Suncoast Remake Learning Days Hosts Share the Inside Scoop

In this episode of Connecting Communities, a Beyond The Blog podcast by The Patterson Foundation, I had the pleasure of talking about all things Suncoast Remake Learning Days with four of our fabulous, longtime hosts––one from each county. Guests included: Neirda Thompson-Pemberton, Executive Director of Funducation; Becky-Sue Mercer, Executive Director of Arcadia Housing Authority; Justin Gomlak, Director of Education and Community Engagement from the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall; and Amanda Clyatt, Title I Achievement and Family Associate at Sallie Jones Elementary. 

Guests took a deep dive into their experiences with the festival over time. We talked about the evolution of their events from their first year to now, in which they generously shared their learnings…or cookies, as we like to say at The Patterson Foundation. Each of them emphasized the benefits of our Muscle Building support, which consists of four one-hour training sessions to strengthen things like program content, marketing skills, and social media for promotional use. They also shared appreciation for The Patterson Foundation's generosity as they described the impact of receiving event support funding. They highlighted the impact of those dollars, sharing that it gave them the room to think about all that was truly possible.

I must say, though, above all else, everyone stressed the value of partnerships and collaboration. We chatted about how collaborative partners can support many avenues, from helping with event locations and providing additional content or deepening what’s being offered to supporting engagement with the desired audience and more. Additionally, we talked about the benefits of seeing families engage in the learning together. This included overcoming the initial challenge of getting parents and caregivers to buy into this concept of joining in. Once families saw the value, the experiences became deeper and richer. 

We know that change happens at the speed of trust. As longtime hosts of Suncoast Remake Learning Days, they’ve each seen how building trust with families across our region can lead to enthusiastic participation, bring people back year after year, and create relationships between their organizations and the community that extend well beyond the festival. Those are the ripple effects we like to see!

It’s no secret that Suncoast Remake Learning Days sparks joy in the most contagious of ways. When you hear from each host, you’ll catch the spirit, too.

Want to be part of the 2027 celebration? Browse the 2027 Suncoast Remake Learning Days Brochure for inspiration, then connect with Leah Verier-Dunn.

Watch below or listen to the podcast here.