The Patterson Foundation Surprises Season of Sharing Agencies with Honorarium

During a surprise virtual event, The Patterson Foundation awarded a one-time honorarium of more than $450,000 to dozens of nonprofit agencies in attendance for all their hard work in the Season of Sharing campaign. The gift is part of Honoring & Onward, a celebration of The Patterson Foundation’s decade of impact through people, organizations, and communities while continuing to connect, learn, share, evolve and strengthen its efforts to realize shared aspirations.

Since its inception, the success of Season of Sharing has been ensured by fiscal agents and community agencies throughout Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties. With no overhead allocation, these organizations arrange and send payments where needed on behalf of families and individuals in our region who are struggling to make ends meet. These funds help cover essential needs like utility bills, child care, transportation, or food vouchers.

“The Patterson Foundation is proud to celebrate ten years of helping our neighbors in need through the Season of Sharing campaign,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “Without the many partners and agencies donating their time and resources, Season of Sharing would not be able to strengthen the thousands of people it serves in our community. Their efforts are more important than ever during the pandemic, as many in our region find themselves facing significant financial hardship for the first time in their lives.”

This year, Season of Sharing has shattered a 21-year fundraising record. In a short period of time, more than $2 million has generously been raised by members of the community, with weeks remaining in the campaign. As a result, The Patterson Foundation has given $400,000 via four individual $100,000 gifts, which were triggered each time the community gave $500,000. Until Jan. 31, The Patterson Foundation will continue to contribute $100,000 for each additional $500,000 raised.

Season of Sharing was created over two decades ago through a unique partnership between the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and the Herald-Tribune Media Group. Season of Sharing is a trusted way for neighbors to help neighbors following an unexpected crisis. Since 2010, The Patterson Foundation has given $5.9 million to Season of Sharing.

To donate or learn more about Season of Sharing, please visit CFSarasota.org. Join the conversation on social media using #SeasonOfSharing.