More Than 1 Million Dollars Raised for Season of Sharing Through Community Generosity

For 20 years, Season of Sharing has put a spotlight on the power of our collective efforts and the overwhelming generosity of our community. The annual campaign supports the long-term stability of people in our region on the verge of homelessness, uplifting individuals and families, and encouraging community thrivability.

Generous donors have raised more than $1 million for Season of Sharing during the ongoing 2019–2020 campaign. This milestone has sparked a second $100,000 contribution to the annual campaign from The Patterson Foundation. To encourage continued support, the foundation will contribute additional $100,000 gifts to Season of Sharing each time the community raises $500,000 for the campaign through Jan. 31, 2020.

Season of Sharing serves as a vital safety net for individuals and families in our community on the verge of homelessness. Created by the Herald-Tribune Media Group in partnership with the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, the campaign provides emergency funds for expenses such as rent, utility payments, child care, transportation, and other critical needs that can jeopardize a person’s ability to retain their home. Since its inception in 2000, more than $22 million has been raised through Season of Sharing and helped more than 35,000 individuals and families in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.

“The immense generosity that flows through our community during Season of Sharing is what the holiday season is truly about,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “Each year, Season of Sharing proves to be an integral part of our region’s DNA. The Patterson Foundation is proud to strengthen the momentum in supporting this invaluable campaign.”

The Patterson Foundation has been a longtime supporter of Season of Sharing, contributing $4.4 million to the campaign since 2010. Beyond the foundation’s support, the staff of the Herald-Tribune Media Group, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, media partners, and more than 60 nonprofit organizations donate hundreds of hours for overhead costs to ensure that 100 percent of the funds raised serve those in need.

For every dollar spent on helping someone remain in their home, it costs $8 to get them back into one, and studies continually show that the most effective way to prevent homelessness is to stop it before it happens. Each year, Season of Sharing presents an opportunity for the community to help these people achieve housing security for the long term. Of those who receive support through Season of Sharing, 85 percent do not require additional assistance the following year.

Visit the Community Foundation of Sarasota County website to donate and learn more about Season of Sharing, and join the conversation on social media using #SeasonOfSharing.