campaign’s history, more than $6.5 million distributed to local nonprofits assisting those in need

-       Partnerships including nearly all local media

-       Philanthropic partnerships

-       In 2011-2012 alone, about 3,100 gifts were made, reaching $1.7 million in donations

Season of Sharing has become a demonstration of the philanthropic heartbeat that exists in Sarasota County.

But who was the original driving force behind this powerful display of community philanthropy?

Diane McFarlin, publisher and president of the Herald-Tribune.

Diane started season of sharing in partnership with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. It was born out of her belief that a community cares most about those who are most vulnerable.

Through her commitment and leadership positions on numerous boards she has demonstrated what it means to be a community leader in every sense.

Recently, Diane announced that she will be stepping down as publisher of the Herald-Tribune to prepare for an exciting opportunity as the dean of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications beginning in 2013.

To honor her contributions as a community leader, we, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, are establishing the Diane McFarlin Season of Sharing Endowment Fund. The fund creates a long-term legacy for Season of Sharing and will undergird future needs.

To ensure financial thrivability for the fund, we are matching contributions to the fund dollar-for-dollar up to $250,000. The fund is in addition to the annual Season of Sharing campaign and is a unique opportunity to recognize Diane and the importance of the Season of Sharing, especially in these turbulent economic times.

For more information on the Diane McFarlin Season of Sharing Endowment Fund and how you can contribute, please visit the Community Foundation of Sarasota County.